Kural #26
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Tamil text
செயற்கரிய செய்வார் பெரியர் சிறியர்
செயற்கரிய செய்கலா தார்
Ceyaṟkariya ceyvār periyar ciṟiyar
Ceyaṟkariya ceykalā tār
English translation
Great are those who do what is difficult to do; small are those who cannot do difficult things.
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Explanation
Valluvar draws a clear distinction between the great and the small. Those who accomplish difficult tasks - particularly the difficult task of renouncing worldly pleasures and controlling the senses - are truly great souls. Those who cannot undertake such difficult endeavors remain small in spirit. True greatness lies in the ability to do what most cannot.
விளக்கம்
செயற்கரிய காரியங்களைச் செய்பவர்களே பெரியோர். எளிய செயல்களை மட்டுமே செய்பவர்கள் சிறியோர். துறவறம் போன்ற கடினமான அறங்களைச் செய்பவரே உயர்ந்தவர் என்பது நீத்தார் பெருமையின் கருத்து. தன்னம்பிக்கையே வெற்றிக்கு வழி.
Word meanings
- செயற்குceyaṟkuto do
- அரியariyadifficult
- செய்வார்ceyvārthose who do
- பெரியர்periyargreat ones
- சிறியர்ciṟiyarsmall ones
- செய்கலாதார்ceykalātārthose who cannot do
Story behind this kural
In a village nestled beside a whispering forest, lived two woodcutters. Both were strong, but only one, Arul, possessed a quiet resolve. The King announced a contest: whoever could fell the ancient, gnarled oak at the forest's heart would win a chest of gold. Many tried, their axes ringing uselessly against the tough wood. Most gave up quickly, grumbling about the oak's stubbornness. The other woodcutter, Kumar, swung his axe with fury, sweat beading on his brow. He rested often, complaining of the heat. Arul, however, worked steadily, taking only short breaks, his movements deliberate. Days turned into weeks. Kumar, exhausted and frustrated, abandoned the task. Arul, though weary, persisted. Finally, with a resounding crack, the oak fell. Arul, covered in sawdust and sweat, claimed his prize. The villagers, watching, understood. It wasn't just strength that felled the tree, but an unwavering spirit.