Kural #370
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Tamil text
ஆரா இயற்கை அவாநீப்பின்
அந்நிலையே பேரா இயற்கை தரும்
Ārā iyaṟkai avānīppiṉ
Annilayē pērā iyaṟkai tarum
English translation
If one abandons desire, which is insatiable by nature, that very state brings unchanging bliss.
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Explanation
The final kural of this chapter captures desire's essential nature: ஆரா (insatiable). No amount of fulfillment satisfies desire. But when abandoned, the state of desirelessness itself (அந்நிலை) grants பேரா இயற்கை - permanent, unchanging bliss.
விளக்கம்
குறள் 370: ஆசை தீராதது. அதை விட்டால், நிலையான இன்பம் கிடைக்கும். ஆசையை அடக்குவது அறம். இது அவாவறுத்தல் அதிகாரத்தின் கருத்து. ஆசையின்மை பேரின்பம் தரும்.
Word meanings
- ஆராārāinsatiable
- இயற்கைiyaṟkainature
- அவாavādesire
- நீப்பின்nīppiṉif abandoned
- அந்நிலையேannilayēthat very state
- பேராpērāunchanging
- தரும்tarumwill give
Story behind this kural
In a village nestled beside a shimmering lake lived two fishermen, Arun and Bala. Arun spent his days casting nets, always wanting more – a bigger boat, a richer catch, a finer house. Each success only fueled his longing. He’d spend hours gazing at the grand merchant’s mansion, wishing for its opulence. Bala, however, fished with contentment. He mended his simple boat, shared his catch with neighbors, and found joy in the setting sun. Sometimes, Arun would boast of his growing wealth. "Look at my treasures, Bala!" One day, a storm ravaged the lake. Arun's grand boat was destroyed, his treasures lost. He was left with nothing but despair. Bala, whose small boat had weathered the storm, offered him shelter. Arun, seeing Bala's peace, was confused. "How can you be so calm, while I have lost everything?" Bala smiled, "My friend, I have only what I need."