Kural #980
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Tamil text
அற்றம் மறைக்கும் பெருமை
சிறுமைதான் குற்றமே கூறி விடும்
Aṟṟam maṟaikkum perumai
Ciṟumaitāṉ kuṟṟamē kūṟi viṭum
English translation
Greatness conceals others' shortcomings; pettiness exposes and speaks only of their faults.
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Explanation
The great protect others' dignity by hiding their weaknesses. The petty delight in exposing and publicizing faults. This is a test of character - how do you treat others' vulnerabilities? The answer reveals your true nature.
விளக்கம்
பிறர் குறையை மறைப்பதே பெருமை. சிறியோர் குற்றத்தையே சொல்வர். பிறர் மானம் காப்பதே சிறப்பு. பெருமை அதிகாரத்தில் இது முக்கியம்.
Word meanings
- அற்றம்aṟṟamweakness/shortcoming
- மறைக்கும்maṟaikkumconceals
- பெருமைperumaigreatness
- சிறுமைciṟumaipettiness
- தான்tāṉitself
- குற்றமேkuṟṟamēonly faults
- கூறிkūṟispeaking/telling
- விடும்viṭumwill/does
Story behind this kural
In a small village nestled beside a whispering river, lived two farmers, Arun and Bala. Arun was known for his generous spirit. One harsh winter, a severe storm destroyed Bala's crops. The villagers whispered, recalling Bala's past arrogance. Arun, however, saw only Bala's present hardship. He quietly organized the village, gathering supplies and offering Bala seeds for the next season. He never spoke of Bala's past pride. Later that year, Arun faced a similar misfortune. A sudden flood ruined his harvest. This time, the villagers, remembering Arun’s kindness, rallied to help him. Bala, humbled by Arun's earlier compassion, worked tirelessly alongside the others, offering his own labor. As the sun set, casting long shadows across the fields, the villagers reflected on the day. They saw how Arun’s greatness had not only helped Bala but had also, in turn, inspired the community to show the same kindness.