Kural #354
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Tamil text
ஐயுணர்வு எய்தியக் கண்ணும்
பயமின்றே மெய்யுணர்வு இல்லா தவர்க்கு
Aiyuṇarvu eytiyak kaṇṇum
Payamiṉṟē meyyuṇarvu illā tavarkku
English translation
Even if one possesses all five senses, there is no benefit without true spiritual knowledge.
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Explanation
The ஐயுணர்வு (five senses) are merely instruments of perception. Without மெய்யுணர்வு (spiritual wisdom), they cannot lead to ultimate benefit. Sensory knowledge alone is incomplete.
விளக்கம்
ஐம்புலன்களும் இருந்தும் மெய்யுணர்வு இல்லாவிட்டால் பயனில்லை. மெய்யுணர்வு என்பது உண்மை அறிவே. புலன்கள் உலகை அறிய உதவும், ஆனால் வாழ்க்கை நோக்கத்தை மெய்யுணர்வே காட்டும். இது மெய்யுணர்தல் அதிகாரத்தின் கருத்து.
Word meanings
- ஐaifive
- உணர்வுuṇarvusenses/perception
- எய்தியக்கண்ணும்eytiyakkaṇṇumeven if attained
- பயன்payaṉbenefit
- இன்றேiṉṟēis absent
- மெய்யுணர்வுmeyyuṇarvutrue spiritual knowledge
- இல்லாதவர்க்குillātavarkkufor those without
Story behind this kural
In a vibrant village nestled beside a whispering forest lived two brothers, Arun and Bala. Arun possessed the sharpest eyes, able to spot a single berry hidden amongst leaves. He had the keenest ears, identifying the faintest bird song. Bala, however, lacked such heightened senses. He often stumbled and missed details. One day, they ventured into the forest to gather herbs. Arun, with his superior senses, quickly located the most fragrant plants, filling his basket. Bala, despite his less acute senses, spent his time listening to the wind and observing the way sunlight dappled the forest floor. As they returned, a sudden storm erupted. Arun, blinded by the rain and overwhelmed by the noise, panicked. He lost his way, his basket of herbs scattered. Bala, though struggling to see and hear, remained calm. Guided by an inner sense of direction, he led them both safely home. Arun, though with the better senses, was lost. Bala, despite having lesser ones, led the way.