Kural #310
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Tamil text
இறந்தார் இறந்தார் அனையர்
சினத்தைத் துறந்தார் துறந்தார் துணை
Iṟantār iṟantār aṉaiyar
Ciṉattait tuṟantār tuṟantār tuṇai
English translation
Those who exceed limits in anger are as good as dead; those who renounce anger are like ascetics who have renounced all.
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Explanation
Two contrasts are drawn: the habitually angry are spiritually dead, while those who conquer anger achieve the same spiritual status as renunciates who have given up worldly attachments. Mastering anger is equal to the highest spiritual achievement.
விளக்கம்
கோபம் கொண்டோர் இறந்தவர்க்குச் சமம். கோபத்தை விட்டொழித்தோர் துறவிகளுக்கு ஒப்பாவர். வெகுளாமை அதிகாரத்தில், கோபத்தை அடக்குவதால் பெரும் நன்மை கிடைக்கும் என்பதை வள்ளுவர் கூறுகிறார். கோபம் அழிவு, பொறுமை உயர்வு.
Word meanings
- இறந்தார்iṟantārthose who transgress/die
- அனையர்aṉaiyarare like
- சினத்தைciṉattaianger
- துறந்தார்tuṟantārthose who renounce
- துணைtuṇaiequal to/companion
Story behind this kural
In a quiet village nestled beside a whispering river lived two brothers, Arun and Bala. Arun was known for his quick temper. A spilled drink, a misplaced tool – each small thing ignited his rage, leaving a trail of harsh words and bitter feelings. His face would redden, his voice would rise, and peace would flee from his presence. Bala, however, was calm. When faced with challenges, he would pause, breathe deeply, and respond with understanding. If a cart wheel broke, he’d fix it. If someone spoke unkindly, he’d offer a gentle word. One day, a storm ravaged the village, destroying both brothers' homes. Arun, consumed by anger, cursed the heavens and blamed his misfortune on others. He stormed through the village, his bitterness growing with each step. Bala, though also affected, surveyed the damage quietly. He began rebuilding his home, helping others, and offering comfort. Soon, the villagers, drawn to his kindness, joined him. Arun, isolated in his anger, found himself alone, while Bala's spirit shone brightly amidst the rebuilding.