Kural #33
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Tamil text
ஒல்லும் வகையான் அறவினை ஓவாதே
செல்லும்வாய் எல்லாம் செயல்
Ollum vakaiyāṉ aṟaviṉai ōvātē
Cellumvāy ellām ceyal
English translation
Do virtuous deeds unceasingly, by every means, in every way possible.
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Explanation
Thiruvalluvar urges us to perform righteous deeds (aravinai) continuously without pause (ovathe), using whatever means are available to us (ollum vakaiyaan), and in every possible direction or opportunity (sellumvaay ellaam). This kural emphasizes persistent, universal practice of virtue.
விளக்கம்
ஒல்லும் வழிகளில் அறச்செயல்களை இடைவிடாது செய்யவேண்டும். வாய்ப்பு கிடைக்கும் இடங்களில் எல்லாம் அறம் செய்க. அறன்வலியுறுத்தலில், அறம் செய்வதன் முக்கியத்துவத்தை வள்ளுவர் கூறுகிறார்.
Word meanings
- ஒல்லும்ollumpossible/able
- வகையான்vakaiyāṉby means of
- அறவினைaṟaviṉaivirtuous deed
- ஓவாதேōvātēwithout ceasing
- செல்லும்வாய்cellumvāywherever it goes/opportunities
- எல்லாம்ellāmall
- செயல்ceyaldo/action
Story behind this kural
The old farmer, Elan, was known for his kindness. He always shared his harvest with those less fortunate. One dry season, his neighbor's well ran dry. Elan, though his own crops struggled, shared his precious water daily. Later, a storm ravaged the village. Many homes were destroyed. Elan, whose home was spared, tirelessly helped rebuild others, even though his own barn needed repair. He offered shelter, food, and his strong back to those in need. As the years passed, Elan faced many hardships. Yet, he continued his good deeds. He gave advice, offered comfort, and always lent a helping hand. People often wondered how he maintained his spirit. One day, a young boy asked Elan, "Why do you always help others, even when you have nothing?" Elan simply smiled, looked at the flourishing village, and replied, "Because it is in the giving that we truly receive."