Tirukkural-On Virtue-On Being Grateful-Kural 106

By Staff

Thursday, January 8, 2009, 15:19

Maravarka maasatraar kaenmai thuravarka
Thunpatthul thuppaayar natpu

Do not forget the kinship of pure souls; And do not forsake the friends who have helped in need.

This Kural looks at the position from the angle of the receiver"s duty. It is important for him to remember the pure affection of this good kinsfolk as well as the sincere friendship of those who helped in times of need. The kind of friends who help in need are described in Kural 788 quoted under Kural 103. In this couplet what will stand one in good stead in respect of this life and the next, has been referred to, according to Parimelalagar.

It is relevant here to examine the relative significance of the two words 'kaenmai" and 'natpu" which Valluvar himself has used to mean friendship in different contexts. But the former word generally relates to the affection extended by one to one"s kinsfolk while the latter covers the comradeship between friends.