Thirukkural- On Virtue- Penance-Kural-270

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The following is K Srinivasan"s rendering of the Kural:

"The poor are many, the cause is pain
Penance few do, the many shun pain"

This direct translation is questioned by some. K M Balasubramaniam would say, for instance that the poverty referred to here is the poverty of spiritual joylessness. It could be taken that way and no harm done. In fact, it would be much more appropriate. Even Parimelalagar was not satisfied with the straight interpretation. That is why he went on to add that wealth and poverty in this context, relate to the wealth and poverty of true knowledge. In any case Valluvar obviously concludes the chapter with this couplet, definitely relating a man"s state in his life on earth, as also being determined by his prowess in penance.

Naladiar has this to say on the subject.

Purang kadaipatri
Mikkathaam varundhi iruppaare maelaith
Thavathaal thavam seyaadhaar

(Naaladi 31)

This could also be compared with Kural 262.