Kural 617 | Embrace Diligence, Evade Misfortune




மடியுளாண் மாமுகடி யென்ப மடியிலான்  

றாளுளா டாமரையி னாள்  


**Transliteration:**


Maḍi uḷāḷ mā mukadi yenpa maḍi ilāṇ  

ṭāḷ uḷā ḍāmaraiyin āḷ  


### Word-by-Word Meaning


- **மடி (Maḍi)** - Laziness

- **உளாள் (uḷāḷ)** - Resides

- **மா (mā)** - Great

- **முகடி (mukadi)** - Black ogress (personification of misfortune)

- **என்ப (yenpa)** - They say

- **மடி (maḍi)** - Laziness

- **இலான் (ilāṇ)** - Without

- **தாள் (ṭāḷ)** - Feet

- **உளாள் (uḷāḷ)** - Resides

- **தாமரையினாள் (ṭāmaraiyin āḷ)** - Lotus goddess (Goddess of Fortune)


### Translation and Detailed Explanation


**Translation:**


They say the black ogress called Misfortune lurks in laziness, while Goddess Fortune lingers in the labouring toils of active men.


**Explanation:**


This Kural emphasizes the consequences of laziness versus diligence. It metaphorically describes laziness as harboring an ominous presence, the "black ogress" or Misfortune. In contrast, those who are diligent and hardworking are graced by the presence of the "lotus goddess" or Fortune. The implication is clear: success and good fortune are the rewards of industriousness, while inactivity leads to failure and bad luck.


### Example/Analogy


Imagine a garden: if left unattended and neglected, it quickly becomes overrun with weeds and pests, representing Misfortune. However, if the gardener diligently tends to it, watering, pruning, and caring for each plant, the garden flourishes and blooms, symbolizing Fortune.


### Highlights


- 🌱 **Laziness invites misfortune**

- 💪 **Diligence brings prosperity**

- 🌸 **Metaphorical representation: Misfortune as a black ogress, Fortune as a lotus goddess**


### Inference for Modern Times


In today's fast-paced world, the message of this Kural is especially relevant. Whether in personal development or professional endeavors, the importance of consistent effort and hard work cannot be overstated. Laziness can lead to missed opportunities and setbacks, whereas diligence often results in growth and success. Embracing a proactive and industrious mindset can pave the way for a prosperous and fulfilling life, proving the timeless wisdom of Thiruvalluvar’s words.

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