Kural #37
Last reviewed:
Tamil text
அறத்தாறு இதுவென வேண்டா சிவிகை
பொறுத்தானோடு ஊர்ந்தான் இடை
Aṟattāṟu itueṉa vēṇṭā civikai
Poṟuttāṉōṭu ūrntāṉ iṭai
English translation
Need virtue's path be shown? Compare the palanquin rider and bearer.
Listen
Explanation
Thiruvalluvar uses a vivid example: one need not ask "what is the path of virtue?" (aratthaaru ithuvena vendaa). Simply observe the difference between one who rides the palanquin (sivikai oornthan) and one who carries it (porutthaan). Past virtuous deeds determine present circumstances; the contrast teaches the power of virtue.
விளக்கம்
அறத்தின் வழியை அறிய சிவிகை சுமப்பவன், ஊர்பவன் வேறுபாடு போதும். செய்த புண்ணியமே வாழ்வை உயர்த்தும். அறன்வலியுறுத்தலில், அறமே வலிமை என வள்ளுவர் கூறுகிறார்.
Word meanings
- அறத்தாறுaṟattāṟupath of virtue
- இதுவெனitueṉathis is it
- வேண்டாvēṇṭāneed not
- சிவிகைcivikaipalanquin
- பொறுத்தானோடுpoṟuttāṉōṭuwith the one who bears
- ஊர்ந்தான்ūrntāṉone who rides
- இடைiṭaibetween/difference
Story behind this kural
In a small village nestled beside a lush green forest, lived two brothers, Arun and Bala. Arun, known for his generosity, always helped others. He shared his harvest, comforted the sad, and spoke kindly. Bala, however, was selfish and unkind. He hoarded his wealth, ignored the needy, and delighted in gossip. One day, the king announced a grand journey to a distant temple. He offered a lavish palanquin for the journey, carried by strong men. Arun, with his helpful nature, volunteered to assist the palanquin bearers. Bala, wanting to appear important, secured a place within the palanquin. As they journeyed, the palanquin bearers, including Arun, struggled up steep hills, while Bala enjoyed a comfortable ride. The journey was long and arduous for the bearers, but filled with ease for the rider. Eventually, the king's men noticed Arun's strength and kindness, and offered him a place in the palanquin. Bala, seeing this, scoffed, but soon felt the effects of his own choices.