Kural #971
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Tamil text
ஒளிஒருவற்கு உள்ள வெறுக்கை
இளிஒருவற்கு அஃதிறந்து வாழ்தும் எனல்
Oḷioruvaṟku uḷḷa veṟukkai
Iḷioruvaṟku aḵtiṟantu vāḻtum eṉal
English translation
The greatness of a person lies in having the wealth of inner light; disgrace is saying "I will live without it."
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Explanation
Thiruvalluvar defines true greatness as possessing inner brilliance (ஒளி) - the light of wisdom, virtue, and noble character. Those who choose to live without this inner wealth live in disgrace. External riches mean nothing without inner radiance.
விளக்கம்
குறள் 971-ன் விளக்கம்: ஒருவருக்கு உண்மையான பெருமை, நல்ல குணங்களும் அறிவும் சேர்ந்த ஒளியே. அந்த ஒளியை விட்டுவிட்டு வாழலாம் என்று நினைப்பதே இழிவு. பெருமை அதிகாரத்தில், உள்ளொளியே முக்கியம் என்பதை வள்ளுவர் கூறுகிறார்.
Word meanings
- ஒளிoḷilight/brilliance/glory
- ஒருவற்குoruvaṟkufor a person
- உள்ளuḷḷahaving/possessing
- வெறுக்கைveṟukkaiwealth/abundance
- இளிiḷidisgrace/shame
- அஃதுaḵtuthat
- இறந்துiṟantuabandoning/leaving
- வாழ்தும்vāḻtumwe shall live
- எனல்eṉalsaying
Story behind this kural
In a village nestled beside a whispering forest, lived two brothers. Arun was known for his vast fields and overflowing granaries. His home shone with gold, and his feasts were legendary. Yet, a shadow always clung to him. He was often irritable and quick to anger. His brother, Bala, lived in a humble hut. His fields were small, but his heart was full of kindness. He shared what little he had with everyone, his face always lit with a gentle smile. One harsh winter, Arun's granaries emptied quickly, and his gold offered no warmth. He grew bitter, lamenting his dwindling fortune. Bala, however, continued to offer warmth and support to the villagers. His small hut became a haven. When spring arrived, Arun's fields lay barren, while Bala's yielded a bountiful harvest. The villagers flocked to Bala, not for his crops, but for the light that emanated from him.