Kural #717
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Tamil text
கற்றாருள் கற்றார் எனப்படுவர்
கற்றார்முன் கற்ற செலச்சொல்லு வார்
Kaṟṟāruḷ kaṟṟār eṉappaṭuvar
Kaṟṟārmuṉ kaṟṟa celaccollu vār
English translation
Among the learned, they are called the truly learned who can speak their learning persuasively before the learned.
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Explanation
The truly learned (கற்றாருள் கற்றார்) are those who can present their knowledge persuasively (செலச்சொல்லுவார்) before other scholars. Speaking well to experts is the ultimate test of knowledge.
விளக்கம்
கற்றவர்க்கு நடுவே கற்றதை நன்கு சொல்லும் திறமை உள்ளவரே மெய்யான கற்றவர். அவை அறிதல் அதிகாரத்தில், கற்றவர் சபையில் பேசும் திறனே அறிவின் அடையாளம் என்கிறது குறள். இது அறிவை வெளிப்படுத்தும் முக்கியத்துவத்தை உணர்த்துகிறது.
Word meanings
- கற்றாருள்kaṟṟāruḷamong the learned
- கற்றார்kaṟṟārthe learned
- எனப்படுவர்eṉappaṭuvarwill be called
- கற்றார்முன்kaṟṟārmuṉbefore the learned
- கற்றkaṟṟawhat was learned
- செலcelapenetratingly
- சொல்லுவார்colluvārthose who speak
Story behind this kural
In a village nestled beside a whispering river, lived two potters, Arun and Bala. Both were masters of their craft, shaping clay into vessels of beauty and utility. Arun, though skilled, often mumbled his explanations, his words as rough as unrefined clay. Bala, however, spoke with clarity and grace, his descriptions as smooth as a polished pot. The King, seeking a potter for the royal palace, summoned both. Arun presented his work, showcasing his intricate designs. But when asked to explain his techniques, his voice faltered, and his words tangled like a knot. Bala, in turn, presented his finest pieces. He then described his process, the selection of clay, the shaping, the firing, with such eloquence that the King and his advisors were captivated. He spoke not just of the craft, but of the heart that went into each piece. The King chose Bala, for he not only knew his craft, but also knew how to share its essence. The other potters in the village realized the power of clear communication.