Kural #651
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Tamil text
துணைநலம் ஆக்கம் த்ருஉம்
வினைநலம் வேண்டிய எல்லாம் தரும்
Tuṇainalam ākkam taruum
Viṉainalam vēṇṭiya ellām tarum
English translation
Good companionship brings prosperity; purity of action brings everything one desires.
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Explanation
Thiruvalluvar compares two sources of success: துணைநலம் (good companions) brings wealth, but வினைநலம் (pure actions) brings everything desired. Ethical conduct is the ultimate source of fulfillment.
விளக்கம்
குறள் 651 விளக்கம்: நல்ல நண்பர்கள் செல்வம் தருவர். ஆனால், தூய்மையான செயல்கள் விரும்பிய எல்லாவற்றையும் தரும். "வினைத்தூய்மை" அதிகாரத்தில், நேர்மையான வழியில் நடப்பதே சிறந்த வாழ்க்கை என்பதை வள்ளுவர் கூறுகிறார். அறத்துடன் செயல்பட்டால் எல்லாம் கிடைக்கும்.
Word meanings
- துணைtuṇaicompanion/support
- நலம்nalamgoodness
- ஆக்கம்ākkamprosperity
- தரும்tarumgives
- வினைviṉaiaction
- வேண்டியvēṇṭiyadesired
- எல்லாம்ellāmeverything
Story behind this kural
In a village nestled beside a whispering river, lived two potters, Kumar and Ravi. Kumar, known for his charming nature and loyal friends, quickly sold his pots, using the profits to buy fine clothes and sweet treats. He enjoyed a life of ease. Ravi, however, was quiet and kept to himself. He meticulously crafted his pots, ensuring each was perfectly formed and durable. Though his hands were often stained with clay, his heart was pure. He used his earnings to improve his craft and help others. One day, a wealthy merchant, seeking the finest water vessels, visited the village. He examined Kumar's and Ravi's wares. Though Kumar's pots were pretty, they were fragile. Ravi's, though simple, were strong and held water perfectly. The merchant chose Ravi's pots. Soon, Ravi was sought after, his honesty and skill bringing him not only wealth but also the respect of the entire village. Kumar, despite his many friends, found his fortune fleeting.