Kural #316
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Tamil text
இன்னா இனிய செயினும்
செய்யற்க செய்யின் அவை இன்னா தாம்
Iṉṉā iṉiya ceyiṉum
Ceyyaṟka ceyyiṉ avai iṉṉā tām
English translation
Even if harming others seems pleasant or profitable, do not do it; for such actions will ultimately bring suffering to oneself.
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Explanation
Sometimes causing harm may seem attractive or beneficial. Thiruvalluvar warns that such apparent benefits are illusory - they inevitably lead to one's own suffering.
விளக்கம்
பிறருக்குத் துன்பம் தருவது இனிமையாகத் தோன்றினாலும் செய்யாதே. செய்தால், அதுவே உனக்குத் துன்பமாக மாறும். 'இன்னா செய்யாமை' அதிகாரத்தில், பிறருக்குத் தீங்கு செய்யாமலே அறம் செய்ய வேண்டும் என்பதே இதன் நீதி.
Word meanings
- இன்னாiṉṉāharmful things
- இனியiṉiyapleasant
- செயினும்ceyiṉumeven if seem
- செய்யற்கceyyaṟkado not do
- செய்யின்ceyyiṉif done
- அவைavaithose
- தாம்tāmthemselves
Story behind this kural
In a small village nestled beside a lush forest, lived two woodcutters, Arun and Bala. Arun, known for his kindness, always chose the smallest trees, leaving the forest unharmed. Bala, however, was ruthless. He felled the largest trees, boasting of his quick wealth. One day, a wealthy merchant offered Bala a fortune for a rare, ancient tree, promising him riches beyond his wildest dreams. Bala, blinded by greed, agreed, ignoring the forest spirit's warnings. He felled the magnificent tree, taking the merchant's gold. Soon after, a terrible storm swept through the village. The felled tree's absence left a gap, and the winds ravaged Bala's home, destroying everything. Meanwhile, Arun's small, carefully chosen trees still stood strong, sheltering his home. Though less wealthy, Arun's home was safe, and the forest still provided. Bala, with all his gold, was left with nothing but regret.