Kural #455
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Tamil text
மனநலம் மன்னுயிர்க் காக்கம்
இனநலம் எல்லாப் புகழும் தரும்
Maṉanalam maṉṉuyirk kākkam
Iṉanalam ellāp pukaḻum tarum
English translation
Goodness of mind protects one's life; goodness of company brings all kinds of fame.
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Explanation
Two types of goodness are distinguished: inner mental purity sustains life itself, while good company leads to recognition and honor in society. Both are essential - one for survival, the other for flourishing.
விளக்கம்
மனத்தூய்மை வாழ்வைக் காக்கும்; நல்ல நண்பர்கள் புகழைத் தருவர். சிற்றினம் சேராமல், நல்லவர்களோடு சேர்ந்தால் எல்லாப் பெருமையும் கிடைக்கும். மனமும் நட்பும் நலம் தந்தால் வாழ்க்கை சிறக்கும்.
Word meanings
- மனநலம்maṉanalamgoodness of mind
- மன்maṉpermanent/lasting
- உயிர்க்குuyirkkufor life
- ஆக்கம்ākkamprotection/benefit
- இனநலம்iṉanalamgoodness of company
- எல்லாellāall
- புகழும்pukaḻumfame also
- தரும்tarumgives
Story behind this kural
In a small village nestled beside a whispering forest lived two young farmers, Arun and Bala. Arun, with a kind heart, toiled diligently. He tended his crops with care, shared his harvest generously, and always spoke with honesty. He was known for his inner goodness. Bala, however, sought the company of boastful merchants. They spent their days gambling and gossiping. Bala, influenced by their talk of easy riches, neglected his fields, his heart growing bitter with envy. He began to scheme, forgetting the honest ways of his youth. One year, a terrible drought struck the village. Arun's strong character and careful planning allowed his family to survive. He even shared his meager harvest with the neediest. Bala, however, found himself with nothing, his land barren, his friends vanished. Alone, he understood the true value of a good heart and wise counsel. He then returned to his family, humbled and ready to work.