Kural #692
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Tamil text
மன்னர் விழைப விழையாமை
மன்னரால் மன்னிய ஆக்கந் தரும்
Maṉṉar viḻaipa viḻaiyāmai
Maṉṉarāl maṉṉiya ākkan tarum
English translation
Not desiring what the king desires will bring lasting prosperity from the king.
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Explanation
Never compete with the king for what he desires (விழைப விழையாமை). By avoiding such rivalry, you gain மன்னிய ஆக்கம் (enduring prosperity) from royal favor. Know your place.
விளக்கம்
மன்னர் எதை விரும்புகிறாரோ, அதை நாமும் விரும்பாமல் இருப்பது நல்லது. அப்படி இருந்தால், அரசரால் நிலையான செல்வம் கிடைக்கும். இது "மன்னரைச் சேர்ந்தொழுகல்" அதிகாரத்தில் வருகிறது. அரசருக்கு எதிராக போகாமல், பணிவாக இருந்தால் நன்மை உண்டாகும்.
Word meanings
- மன்னர்maṉṉarkings
- விழைபviḻaipawhat they desire
- விழையாமைviḻaiyāmainot desiring
- மன்னரால்maṉṉarālfrom kings
- மன்னியmaṉṉiyalasting/permanent
- ஆக்கம்ākkamprosperity
- தரும்tarumgives
Story behind this kural
In the bustling marketplace of the kingdom, two merchants, Arun and Bala, vied for the king's attention. The king, known for his love of rare spices, often visited the market. Arun, eager to gain favor, noticed the king's interest in a particular saffron. He immediately bought every last bit, hoping to corner the market and impress the king. Bala, on the other hand, observed the king's fondness. He knew the king's desire, but instead, he focused on offering the finest quality dates, a different delicacy. He presented them with humility, not trying to outshine the king's interests. The king, though initially impressed by Arun's saffron, found the inflated prices distasteful. He chose to purchase the dates from Bala, appreciating his respect and genuine offering. Arun's saffron sat unsold, while Bala's shop thrived, enjoying the king's continued patronage and a steady flow of customers.