Kural #629
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Tamil text
இன்பத்துள் இன்பம் விழையாதான்
துன்பத்துள் துன்பம் உறுதல் இலன்
Iṉpattuḷ iṉpam viḻaiyātāṉ
Tuṉpattuḷ tuṉpam uṟutal ilaṉ
English translation
One who does not seek pleasure within pleasure will not experience sorrow within sorrow.
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Explanation
A subtle deepening of kural 628. இன்பத்துள் இன்பம் means "pleasure within pleasure" - the endless craving for more. One who doesn't chase heightened pleasures won't experience துன்பத்துள் துன்பம் - the deepening spiral of sorrow. Moderation in joy prevents extremity in grief. The parallel structure beautifully illustrates the principle.
விளக்கம்
இக்குறள், இடுக்கண் அழியாமை அதிகாரத்தில் உள்ளது. மகிழ்ச்சியில் மேலும் மகிழ்ச்சி தேடாதவன், துன்பத்தில் அதிகத் துன்பம் அடையமாட்டான். ஆசையை குறைத்தால் துயரம் குறையும். அளவான இன்பம், அளவான துன்பத்தையே தரும்.
Word meanings
- இன்பத்துள்iṉpattuḷwithin pleasure
- இன்பம்iṉpampleasure
- விழையாதான்viḻaiyātāṉone who does not crave
- துன்பத்துள்tuṉpattuḷwithin sorrow
- துன்பம்tuṉpamsorrow
- உறுதல்uṟutalexperiencing
- இலன்ilaṉwill not have
Story behind this kural
In a sun-drenched village lived two potters, Arun and Bala. Arun, content with crafting sturdy, everyday pots, found joy in the simple act of creation. Bala, however, always sought to improve, to make the finest, most ornate pots imaginable. He chased after richer glazes and more elaborate designs, always yearning for greater acclaim and wealth. One year, a terrible drought struck. Arun, though his business slowed, remained peaceful, using the time to teach his son. Bala, however, whose elaborate pots were now unsellable, grew increasingly distraught. He fretted over lost profits and the looming threat of starvation. His despair deepened with each passing day. When the rains finally returned, Arun's simple pots were quickly bought, providing for his family. Bala, however, was left with a kiln full of unsold, extravagant creations, and his heart was heavy with the weight of his unfulfilled desires.