Kural #285
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Tamil text
அருள்கருதி அன்புடைய ராதல்
பொருள்கருதிப் பொச்சாப்புப் பார்ப்பார்கண் இல்
Aruḷkaruti aṉpuṭaiya rātal
Poruḷkarutip poccāppup pārpārkaṇ il
English translation
Being loving with compassion in mind is absent in those who think of wealth and watch for negligence.
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Explanation
Those who are focused on wealth and look for opportunities to exploit others' carelessness cannot possess genuine love and compassion. Greed and mercy are incompatible.
விளக்கம்
பொருள் சேர்க்க நினைப்போர், மற்றவர் சோம்பலைத் தேடுவர். அவர்களுக்கு இரக்கமோ அன்போ இருக்காது. கள்ளாமை அதிகாரத்தில், இது பேராசை கூடாது என்பதைக் காட்டுகிறது. நேர்மையே அறம்.
Word meanings
- அருள்aruḷcompassion
- கருதிkarutithinking of
- அன்புaṉpulove
- உடையர்uṭaiyarpossessing
- ஆதல்ātalbeing
- பொருள்poruḷwealth
- பொச்சாப்புpoccāppunegligence
- பார்ப்பார்கண்pārpārkaṇin those who watch for
- இல்ilis not
Story behind this kural
In a bustling marketplace, lived two merchants: Arun, known for his kindness, and Varun, whose eyes always scanned for advantage. Arun sold spices, offering generous measures and a warm smile. He knew the villagers by name, inquiring after their families and sharing stories. Varun, on the other hand, dealt in silks. He'd subtly adjust his scales, and if a customer seemed distracted, Varun would quickly add a hidden fee. He amassed a fortune, his coffers overflowing. Yet, he was always alone, his shop empty save for the occasional, wary buyer. One day, a terrible storm swept through the village, destroying homes and livelihoods. Arun, though not wealthy, offered what he could: food, shelter, and comfort. He worked tirelessly, helping those in need. Varun, however, remained within his locked shop, clutching his coins, fearful of loss. The villagers, witnessing Arun's selfless acts, found in him a true friend. They saw his true wealth.