நாள் என நமக்குத் தோன்றும் காலம், நம் உயிரைப் பிளந்து செல்லும் வாளே; அறிஞர்க்குத்தான் இது விளங்கும்.

வாழ்க்கையைப் பற்றி உணர்ந்தவர்கள், நாள் என்பது ஒருவரின் ஆயுளை அறுத்துக் குறைத்துக் கொண்டேயிருக்கும் வாள் என்று அறிவார்கள்

வாழ்க்கையை ஆராய்ந்து உணர்வாரைப் பெற்றால் நாள் என்பது ஒரு கால அளவுகோல்காட்டி, உயிரை உடம்பிலிருந்து பிரித்து அறுக்கும் வாளாக உள்ளது.

Time, which shows itself (to the ignorant) as if it were something (real) is in the estimation of the wise (only) a saw which cuts down life

The Kural 334 is a profound verse that portrays time as an inevitable force that constantly diminishes life. It uses a metaphor of a saw to emphasize the relentless and unyielding nature of time. The verse suggests that while some may perceive time as a simple progression or a benign entity, the wise understand it as an instrument that gradually 'cuts down' life. Each passing day is like a stroke of a saw, slowly eating away at the span of one's life. This interpretation is a reminder of the fleeting nature of life. It encourages us to value each moment and live mindfully, understanding that time, once passed, can never be regained. It also reflects the philosophy of impermanence, a common theme in many spiritual traditions, including Tamil culture. In a broader sense, it could also be interpreted as a call to action to make the best use of time, as it is a limited resource that is consistently depleting. The wise ones, who understand this truth, are likely to make conscious decisions to spend their time wisely and purposefully. Overall, it is a powerful verse that imparts wisdom about the nature of time and life, urging us to live with awareness and intentionality.