Chapter 3: The Greatness of Ascetics
நீத்தார் பெருமை | 10 Kurals with English Explanation
Kural 21 – The Greatness of Those Who Renounce
வேண்டும் பனுவல் துணிவு.
Vendum panuval thunivu.
English Translation
Among all the virtues praised in great teachings, the greatness of those who renounce worldly attachments while remaining steadfast in good conduct is considered the highest.
Word-by-word Meaning
ஒழுக்கத்து: In disciplined conduct | நீத்தார்: Those who have renounced attachments | பெருமை: Greatness | விழுப்பத்து: Among the highest virtues | வேண்டும்: Considered worthy or desired | பனுவல்: Scriptures or literary works | துணிவு: Firm conclusion or considered opinion.
Simple Meaning
Great teachings consider people who give up worldly attachments and live with discipline and good character to be among the greatest in the world.
Detailed Explanation
Thiruvalluvar begins this chapter by explaining the greatness of people who have overcome excessive desires and attachments. Renunciation is not simply about leaving behind material possessions. It also involves controlling selfish desires and living according to good principles. Such people remain committed to discipline, honesty and righteousness. Their greatness comes from their character and the way they conduct their lives.
Real-life Example
A person may have wealth and a comfortable lifestyle but chooses not to become greedy. They live honestly, help others and avoid unnecessary desires. Their disciplined way of life earns genuine respect from people around them.
Life Lesson
True greatness comes from good conduct, self-control and freedom from unnecessary attachments.
Kural 22 – The Immeasurable Greatness of Renunciates
இறந்தாரை எண்ணிக்கொண் டற்று.
Iranthaarai ennikkondatru.
English Translation
Trying to measure the greatness of those who have renounced worldly attachments is like attempting to count all the people who have died in this world.
Word-by-word Meaning
துறந்தார்: Those who have renounced | பெருமை: Greatness | துணைக்கூறின்: If one attempts to measure or describe | வையத்து: In this world | இறந்தாரை: Those who have died | எண்ணிக்கொண்டு: By counting | அற்று: Like that.
Simple Meaning
The greatness of people who have completely given up worldly attachments cannot be measured. Trying to measure their greatness is like counting every person who has ever died.
Detailed Explanation
Thiruvalluvar uses a powerful comparison to explain that the greatness of true renunciates is beyond measurement. People who overcome selfish desires and attachments develop a level of wisdom and self-discipline that cannot easily be described in numbers or words. Their greatness is not based on wealth, position or popularity. It comes from their inner strength, knowledge and commitment to a higher way of life.
Real-life Example
Think of a person who dedicates their life to helping others without expecting money, recognition or personal rewards. Their kindness may influence hundreds of people, and those people may continue the same good work. The full value of their contribution is difficult to measure.
Life Lesson
True greatness cannot always be measured. Character, wisdom and selfless actions create lasting value.
Kural 23 – The Greatness of Those Who Understand Life
பெருமை பிறங்கிற்று உலகு.
Perumai pirangitru ulagu.
English Translation
The greatness of those who understand the two aspects of existence and embrace virtue in this world shines brightly above all others.
Word-by-word Meaning
இருமை: The two states or aspects of existence | வகை: Nature or distinction | தெரிந்து: Understanding clearly | ஈண்டு: In this world | அறம்: Virtue or righteousness | பூண்டார்: Those who have embraced or practised | பெருமை: Greatness | பிறங்கிற்று: Shines or becomes distinguished | உலகு: The world.
Simple Meaning
People who understand the nature of existence and choose to follow virtue are recognised for their exceptional greatness in the world.
Detailed Explanation
This Kural highlights the importance of understanding life beyond temporary pleasures and material achievements. People who develop deeper wisdom understand that life has more meaningful goals than simply satisfying their desires. They choose righteousness and disciplined living instead of selfish behaviour. Their understanding guides their actions and helps them live with a clear purpose. Thiruvalluvar praises such people because their commitment to virtue makes them truly great.
Real-life Example
A business owner may have an opportunity to earn extra money through dishonest practices. However, they understand the importance of honesty and choose to treat customers fairly, even if it means earning less in the short term. Their decision reflects a commitment to virtue.
Life Lesson
Look beyond temporary benefits. Choose wisdom and righteousness when making important decisions.
Kural 24 – The Power of Controlling the Five Senses
வரனென்னும் வைப்பிற்கோர் வித்து.
Varanennum vaippirkor viththu.
English Translation
The person who controls all five senses with the firm hook of wisdom becomes the seed of the highest spiritual state.
Word-by-word Meaning
உரன்: Firmness of mind or wisdom | என்னும்: Called | தோட்டியான்: With a controlling hook or instrument | ஓரைந்தும்: All five | காப்பான்: One who controls or guards | வரன்: The highest state | என்னும்: Called | வைப்பிற்கு: For that state or place | ஓர் வித்து: A seed.
Simple Meaning
A person who uses wisdom to control all five senses develops the foundation needed to reach the highest state of spiritual freedom.
Detailed Explanation
Human beings experience the world through five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. These senses can influence our thoughts, desires and decisions. When we allow them to control us, we may develop harmful habits and unnecessary attachments. Thiruvalluvar compares wisdom to a hook used to control powerful elephants. In the same way, a person needs firmness of mind to guide and control the five senses. This discipline becomes the foundation for spiritual growth.
Real-life Example
A person may enjoy shopping, entertainment and social media, but they know when to stop. They manage their time, avoid unnecessary spending and do not allow temporary pleasures to disturb their responsibilities.
Life Lesson
Use wisdom to control your senses. Self-discipline helps you develop inner strength and a meaningful life.
Kural 25 – The Extraordinary Strength of Self-Control
இந்திரனே சாலுங் கரி.
Indhirane saalung kari.
English Translation
Indra, the king of the heavenly beings, is himself sufficient proof of the extraordinary power of the person who has subdued the five senses.
Word-by-word Meaning
ஐந்து: Five senses or their desires | அவித்தான்: One who has subdued or controlled | ஆற்றல்: Strength or power | அகல்விசும்பு: Vast heavens | உளார்: Those who dwell | கோமான்: King or ruler | இந்திரனே: Indra himself | சாலும்: Is sufficient | கரி: Evidence or proof.
Simple Meaning
The power of a person who has conquered the desires of the five senses is so great that Indra, the king of heaven, is presented as sufficient evidence of it.
Detailed Explanation
Thiruvalluvar uses Indra, the ruler of the heavenly beings, to illustrate the extraordinary power associated with controlling the five senses. Overcoming desires is not an easy achievement. It requires patience, determination and strong mental discipline. A person who can control their own desires has developed a remarkable form of inner strength. This Kural praises that achievement rather than physical power or authority over others.
Real-life Example
A person may face temptation to react with anger, cheat for personal benefit or follow harmful habits. Instead of giving in, they pause, think carefully and choose the right action. This demonstrates the strength of self-control.
Life Lesson
Real strength is not controlling other people. It is learning to control your own desires and actions.
Kural 26 – Great People Accomplish Difficult Things
செயற்கரிய செய்கலா தார்.
Seyarkariya seykalaa thaar.
English Translation
Great people accomplish things that are difficult to achieve; those who cannot accomplish such difficult tasks remain lesser in character.
Word-by-word Meaning
செயற்கரிய: Difficult to accomplish | செய்வார்: Those who do | பெரியர்: Great people | சிறியர்: People of lesser character | செய்கலாதார்: Those who do not or cannot perform.
Simple Meaning
Great people are recognised by their ability to accomplish difficult tasks, while those who avoid such efforts cannot reach the same level of greatness.
Detailed Explanation
Thiruvalluvar explains that greatness is measured through actions and achievements, not through wealth, appearance or social position. Doing easy things does not always require much determination. However, completing difficult and meaningful tasks requires courage, patience and discipline. People who overcome challenges and remain committed to their principles demonstrate true greatness. This Kural encourages us to develop the strength to do what is difficult but right.
Real-life Example
A student who struggles with a difficult subject but continues studying, practising and improving demonstrates determination. Instead of giving up, they face the challenge and gradually achieve better results.
Life Lesson
Do not avoid difficult but meaningful tasks. Determination and action reveal your true character.
Kural 27 – Understanding the Five Senses
வகைதெரிவான் கட்டே உலகு.
Vagai therivaan katte ulagu.
English Translation
The nature of the world is within the understanding of the person who knows the different qualities of the five senses: taste, sight, touch, sound and smell.
Word-by-word Meaning
சுவை: Taste | ஒளி: Sight or visible form | ஊறு: Touch or physical sensation | ஓசை: Sound | நாற்றம்: Smell | என்று: Called or described as | ஐந்தின்: Of the five | வகை: Nature or characteristics | தெரிவான்: One who understands | கட்டே: Within the understanding of | உலகு: The world.
Simple Meaning
A person who understands the five sensory qualities of taste, sight, touch, sound and smell gains a deeper understanding of the world.
Detailed Explanation
This Kural describes five important qualities through which people experience the world. We understand different things through taste, sight, touch, sound and smell. Thiruvalluvar highlights the importance of knowing the nature and distinctions of these five experiences. The deeper philosophical interpretation also concerns understanding the principles behind the world and the experiences that make it up. It encourages careful observation and deeper knowledge rather than superficial understanding.
Real-life Example
A chef understands how taste, smell, appearance and texture work together to create a good dish. Similarly, a person who carefully observes different experiences can understand situations more deeply and make thoughtful decisions.
Life Lesson
Observe carefully and develop a deeper understanding of the world around you.
Kural 28 – The Greatness Revealed Through Powerful Words
மறைமொழி காட்டி விடும்.
Maraimozhi kaatti vidum.
English Translation
The profound and powerful words of people with complete wisdom reveal their greatness to the world.
Word-by-word Meaning
நிறைமொழி: Complete, meaningful or powerful words | மாந்தர்: People | பெருமை: Greatness | நிலத்து: In the world | மறைமொழி: Profound or hidden words | காட்டி விடும்: Reveal or demonstrate.
Simple Meaning
The meaningful and powerful words of wise people reveal their greatness to the world.
Detailed Explanation
People with deep wisdom do not speak simply to impress others. Their words carry knowledge, purpose and lasting value. Their teachings can guide people long after they have spoken them. Thiruvalluvar explains that the greatness of such individuals becomes visible through the depth and power of their words. Meaningful words can influence individuals, communities and future generations.
Real-life Example
A teacher gives students a simple but powerful lesson about honesty and responsibility. Years later, those students remember the advice and apply it in their personal and professional lives. The teacher’s words continue to make a difference.
Life Lesson
Speak with wisdom and purpose. Meaningful words can guide and inspire others for many years.
Kural 29 – The Power of Those Who Stand on the Hill of Virtue
கணமேயும் காத்தல் அரிது.
Kanameyum kaaththal aridhu.
English Translation
Even the brief anger of those who stand upon the mountain of virtue is difficult to withstand.
Word-by-word Meaning
குணம்: Good qualities or virtues | என்னும்: Called | குன்று: Mountain or hill | ஏறி: Having climbed | நின்றார்: Those who stand | வெகுளி: Anger or wrath | கணமேயும்: Even for a moment | காத்தல்: To withstand or endure | அரிது: Difficult.
Simple Meaning
The anger of people who have reached a high level of virtue and self-discipline is difficult to withstand, even if it lasts for only a short time.
Detailed Explanation
Thiruvalluvar compares people with exceptional virtues to those who have climbed a high mountain. Their wisdom, discipline and good character place them at a higher level of moral strength. Because their words and actions carry great influence, even a brief expression of anger from such people can have a powerful impact. This Kural highlights the importance of respecting those who have developed strong moral character.
Real-life Example
A respected teacher is usually patient and understanding. However, when a student behaves dishonestly, the teacher expresses serious disappointment. Because the student respects the teacher’s character, even a few words of criticism have a strong effect.
Life Lesson
Build strong virtues and maintain self-control. A person’s character gives weight to their words and actions.
Kural 30 – True Virtue Is Compassion Towards All Living Beings
செந்தண்மை பூண்டொழுக லான்.
Senthanmai poondozhuga laan.
English Translation
Those who practise virtue and show gentle compassion towards every living being are truly worthy of being called noble people.
Word-by-word Meaning
அந்தணர்: Noble or virtuous people | என்போர்: Those who are called | அறவோர்: People who follow virtue | மற்று: Indeed or because | எவ்வுயிர்க்கும்: Towards every living being | செந்தண்மை: Genuine kindness, compassion and graciousness | பூண்டு: Having adopted | ஒழுகலான்: Because they conduct themselves in that way.
Simple Meaning
People who live according to virtue and show kindness and compassion towards all living beings are truly noble.
Detailed Explanation
Thiruvalluvar concludes this chapter by explaining the true nature of noble people. A person’s greatness is not determined merely by birth, wealth or social position. It is reflected in how they treat other living beings. People who show genuine kindness, compassion and respect towards every form of life demonstrate the highest values of virtue. Their actions reveal their true character and make them worthy of respect.
Real-life Example
A person treats everyone with respect, helps people in need, avoids harming animals and shows kindness even to those who cannot offer anything in return. Such actions demonstrate genuine compassion and good character.
Life Lesson
Show kindness and compassion towards every living being. True greatness is reflected through virtuous actions.