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Kural #608

Wealth· பொருள்Avoiding Laziness· மடியின்மை

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Tamil text

மடிமை குடிமைக்கண் தங்கின்

தன்னொன்னார்க்கு அடிமை புகுத்தி விடும்

Maṭimai kuṭimaikkkaṇ taṅkiṉ

Taṉṉoṉṉārkku aṭimai pukutti viṭum

English translation

If laziness dwells in a person of good family, it will cause them to become a slave to their own enemies.

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Explanation

The ultimate disgrace: becoming a slave to one's enemies (ஒன்னார் = enemies). Laziness (மடிமை) in a person of good lineage (குடிமை) leads to such abject degradation. The person loses not just wealth but freedom and independence. This stark warning shows laziness as the path to the worst form of subjugation.

விளக்கம்

மடியின்மை அதிகாரத்தில், ஒரு நல்ல குடும்பத்தில் பிறந்தவன் சோம்பேறியாக இருந்தால், அது அவனை எதிரிகளுக்கு அடிமையாக்கிவிடும். சோம்பல் இருந்தால் செல்வம் மட்டும் போகாமல், சுதந்திரமும் போய்விடும். எனவே சோம்பலை ஒழித்து சுறுசுறுப்பாக இருக்க வேண்டும்.

Word meanings

  • மடிமைmaṭimailaziness (as quality)
  • குடிமைக்கண்kuṭimaikkkaṇin one of good family
  • தங்கின்taṅkiṉif it stays
  • தன்taṉone's own
  • ஒன்னார்க்குoṉṉārkkuto enemies
  • அடிமைaṭimaislavery
  • புகுத்திpukutticausing to enter
  • விடும்viṭumwill

Story behind this kural

In a prosperous village nestled beside a lush green valley lived two brothers, Tharan and Arul. Both came from a family known for their diligence and success. Tharan, however, grew idle. He spent his days lounging, letting the farm work slide. Arul, the elder, toiled tirelessly, expanding their fields and securing their harvests. Years passed. The valley was threatened by a neighboring kingdom known for its ruthless ambition. The king demanded tribute, and the villagers, unprepared, struggled to meet the demands. Tharan, having neglected his land, had nothing to offer. He watched helplessly as the king’s soldiers seized his meager belongings. Arul, due to his consistent efforts, could provide enough to protect his family and lands. Soon, Tharan, with no resources, was forced to serve the very kingdom that had once threatened his village. He toiled under the sun, a shadow of his former self, while Arul's farm flourished, a testament to his unwavering dedication.