PrepMaticThirukkural · பொருட்பால் · நட்பியல்
உட்பகை: Enmity within
About this chapter
உட்பகை, enmity within, is about the hidden hostility inside a family, a circle of friends or a state, and why it is more dangerous than an open enemy. The recurring image is of something that looks whole but is being worn away.
Kural 881 opens by comparing unhealthy shade and water to relatives who cause pain. Kural 882 says that one should not fear a foe who looks like a drawn sword, but should fear the friendship of a foe who seems a kinsman. Kural 883 warns that inner enmity will destroy a person in a bad hour as surely as the potter's cutting tool cuts clay. Kurals 884 to 886 describe the effects: many harms, trouble among relatives, and a ruin that is hard to avoid if discord arises among the united. Kurals 887 and 888 give two images of a family divided inside. It is like a casket and lid that fit but do not really join, and it wears away like a file working on metal. Kural 889 says that this enmity, even as small as a fragment of sesame seed, holds destruction within. Kural 890 ends with the image of living in a hut with a snake.
Kural 888 and Kural 890 are the two to remember.
For the syllabus, it fits governance and socio-political affairs, since the same lesson applies to unity within a family, an institution or a nation.
The 10 kurals of உட்பகை
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.
நிழல்நீரும் இன்னாத இன்னா தமர்நீரும்
இன்னாவாம் இன்னா செயின்.
Nizhalneerum Innaadha Innaa Thamarneerum
Innaavaam Innaa Seyin
Water and shade, if they unwholesome prove, will bring you painAnd qualities of friends who treacherous act, will be your bane
வாள்போல பகைவரை அஞ்சற்க அஞ்சுக
கேள்போல் பகைவர் தொடர்பு.
Vaalpola Pakaivarai Anjarka Anjuka
Kelpol Pakaivar Thotarpu
Dread not the foes that as drawn swords appear; Friendship of foes, who seem like kinsmen, fear
உட்பகை அஞ்சித்தற் காக்க உலைவிடத்து
மட்பகையின் மாணத் தெறும்.
Utpakai Anjiththar Kaakka Ulaivitaththu
Matpakaiyin Maanath Therum
Of hidden hate beware, and guard thy life; In troublous time 'twill deeper wound than potter's knife
மனமாணா உட்பகை தோன்றின் இனமாணா
ஏதம் பலவும் தரும்.
Manamaanaa Utpakai Thondrin Inamaanaa
Edham Palavum Tharum
If secret enmities arise that minds pervert, Then even kin unkind will work thee grievous hurt
உறல்முறையான் உட்பகை தோன்றின் இறல்முறையான்
ஏதம் பலவும் தரும்.
Uralmuraiyaan Utpakai Thondrin Iralmuraiyaan
Edham Palavum Tharum
Amid one's relatives if hidden hath arise,'Twill hurt inflict in deadly wise
ஒன்றாமை ஒன்றியார் கட்படின் எஞ்ஞான்றும்
பொன்றாமை ஒன்றல் அரிது.
Ondraamai Ondriyaar Katpatin Egngnaandrum
Pondraamai Ondral Aridhu
If discord finds a place midst those who dwelt at one before,'Tis ever hard to keep destruction from the door
செப்பின் புணர்ச்சிபோல் கூடினும் கூடாதே
உட்பகை உற்ற குடி.
Seppin Punarchchipol Kootinum Kootaadhe
Utpakai Utra Kuti
As casket with its cover, though in one they live alway, No union to the house where hate concealed hath sway
அரம்பொருத பொன்போலத் தேயும் உரம்பொருது
உட்பகை உற்ற குடி.
Aramporudha Ponpolath Theyum Uramporudhu
Utpakai Utra Kuti
As gold with which the file contends is worn away, So strength of house declines where hate concealed hath sway
எட்பக வன்ன சிறுமைத்தே ஆயினும்
உட்பகை உள்ளதாங் கேடு.
Etpaka Vanna Sirumaiththe Aayinum
Utpakai Ulladhaang Ketu
Though slight as shred of 'seasame' seed it be, Destruction lurks in hidden enmity
உடம்பாடு இலாதவர் வாழ்க்கை குடங்கருள்
பாம்போடு உடனுறைந் தற்று.
Utampaatu Ilaadhavar Vaazhkkai Kutangarul
Paampotu Utanurain Thatru
Domestic life with those who don't agree, Is dwelling in a shed with snake for company
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