Kural #525
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Tamil text
கொடுத்தலும் இன்சொலும் ஆற்றின்
அடுக்கிய சுற்றத்தால் சுற்றப் படும்
Koṭuttalum iṉcolum āṟṟiṉ
Aṭukkiya cuṟṟattāl cuṟṟap paṭum
English translation
If one gives generously and speaks kindly, one will be surrounded by an ever-increasing circle of kinsmen.
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Explanation
Two practices build family: கொடுத்தல் (giving) and இன்சொல் (sweet words). Generosity and kindness attract relatives who will multiply (அடுக்கிய) around you. These are the foundations of building a strong support network.
விளக்கம்
குறள் 525 விளக்கம்: கொடுத்தலும், இனிய சொற்களும் சுற்றத்தை வளர்க்கும். தாராள குணமும், கனிவான பேச்சும் இருந்தால், உறவினர்கள் பெருகி நம்மைச் சூழ்ந்து காப்பார்கள். இது சுற்றந்தழால் அதிகாரத்தின் முக்கிய கருத்து. ஒற்றுமையே பலம்.
Word meanings
- கொடுத்தலும்koṭuttalumgiving/generosity
- இன்சொலும்iṉcolumsweet words
- ஆற்றின்āṟṟiṉif one practices
- அடுக்கியaṭukkiyamultiplied/heaped
- சுற்றத்தால்cuṟṟattālby kinsmen
- சுற்றப்படும்cuṟṟappaṭumwill be surrounded
Story behind this kural
In a small village nestled beside a shimmering lake lived two brothers, Arun and Bala. Arun, the elder, was known for his stinginess. He hoarded his grain and spoke sharply to anyone who asked for help. Bala, however, was generous. He shared his harvest and always offered a kind word, even to strangers. When a harsh winter arrived, Arun’s granary overflowed, yet he remained alone. His neighbors kept their distance, and even his own family rarely visited. Bala, on the other hand, faced the cold with a full heart. He shared his food and offered warmth. Soon, his small home was filled with laughter and companionship. Villagers helped him mend his roof, and his children played with many friends. As spring arrived, Bala's family grew stronger, bound by affection and mutual support. Arun, though wealthy, was left with an empty heart.