Kural #374
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Tamil text
இருவேறு உலகத்து இயற்கை
திருவேறு தெள்ளிய ராதலும் வேறு
Iruvēṟu ulakattu iyaṟkai
Tiruvēṟu teḷḷiya rātalum vēṟu
English translation
Two different things govern the world: wealth comes to some, wisdom to others.
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Explanation
This kural observes that திரு (wealth) and தெள்ளியர் ஆதல் (being wise/clear-minded) don't always go together. Some are destined for prosperity, others for wisdom - rarely both.
விளக்கம்
உலகத்தில் இரண்டு வேறு விதமான விஷயங்கள் நடக்கின்றன. சிலருக்கு செல்வம் சேரும், சிலருக்கு அறிவு கூடும். எல்லோருக்கும் எல்லாமே கிடைப்பதில்லை என்பது ஊழ் அதிகாரத்தின் கருத்து.
Word meanings
- இருirutwo
- வேறுvēṟudifferent
- உலகத்துulakattuin the world
- இயற்கைiyaṟkainature/way
- திருtiruwealth
- தெள்ளியர்teḷḷiyarthe wise/clear-minded
- ஆதலும்ātalumbeing
Story behind this kural
In a small village nestled beside a shimmering river, lived two men: Arun, a merchant known for his overflowing coffers, and Kumar, a wise scholar. Arun’s days were filled with shrewd deals and accumulating riches. His house was the grandest, his feasts the most lavish. Yet, Arun often found himself troubled, unable to understand the complexities of life beyond profit. Kumar, on the other hand, lived modestly, his days spent studying ancient texts and pondering the universe. Though his home was simple, his mind was a treasure trove of knowledge. Villagers often sought his counsel, finding clarity in his insightful words. He possessed a peace Arun could never attain. One day, a terrible storm struck, flooding the village and ruining Arun's warehouses. He lamented his losses, consumed by worry. Kumar, however, offered comfort and practical help, his wisdom guiding the villagers through the crisis. He knew true wealth lay not just in possessions, but in the ability to understand and navigate the world's storms.