Kural #366
Last reviewed:
Tamil text
அஞ்சுவது ஓரும் அறனே
ஒருவனை வஞ்சிப்பது ஓரும் அவா
Añcuvatu ōrum aṟaṉē
Oruvaṉai vañcippatu ōrum avā
English translation
The one thing to fear is desire alone; for it alone deceives a person.
Listen
Explanation
Desire is portrayed as the ultimate deceiver (வஞ்சி). It cheats us by promising happiness but delivering bondage. Therefore, it is the one thing a wise person should truly fear.
விளக்கம்
ஆசையே துன்பம் தரும். அது நம்மை ஏமாற்றி, பொய்யான சந்தோஷத்தை காட்டும். ஆசையை அடக்கினால், அதுவே அறம். அவாவறுத்தல் அதிகாரத்தில் இது முக்கியம்.
Word meanings
- அஞ்சுவதுañcuvatuthat which is to be feared
- ஓரும்ōrumonly
- அறனேaṟaṉēknow it
- ஒருவனைoruvaṉaia person
- வஞ்சிப்பதுvañcippatuthat which deceives
- அவாavādesire
Story behind this kural
In a tranquil village nestled beside a whispering river lived a humble potter named Kumar. Kumar crafted exquisite clay vessels, each more beautiful than the last. Villagers admired his artistry, but Kumar yearned for more. He desired a grand workshop, an abundance of tools, and a reputation that stretched beyond the village. One day, a wealthy merchant, captivated by Kumar's work, offered him a tempting proposition: to create a golden vase, promising immense riches. Kumar, blinded by the promise of wealth and fame, abandoned his simple, honest creations. He poured his energy into the golden vase, neglecting his family and his well-being. The vase was finally completed, dazzling in its splendor. Yet, Kumar felt no joy. He was consumed by the merchant's demands and the fear of failure. When the merchant arrived, he declared the vase flawed and refused to pay. Kumar, now stripped of his peace, realized he had been chasing a fleeting illusion. He returned to his clay, his heart heavy, but his hands, surprisingly, felt lighter than before.