The Kural · Chapter
LIII: Cherishing of Kindred explained
This chapter emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong, loyal bonds with one's kindred.
What happens
This chapter emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong, loyal bonds with one's kindred. It teaches that true kinship is marked by unwavering attachment even in adversity, and that prosperity flows to those who cherish and nurture their family ties through generosity, a sweet tongue, and forgiveness.
Themes in this chapter
Family Life and Duty
The chapter focuses on the duty to cherish and maintain bonds with kindred, emphasizing that prosperity and social harmony depend on strong family ties.
Social Harmony and Ethics
Advocates for ethical behavior such as generosity, lack of anger, and graduated treatment of kinsmen to preserve social cohesion.
Characters to notice
- Thiruvalluvar
Author of the Kural, providing wisdom on the value of kindred.
- the Kural
The text itself, containing the verses on cherishing kindred.
Key passages
“Constancy of attachment even in adversity belongeth only unto kindred.”
Only true relatives remain loyal during hard times.
Highlights the unique steadfastness of kinship.
“The man who rejoiceth not in the intimacy of his kindred is like a tank without bunds: the waters of prosperity will flow away from him.”
Someone who does not enjoy close family ties is like a reservoir without walls—all his wealth will drain away.
Uses an agricultural metaphor to stress the necessity of family bonds for retaining prosperity.
“If a man have a sweet tongue and a liberal hand his kinsmen will gather round him in serried ranks.”
A person who speaks kindly and gives generously will attract many relatives to his side.
Emphasizes the virtues of gentle speech and generosity in building a strong kinship network.