Kural #623
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Tamil text
இடும்பைக்கு இடும்பை படுப்பர்
இடும்பைக்கு இடும்பை படாஅ தவர்
Iṭumpaikkku iṭumpai paṭuppar
Iṭumpaikkku iṭumpai paṭāa tavar
English translation
Those who do not suffer from troubles will give troubles to their troubles.
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Explanation
A brilliant word play on இடும்பை (trouble)! Those who refuse to be troubled by troubles become troublesome to their troubles! The one who stays unshaken inflicts suffering on suffering itself. This personifies adversity as an enemy that can be defeated by sheer mental fortitude. The repetition creates a memorable rhythm.
விளக்கம்
துன்பம் வந்தா துவண்டு போகாதவங்க, அந்தத் துன்பத்துக்கே துன்பம் கொடுப்பாங்க. மன உறுதியோடு இருந்தா எந்தக் கஷ்டத்தையும் வெல்லலாம். இது இடுக்கண் அழியாமை அதிகாரத்தில் சொல்லப்பட்டிருக்கு. தைரியமே வெற்றி தரும்.
Word meanings
- இடும்பைக்குiṭumpaikkkuto troubles
- இடும்பைiṭumpaitrouble
- படுப்பர்paṭupparwill cause to suffer
- படாதவர்paṭātavarthose who do not suffer
Story behind this kural
In a village nestled beside a whispering river lived a potter named Kumar. One day, a fierce storm ravaged his workshop, shattering his precious pots and scattering his clay. The villagers, seeing his despair, offered comfort, expecting tears and lamentations. But Kumar, brushing the dust from his hands, simply smiled. He surveyed the damage, his eyes calm. “The storm has tested my skill,” he declared. “Now, I shall rebuild, stronger than before!” He gathered the unbroken clay, mixing it with newfound resolve. He worked tirelessly, his hands moving with renewed purpose. Within weeks, his workshop was restored, and his pots were more beautiful and resilient than ever. The storm, having tried to break him, had instead become a catalyst for Kumar's growth. The villagers marveled. They realized the storm's power had diminished in the face of Kumar's unwavering spirit. The very adversity had been overcome.