Poimmaiyum vaimai 292

சிறப்புஈனும் செல்வமும் ஈனும் அறத்தினூங்கு

ஆக்கம் எவனோ உயிர்க்கு.*

Siṟappu īnum selvamum īnum aṟaththiṉ ūṅku

Ākkam evaṉō uyirkku.*

"What greater gain can life offer than virtue, which surpasses both fame and wealth?"

Detailed Explanation:

This Kural highlights the supreme importance of virtue (அறம் / aram) in human life.

1. Virtue is Greater than Fame and Wealth:

People often strive for fame (சிறப்பு) and wealth (செல்வம்), believing that these bring happiness and success.

However, Thiruvalluvar emphasizes that virtue (அறம்) is far more valuable than both.

Fame and wealth are temporary, but righteousness gives eternal fulfillment and respect.

2. The True Purpose of Life:

The Kural asks, "What greater gain can there be for a living being?"

This rhetorical question implies that without virtue, life loses its meaning.

A virtuous person earns not just material success but also inner peace and divine blessings.

3. Practical Implication:

Wealth earned without virtue leads to greed, corruption, and downfall.

Fame without righteousness is short-lived and hollow.

But a person who follows Dharma (righteousness) gains both worldly success and spiritual elevation

Virtue (Aram) is the highest wealth—greater than money or recognition.

A person should always prioritize ethical living, as it leads to true happiness and respect in society.

As the Bhagavad Gita also teaches, duty and righteousness (Dharma) should guide our actions.

Thus, Kural 292 beautifully teaches that a life without virtue is empty, no matter how much wealth or fame one acquires.

Thirukkural on "Poimmaiyum Vaimai" (Falsehood and Truthfulness)

Thiruvalluvar extensively discusses the importance of truth (வெறுக்கை) and the consequences of falsehood (பொய்) in several couplets. One of the most notable Kurals that contrasts falsehood (பொய்மை) and truth (வைமை) is:

சிறப்புஈனும் செல்வமும் ஈனும் அறத்தினூங்கு

ஆக்கம் எவனோ உயிர்க்கு.

"What greater gain can life offer than virtue, which surpasses both fame and wealth?"

This Kural implies that righteousness (which includes truthfulness) is the highest virtue.

Kural 291 (Truth vs. Falsehood):

வாய்மையென்ப வையத்தார்க்கு எண்குனத் தாற்றான்

மாய்மை யெனப்படு மது.

"Truthfulness is the foundation of a noble life; what is otherwise is mere deception."

This Kural highlights that truth is an essential quality of noble people, while falsehood is considered an illusion or a deception hat brings no real value.

Kural 300 (When Falsehood is Justified):

பொய்யாமை அன்ன புகழில்லை எய்யாமை

யெல்லாந் தரும் காப்பு உடைத்து.

"There is no greater virtue than truthfulness; yet, in rare cases, falsehood is justified when it brings pure good to all."

This Kural acknowledges that while truth is supreme, a falsehood that benefits everyone without harming anyone may be permissible.

Truth (வாய்மை) is the foundation of a righteous life.

Falsehood (பொய்மை) is generally condemned, except when it serves a higher moral purpose.

A person who follows truth earns respect, trust, and eternal honor, while deception leads to downfall.

Thus, Thiruvalluvar emphasizes that truth should be upheld in all situations, unless an unselfish lie serves a noble cause.