Kural #960
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Tamil text
நலம்வேண்டின் நாணுடைமை வேண்டும்
குலம்வேண்டின் வேண்டுக யார்க்கும் பணிவு
Nalamvēṇṭiṉ nāṇuṭaimai vēṇṭum
Kulamvēṇṭiṉ vēṇṭuka yārkkum paṇivu
English translation
If you desire goodness, cultivate modesty; if you desire nobility, cultivate humility toward all.
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Explanation
Two paths: நலம் (goodness) requires நாண் (modesty), and குலம் (nobility) requires பணிவு (humility) toward everyone (யார்க்கும்). Modesty and humility are the twin foundations of nobility.
விளக்கம்
நன்மை வேண்டுமென்றால் அடக்கம் வேண்டும். உயர்ந்த குடியில் பிறக்க விரும்பினால் எல்லோரிடமும் பணிவாக இருங்கள். அடக்கமும் பணிவும் குடிமை அதிகாரத்தின் முக்கிய பண்புகள். பணிவு இருந்தால் உயர்வு கிடைக்கும்.
Word meanings
- நலம்nalamgoodness
- வேண்டின்vēṇṭiṉif desiring
- நாண்nāṇmodesty
- உடைமைuṭaimaipossession
- வேண்டும்vēṇṭumis needed
- குலம்kulamnobility/lineage
- வேண்டுகvēṇṭukashould desire
- யார்க்கும்yārkkumtoward all
- பணிவுpaṇivuhumility
Story behind this kural
In a village nestled beside a whispering river lived two potters, both known for their skill. Kumar was famed for his flawless creations, each pot a testament to his artistry. Yet, he often boasted of his talent, dismissing the work of others. His house stood grandest in the village. Across the way lived Ravi, whose pots were equally beautiful, though he never spoke of his skill. He offered help to anyone in need, mending cracked pots for free and sharing his knowledge with aspiring potters. His home was simple, but filled with warmth. One day, the King announced a contest, the winner to receive great riches. Kumar entered, presenting his finest work. Ravi also entered, humbly offering his wares. The King, after careful consideration, declared Ravi the winner, praising his artistry and his kindness. Kumar, crestfallen, could only watch as Ravi accepted the prize, thanking the King with a bow.