Divisive Hostility
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Tap an underlined Tamil word to explore its sound, meaning, and use.
ikaleṉṉu mevvanōynīkkiṟ ṟavalillāt / tāvil viḷakkan tarum.
If one removes from the mind the grievous disease called hostility, that removal gives an unfailing, imperishable radiance of good name.
▸Other translations · Pope (1886) & Aiyar (1916)
“If enmity, that grievous plague, you shun, / Endless undying praises shall be won.”
“The habit of defying others is verily a grievous malady: if a man freeth himself from it, he will acquire everlasting fame.”
Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
இகல் என்னும் எவ்வ நோய் நீக்கின்= மாறுபாடு என்று சொல்லப்படுகின்ற துன்பத்தைச் செய்யு நோயை ஒருவன் தன்மனத்தினின்று நீக்குமாயின்; தவல் இல்லாத் தாவில் விளக்கம் தரும்= அவனுக்கு அந்நீக்குதல், எஞ்ஞான்றும் உளனாதற்கு ஏதுவாய புகழைக் கொடுக்கும்.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Parimelazhagar says that removing from one's mind the pain-making disease called ikal gives a radiance of reputation that does not diminish and helps one's good name endure. Removing hostility does not mean hiding truth or accepting injustice. Reporting, protection, repair, restitution, and separation may remain necessary; the honour lies in not cultivating revenge after those duties are pursued.