86.1 Hatred

 86.1 Hatred

Question

      How to respond to others’ hateful deeds?

Answer:

Even though one does unpleasant things out of hatred,

it is good not to retaliate.                                       (Couplet – 852)

பகல்கருதிப் பற்றா செயினும் இகல்கருதி

இன்னாசெய் யாமை தலை.                                     (குறள் – 852)

     

Explanation:

            When someone does hateful deeds, Valluvar’s advice is not to retaliate. Valluvar is a staunch advocate for nonviolence. The advice offered in Couple 852 by Valluvar is consistent with his advice in Couplet 312, where he says, “It is the code of the pure-hearted never to hurt others even when they do harm in anger.”