Kural #44
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Tamil text
பழியஞ்சிப் பாத்தூண் உடைத்தாயின்
வாழ்க்கை வழியெஞ்சல் எஞ்ஞான்றும் இல்
Paḻiyañcip pāttūṇ uṭaittāyiṉ
Vāḻkkai vaḻiyeñcal eññāṉṟum il
English translation
If one fears blame and shares food with others, their family line will never come to an end.
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Explanation
Two essential virtues define a worthy householder: பழியஞ்சி (fearing disgrace/avoiding wrongdoing) and பாத்தூண் (sharing food with others). A family that practices these virtues will prosper through generations. The concept of sharing food (பாத்தூண்) is central to Tamil culture - eating only after feeding others.
விளக்கம்
பழிக்கு பயந்து, உணவை பகிர்ந்து வாழ்ந்தால், அந்த குடும்பம் தலைமுறை தலைமுறையாக தழைக்கும். இது இல்வாழ்க்கையின் முக்கிய அறம். பிறருக்கு கொடுத்து உண்ணும் பண்பு குடும்பத்தை காக்கும்.
Word meanings
- பழிpaḻiblame/disgrace
- அஞ்சிañcifearing
- பாத்துpāttusharing/dividing
- ஊண்ūṇfood/eating
- உடைத்தாயின்uṭaittāyiṉif one possesses
- வாழ்க்கைvāḻkkailife/family
- வழிvaḻilineage/way
- எஞ்சல்eñcalending/ceasing
- எஞ்ஞான்றும்eññāṉṟumat any time/ever
- இல்ilnot/will not
Story behind this kural
In a small village nestled beside a whispering river, lived a farmer named Arul. He was known for his bountiful harvest, but also for his generosity. Every year, after the harvest, Arul would share his grains with the less fortunate, ensuring no one in the village went hungry. He also always ensured his deeds were honorable, never cheating or deceiving anyone. One harsh winter, a neighboring village faced famine. Many families struggled. Arul, without hesitation, loaded his carts with food and traveled to their village, offering sustenance and support. Years passed. Arul’s son, Selvan, grew up witnessing his father's kindness. When Arul grew old, Selvan took over the farm and continued the traditions of sharing and integrity. Selvan's own children, in turn, learned the same values. Generations later, Arul’s family remained prosperous and respected, their name echoing through the village, a testament to the enduring power of compassion and righteous living.