Thirukkural - On Virtue - The Glory Of Renunciation - Kural 24

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1. Uranennum thottiyan oraintum kaappan
   varanennum vaippirkor vittu

The one who has a strength to control his five senses,
Prepares the way for a higher place in life.

Control of the five senses according to Valluvar, is the only way to acquire one's appropriate and intended place in life. The transition of the comparison from the 'elephant's hook' controlling the senses, to the 'seed' producing a higher place in this life or the next, is a special metaphor (Aekadesa uruvaham) which normally is not a source of strength to ordinary literature but here, turns out to be quite effective.

'Marumaikkuvitthu'-'seed for heaven's store' is an expression that has been used in Naladiar - 183 - with reference to virtuous deeds. There is, therefore, a parallel explanation which refers to the control of five senses as the seed of heaven.