Kural #958
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Tamil text
நலத்தின்கண் நாரின்மை தோன்றின்
அவனைக் குலத்தின்கண் ஐயப் படும்
Nalattinkaṇ nāriṉmai tōṉṟiṉ
Avaṉaik kulattinkaṇ aiyap paṭum
English translation
If lack of affection appears in one's good qualities, doubt arises about their noble lineage.
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Explanation
When someone lacks நார் (affection/tenderness) despite apparent நலம் (good qualities), their குலம் (lineage) becomes questionable (ஐயப்படும்). True nobility includes warmth.
விளக்கம்
ஒருவர் நல்ல குணங்கள் உடையவராகத் தோன்றினாலும், அன்பு இல்லாவிட்டால், அவர் குடிப்பிறப்பு சந்தேகிக்கப்படும். குடிமை அதிகாரத்தில், உயர்ந்த குணம் அன்போடு சேர்ந்திருக்க வேண்டும் என்பதே கருத்து. அன்புதான் உண்மையான உயர்வு.
Word meanings
- நலத்தின்கண்nalattinkaṇin good qualities
- நார்nāraffection/tenderness
- இன்மைiṉmaiabsence
- தோன்றின்tōṉṟiṉif appearing
- அவனைavaṉaihim
- குலத்தின்கண்kulattinkaṇregarding lineage
- ஐயப்படும்aiyappaṭumdoubt arises
Story behind this kural
In a valley nestled between towering peaks, lived two brothers, Elan and Kumar. Elan was known for his sharp mind and vast knowledge. He built magnificent homes and spoke eloquently, winning many accolades. Yet, he treated his workers harshly, his words as cold as the mountain air. Kumar, on the other hand, was a simple farmer. He possessed no grand skills, but his heart overflowed with kindness. He shared his harvest generously, offered comfort to the grieving, and his smile warmed the coldest day. One harsh winter, a blizzard trapped the villagers. Elan, with his resources, could have easily provided shelter and food. But he hoarded his supplies, fearing his own loss. Kumar, despite his meager provisions, welcomed everyone, sharing his last loaf and offering the warmth of his small hearth. The villagers huddled together, grateful for Kumar's compassion, while Elan remained isolated in his grand, yet empty, home.