Kural #262
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Tamil text
தவமும் தவமுடையார்க்கு ஆகும்
அதனை அஃதிலார் மேற்கொள் வது
Tavamum tavamuṭaiyārkku ākum
Ataṉai aḵtilār mēṟkoḷ vatu
English translation
Penance truly becomes penance only for those who have the nature for it; for others who undertake it, it is different.
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Explanation
True penance is suited to those with genuine inner discipline and spiritual inclination. When those lacking such nature attempt asceticism, it becomes mere outward show without inner transformation. The practice must match the practitioner.
விளக்கம்
தவம் செய்வது எல்லோருக்கும் எளிதல்ல. மனவலிமையும், ஒழுக்கமும் உள்ளவர்களுக்கே அது பொருந்தும். இல்லாதவர்கள் தவம் செய்தால், அது வெறும் வேஷமாகவே முடியும். உள்ளொன்று வைத்து புறமொன்று பேசக்கூடாது என்பதே அறம்.
Word meanings
- தவமும்tavamumpenance also/even
- தவம்tavampenance
- உடையார்க்குuṭaiyārkkufor those who possess
- ஆகும்ākumbecomes/is
- அதனைataṉaithat
- அஃதுaḵtuit
- இலார்ilārthose without
- மேற்கொள்வதுmēṟkoḷvatuundertaking
Story behind this kural
In a sun-baked village, two men vowed to fast for a month. Kumar, a carpenter known for his quiet resolve, approached the challenge with calm determination. He spent his days in prayer, his nights in meditation, his spirit nourished by an inner strength. Across the village, the boisterous merchant, Arul, also took the vow. He grumbled about hunger, filling the village square with complaints. He’d sneak food when he thought no one was watching. He boasted of his sacrifice, yet his mind remained fixed on the market and profit. As the month waned, Kumar emerged, leaner but radiating peace. His eyes held a gentle light. Arul, however, was gaunt and irritable, eager to break his fast and return to his usual habits. He had lost weight, but nothing else. His fast had changed nothing within.