Kural #296
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Tamil text
பொய்யாமை அன்ன புகழில்லை
எய்யாமை எல்லா அறமும் தரும்
Poyyāmai aṉṉa pukaḻillai
Eyyāmai ellā aṟamum tarum
English translation
There is no greater fame than truthfulness; without effort, it bestows all other virtues.
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Explanation
Truthfulness is the highest source of reputation. Moreover, it naturally brings all other virtues without additional effort. Being truthful automatically cultivates other moral qualities.
விளக்கம்
வாய்மையே மிக உயர்ந்த புகழ் தரும். பொய் சொல்லாமல் இருந்தால், மற்ற அறங்கள் எல்லாம் தானாகவே வந்து சேரும். வாய்மை அதிகாரத்தில் இது முக்கியம். உண்மை பேசினால் நன்மைகள் பெருகும்.
Word meanings
- பொய்யாமைpoyyāmaitruthfulness/not lying
- அன்னaṉṉalike that
- புகழ்pukaḻfame/glory
- இல்லைillaithere is none
- எய்யாமைeyyāmaiwithout effort
- எல்லாellāall
- அறமும்aṟamumvirtues
- தரும்tarumwill give
Story behind this kural
In the village of Eldoria, lived a young potter named Arun. He was known for his beautiful clay pots, but also for his honesty. One day, a wealthy merchant offered Arun a large sum for a pot, claiming it was for the King. Arun knew the merchant lied; the pot was for his own pleasure. Arun, though tempted, refused the offer, explaining the truth. The merchant, embarrassed, stormed off. Later, the King's advisor visited Arun. He had heard of Arun's integrity and commissioned a set of pots for the royal palace. News of Arun's honesty spread. Other villagers, wanting to support such a man, sought him out. Soon, Arun had more work than he could handle. His reputation grew, and with it, prosperity and respect. His simple honesty had opened doors he could never have imagined.