Skip to main content

Not available in the United States yet. Join the waitlist

Kural #231

Virtue· அறம்Renown· புகழ்

Last reviewed:

Tamil text

ஈதல் இசைபட வாழ்தல்

அதுவல்லது ஊதியம் இல்லை உயிர்க்கு

Ītal icaipaṭa vāḻtal

Atuvallatu ūtiyam illai uyirkku

English translation

Give and live with fame; there is no other profit for the soul.

Listen

Explanation

The only lasting gain from life is the renown earned through generosity. All else perishes with the body.

விளக்கம்

ஈகை செய்து புகழோடு வாழ்தலே சிறந்த வாழ்க்கை. உயிர்க்கு இதைவிட வேறு லாபம் இல்லை. புகழ் அதிகாரத்தில், வள்ளுவர் அறம் செய்வதால் வரும் கீர்த்தியை வலியுறுத்துகிறார். இதுவே நிலையான நன்மை.

Word meanings

  • ஈதல்ītalgiving
  • இசைicaifame/renown
  • படpaṭaso that it happens
  • வாழ்தல்vāḻtalliving
  • அதுவல்லதுatuvallatuother than that
  • ஊதியம்ūtiyamprofit/benefit
  • இல்லைillaithere is not
  • உயிர்க்குuyirkkufor the soul

Story behind this kural

In a small village nestled beside a whispering river, lived two farmers, Arun and Bala. Arun toiled relentlessly, hoarding his harvests, his granary always overflowing. He built a grand house and wore the finest clothes, yet he was known for his stinginess. Bala, on the other hand, shared his bounty. He gave freely to the poor and helped those in need, even when his own stores were low. One harsh winter, the river froze, and the village faced famine. Arun's granary held enough to feed everyone, but he kept his doors locked. Bala, despite having less, opened his home, sharing his remaining food and warmth. When spring arrived, Arun’s grand house crumbled in a storm, and his wealth vanished with the melting ice. But Bala’s name echoed through the valley. The villagers remembered his kindness and generosity. Even in his old age, he was respected and loved, his spirit forever alive in the hearts of those he helped.