Kural #322
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Tamil text
பகுத்துண்டு பல்லுயிர் ஓம்புதல்
நூலோர் தொகுத்தவற்றுள் எல்லாம் தலை
Pakuttuṇṭu palluyir ōmputal
Nūlōr tokuttavaṟṟuḷ ellām talai
English translation
Sharing food and protecting all life is the foremost of all virtues compiled by the wise.
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Explanation
This kural combines two great virtues: generous sharing of food and protection of all living beings. Among all the dharmas enumerated in scriptures, these stand supreme.
விளக்கம்
பகிர்ந்து சாப்பிட்டு, எல்லா உயிர்களையும் காப்பது மிக முக்கிய அறம். கொல்லாமை அதிகாரத்தில் இது முதன்மையானது. பிறருக்கு உதவி வாழ்வதே சிறந்த வாழ்க்கை.
Word meanings
- பகுத்துpakuttusharing/dividing
- உண்டுuṇṭueating
- பல்palmany
- உயிர்uyirlives
- ஓம்புதல்ōmputalprotecting
- நூலோர்nūlōrthe learned/scriptures
- தொகுத்தவற்றுள்tokuttavaṟṟuḷamong those compiled
- எல்லாம்ellāmall
- தலைtalaichief/foremost
Story behind this kural
The village of Eldoria was known for its bountiful harvests. Farmer Giles, a kind man, always shared his surplus grain with those less fortunate. He'd leave sacks of wheat by the village well, ensuring everyone had enough. One harsh winter, food became scarce. Many villagers, forgetting Giles’ generosity, hoarded their meager supplies. A hungry wolf, driven from the forest, began snatching chickens, causing fear to grip the village. The villagers, already worried about their own survival, grew angrier. Giles, however, continued to share. He knew the wolf was merely seeking sustenance. One evening, he left a portion of his own meal near the edge of the forest. The next morning, the food was gone, and the chickens were safe. Soon, the wolf, no longer desperate, stopped its raids. The villagers, witnessing Giles’ actions, felt a wave of shame wash over them, realizing the value of compassion and generosity.