Kural #652
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Tamil text
என்றும் ஒருவுதல் வேண்டும்
புகழொடு நன்றி பயவா வினை
Eṉṟum oruvutal vēṇṭum
Pukaḻoṭu naṉṟi payavā viṉai
English translation
One should always avoid actions that do not bring fame and goodness.
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Explanation
Actions that fail to produce புகழ் (fame/honor) and நன்றி (virtue/gratitude) should be abandoned (ஒருவுதல்). This is a clear ethical guideline for decision-making.
விளக்கம்
புகழ் மற்றும் நன்மையை தராத செயல்களை எப்போதும் தவிர்க்க வேண்டும். நற்பெயர், பிறர் நன்றி ஆகிய இரண்டும் இல்லாத செயல் தூய்மையற்றது. "வினைத்தூய்மை" அதிகாரத்தின்படி, நல்ல செயல்களே சிறந்தது.
Word meanings
- என்றும்eṉṟumalways
- ஒருவுதல்oruvutalavoiding/abandoning
- வேண்டும்vēṇṭumshould
- புகழ்pukaḻfame/glory
- ஒடுoṭuwith
- நன்றிnaṉṟivirtue/gratitude
- பயவாpayavānot yielding
- வினைviṉaiaction
Story behind this kural
In a small village nestled beside a whispering forest, lived two potters, Arun and Bala. Arun was known for his quick temper and a desire for immediate wealth. He crafted pots rapidly, often with flaws, selling them at a low price to gain popularity. Bala, however, worked with meticulous care, ensuring each pot was perfect. His prices were higher, but his pots were renowned for their beauty and durability. Initially, Arun's sales soared. Villagers, charmed by the low cost, bought his pots. But soon, the flawed pots cracked and broke. The villagers grew frustrated, and Arun's reputation suffered. Bala, meanwhile, slowly but surely built a loyal clientele. His pots, though fewer in number, were cherished and passed down through generations. Years passed. Arun faded into obscurity, his name a whisper. Bala, however, became a legend. His name was spoken with respect and his legacy lived on in the beautiful, enduring pots he had crafted with integrity.