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Kural #165

Virtue· அறம்Not Envying· அழுக்காறாமை

Last reviewed:

Tamil text

அழுக்காறு உடையார்க்கு அதுசாலும்

ஒன்னார் வழுக்கியும் கேடீன் பது

Aḻukkāṟu uṭaiyārkku atucālum

Oṉṉār vaḻukkiyum kēṭīṉ patu

English translation

Envy is enough to bring ruin to its possessor, even without enemies doing anything.

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Explanation

The envious person needs no external enemies. Envy itself is sufficient to destroy them. While enemies might fail to cause harm, envy never fails to ruin the one who harbors it.

விளக்கம்

பொறாமை குணம் உள்ளவங்களுக்கு வேற எதிரியே தேவையில்லை. அதுவே அவங்கள கெடுத்துடும். 'அழுக்காறாமை' அதிகாரத்துல இது முக்கியம். பொறாமை இல்லாம இருந்தா நல்லது.

Word meanings

  • அழுக்காறுaḻukkāṟuenvy
  • உடையார்க்குuṭaiyārkkufor those who have
  • அதுatuthat
  • சாலும்cālumis sufficient
  • ஒன்னார்oṉṉārenemies
  • வழுக்கியும்vaḻukkiyumeven if they slip/fail
  • கேடுkēṭuruin
  • ஈன்பதுīṉpatuto bring/cause

Story behind this kural

In a village nestled beside a whispering river lived two potters, Arun and Bala. Arun, a craftsman of unmatched skill, crafted vessels of exquisite beauty, earning the admiration of all. Bala, though a competent potter, was consumed by envy for Arun's success. Bala would grumble as Arun’s wares were praised, his heart twisting with each compliment. He began to neglect his own work, his mind clouded by bitterness. He saw Arun’s success as a personal affront, not a source of inspiration. One day, Bala, driven by his envy, decided to sabotage Arun's work. He crept into Arun's workshop, intending to damage his finest creations. But as he reached out, he stumbled, knocking over his own unfinished pots. They shattered into a thousand pieces. Arun, hearing the commotion, rushed in, concern etched on his face. He helped Bala clear the mess, offering words of kindness. Bala, ashamed and defeated, could only look at his own ruined work.