பகைத்திறம் தெரிதல்
Knowing the Quality of Hate
Read all ten original Tamil couplets from this chapter with clear, modern interpretations for everyday learning.
Kurals
871–880
Reading
10 couplets
Section
பொருட்பால்
A simple reading path
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Tamil + modern meaning
Kural 871
1 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
பகைஎன்னும் பண்பி லதனை ஒருவன்
நகையேயும் வேண்டற்பாற்று அன்று.
Modern interpretation
Hatred is so harmful that it should not be welcomed even as a joke or a game. For example, playful insults in a group chat can become real hostility when people keep repeating them.
Read Kural 871 in full
Kural 872
2 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
வில்லேர் உழவர் பகைகொளினும் கொள்ளற்க
சொல்லேர் உழவர் பகை.
Modern interpretation
You may have to face a warrior's hostility, but do not needlessly make an enemy of a skilled speaker or writer. For example, a thoughtful critic can influence many people with a few well-chosen words.
Read Kural 872 in full
Kural 873
3 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
ஏமுற் றவரினும் ஏழை தமியனாய்ப்
பல்லார் பகைகொள் பவன்.
Modern interpretation
A person who stands alone while making enemies of many people is more foolish than someone who has lost good judgment. For example, a leader who insults every partner soon has no one left to help.
Read Kural 873 in full
Kural 874
4 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
பகைநட்பாக் கொண்டொழுகும் பண்புடை யாளன்
தகைமைக்கண் தங்கிற்று உலகு.
Modern interpretation
The world respects the greatness of a good-natured person who knows how to turn hostility into friendship. For example, a mediator who helps two rival groups cooperate earns trust from both sides.
Read Kural 874 in full
Kural 875
5 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
தன்துணை இன்றால் பகையிரண்டால் தான்ஒருவன்
இன்துணையாக் கொள்கவற்றின் ஒன்று.
Modern interpretation
When you are alone, without allies, and surrounded by two opponents, turn one of them into a friendly ally. For example, two competing teams may resolve their differences so they can face a larger problem together.
Read Kural 875 in full
Kural 876
6 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
தேறினும் தேறா விடினும் அழிவின்கண்
தேறான் பகாஅன் விடல்.
Modern interpretation
In a crisis, even if you know someone is an enemy, do not rush into close alliance or open separation; keep a careful balance. For example, cooperate with a rival during an emergency while protecting your own team's interests.
Read Kural 876 in full
Kural 877
7 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
நோவற்க நொந்தது அறியார்க்கு மேவற்க
மென்மை பகைவர் அகத்து.
Modern interpretation
Do not announce your suffering to people who do not understand it, and do not display your weakness before enemies. For example, share a workplace problem with a trusted adviser rather than posting every detail publicly.
Read Kural 877 in full
Kural 878
8 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
வகையறிந்து தற்செய்து தற்காப்ப மாயும்
பகைவர்கண் பட்ட செருக்கு.
Modern interpretation
Know how to act, strengthen yourself, and protect your position; then an enemy's pride will fade. For example, a prepared team with clear plans and reliable support can quiet a rival's confidence.
Read Kural 878 in full
Kural 879
9 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
இளைதாக முள்மரம் கொல்க களையுநர்
கைகொல்லும் காழ்த்த இடத்து.
Modern interpretation
Deal with a growing threat while it is still small; once it grows, removing it can hurt the person who tries. For example, report repeated harassment early instead of waiting until it damages the whole group.
Read Kural 879 in full
Kural 880
10 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
உயிர்ப்ப உளரல்லர் மன்ற செயிர்ப்பவர்
செம்மல் சிதைக்கலா தார்.
Modern interpretation
If you cannot stop a determined enemy from causing harm, your safety may not last. For example, a serious security flaw left unchecked can eventually bring down an entire service.
Read Kural 880 in full