Kural #79
Last reviewed:
Tamil text
புறத்துறுப் பெல்லாம் எவன்செய்யும்
யாக்கை அகத்துறுப்பு அன்பிலவர்க்கு
Puṟattuṟup pellām evaṉceyyum
Yākkai akattuṟuppu aṉpilavarkku
English translation
What use are the external limbs of the body to those who lack love, the inner organ of the soul?
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Explanation
The body has external organs (hands, feet, eyes, etc.) that interact with the world. But love is described as the internal organ of the soul. Without love functioning within, all external capabilities become meaningless. A person without love is spiritually incomplete, no matter how physically perfect.
விளக்கம்
அன்புடைமை அதிகாரத்தில் வரும் இக்குறள், அன்பு இல்லாதவருக்கு உடல் உறுப்புகள் இருந்தும் பயனில்லை என்கிறது. அன்புதான் உள்ளுறுப்பு போன்றது. அது இல்லாவிட்டால், உடல் இருந்தும் முழுமை பெற முடியாது. அன்புடனே வாழ வேண்டும்.
Word meanings
- புறத்துpuṟattuexternal/outer
- உறுப்புuṟuppulimbs/organs
- எல்லாம்ellāmall
- எவன்evaṉwhat
- செய்யும்ceyyumwill do/use
- யாக்கைyākkaibody
- அகத்துakattuinner
- உறுப்புuṟuppuorgan
- அன்புaṉpulove
- இலவர்க்குilavarkkufor those who lack
Story behind this kural
In a village nestled beside a whispering forest, lived a woodcarver named Arun. His hands, skilled and strong, crafted the most exquisite statues. Kings and queens marveled at his artistry, commissioning him to sculpt their likenesses. Arun’s workshop overflowed with riches, yet he remained perpetually discontent. Across the village, lived a humble shepherdess named Meena. Though her hands were rough and her clothes simple, she possessed a smile that could melt the iciest heart. Children flocked to her, and the elderly found comfort in her presence. She had nothing of material value, but her heart overflowed with kindness. One day, Arun, burdened by his loneliness, visited Meena. He saw the joy in her simple life, the genuine connection she shared with all. He realized his beautiful statues, though admired, could not offer the warmth of a kind word or the comfort of a gentle touch. His skilled hands had created beauty, but his heart, lacking love, had crafted only emptiness.