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Chapter 31 of 133Virtue

வெகுளாமை

Restraining Anger

Read all ten original Tamil couplets from this chapter with clear, modern interpretations for everyday learning.

Kurals

301310

Reading

10 couplets

Section

அறத்துப்பால்

A simple reading path

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Tamil + modern meaning

Kural 301

1 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

செல்லிடத்துக் காப்பான் சினங்காப்பான் அல்லிடத்துக்

காக்கின்என் காவாக்கால் என்?

Modern interpretation

The real test of self-control is staying calm when you have the power to hurt someone back. Anger that cannot do much damage is easy to hide; anger that can cause harm must be mastered. For example, after a rude message in a group chat, choosing a calm reply shows true strength.

Read Kural 301 in full

Kural 302

2 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

செல்லா இடத்துச் சினந்தீது செல்லிடத்தும்

இல்அதனின் தீய பிற.

Modern interpretation

Anger is harmful when directed at someone stronger, but it is even worse when used against someone who cannot fight back. Power makes angry behavior more dangerous, not more acceptable. For example, a manager should not unload frustration on a new employee just because the employee has less authority.

Read Kural 302 in full

Kural 303

3 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

மறத்தல் வெகுளியை யார்மாட்டும் தீய

பிறத்தல் அதனான் வரும்.

Modern interpretation

Let go of anger toward everyone, because anger becomes the source of many other wrongs. Holding it gives one bad feeling room to create more damage. For example, rereading an angry text before sending it can help you delete the insult instead of starting a larger fight.

Read Kural 303 in full

Kural 304

4 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

நகையும் உவகையும் கொல்லும் சினத்தின்

பகையும் உளவோ பிற.

Modern interpretation

Anger is a powerful enemy because it destroys both the smile on your face and the happiness in your heart. Nothing steals joy faster than carrying anger everywhere. For example, one unresolved argument can spoil an entire day that could have been peaceful.

Read Kural 304 in full

Kural 305

5 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

தன்னைத்தான் காக்கின் சினங்காக்க காவாக்கால்

தன்னையே கொல்லுஞ் சினம்.

Modern interpretation

If you want to protect yourself, protect yourself from uncontrolled anger. Left unchecked, anger turns against the person who carries it. For example, an angry post made in a moment can damage your friendships, studies, or job long after the feeling has passed.

Read Kural 305 in full

Kural 306

6 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

சினமென்னும் சேர்ந்தாரைக் கொல்லி இனமென்னும்

ஏமப் புணையைச் சுடும்.

Modern interpretation

Anger is a fire that can destroy not only the angry person but also the friends and family who support them. It burns the very shelter that should keep life steady. For example, one explosive argument can push away people who had stood by you for years.

Read Kural 306 in full

Kural 307

7 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

சினத்தைப் பொருளென்று கொண்டவன் கேடு

நிலத்தறைந்தான் கைபிழையா தற்று.

Modern interpretation

Treating anger as a sign of strength only makes you suffer, just as striking the ground hurts the hand that hits it. Anger punishes its owner even when it seems powerful. For example, slamming a desk may frighten others for a moment, but it leaves you hurt, embarrassed, and less trusted.

Read Kural 307 in full

Kural 308

8 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

இணர்எரி தோய்வன்ன இன்னா செயினும்

புணரின் வெகுளாமை நன்று.

Modern interpretation

Even when someone has hurt you as severely as a fire burns, it is better to let go of anger when peace becomes possible. Forgiveness here means refusing to keep feeding the conflict, not pretending the harm never happened. For example, accepting a sincere apology can stop one painful mistake from destroying an entire relationship.

Read Kural 308 in full

Kural 309

9 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

உள்ளிய தெல்லாம் உடனெய்தும் உள்ளத்தால்

உள்ளான் வெகுளி எனின்.

Modern interpretation

A person who does not keep anger in the heart can pursue their good aims with a clear mind. Without anger clouding judgment, progress becomes much more possible. For example, a student who calmly fixes a group-project problem is more likely to finish well than one who spends the time blaming everyone.

Read Kural 309 in full

Kural 310

10 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

இறந்தார் இறந்தார் அனையர் சினத்தைத்

துறந்தார் துறந்தார் துணை.

Modern interpretation

Someone ruled by extreme anger is like a person who has lost the life of good judgment, while someone who gives up anger is like a person brought back to life. Calmness restores the ability to think and care. For example, taking a breath before answering can turn a heated argument into a useful conversation.

Read Kural 310 in full