Kural #174

Story behind this kural

In a small village nestled beside a whispering river, lived two farmers, Arun and Bala. Arun toiled relentlessly, his fields yielding meager crops. He often sighed, gazing at Bala’s lush, bountiful harvest, envying his neighbor's prosperity. One day, a wealthy merchant passed through the village, his cart laden with jewels. Arun, seeing the merchant's riches, felt a sharp pang of longing. He thought of his empty granary and the threadbare clothes of his children. He considered how easily he could take some of the jewels when the merchant was not looking. Bala, also witnessing the merchant, merely admired the craftsmanship of the jewels. He thought of the joy they would bring to the merchant and the skills of the artisans. He continued tending his fields, his heart content. Later, the merchant, noticing Bala’s diligence, offered him a rare, fertile seed. Bala accepted it gratefully, knowing it would help his already flourishing farm. Arun, however, was left with only his own discontent.