Kural #345
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Tamil text
மற்றும் தொடர்ப்பாடு எவன்கொல்
பிறப்பறுக்கல் உற்றார்க்கு உடம்பும் மிகை
Maṟṟum toṭarpāṭu evaṉkol
Piṟappaṟukkal uṟṟārkku uṭampum mikai
English translation
What use are other attachments when even the body is excessive for those seeking to end rebirth?
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Explanation
For those pursuing liberation, even the body is considered an unnecessary burden. How much more superfluous are external possessions and relationships!
விளக்கம்
பிறப்பறுக்க நினைப்பவர்க்கு உடலே அதிகம். வேறு பற்று எதற்கு? துறவு அதிகாரத்தின்படி, ஆசையே பிறவிக்குக் காரணம். உடம்பே சுமையாகும்போது, மற்ற உலகப் பொருட்கள் சுமையே. ஆசையை விடுவதே விடுதலை.
Word meanings
- மற்றும்maṟṟumother
- தொடர்ப்பாடுtoṭarpāṭuconnection/attachment
- எவன்evaṉwhat
- கொல்kolis it? (emphatic)
- பிறப்புpiṟappubirth
- அறுக்கல்aṟukkalcutting/ending
- உற்றார்க்குuṟṟārkkufor those who seek
- உடம்பும்uṭampumeven the body
- மிகைmikaiexcess/burden
Story behind this kural
In a quiet village nestled beside a whispering forest, lived a wise old hermit named Arun. He owned nothing but the simple clothes on his back and a small clay bowl. Villagers often brought him gifts of food and water, but Arun would only accept what was necessary to survive. One day, a wealthy merchant, burdened with silks and jewels, sought Arun’s wisdom. "Master," he lamented, "I have everything, yet I find no peace. What must I do?" Arun smiled, offering the merchant water from his bowl. "Look," he said, gesturing to the setting sun. "Even the most beautiful sunset fades. The body, like all things, will return to the earth." The merchant, confused, pointed to his riches. "But these bring me comfort and status." Arun simply shook his head and gestured towards the sky. The merchant, watching Arun, slowly understood. He looked at his ornate clothing and the heavy bags of coins. The merchant, after a long silence, thanked the hermit and walked away, lighter in his step than when he arrived.