PrepMaticThirukkural · பொருட்பால் · நட்பியல்
இகல்: Hostility
About this chapter
இகல், hostility, is about enmity and the disunion it brings. The chapter treats hostility as a disease of the mind that harms everyone it touches, including the person who feeds it.
Kural 851 describes hostility as the disease that breeds disunion among all living things. Kural 852 says it is best to hurt nobody out of hostility, even when others have caused disunion. Kurals 853 and 854 present the reward for dropping it: lasting fame, and joy beyond all joys once this worst of sorrows ends. Kural 855 asks who could defeat those who step back from enmity. Kurals 856 and 857 turn to the person who delights in winning through hatred, saying ruin is near, and that those who love such victories do not see the real point. Kurals 858 and 859 contrast shrinking from hostility, which brings gain, with feeding it, which brings loss, and note that a person does not think of enmity when fortune comes but looks to it when ruin is due. Kural 860 closes the chapter by saying that all that is bad comes from enmity, and a wealth of good qualities comes from friendliness.
Kural 854 is the most memorable, as it speaks of the greatest joy that comes from ending the greatest misery. Kural 860 gives the chapter's whole point in one line.
For the syllabus, it fits universal values and socio-political affairs, as a case for unity and the avoidance of conflict.
The 10 kurals of இகல்
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.
இகலென்ப எல்லா உயிர்க்கும் பகலென்னும்
பண்பின்மை பாரக்கும் நோய்.
Ikalenpa Ellaa Uyirkkum Pakalennum
Panpinmai Paarikkum Noi
Hostility disunion's plague will bring, That evil quality, to every living thing
பகல்கருதிப் பற்றா செயினும் இகல்கருதி
இன்னாசெய் யாமை தலை.
Pakalkarudhip Patraa Seyinum Ikalkarudhi
Innaasey Yaamai Thalai
Though men disunion plan, and do thee much despite'Tis best no enmity to plan, nor evil deeds requite
இகலென்னும் எவ்வநோய் நீக்கின் தவலில்லாத்
தாவில் விளக்கம் தரும்.
Ikalennum Evvanoi Neekkin Thavalillaath
Thaavil Vilakkam Tharum
If enmity, that grievous plague, you shun, Endless undying praises shall be won
இன்பத்துள் இன்பம் பயக்கும் இகலென்னும்
துன்பத்துள் துன்பங் கெடின்.
Inpaththul Inpam Payakkum Ikalennum
Thunpaththul Thunpang Ketin
Joy of joys abundant grows, When malice dies that woe of woes
இகலெதிர் சாய்ந்தொழுக வல்லாரை யாரே
மிக்லூக்கும் தன்மை யவர்.
Ikaledhir Saaindhozhuka Vallaarai Yaare
Mikalookkum Thanmai Yavar
If men from enmity can keep their spirits free, Who over them shall gain the victory
இகலின் மிகலினிது என்பவன் வாழ்க்கை
தவலும் கெடலும் நணித்து.
Ikalin Mikalinidhu Enpavan Vaazhkkai
Thavalum Ketalum Naniththu
The life of those who cherished enmity hold dear, To grievous fault and utter death is near
மிகல்மேவல் மெய்ப்பொருள் காணார் இகல்மேவல்
இன்னா அறிவி னவர்.
Mikalmeval Meypporul Kaanaar Ikalmeval
Innaa Arivi Navar
The very truth that greatness gives their eyes can never see, Who only know to work men woe, fulfilled of enmity
இகலிற்கு எதிர்சாய்தல் ஆக்கம் அதனை
மிக்லூக்கின் ஊக்குமாம் கேடு.
Ikalirku Edhirsaaidhal Aakkam Adhanai
Mikalookkin Ookkumaam Ketu
'Tis gain to turn the soul from enmity; Ruin reigns where this hath mastery
இகல்காணான் ஆக்கம் வருங்கால் அதனை
மிகல்காணும் கேடு தரற்கு.
Ikalkaanaan Aakkam Varungaal Adhanai
Mikalkaanum Ketu Thararku
Men think not hostile thought in fortune's favouring hour, They cherish enmity when in misfortune's power
இகலானாம் இன்னாத எல்லாம் நகலானாம்
நன்னயம் என்னும் செருக்கு.
Ikalaanaam Innaadha Ellaam Nakalaanaam
Nannayam Ennum Serukku
From enmity do all afflictive evils flow; But friendliness doth wealth of kindly good bestow
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