Kural #329
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Tamil text
கொலைவினைய ராகிய மாக்கள்
புலைவினையர் புன்மை தெரிவார் அகத்து
Kolaiviṉaiya rākiya mākkaḷ
Pulaiviṉaiyar puṉmai terivār akattu
English translation
In the minds of those who understand baseness, those engaged in killing are considered the lowest.
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Explanation
Those with moral understanding recognize killers as occupying the lowest moral position, regardless of their social status or justifications.
விளக்கம்
கொலைத் தொழில் செய்வோர் இழிவானவர்கள். கொல்லாமையின் மேன்மையை உணர்ந்தோர் மனதில் அவர்கள் தாழ்ந்தவரே. உயிர்களைக் காப்பதே அறம் என்பதை குறள் வலியுறுத்துகிறது.
Word meanings
- கொலைkolaikilling
- வினையர்viṉaiyarthose engaged in
- ஆகியākiyawho are
- மாக்கள்mākkaḷpeople
- புலைpulaibase/low
- புன்மைpuṉmailowness/baseness
- தெரிவார்terivārthose who know
- அகத்துakattuin the mind
Story behind this kural
The wealthy merchant, Silas, was known for his lavish feasts. One day, he demanded the village butcher prepare the finest lamb for a grand celebration. The butcher, a kind man named Thomas, hesitated. "The lamb is so young," he pleaded. "Its life is barely begun." Silas scoffed, "A life is a life, and I desire the best." Later, a wandering sage arrived in the village. Silas, seeking to impress, invited him to the feast. As the lamb was served, the sage observed Silas's pride and the butcher's quiet sadness. He then announced, "The sweetest wine is often soured by the hands that pour it." He then beckoned to a small child, offering a handful of dates, "These dates, though small, are sweet because they were gathered with care." Silas, confused, looked to the villagers. They understood, their eyes reflecting the sage's unspoken truth. The finest things are not always those most dearly bought.