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Kural #63

Virtue· அறம்The Blessing of Children· மக்கட்பேறு

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Tamil text

தம்பொருள் என்பதம் மக்கள்

அவர்பொருள் தம்தம் வினையான் வரும்

Tamporuḷ eṉpatam makkaḷ

Avarporuḷ tamtam viṉaiyāṉ varum

English translation

One's true wealth is one's children; their wealth will come through their own efforts.

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Explanation

Thiruvalluvar makes a beautiful distinction: children themselves are the real wealth (பொருள்) of parents, not material possessions. As for the children's own prosperity, that will come from their own கர்மா (karma) and efforts. This teaches parents to view children as treasures in themselves, while also recognizing that each person must forge their own destiny through their actions.

விளக்கம்

குழந்தைகளே சிறந்த செல்வம். அவர்கள் செல்வம் அவரவர் செய்யும் செயலால் வரும். "மக்கட்பேறு" அதிகாரத்தில், பிள்ளைகளைச் சொத்தாகக் கருதி, அவரவர் முயற்சியால் உயர்வு பெற வேண்டும் என்கிறார் வள்ளுவர். இது பெற்றோர்களுக்கு ஒரு நல்ல அறிவுரை.

Word meanings

  • தம்tamone's own
  • பொருள்poruḷwealth/treasure
  • என்பதுeṉpatuthat which is called
  • அம்amtheir (connecting particle)
  • மக்கள்makkaḷchildren
  • அவர்avartheir
  • தம்தம்tamtameach one's own
  • வினையான்viṉaiyāṉby action/karma
  • வரும்varumwill come

Story behind this kural

In a village nestled beside a whispering river lived an old potter named Kumar. He poured his life into crafting beautiful clay pots, each one a testament to his skill. He had many fine pots, but his greatest joy was his daughter, Meena. Kumar lavished gifts on Meena: fine silks, sweet treats, and the best education. He worried constantly about her future. One day, a wealthy merchant offered Kumar a fortune for his finest pots, enough to secure Meena's life. Kumar was tempted, but when he looked at Meena, now a young woman, he hesitated. He realized the true wealth wasn't the gold, but the strength and kindness he saw in Meena's eyes. Meena, watching her father's struggle, took her own earnings from weaving and offered to start her own pottery. She began making pots, each one crafted with her own unique touch. The merchant eventually came back and purchased her beautiful pots.