Kural #915
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Tamil text
பொதுநலத்தார் புன்னலம் தோயார்
மதிநலத்தின் மாண்ட அறிவி னவர்
Potunalattār puṉṉalam tōyār
Matinalattiṉ māṇṭa aṟivi ṉavar
English translation
Those whose intellect is adorned with wisdom will not taste the low pleasures of women who belong to all.
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Explanation
Wise men (மதி நலத்தின் மாண்ட அறிவினவர்) avoid the base pleasures of public women (பொது நலத்தார்). Intelligence and wisdom prevent such degrading associations.
விளக்கம்
பொது மகளிரின் இழிவான சுகத்தை அறிவுடையோர் விரும்ப மாட்டார்கள். நல்ல மதி உடையவர்கள் ஒழுக்கமான வழியில் செல்வார்கள். "வரைவின் மகளிர்" அதிகாரத்தில் இது ஒழுக்கத்தின் முக்கியத்துவத்தை காட்டுகிறது.
Word meanings
- பொதுpotucommon/public
- நலத்தார்nalattārthose of pleasure
- புன்puṉlow/base
- நலம்nalampleasure
- தோயார்tōyārwill not taste
- மதிmatiintellect
- நலத்தின்nalattiṉwith goodness
- மாண்டmāṇṭaadorned/excellent
- அறிவினவர்aṟiviṉavarthose with wisdom
Story behind this kural
In a prosperous village lived two merchants, Arun and Bala. Both were successful, but their paths diverged greatly. Arun, driven by fleeting desires, often frequented the pleasure houses on the outskirts of town. He reveled in the company of women who charmed with smiles and sweet words, spending his wealth freely. Bala, however, was known for his clear mind and steady heart. He focused on his business, investing wisely and treating all with respect. Though invited to join Arun's revelries, Bala always declined. He preferred the company of his books and the counsel of the village elder, seeking knowledge and wisdom. Years passed. Arun's fortune dwindled, swallowed by lavish spending. His business suffered, and he found himself in debt. Bala, meanwhile, saw his wealth grow, his reputation strengthened, and his spirit remained unburdened by regret. He continued to build his empire, with a keen eye for what truly mattered.