Kural #456
Last reviewed:
Tamil text
மனநலம் நன்குடைய ராயினும்
சான்றோர்க்கு இனநலம் ஏமாப் புடைத்து
Maṉanalam naṉkuṭaiya rāyiṉum
Cāṉṟōrkku iṉanalam ēmāp puṭaittu
English translation
Even for the virtuous who possess excellent mental qualities, good company serves as added protection.
Listen
Explanation
Even those with strong moral character benefit from good company. Like a fortress within a fortress, good companions provide additional security against moral failure. No one is so virtuous that they cannot benefit from wise associates.
விளக்கம்
மனத்தூய்மை மிக்க சான்றோர்க்கும் நல்ல நண்பர்கள் பாதுகாப்பு அரண். சிற்றினம் சேராமல், நல்லினத்தோடு இருந்தால் மேலும் சிறப்பு. ஒழுக்கம் தவறாமல் இருக்க இது உதவும்.
Word meanings
- மனநலம்maṉanalammental goodness
- நன்குnaṉkuwell/excellently
- உடையர்uṭaiyarthose who possess
- ஆயினும்āyiṉumeven though
- சான்றோர்க்குcāṉṟōrkkufor the virtuous
- இனநலம்iṉanalamgood company
- ஏமாப்புēmāppuprotection
- உடைத்துuṭaittuhas/possesses
Story behind this kural
In a tranquil village nestled beside a whispering forest, lived two potters, Arun and Bala. Arun was known for his skillful hands, crafting exquisite vases and sturdy jars. He was a man of innate goodness, always honest and kind. Bala, though also a potter of talent, often succumbed to the whispers of greed. He’d seek shortcuts, using cheaper clay and selling his wares at inflated prices. One day, a wealthy merchant arrived, seeking a rare, ornate vase. Arun, with his integrity, quoted a fair price. Bala, however, saw a chance for great profit and, using deceptive methods, convinced the merchant to buy his inferior work at an exorbitant sum. The merchant, later discovering the deceit, was enraged. He sought out Arun, lamenting his mistake. Seeing Arun’s honest craftsmanship, the merchant commissioned him to create a series of vases. Arun, surrounded by supportive villagers who valued honesty, flourished. Bala, isolated by his own actions, found his reputation crumbled, and his business slowly faded away.