Kural #202
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Tamil text
தீயவை தீய பயத்தலால்
தீயவை தீயினும் அஞ்சப் படும்
Tīyavai tīya payattalāl
Tīyavai tīyiṉum añcap paṭum
English translation
Since evil deeds yield evil results, they are to be feared more than fire itself.
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Explanation
Fire burns the body, but evil deeds burn the soul. The consequences of wickedness are more fearsome than physical flames because they affect one's karma and future births.
விளக்கம்
தீய செயல்கள் தீய விளைவுகளையே தரும். நெருப்பைவிட கொடுமையான துன்பங்களை அவை கொடுக்கும். அதனால், தீவினைகளை நெருப்பைவிட அதிகமாக பயப்பட வேண்டும். இது தீவினையச்சம் அதிகாரத்தில் சொல்லப்பட்டுள்ளது.
Word meanings
- தீயவைtīyavaievil things
- தீயtīyaevil/bad
- பயத்தலால்payattalālbecause they produce
- தீயினும்tīyiṉummore than fire
- அஞ்சப்படும்añcappaṭumshould be feared
Story behind this kural
In a village nestled beside a whispering forest, lived two farmers, Arun and Bala. Arun, known for his generosity, always shared his harvest. Bala, however, hoarded his crops, secretly selling them at inflated prices, even as his neighbors struggled. One year, a great fire swept through the forest, threatening the village. Arun, with the help of his friends, worked tirelessly, saving homes and livestock. Bala, concerned only for his own granary, did nothing. The fire, though destructive, eventually subsided, leaving physical scars. Soon after, a harsh drought struck. Arun, having shared his wealth, had little stored. Bala, despite his full granary, found himself ostracized and alone. The villagers, remembering his greed, refused to trade with him. His granary remained full, yet he was starving. The fire had passed, but Bala's suffering lingered, a consequence far more devastating than any physical burn.