மடி இன்மை
Unsluggishness
Read all ten original Tamil couplets from this chapter with clear, modern interpretations for everyday learning.
Kurals
601–610
Reading
10 couplets
Section
பொருட்பால்
A simple reading path
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Tamil + modern meaning
Kural 601
1 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
குடியென்னும் குன்றா விளக்கம் மடியென்னும்
மாசூர மாய்ந்து கெடும்.
Modern interpretation
Idleness can dim even a family's good name, like dust covering a lamp. For example, a student who keeps avoiding responsibilities may eventually damage the reputation their family worked to build.
Read Kural 601 in full
Kural 602
2 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
மடியை மடியா ஒழுகல் குடியைக்
குடியாக வேண்டு பவர்.
Modern interpretation
Anyone who wants their family to flourish must reject laziness and keep working with purpose. For example, a young person who consistently studies and helps at home strengthens the whole household.
Read Kural 602 in full
Kural 603
3 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
மடிமடிக் கொண்டொழுகும் பேதை பிறந்த
குடிமடியும் தன்னினும் முந்து.
Modern interpretation
A foolish person who lives lazily can see their family's good name fade before their own life changes. For example, repeatedly neglecting work or school can bring shame to everyone who supports them.
Read Kural 603 in full
Kural 604
4 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
குடிமடிந்து குற்றம் பெருகும் மடிமடிந்து
மாண்ட உஞற்றி லவர்க்கு.
Modern interpretation
When people give in to laziness and make no worthwhile effort, their family's standing falls and their faults multiply. For example, someone who keeps avoiding duties may create more mistakes, conflicts, and financial trouble at home.
Read Kural 604 in full
Kural 605
5 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
நெடுநீர் மறவி மடிதுயில் நான்கும்
கெடுநீரார் காமக் கலன்.
Modern interpretation
Procrastination, forgetfulness, laziness, and too much sleep together carry a person toward ruin. For example, a student who keeps putting off assignments, forgetting deadlines, and sleeping through study time may soon be overwhelmed.
Read Kural 605 in full
Kural 606
6 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
படியுடையார் பற்றமைந்தக் கண்ணும் மடியுடையார்
மாண்பயன் எய்தல் அரிது.
Modern interpretation
Even great wealth or powerful connections cannot help an idle person gain lasting benefit from them. For example, having expensive equipment and expert help means little if someone never makes the effort to use those advantages.
Read Kural 606 in full
Kural 607
7 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
இடிபுரிந்து எள்ளுஞ் சொல் கேட்பர் மடிபுரிந்து
மாண்ட உஞற்றி லவர்.
Modern interpretation
People who choose laziness instead of serious effort eventually have to hear criticism and ridicule. For example, a teammate who repeatedly fails to do their share will lose the respect of the group.
Read Kural 607 in full
Kural 608
8 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
மடிமை குடிமைக்கண் தங்கின்தன் ஒன்னார்க்கு
அடிமை புகுத்தி விடும்.
Modern interpretation
If laziness settles into a respected family, it can make its members dependent on those who oppose them. For example, a person who refuses to work may eventually have to accept unfair conditions from someone who controls their livelihood.
Read Kural 608 in full
Kural 609
9 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
குடியாண்மை யுள்வந்த குற்றம் ஒருவன்
மடியாண்மை மாற்றக் கெடும்.
Modern interpretation
When a person removes laziness, the faults that have harmed their own standing and their family's name can disappear. For example, returning to steady work and keeping promises can slowly restore trust.
Read Kural 609 in full
Kural 610
10 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
மடியிலா மன்னவன் எய்தும் அடியளந்தான்
தாஅய தெல்லாம் ஒருங்கு.
Modern interpretation
A ruler who never gives in to laziness can fully secure and develop all the land under their care. For example, a leader who acts promptly on public needs can bring the benefits of good planning to an entire community.
Read Kural 610 in full