Kural #220
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Tamil text
ஒப்புரவின் நல்ல பிறவில்லை
உய்வதூஉம் கப்பியக் கண்ணதூ உம் பற்று
Oppuraviṉ nalla piṟavillai
Uyvvatūuṁ oppiyak kaṇṇatū um ilai
English translation
Nothing surpasses social duty; it is the path to salvation and the source of attachment to good.
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Explanation
Social service leads to liberation and creates bonds of virtue. It is both the means and the end of a good life.
விளக்கம்
ஒப்புரவறிதல் அதிகாரத்தில், சமூகத்துக்கு உதவுவதே மிகச்சிறந்த அறம். அதுவே நமக்கு முக்தியளிக்கும், நல்ல விஷயங்களில் நம்மை ஈடுபடுத்தும். பிறருக்கு உதவுவதால் கிடைக்கும் மகிழ்ச்சியே வாழ்க்கைக்கான அர்த்தம்.
Word meanings
- ஒப்புரவின்oppuraviṉthan social duty
- நல்லnallagood
- பிறpiṟaother
- இல்லைillainot exist
- உய்வதுuyvatusalvation
- ஊஉம்ūumalso
- ஒப்பியoppiyaproper
- கண்ணதுkaṇṇatuis of that nature
- பற்றுpaṟṟuattachment
Story behind this kural
The village of Eldoria thrived, nestled beside a whispering river. Old Man Tiber, known for his gruff exterior, owned the only well. During a harsh summer, the river dwindled, and Tiber hoarded the precious water, selling it at exorbitant prices. The villagers suffered. Young Elara, a baker, saw the suffering. She started sharing her meager bread, feeding the weakest and offering comfort. Others, inspired by her kindness, began sharing what little they had. A farmer gave away his last sack of grain. A carpenter mended broken tools for free. Tiber watched, his heart softening with each act of selfless giving. He saw the joy in the shared meals, the strength in the helping hands. He began to offer water at a fair price, then, eventually, free. The villagers, once resentful, welcomed him. The well, once a source of division, became a symbol of unity, and the village flourished.