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Kural #21

Virtue· அறம்The Greatness of Ascetics· நீத்தார் பெருமை

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Tamil text

ஒழுக்கத்து நீத்தார் பெருமை விழுப்பத்து

வேண்டும் பனுவல் துணிவு

Oḻukkattu nīttār perumai viḻuppattu

Vēṇṭum paṉuval tuṇivu

English translation

The scriptures should primarily affirm the greatness of those who have renounced with discipline.

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Explanation

Valluvar declares that any scripture or learned text worth its name must primarily establish and celebrate the greatness of those ascetics who have renounced worldly life while adhering to virtuous conduct. Such renunciates who maintain moral discipline form the highest ideal that all sacred texts should uphold and teach.

விளக்கம்

ஒழுக்கத்துடன் துறந்தவர்களின் சிறப்பைச் சொல்வதே சிறந்த நூல்களின் நோக்கம். துறவிகள் ஒழுக்கத்துடன் வாழ்வது மிக உயர்ந்தது. அறநெறியில் வாழ இதுவே வழி, நீத்தார் பெருமை அதிகாரத்தின் கருத்தும் இதுவே.

Word meanings

  • ஒழுக்கத்துoḻukkattuin discipline/virtue
  • நீத்தார்nīttārthose who renounced
  • பெருமைperumaigreatness
  • விழுப்பத்துviḻuppattuas excellent/primary
  • வேண்டும்vēṇṭummust/should
  • பனுவல்paṉuvalscripture/text
  • துணிவுtuṇivudetermination/assertion

Story behind this kural

The village of Eldoria buzzed with the news: a new sage had arrived. Unlike the wealthy merchants or the powerful king, this sage owned nothing, seeking only wisdom. He lived humbly, offering counsel and kindness freely. The king, curious, summoned the sage. He presented him with gold, jewels, and a grand palace, hoping to secure his favor. The sage politely declined, choosing to remain in his simple hut. Later, a merchant, known for his shrewd dealings, offered the sage a share in his profitable trade. "Accumulate wealth," he urged, "and your influence will grow." Again, the sage refused, continuing his quiet life of service. As years passed, the king's riches diminished, and the merchant's wealth brought only anxiety. The sage, however, remained serene, his wisdom sought by all. The villagers, witnessing his unwavering commitment to virtue, found true peace in his presence. The most respected amongst them were those who followed his example, renouncing greed and embracing simple living.