Kural #963
Last reviewed:
Tamil text
பெருக்கத்து வேண்டும் பணிதல்
சிறிய சுருக்கத்து வேண்டும் உயர்வு
Perukkattu vēṇṭum paṇital
Ciṟiya curukkattu vēṇṭum uyarvu
English translation
In prosperity, humility is needed; in adversity, even more so, dignity is needed.
Listen
Explanation
A wise behavioral guide: in times of prosperity (பெருக்கத்து), humility (பணிதல்) is appropriate. In times of adversity (சுருக்கத்து), maintaining dignity (உயர்வு) is even more essential.
விளக்கம்
செல்வம் பெருகும்போது பணிவு வேண்டும். வறுமை வரும்போது தன்மானம் காப்பது மிக முக்கியம். மானம் அதிகாரத்தில், இது நல்லொழுக்கம். தாழ்வில்லாமல் வாழ்வதே சிறப்பு.
Word meanings
- பெருக்கத்துperukkattuin prosperity
- வேண்டும்vēṇṭumis needed
- பணிதல்paṇitalhumility
- சிறியciṟiyasmall/even more
- சுருக்கத்துcurukkattuin adversity
- உயர்வுuyarvudignity/elevation
Story behind this kural
In a prosperous village nestled beside a shimmering river, lived a wealthy merchant named Arul. His granaries overflowed, and his name was known throughout the land. Yet, Arul was humble, always offering a kind word and helping hand to those less fortunate. One year, the river flooded, destroying crops and homes. Arul’s fortune dwindled, and villagers whispered about his misfortune. But Arul, though now with less, held his head high. He worked alongside others, rebuilding, never complaining, his spirit unbroken. He shared what little he had, offering comfort and strength. Across the river lived a haughty landowner, Kavin. He had lost much in the flood, but his pride remained intact. He blamed others, hoarded what little he had, and scorned those who sought his help. He grew increasingly bitter, losing the respect of the villagers. As the village slowly recovered, Arul’s fortunes began to improve. The villagers, witnessing his resilience and kindness, offered him their support. Soon, Arul was prosperous once more, and more beloved than ever. Kavin, however, remained isolated, his wealth gone, his spirit broken.