Kural #155
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Tamil text
ஒறுத்தாரை யொன்றாக வையாரே
வைப்பர் பொறுத்தாரைப் பொன்போற் பொதிந்து
Oṟuttārai yoṉṟāka vaiyārē
Vaippar poṟuttāraip poṉpōṟ potintu
English translation
The world will not regard those who retaliate as worthy; but those who forbear will be treasured like gold.
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Explanation
Retaliation brings no honor. The world dismisses those who return hurt for hurt. But those who forbear are treasured and valued like precious gold - kept safe and cherished.
விளக்கம்
தன்னைத் துன்புறுத்தினாரை உலகம் மதிக்காது. பொறுமையாய் இருப்போரைத் தங்கம்போல் போற்றி மதிப்பார்கள். பொறையுடைமை அதிகாரத்தின்படி, பழிக்குப் பழி வாங்காமல் பொறுத்தால் மதிப்பு கூடும். பொறுமை மிக உயர்ந்த அறம்.
Word meanings
- ஒறுத்தார்oṟuttārthose who retaliate
- ஒன்றுoṉṟusomething/worthy
- ஆகākaas
- வையார்vaiyārwill not regard
- வைப்பர்vaipparwill keep/treasure
- பொறுத்தார்poṟuttārthose who forbear
- பொன்poṉgold
- போல்pōllike
- பொதிந்துpotintuwrapped/treasured
Story behind this kural
In a small village nestled beside a whispering river, lived two potters, Arun and Bala. Arun was quick to anger. When a customer complained, he’d hurl insults. If a rival’s pot cracked in the kiln, he’d gleefully spread the news. Bala, however, was known for his patience. When a careless child shattered his finest vase, he simply sighed, cleaned the shards, and began anew. If Arun spoke ill of him, Bala would offer a kind word or a helping hand. The villagers noticed the difference. Arun’s business dwindled. People avoided his sharp tongue. But Bala's shop flourished. His pots, though simple, were sought after, and not just for their beauty. The villagers knew they could trust Bala. They knew his heart was as sturdy and precious as the clay he molded. He was a treasure.