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Kural No. 153 · Virtue (Aram) · Ch 16

The Possession of Patience, Forbearance

பொறையுடைமை
Original Kural · ஓலைச்சுவடி
இன்மையுள் இன்மை விருந்தொரால் வன்மையுள்
வன்மை மடவார்ப் பொறை.

Inmaiyul Inmai Virundhoraal Vanmaiyul / Vanmai Matavaarp Porai

Classical English couplet — “The sorest poverty is bidding guest unfed depart;The mightiest might to bear with men of foolish heart”

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A
Simple English Meaning
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What it says in plain words

“The deepest poverty is being unable to welcome and care for guests. The greatest strength is patience with people who act foolishly.”

B
எளிய தமிழ் விளக்கம் · Simple Tamil Interpretation

The classical Tamil reading

வறுமையுள் வறுமை, விருந்தினரைப் போற்றாமல் நீக்குதல்; வல்லமையுள் வல்லமை என்பது அறிவிலார் தீங்கு செய்தலைப் பொறுத்தலாகும்.

C
ஆழமான தமிழ் விளக்கம் · Deeper Tamil Commentary

An expanded Tamil interpretation

வறுமையிலும் கொடிய வறுமை, வந்த விருந்தினரை வரவேற்க முடியாதது அதைப் போல வலிமையிலேயே பெரிய வலிமை அறிவிலிகளின் செயலைப் பொறுத்துக் கொள்வது

D
Deeper English Meaning
AI-assisted

The ethical and philosophical heart

Having little money can make caring for guests difficult. The couplet calls this the deepest kind of poverty. It also asks us to rethink what makes someone strong. When someone acts without understanding, anger may come quickly. Yet patience is the greatest strength, not hurting them in return.

E
Practical Example (English)
AI-assisted

In personal life, work and society

Personal
When a friend makes a thoughtless remark, pause instead of insulting them.
Workplace
Explain a mistake calmly to a coworker who did not understand.
Family
Welcome a visiting relative and share the simple meal you have.
Society
At a community meal, help newcomers find food and a seat.
F
Modern Application (English)
AI-assisted

How to apply this today

Decision-making
When someone upsets you, pause before choosing your response.
Integrity
Keep treating people kindly, even when they act thoughtlessly.
Communication
Answer a poorly informed comment without making fun of the speaker.
Leadership
Guide someone through a mistake without losing your temper.
Governance
Help people who misunderstand public services rather than scolding them.
G
Leadership Lesson (English)
AI-assisted

For leaders and teams

Show strength through patience when someone acts without understanding. Explain what went wrong without answering hurt with hurt.

H
Reflection Question (English)
AI-assisted

Something to sit with

“Where could you offer a warmer welcome or a more patient response today?”

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Disclaimer

This application provides educational explanations of the Thirukkural. English meanings and AI-assisted explanations are intended to make the text easier to understand. Classical texts can have multiple valid interpretations.

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