Tirukural – Chapter 87

Chapter 87: The Merits of Enmity

Verse 863
Two villagers in the foreground observe two responses to a raging buffalo. A young boy, ignorant and unattentive, has been trampled by the beast since he did not leave the road. A wiser traveler has found refuge behind a tree and avoided harm.
You can access the entire text, in Tamil and English here:
Weaver’s Wisdom
Verse 861
Rein in antagonism against the strong,
but unleash animosity against feeble adversaries.
Verse 862
How can an unloving man, with neither powerful allies
nor the strength to stand alone, overcome mighty enemies?
Verse 863
He who is fearful, ignorant, unfriendly and uncharitable
proves an easy prey to his enemies.
Verse 864
Letting go of his secrets but not his antipathy,
a man becomes easy prey to anyone, anywhere, anytime.
Verse 865
Without character, conscience, piety and propriety,
a man may yet be delightful–to his enemies!
Verse 866
Even hatred can be a welcome thing, when it comes from
scoundrels seized by blind rage and indulgent lust.
Verse 867
Some men undertake a task, then undermine it unawares.
Acquire their hatred–indeed, pay good money for it.
Verse 868
If a man has no virtues and many vices, he will surely have
no allies, and this will be his enemies’ surest advantage.
Verse 869
Finding that his foe is ignorant and afraid to fight,
the attacker’s cheerfulness cannot forsake him.
Verse 870
Fame will flee the grasp of one who fails to grasp
the wealth of an enemy who is angry and unlearned.
One Response to “Tirukural – Chapter 87”
From Our Gurus' Teachings
Archives are now available through 2001. Light colored days have no posts. 1998-2001 coming later.

May 9th, 2022 at 10:30 pm
“AUM”!.