Thirukkural- On Virtue- Compassion-Kural-247

Add as a preferred source on Google

The following translation of this couplet is based on Rajaji's rendering:

Even as happiness in the world depends wholly on material possessions,Happiness in the world beyond will surely depend on compassion.

Just as material possessions account for happiness on this earth, it is compassion alone that will ensure happiness in the next world.

This is an oft-quoted Kural, which is as beautiful as it is meaningful; and felicitous use of the two words 'Arul' and 'Porul' in balanced juxtaposition, account for much of its impact on the imagination.

Here again, the idea of reaching God and heaven, through an all-embracing compassion for one's fellow-beings, is obviously implicit.