Kural #768
Last reviewed:
Tamil text
உயிர்நேரா தேஉயிர் போகச் செலினும்
செயிர்நேரார் செல்லாத் திடத்து
Uyirnērā tēuyir pōkac celiṉum
Ceyirnērār cellāt tiṭattu
English translation
Even if life departs, they will not value life; where dishonor approaches, they will not go.
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Explanation
True warriors prioritize honor above survival itself—they willingly sacrifice life in battle but absolutely refuse to tread paths that lead to disgrace or shame.
விளக்கம்
உயிர் போனாலும் மானம் பெரிதெனக் கருதுவர் வீரர்கள். பழி வரும் வழியில் செல்ல மாட்டார்கள். படைமாட்சி அதிகாரத்தில், இது வீரத்தின் முக்கியத்துவத்தைக் காட்டுகிறது. மானமே பெரிது என்பது நீதி.
Word meanings
- உயிர்uyirlife
- நேராnērānot equal/not value
- தேtēeven
- போகpōkadepart/go
- செலினும்celiṉumeven if going
- செயிர்ceyirdisgrace/dishonor
- நேரார்nērārwill not approach
- செல்லாcellānot going
- திடத்துtiṭattuplace/direction
Story behind this kural
In a village nestled beside a vast forest lived two woodcutters, Arun and Bala. They were known for their skill and bravery. One day, a wealthy merchant offered them a tempting deal: to fell trees in a forbidden grove, promising a fortune. The merchant warned of a forest spirit that guarded the grove, capable of great harm. Arun, eager for wealth, readily agreed. Bala, however, hesitated. He knew the village relied on the forest for survival and breaking the sacred law would bring shame. Arun scoffed, "What is honor compared to gold?" They entered the grove. Soon, the forest spirit appeared, its form shifting in anger. Arun, terrified, ran, abandoning his tools. Bala stood firm, placing himself between the spirit and the village. He knew he might not survive, but he would not bring dishonor to his home. The spirit, seeing his resolve, vanished. Bala returned to the village, empty-handed but with a clear conscience. The villagers embraced him, for they understood what truly mattered.