Kural #501
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Tamil text
அறம்பொருள் இன்பம் உயிரச்சம் நான்கின்
திறந்தெரிந்து தேறப் படும்
Aṟamporuḷ iṉpam uyiraccam nāṉkiṉ
Tiṟanterintu tēṟap paṭum
English translation
A person should be tested and trusted based on their approach to virtue, wealth, pleasure, and fear of death - these four aspects.
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Explanation
Thiruvalluvar presents a comprehensive framework for evaluating character. Before placing trust in someone, examine how they handle moral duty (அறம்), material pursuits (பொருள்), pleasures (இன்பம்), and life-threatening situations (உயிரச்சம்). True character is revealed in these four dimensions.
விளக்கம்
குறள் 501-ன் விளக்கம்: ஒருவரை நம்புவதற்கு முன், அவர் அறம், பொருள், இன்பம், உயிரச்சம் இந்த நான்கையும் எப்படி கையாள்கிறார் என்று பார்க்க வேண்டும். இந்த நால்வரின் திறமையைப் பார்த்துத் தெளிந்த பின்பே நம்ப வேண்டும். இது தெரிந்து தெளிதல் அதிகாரத்தின் முக்கிய கருத்து.
Word meanings
- அறம்aṟamvirtue/dharma
- பொருள்poruḷwealth
- இன்பம்iṉpampleasure
- உயிரச்சம்uyiraccamfear for life
- நான்கின்nāṉkiṉin these four
- திறம்tiṟamability/nature
- தெரிந்துterintuhaving examined
- தேறப்படும்tēṟappaṭumshould be trusted
Story behind this kural
The village elder, Arun, sought a new advisor. Three men presented themselves. The first, Kumar, spoke eloquently of virtue, yet hoarded grain during a famine, driving up prices. He valued wealth above all else. The second, Bala, lived for pleasure. He feasted while others toiled and cared little for the village's needs, prioritizing his own enjoyment. He feared nothing except missing a good time. The third, Ravi, was known for his courage. When a wild boar threatened the village, he was the first to face it, risking his life. He also shared his meager earnings and was known for helping others. He valued the safety and well-being of the villagers. Arun, after observing their actions, chose Ravi. When a crisis arose, Ravi's unwavering dedication to the well-being of the village proved invaluable. His actions spoke louder than any words.