Humility / Self-Control (Adakkam)
Content
Meaning of Humility
Adakkam (Humility) means controlling the mind, speech, and body. It is one of the greatest virtues.
Simple Explanation:
- Adakkam = Self-control, restraint
- Mind Control = Controlling evil thoughts
- Speech Control = Not speaking bad words
- Body Control = Not doing evil deeds
Types of Self-Control
1. Mind Control
- Controlling evil thoughts like anger and jealousy
- Being patient
- Respecting others
2. Speech Control
- Not using bad words
- Not telling lies
- Not gossiping
3. Body Control
- Not harming others
- Not cheating
- Behaving properly
Benefits of Humility
1. Leads to divine status
- Humble people are equal to gods
- Everyone respects them
- Good reputation is earned
2. Gives lasting wealth
- Wealth stays with humble people
- Money is not wasted
- Future is secure
3. Gives elevation
- Everyone considers humble people as great
- Elders respect them
- Good position in society
Thirukkural on Humility
| Chapter Number: | 13 |
| Kural Numbers: | 121-130 |
| Iyal: | Illaraviyal (Domestic Virtue) |
| Paal: | Araththuppaal (Virtue) |
Key Message:
Thiruvalluvar considers humility as the highest virtue. He says those with humility are like gold, and those without it are like mere wood.
Important for TNPSC Exam
Remember:
- Adakkam Chapter Number: 13
- Kural Numbers: 121 to 130
- Total Kurals: 10
- Iyal: Illaraviyal
- Paal: Araththuppaal
Adakkam Chapter - Kurals (121-130)
Kural 121
Adakkam amararul uykkum adangaamai
Aarirul uytthu vidum.
Meaning:
Self-control will take one to the world of gods; lack of it will push one into great darkness (hell).
Kural 122
Kaakka porulaa adakkaththai aakkam
Adhaninuung killai uyirkku.
Meaning:
Preserve self-control as a great treasure. There is no greater benefit for life than that.
Kural 123
Serivarindhu seermai payakkum arivarindhu
Aatrin adangap perin.
Meaning:
If one learns wisdom and walks the path of self-control, that restraint will give excellent qualities.
Kural 124
Nilaiyin thiriyaadhu adangiyaan thottram
Malaiyinum maanap peridhu.
Meaning:
The greatness of one who remains humble without wavering from their position is greater than a mountain.
Kural 125
Ellaarkkum nandraaam panithal avarullum
Selvarkkae selvam thagaiththu.
Meaning:
Humility is good for everyone. But for the wealthy, it is like additional wealth.
Kural 126
Orumaiyul aamaipol aindhadakkal aatrin
Ezhumaiyum emaap pudaiththu.
Meaning:
If one lives controlling the five senses like a tortoise, there will be protection for seven births.
Kural 127
Yaakaavaa raayinum naakaakka kaavaakkaal
Sokaapar sollizhukkup pattu.
Meaning:
Even if you guard nothing else, guard your tongue. If not, you will suffer due to verbal mistakes.
Kural 128
Ondraanun theechol porutpayan undaayin
Nandraagaa thaagi vidum.
Meaning:
Even if one speaks just one bad word, all good qualities of the speaker will become worthless.
Kural 129
Theeyinaar suttapun ullaarum aaraathae
Naavinaar sutta vadu.
Meaning:
A wound burnt by fire will heal inside. But the scar made by the tongue will never heal.
Kural 130
Kathangaaththuk katradangal aattruvaan sevvi
Arampaarkkum aatrin nuzhaindhu.
Meaning:
Virtue will come seeking one who controls anger and lives with learned humility.
Important Kurals Summary
| Kural No. | Key Message |
|---|---|
| 121 | Self-control leads to heaven |
| 122 | Self-control is the greatest wealth |
| 124 | Humble person is greater than mountain |
| 125 | Humility is extra wealth for rich |
| 126 | Control five senses like tortoise |
| 127 | Guard the tongue |
| 129 | Tongue wound never heals (Famous kural) |
TNPSC Exam Questions - Adakkam Chapter
📝 Fill in the Blanks
1. Adakkam amararul uykkum adangaamai _______ uytthu vidum.
View Answer
Aarirul
2. Kaakka porulaa adakkaththai aakkam adhaninuung _______ uyirkku.
View Answer
killai
3. Nilaiyin thiriyaadhu adangiyaan thottram _______ maanap peridhu.
View Answer
malaiyinum
4. Theeyinaar suttapun ullaarum aaraathae _______ sutta vadu.
View Answer
naavinaar
5. Orumaiyul _______ aindhadakkal aatrin ezhumaiyum emaap pudaiththu.
View Answer
aamaipol
📝 Quotation Questions
6. "Theeyinaar suttapun ullaarum aaraathae naavinaar sutta vadu" - Who is the author of this Kural?
View Answer
Thiruvalluvar
7. "Adakkam amararul uykkum" - Which chapter does this Kural belong to?
View Answer
Adakkam (Chapter 13)
8. "Ellaarkkum nandraaam panithal" - What is the meaning of 'panithal' in this Kural?
View Answer
Humility / Self-control
📝 Match the Following
| A - Word | B - Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1. Amarar | a. Much greater |
| 2. Aarirul | b. Seven births |
| 3. Maanap peridhu | c. Gods |
| 4. Ezhumai | d. Great darkness |
View Answer
1-c, 2-d, 3-a, 4-b
📝 Multiple Choice Questions
9. The Kural numbers in Adakkam chapter are:
- 111-120
- 121-130
- 131-140
- 141-150
View Answer
b) 121-130
10. Thiruvalluvar compares controlling the five senses to which animal?
- Lion
- Elephant
- Tortoise
- Tiger
View Answer
c) Tortoise
11. "The scar made by tongue never heals" - What does this mean?
- Tongue will pain
- Wound caused by words never heals
- Fire wound never heals
- If tongue is burnt it won't heal
View Answer
b) Wound caused by words never heals
12. Which Iyal does Adakkam chapter belong to?
- Thuravaraviyal
- Illaraviyal
- Oozhiyal
- Arasiyal
View Answer
b) Illaraviyal
13. What is the meaning of "Kathangaaththu"?
- Guarding the door
- Controlling anger
- Telling story
- Standing guard
View Answer
b) Controlling anger
📝 Short Questions
14. What are the types of self-control?
View Answer
1. Mind control - Controlling evil thoughts
2. Speech control - Not speaking bad words
3. Body control - Not doing evil deeds
15. Which Kural uses the tortoise analogy? What is its message?
View Answer
Kural Number: 126
Message: Just as a tortoise withdraws its five parts (head and four legs) into its shell, we should control our five senses (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, skin). If we do so, we will have protection for seven births.
📌 Important Points to Remember
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Chapter Number | 13 |
| Kural Numbers | 121 - 130 |
| Total Kurals | 10 |
| Paal | Araththuppaal (Virtue) |
| Iyal | Illaraviyal (Domestic Virtue) |
| Famous Kural | 129 - Tongue wound |
| Analogy Kural | 126 - Tortoise analogy |