Kural #311
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Tamil text
சிறப்புஈனும் செல்வமும் ஈனும்
அறத்தினூஉங்கு ஆக்கம் எவனோ உயிர்க்கு
Ciṟappuīṉum celvamum īṉum
Aṟattiṉūuṅku ākkam evaṉō uyirkku
English translation
Virtue yields both honor and wealth; what greater gain can a soul attain than virtue?
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Explanation
Thiruvalluvar begins this chapter by praising virtue's practical benefits. Not harming others brings both social respect and material prosperity. This counters the notion that being good is impractical.
விளக்கம்
அறம் புகழையும், செல்வத்தையும் தரும். பிறருக்குத் தீங்கு செய்யாமல் இருப்பது மிக உயர்ந்த நன்மை. இது "இன்னா செய்யாமை" அதிகாரத்தின் முக்கிய கருத்து. அறமே சிறந்த வழி!
Word meanings
- சிறப்புciṟappuhonor/distinction
- ஈனும்īṉumgives/yields
- செல்வம்celvamwealth
- அறத்தின்aṟattiṉthan virtue
- ஊங்குūṅkubeyond/greater
- ஆக்கம்ākkamgain/benefit
- எவன்evaṉwhat
- உயிர்க்குuyirkkufor the soul/life
Story behind this kural
In a village nestled beside a whispering river, lived two farmers, Arun and Bala. Arun, known for his sharp tongue and quicker temper, often cheated his neighbors, taking more than his due at the market. Bala, however, was known for his gentle nature. He always offered a fair price and helped those in need, even when it meant a personal loss. One season, a fierce storm swept through the village, destroying crops and homes. Arun, despite his selfish gains, found his granary empty. His neighbors, wary of his past actions, offered him little help. Bala, though his own fields were damaged, shared his remaining harvest and offered a place for Arun's family. Soon, the villagers rallied around Bala, rebuilding his farm and offering support. Arun, witnessing their kindness, was humbled. The next season, both men’s fields flourished, but Bala’s harvest was bountiful, and the villagers celebrated with him, while Arun remained isolated.