Kural #158
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Tamil text
மிகுதியான் மிக்கவை செய்தாரைத்
தாம்தம் தகுதியான் வென்று விடல்
Mikutiyāṉ mikkavai ceytārait
Tāmtam takutiyāṉ veṉṟu viṭal
English translation
Conquer those who have wronged you greatly by your own merit and noble conduct.
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Explanation
The best revenge is not revenge at all, but victory through one's own virtue. When someone wrongs you excessively, defeat them by being more meritorious. Your excellence is your answer.
விளக்கம்
குறள் 158 விளக்கம்: ஒருவர் அதிகத் தீமை செய்தால், பதிலுக்குத் தீமை செய்யாதே. நம் நல்ல குணங்களாலும், பொறுமையாலும் அவர்களை வெல்லலாம். இது பொறையுடைமை அதிகாரத்தின் சிறப்பு. தீமை செய்தவரைத் தண்டிப்பதை விட, நம் நன்மையே சிறந்த வெற்றி.
Word meanings
- மிகுதியான்mikutiyāṉexcessively
- மிக்கவைmikkavaiexcess/wrong things
- செய்தார்ceytārthose who did
- தாம்tāmoneself
- தம்tamone's own
- தகுதியான்takutiyāṉby merit/worth
- வென்றுveṉṟuconquering
- விடல்viṭallet go/finish
Story behind this kural
The potter, Arun, was known throughout the village for his beautiful creations. His neighbor, the jealous merchant, Dhanraj, envied his success. Dhanraj began to spread rumors, claiming Arun used unfair practices and cursed his clay to crack in the kiln. Many villagers, swayed by Dhanraj’s whispers, stopped buying Arun’s pots. Arun, though hurt, never retaliated. He continued to perfect his craft, spending long hours at his wheel. He offered what little he had to help those in need, even Dhanraj’s family. Slowly, the villagers witnessed Arun's unwavering kindness and the superior quality of his work. One day, Dhanraj’s own pottery business failed. No one trusted his goods. The villagers, remembering Arun’s generosity and skill, returned to him. Arun, without a word, welcomed them back, his smile as warm as the kiln's fire. Soon, his workshop flourished, a testament to his enduring spirit.