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Kural #264

Virtue· அறம்Penance· தவம்

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Tamil text

ஒன்னார்த் தெறலும் உவந்தாரை ஆக்கலும்

எண்ணின் தவத்தான் வரும்

Oṉṉārt teṟalum uvantārai ākkalum

Eṇṇiṉ tavattāṉ varum

English translation

The power to destroy enemies and to help loved ones comes, if one considers, from penance.

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Explanation

Penance grants extraordinary power. The ascetic gains the ability both to overcome adversaries and to uplift those dear to them. This power comes not from external force but from internal spiritual discipline.

விளக்கம்

தவ வலிமையால் பகைவரை வெல்லவும், நண்பரை உயர்த்தவும் முடியும். தவம் மனதை அடக்கி ஆற்றல் தரும். அறம் சார்ந்த இந்த அதிகாரம் தவத்தின் பெருமையை சொல்கிறது.

Word meanings

  • ஒன்னார்oṉṉārenemies
  • தெறல்teṟaldestroying/overcoming
  • உவந்தாரைuvantāraithose who are loved
  • ஆக்கல்ākkalmaking/helping to prosper
  • எண்ணின்eṇṇiṉif one considers
  • தவத்தான்tavattāṉthrough penance
  • வரும்varumwill come

Story behind this kural

The village of Eldoria was threatened by a fearsome dragon. Its fiery breath scorched fields, and its shadow brought terror. The King offered a reward for its defeat, but no warrior dared face the beast. Deep in the forest lived an old hermit, known for his quiet life. He spent his days in meditation and simple acts of kindness. He was not a warrior, yet he decided to confront the dragon. The villagers watched with disbelief as the hermit approached the dragon's lair. Instead of weapons, he carried only a staff and a serene expression. He spoke to the dragon, not with threats, but with gentle words about peace and the beauty of the world. The dragon, confused by this unexpected approach, hesitated. The hermit’s calm presence began to soothe the beast's rage. Slowly, the dragon's fiery breath faded, and its heart softened. It departed, leaving Eldoria unharmed. The villagers, witnessing this, understood the true meaning of strength.