PrepMaticThirukkural · பொருட்பால் · அரசியல்
கேள்வி: Hearing
About this chapter
கேள்வி, hearing, is about learning by listening to the wise. The chapter treats the ear as a source of wealth and shows how much one gains by listening, even without much formal education.
Kural 411 calls the wealth gained through the ear the wealth of wealths. Kural 412 gives the chapter's best-known line: when there is no food for the ear, give a little to the stomach. Kural 413 says those fed by listening are equal to the gods who receive the food of offerings. Kural 414 advises those who have not learned to listen anyway, since it will be a staff in weakness, and Kural 415 uses the same image, comparing the words of the good to a staff in a slippery place. Kural 416 asks the reader to listen to good things, even a little, since it brings dignity. Kural 417 says that those who have heard much do not speak foolishly even when their understanding is incomplete. Kural 418 calls an ear not opened by teaching deaf even when it hears, and Kural 419 says modesty of speech is rare in those who have never heard fine teaching. Kural 420 ends by saying it hardly matters whether people who know only the taste of the mouth live or die.
Kural 412 and Kural 414 are the two to learn, one for its vivid contrast and the other for its practical advice.
For the syllabus, the chapter fits learning as a universal value.
The 10 kurals of கேள்வி
Each kural is shown in Tamil with a transliteration and G. U. Pope's English verse translation. Open a kural for its plain English meaning.
செல்வத்துட் செல்வஞ் செவிச்செல்வம் அச்செல்வம்
செல்வத்து ளெல்லாந் தலை.
Selvaththut Selvanj Chevichchelvam Achchelvam
Selvaththu Lellaan Thalai
Wealth of wealth is wealth acquired be ear attent; Wealth mid all wealth supremely excellent
செவுக்குண வில்லாத போழ்து சிறிது
வயிற்றுக்கும் ஈயப் படும்.
Sevikkuna Villaadha Pozhdhu Siridhu
Vayitrukkum Eeyap Patum
When 'tis no longer time the listening ear to feedWith trifling dole of food supply the body's need
செவியுணவிற் கேள்வி யுடையார் அவியுணவின்
ஆன்றாரோ டொப்பர் நிலத்து.
Seviyunavir Kelvi Yutaiyaar Aviyunavin
Aandraaro Toppar Nilaththu
Who feed their ear with learned teachings rare, Are like the happy gods oblations rich who share
கற்றில னாயினுங் கேட்க அஃதொருவற்கு
ஒற்கத்தின் ஊற்றாந் துணை.
Katrila Naayinung Ketka Aqdhoruvarku
Orkaththin Ootraan Thunai
Though learning none hath he, yet let him hear alway:In weakness this shall prove a staff and stay
இழுக்கல் உடையுழி ஊற்றுக்கோல் அற்றே
ஒழுக்க முடையார்வாய்ச் சொல்.
Izhukkal Utaiyuzhi Ootrukkol Atre
Ozhukka Mutaiyaarvaaich Chol
Like staff in hand of him in slippery ground who straysAre words from mouth of those who walk in righteous ways
எனைத்தானும் நல்லவை கேட்க அனைத்தானும்
ஆன்ற பெருமை தரும்.
Enaiththaanum Nallavai Ketka Anaiththaanum
Aandra Perumai Tharum
Let each man good things learn, for e'en as heShall learn, he gains increase of perfect dignity
பிழைத்துணர்ந்தும் பேதைமை சொல்லா ரிழைத்துணர்ந்
தீண்டிய கேள்வி யவர்.
Pizhaith Thunarndhum Pedhaimai Sollaa
Rizhaiththunarn Theentiya Kelvi Yavar
Not e'en through inadvertence speak they foolish word, With clear discerning mind who've learning's ample lessons heard
கேட்பினுங் கேளாத் தகையவே கேள்வியால்
தோட்கப் படாத செவி.
Ketpinung Kelaath Thakaiyave Kelviyaal
Thotkap Pataadha Sevi
Where teaching hath not oped the learner's ear, The man may listen, but he scarce can hear
நுணங்கிய கேள்விய ரல்லார் வணங்கிய
வாயின ராதல் அரிது.
Nunangiya Kelviya Rallaar Vanangiya
Vaayina Raadhal Aridhu
'Tis hard for mouth to utter gentle, modest word, When ears discourse of lore refined have never heard
செவியிற் சுவையுணரா வாயுணர்வின் மாக்கள்
அவியினும் வாழினும் என்?
Seviyir Suvaiyunaraa Vaayunarvin Maakkal
Aviyinum Vaazhinum En?
His mouth can taste, but ear no taste of joy can give!What matter if he die, or prosperous live
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