Kural #602
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Tamil text
மடியை மடியா ஒழுகல்
குடியைக் குடியாக வேண்டு பவர்
Maṭiyai maṭiyā oḻukal
Kuṭiyaik kuṭiyāka vēṇṭu pavar
English translation
Those who wish to preserve their family's greatness must fold up laziness and never unfold it.
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Explanation
A beautiful play on words: மடி means both "to fold" and "laziness." Thiruvalluvar advises: fold your laziness and keep it folded forever (மடியா = without unfolding). Just as we fold and put away things we don't need, laziness should be permanently folded away. Those who wish their family (குடி) to remain a respected family (குடியாக) must practice this discipline.
விளக்கம்
மடியின்மை" அதிகாரத்தில், சோம்பலை எப்போதும் ஒழித்து வாழ்பவரே தம் குடியை உயர்த்த முடியும். "மடி" என்றால் சோம்பல், அதை மடித்து வைக்க வேண்டும். குடும்பம் சிறக்க, சோம்பலை அறவே நீக்குவது அவசியம்.
Word meanings
- மடியைmaṭiyailaziness (accusative)
- மடியாmaṭiyāwithout unfolding/permanently
- ஒழுகல்oḻukalmust conduct oneself
- குடியைkuṭiyaifamily (accusative)
- குடியாகkuṭiyākaas a (respected) family
- வேண்டுபவர்vēṇṭupavarthose who desire
Story behind this kural
In a village nestled beside a shimmering river, lived two brothers, Arun and Bala. Arun, the elder, was known for his industry. He rose with the sun, tending his fields and trading at the market. Bala, however, loved to linger in bed. “The day is long,” he’d yawn, “Plenty of time for work.” Arun’s harvests were plentiful, his stall at the market always brimming with goods. The villagers admired his success and his family prospered. Bala’s fields remained barren, his trading attempts half-hearted. His house, once filled with laughter, grew quiet. Soon, he had to borrow from Arun to survive. One day, observing his brother's tireless work ethic, Bala asked, "Arun, why do you toil so? Don't you ever tire?" Arun smiled, "I fold up my laziness each morning. I do not let it unfold." He then gestured towards his overflowing granary, a silent testament to his diligence.