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Chapter 37 of 133Virtue

அவா அறுத்தல்

Curbing of Desire

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

Kurals

361370

Reading

10 couplets

Section

அறத்துப்பால்

A simple reading path

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Tamil + modern meaning

Kural 361

1 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

அவாஎன்ப எல்லா உயிர்க்கும் எஞ் ஞான்றும்

தவாஅப் பிறப்பீனும் வித்து.

Modern interpretation

The verse describes desire as the seed that keeps the cycle of birth going for every living being. For example, an endless craving for status can keep someone chasing the next achievement without ever feeling free or satisfied.

Read Kural 361 in full

Kural 362

2 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

வேண்டுங்கால் வேண்டும் பிறவாமை மற்றது

வேண்டாமை வேண்ட வரும்.

Modern interpretation

If we seek the highest freedom, we should seek freedom from desire itself. For example, wanting enough rather than always wanting more can loosen the pressure to keep upgrading everything we own.

Read Kural 362 in full

Kural 363

3 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

வேண்டாமை அன்ன விழுச்செல்வம் ஈண்டில்லை

ஆண்டும் அஃதொப்பது இல்.

Modern interpretation

Freedom from harmful craving is a greater wealth than anything money can buy. For example, someone who is not controlled by brands or other people’s approval can feel rich even with a simple life.

Read Kural 363 in full

Kural 364

4 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

தூஉய்மை என்பது அவாவின்மை மற்றது

வாஅய்மை வேண்ட வரும்.

Modern interpretation

A clean mind is free from greedy craving, and that freedom grows from loving truth. For example, admitting a mistake instead of protecting your image keeps your mind clearer and your relationships more honest.

Read Kural 364 in full

Kural 365

5 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

அற்றவர் என்பார் அவாஅற்றார் மற்றையார்

அற்றாக அற்றது இலர்.

Modern interpretation

True freedom belongs to those who are free from desire, not merely to people who have given up a few possessions. For example, owning little means little if a person is still consumed by envy of what everyone else has.

Read Kural 365 in full

Kural 366

6 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

அஞ்சுவ தோரும் அறனே ஒருவனை

வஞ்சிப்ப தோரும் அவா.

Modern interpretation

We should watch desire carefully because it can deceive us and lead us to ruin. For example, the wish for a promotion can tempt someone to take credit for a colleague’s work.

Read Kural 366 in full

Kural 367

7 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

அவாவினை ஆற்ற அறுப்பின் தவாவினை

தான்வேண்டு மாற்றான் வரும்.

Modern interpretation

When excessive desire is cut away, a person can choose the actions that protect lasting freedom and well-being. For example, refusing a dishonest shortcut can open the way to a career built on trust rather than fear.

Read Kural 367 in full

Kural 368

8 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

அவாஇல்லார்க் கில்லாகுந் துன்பம் அஃதுண்டேல்

தவாஅது மேன்மேல் வரும்.

Modern interpretation

A person without craving avoids the chain of sorrow, while desire makes trouble return again and again. For example, chasing likes online can turn one disappointing post into a constant cycle of comparison and anxiety.

Read Kural 368 in full

Kural 369

9 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

இன்பம் இடையறா தீண்டும் அவாவென்னும்

துன்பத்துள் துன்பங் கெடின்.

Modern interpretation

When destructive craving, the deepest source of sorrow, is removed, steady joy can remain. For example, someone who stops comparing their life with everyone else’s can enjoy ordinary moments without feeling behind.

Read Kural 369 in full

Kural 370

10 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

ஆரா இயற்கை அவாநீப்பின் அந்நிலையே

பேரா இயற்கை தரும்.

Modern interpretation

Craving is never fully satisfied; letting it go brings a steadier kind of contentment. For example, ending the habit of endless shopping can make room for gratitude and peace with what is already enough.

Read Kural 370 in full