Kural #976
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Tamil text
சிறியார் உணர்ச்சியுள் இல்லை
பெரியாரைப் பேணிக்கொள் வேமென்னும் நோக்கு
Ciṟiyār uṇarcciyuḷ illai
Periyāraip pēṇikkoḷ vēmeṉṉum nōkku
English translation
The small-minded lack the wisdom to cherish and embrace the truly great.
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Explanation
Small people cannot recognize or appreciate greatness. They lack the vision (நோக்கு) to understand the value of associating with noble souls. This inability to appreciate the great is itself a mark of pettiness.
விளக்கம்
சிறிய மனம் உள்ளவர்களுக்குப் பெரியோரின் அருமை தெரியாது. அவர்களை மதித்து நடக்க வேண்டும் என்ற எண்ணம் அவர்களுக்கு இருக்காது. பெருமை அதிகாரத்தில், நல்லவர்களைப் போற்றினால் நன்மையே கிட்டும் என்பதே நீதி.
Word meanings
- சிறியார்ciṟiyārthe small-minded
- உணர்ச்சியுள்uṇarcciyuḷin their perception
- இல்லைillaithere is not
- பெரியாரைperiyāraithe great ones
- பேணிpēṇicherishing
- கொள்வேம்koḷvēmwe shall embrace
- என்னும்eṉṉumsaying/thinking
- நோக்குnōkkuvision/aim
Story behind this kural
In a small village nestled beside a whispering forest, lived two potters. Old Man Elara, known for his steady hands and elegant designs, crafted vessels of exquisite beauty. Young Kael, however, focused on speed, churning out simple, quickly-made pots. The King, hearing tales of Elara's artistry, sent a messenger to commission a grand vase for the royal garden. Kael, overhearing, scoffed, "Why waste time on such finery? Plain pots are what people need." He continued his work, oblivious. Elara, with patient precision, poured his heart into the King's vase. He mixed the clay with care, shaped it with love, and adorned it with intricate carvings. The finished vase was a masterpiece. When the King’s messenger returned, he sought out Elara, his eyes widening at the sight of the magnificent vase. He barely glanced at Kael's hastily made pots. The villagers, too, marvelled at the vase's beauty, while Kael continued to sell his simple wares, never understanding why his work was overlooked.