Thirukkural

PART II. WEALTH - The Essentials of a State
Chapter. 86. Hostility

Kural - 851
Hostility disunion's plague will bring,
That evil quality, to every living thing.
The disease which fosters the evil of disunion among all creatures is termed hatred by the wise.

Kural - 852
Though men disunion plan, and do thee much despite
'Tis best no enmity to plan, nor evil deeds requite.
Though disagreeable things may be done from (a feeling of) disunion, it is far better that nothing painful be done from (that of) hatred.

Kural - 853
If enmity, that grievous plague, you shun,
Endless undying praises shall be won.
To rid one-self of the distressing dtsease of hatred will bestow (on one) a never-decreasing imperishable fame.

Kural - 854
Joy of joys abundant grows,
When malice dies that woe of woes.
If hatred which is the greatest misery is destroyed, it will yield the greatest delight.

Kural - 855
If men from enmity can keep their spirits free,
Who over them shall gain the victory?
Who indeed would think of conquering those who naturally shrink back from hatred ?

Kural - 856
The life of those who cherished enmity hold dear,
To grievous fault and utter death is near.
Failure and ruin are not far from him who says it is sweet to excel in hatred.

Kural - 857
The very truth that greatness gives their eyes can never see,
Who only know to work men woe, fulfilled of enmity.
Those whose judgement brings misery through its connection with hatred cannot understand the triumphant nature of truth.

Kural - 858
'Tis gain to turn the soul from enmity;
Ruin reigns where this hath mastery.
Shrinking back from hatred will yield wealth; indulging in its increase will hasten ruin.

Kural - 859
Men think not hostile thought in fortune's favouring hour,
They cherish enmity when in misfortune's power.
At the approach of wealth one will not think of hatred (but) to secure one's ruin, one will look to its increase.

Kural - 860
From enmity do all afflictive evils flow;
But friendliness doth wealth of kindly good bestow.
All calamities are caused by hatred; but by the delight (of friendship) is caused the great wealth of good virtues.


| First Page of Thirukkural | Main Menu |


With Thanks:
Verse & Prose of Thirukkural have been used from the Book: TIRUKKURAL with translations in English by Rev Dr G U Pope, Rev W H Drew, Rev John Lazarus and Mr F W Ellis Published by The South India Saiva Siddhantha Works Publishing Society, Tinnevelly, Limited. India (1982).

1