66.2 Purity of Action
Question:
Is it acceptable to
commit a dishonorable act under dire circumstances?
Answer:
One should not do
anything that will be condemned
by the great, even to feed one’s starving mother. (Couplet – 656)
ஈன்றாள் பசிகாண்பான் ஆயினுஞ் செய்யற்க
சான்றோர் பழிக்கும் வினை. (குறள் – 656)
Explanation:
In Couplet 656, Valluvar says that even if
one’s mother is starving, one should not commit an act that great men condemn.
It may not always be possible to follow this mandate. If an individual’s family
member is dying of starvation, he will be tempted to do anything to save them,
including stealing food. Mahatma Gandhi, the staunch proponent of nonviolence, said
that if someone’s sister is about to be raped, he should do whatever is
necessary, including murder to protect her[1].
In general, one should indeed follow the path of virtue. But dire situations
require bold and aggressive actions which may not be entirely virtuous.
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