Kural #50
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Tamil text
வையத்துள் வாழ்வாங்கு வாழ்பவன்
வான்உறையும் தெய்வத்துள் வைக்கப் படும்
Vaiyattuḷ vāḻvāṅku vāḻpavaṉ
Vāṉuṟaiyum teyvattuḷ vaikka paṭum
English translation
One who lives as one should live in this world will be placed among the gods who dwell in heaven.
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Explanation
The chapter concludes with a magnificent promise: the householder who lives virtuously (வாழ்வாங்கு வாழ்பவன் - one who lives as one ought to live) attains divine status. The phrase வான் உறையும் தெய்வத்துள் (among the gods who dwell in heaven) suggests that righteous domestic life leads to the highest spiritual reward. This is a fitting conclusion to a chapter that celebrates the householder's path.
விளக்கம்
இக்குறள், இல்வாழ்க்கையில் அறத்துடன் வாழ்பவர் வானுலகத் தேவர்க்கு இணையாக மதிக்கப்படுவார் என்கிறது. இல்லற தர்மத்தை சரியாக கடைப்பிடித்தால், அதுவே உயர்ந்த ஆன்மீக நிலையைத் தரும். ஒழுக்கமான வாழ்க்கை மேலான இடத்தை அளிக்கும்.
Word meanings
- வையத்துள்vaiyattuḷin this world/earth
- வாழ்வாங்குvāḻvāṅkuas one should live
- வாழ்பவன்vāḻpavaṉone who lives
- வான்vāṉheaven/sky
- உறையும்uṟaiyumdwelling
- தெய்வத்துள்teyvattuḷamong the gods
- வைக்கப்படும்vaikkappaṭumwill be placed/reckoned
Story behind this kural
In a village nestled beside a whispering forest, lived a humble potter named Kumar. He crafted pots of clay, shaping them with care and selling them at the market. Kumar was known not for his wealth, but for his kindness. He always offered a helping hand, shared his meager meals with the hungry, and spoke with honesty and respect. One day, a wealthy merchant, known for his greed, demanded a special pot, offering a great sum. Kumar, knowing the merchant's reputation for unfair dealings, politely refused, saying it was already promised to a poor farmer. The merchant scoffed and left. Years passed. Kumar grew old, his hands gnarled but his heart remained pure. When his time came, a radiant light enveloped his simple home. The villagers, witnessing the phenomenon, spoke in hushed tones, marveling at the peace that seemed to descend upon the humble potter's dwelling. They knew, in their hearts, that Kumar had lived a life worthy of the highest regard.