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Chapter 3 of 133Virtue

நீத்தார் பெருமை

The Greatness of Ascetics

Read all ten original Tamil couplets from this chapter with clear, modern interpretations for everyday learning.

Kurals

2130

Reading

10 couplets

Section

அறத்துப்பால்

A simple reading path

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Tamil + modern meaning

Kural 21

1 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

ஒழுக்கத்து நீத்தார் பெருமை விழுப்பத்து

வேண்டும் பனுவல் துணிவு.

Modern interpretation

The highest kind of greatness belongs to people who live by strong principles and are not controlled by selfish desires. They do not need constant praise, wealth, or attention to feel successful. For example, a leader may refuse an unfair advantage even when nobody would discover it. Their self-control and integrity show a level of character that is greater than ordinary success.

Read Kural 21 in full

Kural 22

2 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

துறந்தார் பெருமை துணைக்கூறின் வையத்து

இறந்தாரை எண்ணிக்கொண் டற்று.

Modern interpretation

The greatness of a person who has truly let go of selfish attachment is difficult to measure. It is as impossible to count as all the people who have ever lived and died. For example, someone may give up status, comfort, or personal advantage to serve others without seeking recognition. The value of such a life cannot be captured by numbers or awards.

Read Kural 22 in full

Kural 23

3 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

இருமை வகைதெரிந்து ஈண்டுஅறம் பூண்டார்

பெருமை பிறங்கிற்று உலகு.

Modern interpretation

People become truly admirable when they understand the difference between what is right and wrong, what brings lasting good and what causes harm, and then choose virtue. Their wisdom becomes visible in the way they live. For example, a person may lose money by refusing to cheat, but still choose honesty because they understand that short-term gain is not worth losing their character.

Read Kural 23 in full

Kural 24

4 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

உரனென்னும் தோட்டியான் ஓரைந்தும் காப்பான்

வரனென்னும் வைப்பிற்கோர் வித்து.

Modern interpretation

A person who uses wisdom to control the five senses can guide their life instead of being dragged around by every impulse. They can notice temptation without automatically obeying it. For example, someone who wants to buy an expensive item may pause, check whether it is truly needed, and protect their savings. Self-control becomes the starting point for a better and freer life.

Read Kural 24 in full

Kural 25

5 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

ஐந்தவித்தான் ஆற்றல் அகல்விசும்பு ளார்கோமான்

இந்திரனே சாலுங் கரி.

Modern interpretation

Controlling our senses and desires requires great inner strength. Even powerful people can make poor choices when they cannot control temptation. For example, a person with authority may be offered money or praise in exchange for doing something wrong. If they remain firm and refuse, they show that self-control is stronger than power or privilege.

Read Kural 25 in full

Kural 26

6 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

செயற்கரிய செய்வார் பெரியர் சிறியர்

செயற்கரிய செய்கலா தார்.

Modern interpretation

Great people are willing to do what is difficult when it is necessary and right. Small-minded people avoid hard duties and choose only what is easy or profitable. For example, admitting a serious mistake may be uncomfortable, but a responsible person accepts it, apologizes, and repairs the damage. Courage in difficult moments reveals true character.

Read Kural 26 in full

Kural 27

7 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

சுவைஒளி ஊறுஓசை நாற்றமென ஐந்தின்

வகைதெரிவான் கட்டே உலகு.

Modern interpretation

A wise person understands how the senses influence thoughts, desires, and decisions. This awareness helps them enjoy life without becoming controlled by pleasure or temptation. For example, someone who notices that late-night scrolling affects their sleep can set a limit and choose rest instead. Understanding our impulses helps us manage them wisely.

Read Kural 27 in full

Kural 28

8 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

நிறைமொழி மாந்தர் பெருமை நிலத்து

மறைமொழி காட்டி விடும்.

Modern interpretation

The lasting words of wise people reveal their greatness. Their advice continues to help others even after they are gone. For example, a short lesson from a respected teacher may guide a student through difficult choices many years later. Words become powerful when they come from understanding and are useful in real life.

Read Kural 28 in full

Kural 29

9 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

குணமென்னும் குன்றேறி நின்றார் வெகுளி

கணமேயும் காத்தல் அரிது.

Modern interpretation

People of great character usually control their anger, so their anger carries weight when something truly wrong happens. Even a brief warning from such a person can make others stop and think. For example, a calm teacher who rarely raises their voice may strongly object when a student is bullied. The seriousness comes from the teacher's steady goodness, not from loudness.

Read Kural 29 in full

Kural 30

10 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

அந்தணர் என்போர் அறவோர்மற் றெவ்வுயிர் க்கும்

செந்தண்மை பூண்டொழுக லான்.

Modern interpretation

A person's true worth is shown by kindness toward every living being, not by birth, title, or social position. The word 'Anthanar' here points to people who live with virtue and compassion. For example, someone who treats a cleaner, a stranger, an animal, and a powerful official with the same basic respect shows genuine goodness.

Read Kural 30 in full