PrepMaticThirukkural · பொருட்பால் · நட்பியல்
கூடா நட்பு: Unreal Friendship
About this chapter
கூடா நட்பு, unreal friendship, is about the enemy who comes in the guise of a friend. Chapter 82 deals with the unreliable friend; this one deals with the one who is hostile at heart.
Kural 821 says that the friendship of such people is an anvil on which you may be struck when they find the chance. Kural 822 warns that it shifts easily. Kural 823 observes that learning does not make a hostile heart good, and Kural 824 advises fear of those who smile with the face and hold bitterness within. Kural 825 says not to trust the words of anyone whose heart is not in them, and Kural 826 adds that the words of foes, even in a friendly tone, are soon recognised. Kurals 827 and 828 give the chapter's best-known images: a bow bends when the archer intends harm, so soft speech from an enemy should not be trusted, and a weapon may be hidden in the folded hands, as in the tears of a foe. Kurals 829 and 830 advise a careful reply, which is to show a friendly face while withholding real intimacy.
Kurals 827 and 828 are the two to learn, since both teach that outward gestures are not proof of intent.
For the syllabus, it relates to statecraft and diplomacy in the Porutpaal, and to universal values, especially discernment.
The 10 kurals of கூடா நட்பு
Each kural is shown in Tamil with a transliteration and G. U. Pope's English verse translation. Open a kural for its plain English meaning.
சீரிடம் காணின் எறிதற்குப் பட்டடை
நேரா நிரந்தவர் நட்பு.
Seeritam Kaanin Eridharkup Pattatai
Neraa Nirandhavar Natpu
Anvil where thou shalt smitten be, when men occasion find, Is friendship's form without consenting mind
இனம்போன்று இனமல்லார் கேண்மை மகளிர்
மனம்போல வேறு படும்.
Inampondru Inamallaar Kenmai Makalir
Manampola Veru Patum
Friendship of those who seem our kin, but are not really kindWill change from hour to hour like woman's mind
பலநல்ல கற்றக் கடைத்து மனநல்லர்
ஆகுதல் மாணார்க் கரிது.
Palanalla Katrak Kataiththu Mananallar
Aakudhal Maanaark Karidhu
To heartfelt goodness men ignoble hardly may attain, Although abundant stores of goodly lore they gain
முகத்தின் இனிய நகாஅ அகத்தின்னா
வஞ்சரை அஞ்சப் படும்.
Mukaththin Iniya Nakaaa Akaththinnaa
Vanjarai Anjap Patum
'Tis fitting you should dread dissemblers' guile, Whose hearts are bitter while their faces smile
மனத்தின் அமையா தவரை எனைத்தொன்றும்
சொல்லினால் தேறற்பாற்று அன்று.
Manaththin Amaiyaa Thavarai Enaiththondrum
Sollinaal Therarpaatru Andru
When minds are not in unison, 'its never; just, In any words men speak to put your trust
நட்டார்போல் நல்லவை சொல்லினும் ஒட்டார்சொல்
ஒல்லை உணரப் படும்.
Nattaarpol Nallavai Sollinum Ottaarsol
Ollai Unarap Patum
Though many goodly words they speak in friendly tone, The words of foes will speedily be known
சொல்வணக்கம் ஒன்னார்கண் கொள்ளற்க வில்வணக்கம்
தீங்கு குறித்தமை யான்.
Solvanakkam Onnaarkan Kollarka Vilvanakkam
Theengu Kuriththamai Yaan
To pliant speech from hostile lips give thou no ear;'Tis pliant bow that show the deadly peril near
தொழுதகை யுள்ளும் படையொடுங்கும் ஒன்னார்
அழுதகண் ணீரும் அனைத்து.
Thozhudhakai Yullum Pataiyotungum Onnaar
Azhudhakan Neerum Anaiththu
In hands that worship weapon ten hidden lies; Such are the tears that fall from foeman's eyes
மிகச்செய்து தம்மெள்ளு வாரை நகச்செய்து
நட்பினுள் சாப்புல்லற் பாற்று.
Mikachcheydhu Thammellu Vaarai Nakachcheydhu
Natpinul Saappullar Paatru
'Tis just, when men make much of you, and then despise, To make them smile, and slap in friendship's guise
பகைநட்பாம் காலம் வருங்கால் முகநட்டு
அகநட்பு ஒரீஇ விடல்.
Pakainatpaam Kaalam Varungaal Mukanattu
Akanatpu Oreei Vital
When time shall come that foes as friends appear, Then thou, to hide a hostile heart, a smiling face may'st wear
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