Kural Chronicles

Into the ocean of ancient Tamil literature

Maruvuga Maasatraar Kaenmai

Amutha Ramakrishnan

Kural a day

September 9, 2024

1–2 minutes

KURAL 800

PORUTPAAL

NATPIYAL

ADHIKAARAM 80 – NATPAARAAITHAL – ANALYSING FRIENDSHIPS

மருவுக மாசற்றார் கேண்மைஒன் றீத்தும்
ஒருவுக ஒப்பிலார் நட்பு.

Maruvuga maasatraar kaenmai onreethum

Oruvuga oppilaar natpu

Cultivate the friendship of the pure minded. Cut off friendship with the evil minded even if you have to spend money to do so.

Maruvuga: mix with or move with; Maasu atraar: maasu means blemish, atraar means he who does not have, maasatraar means pure minded; Kaenmai: friendship; onru: one; Eethum; give; Oruvuga: cut off; Oppilaar: not suitable; Natpu: friendship

When you move with a person, if you find him to be of pure heart – thinking no evil and doing no evil – friendship with that person will elevate you. Cultivate that friendship.

Conversely, if you find him to be evil, continued contact with him will be a negative influence on your life. It will surely pull you down and he sure is not going to be hanging around to pick you up when you fall.

Valluvar invites you to do a logical calculation. He says even if you have to spend something now to cut off ties with him, do it and part ways. You will gain in the long run.