Kural 0861 - ЁЯМ╕ ро╡ро▓ிрооை роЪроороиிро▓ை – Balance of Power and Kindness

Thirukkural 861 on prudence with the strong and compassion for the weak; timeless wisdom for leaders. Insights, practices, story.

 

ЁЯТб роЪிрои்родройை - Insight

Key Questions

  • Universal – How should I deal with people more powerful than me without destroying myself?
  • Universal – What is the right way to treat those weaker than me?
  • Universal – Is avoiding conflict cowardice or wisdom?
  • Scholar (Leadership) – How do leaders balance prudence with rivals and compassion with followers?
  • Scholar (Management) – How should managers decide which battles to fight and which to avoid?
  • Scholar (Politics) – When should nations negotiate with stronger powers and how should they treat weaker allies?
  • Scholar (Business) – How can small firms survive against giants without being crushed, and avoid exploiting smaller players?
  • Scholar (Stoic) – How does one restrain anger and choose justice over cruelty in unequal relationships?
  • Scholar (Aristotle) – How can recognizing hierarchy in strength help sustain harmony?
  • Scholar (Risk Management) – How can we mitigate risks of conflict with stronger opponents while preventing harm to the vulnerable?

Key Insight

Thiruvalluvar: Prudence with the strong and compassion for the weak form the twin pillars of true wisdom; strength untempered by mercy or foresight becomes its own downfall.

ЁЯУЬ роХுро▒ро│் – Kural

роХுро▒ро│் 861

ро╡ро▓ிропாро░்роХ்роХு рооாро▒ேро▒்ро▒ро▓் роУроо்рокுроХ роУроо்рокா
рооெро▓ிропாро░்рооேро▓் рооேроХ рокроХை.
[рокொро░ுроЯ்рокாро▓், роироЯ்рокிропро▓், рокроХைрооாроЯ்роЪி]

роЪрои்родி рокிро░ிрок்рокு 

ро╡ро▓ிропாро░்роХ்роХு рооாро▒்ро▒ு роПро▒்ро▒ро▓் роУроо்рокுроХ роУроо்рокா
рооெро▓ிропாро░் рооேро▓் рооேроХ рокроХை

Transliteration

Valiyaarkku Maaretral Ompuka Ompaa
Meliyaarmel Meka Pakai
— (Transliteration)

valiy─Бrkku m─Бс╣Я─Ус╣Яс╣Яal ┼Нmpuka ┼Нmp─Б
meliy─Бrm─Уl m─Уka pakai.
— (Transliteration)

English Translation

Do not oppose the strong, guard yourself with wisdom;
Do not show cruel enmity towards the weak.

Purpose of This Kural

The purpose of this Kural is to teach both prudence and justice in dealing with others. It warns against reckless opposition to the strong, which leads to ruin, while also condemning cruelty towards the weak, which dishonors strength and destroys harmony.

Relevance / Need in Today’s Context

In today’s world of politics, business, and social life, this Kural reminds us to be strategic in handling the powerful and compassionate towards the vulnerable. It applies to leaders managing rivals, companies competing in markets, or individuals navigating relationships where strength and weakness are unevenly distributed.

ЁЯФдЁЯУЪрокродро╡ுро░ை - Design of Words

(Building blocks of the verse)

рокродро╡ுро░ை - Word Meanings in Tamil

ро╡ро▓ிропாро░்роХ்роХு - ро╡ро▓ிропாро░் - ро╡ро▓ிропрой் - ро╡ро▓ிрооைропுроЯைропாрой்; родிро▒рооைропாройро╡рой்; роЙроЯро▓்роиро▓рооுроЯைропро╡рой்; роХро░ிроХ்роХுро░ுро╡ி; роЗро▒ுроХிропроиிро▓ைропுроЯைропродு.

рооாро▒்ро▒ு - ро╡ேро▒ுрокроЯுрод்родுроХை; роТро┤ிроХ்роХை; роХொроЯிропрооро░ுрои்родு, роироЮ்роЪுрооுродро▓ிропроХுро▒்ро▒род்родைроиீроХ்роХроХ்роХொроЯுроХ்роХுроо்рооро░ுрои்родு; рокрог்роЯрооாро▒்ро▒ு; ро╡ிро▓ை; ро╡рог்рогாрой்ро╡ெро│ுрод்родроЙро░ுрок்рокроЯி; рооாро▒்ро▒ிроЙроЯுрод்родுроо்роЪீро▓ை; рокொрой்ро╡ெро│்ро│ிроХро│ிрой்роЙро░ைрооாро▒்ро▒ு; родроЩ்роХроо்; роОродிро░்; роЙро╡рооை; ро╡ро▓ிрооை; ро╡рог்рогроо்.

роПро▒்ро▒ро▓் - роЗроЪைро╡ாродро▓்; роЗрогроЩ்роХро▓்; роПро▒்ро▒ுродро▓்; роЗро░род்родро▓்; роОродிро░்род்родро▓்; роОродிро░்род்родுрок்рокோро░்роЪெроп்родро▓்; роЕроЯுроХ்роХро▓்; ро╡ாроЩ்роХுродро▓்; роПрои்родро▓்; роироЯрод்родро▓்; рокெро░ுрои்родроЪ்роЪெроп்родро▓்.

роУроо்рокுроХ - роТроо்рокுродро▓் - роХாрок்рокாро▒்ро▒ுродро▓், рокாродுроХாрод்родро▓், рокேрогுродро▓், ро╡ро│ро░்род்родро▓்; родீроЩ்роХுро╡ாро░ாрооро▒்роХாрод்родро▓்; рокோро▒்ро▒ுродро▓்; роЙрокроЪро░ிрод்родро▓்; роЪீро░்родூроХ்роХுродро▓்; рокро░ிроХро░ிрод்родро▓்; родро╡ிро░்род்родро▓்; ро╡ிро▓роХ்роХро▓்; роиீроХ்роХுродро▓்; роЙрог்роЯாроХ்роХுродро▓்.

роУроо்рокா -роУроо்рокாродே

рооெро▓ிропாро░் - meliy─Бr   n. id. Weak,powerless persons; рокро▓ро╡ீройро░். рооெро▓ிропாро░்рооேрой் рооேроХрокроХை (роХுро▒ро│், 861); ро╡ро▓ிропிро▓ாро░்

рооேро▓் - рооேро▓ிроЯроо்; роЕродிроХрок்рокроЯி; ро╡ாройроо்; рооேро▒்роХு; родро▓ை; родро▓ைрооை; рооேрой்рооை; роЙропро░்рои்родோро░்; роЙроЯроо்рокு; роЗроЯроо்; рооேро▓ெро┤ுрои்родро╡ாро░ிропாройродு; рооுрой்рокுро│்ро│родு; рокிрой்рокுро│்ро│родு; роЕродிроХрооாроХ; рооுрой்; рокро▒்ро▒ி; роЕрок்рокாро▓்; роЗройி; роТро░ுрооுрой்ройொроЯ்роЯு; роПро┤ройுро░ுрокு.

рооேроХ -

рокроХை - роОродிро░்рок்рокு; рокроХைро╡рой்; рооாро▒ுрокாроЯு; ро╡ெро▒ுрок்рокு; родீроЩ்роХு; роХாрог்роХ:рокроХைроиро░роо்рокு; ро╡ேро▒்ро▒ро░роЪро░ுроЯрой்рокроХைроХொро│்ро│ுроХை; роХோро│ிрой்рокроХைро╡ீроЯு; роХாроороХுро░ோродроо்рооுродро▓ிропроЙроЯ்рокроХை.

Unpacking Each Word — Its Meaning and Impact

ро╡ро▓ிропாро░்роХ்роХு (valiy─Бrkku – the strong, the powerful, the capable)

ЁЯСЙ Not just physical strength. It can mean the strong in power, wealth, army, or moral courage. Here, it sets the stage: "against the strong" is where caution is needed.

рооாро▒்ро▒ு (m─Бс╣Яс╣Яu – opposition, response, resistance)

ЁЯСЙ Among its many meanings, the "opposite stance / counter-force" fits here. The word implies confrontation—not just disagreement, but a struggle that can escalate to real danger.

роПро▒்ро▒ро▓் (─Ус╣Яс╣Яal – opposing, taking up against, matching force)

ЁЯСЙ To "mount against" the strong. It’s not a passive opposition, but an active challenge—to engage, resist, or fight. The choice of “роПро▒்ро▒ро▓்” emphasizes the escalation.

роУроо்рокுроХ (┼Нmpuka – guard, preserve, protect, avoid)

ЁЯСЙ A strategic word. Here, it means exercise care, restraint. Do not recklessly oppose power; protect yourself and your cause by knowing when not to fight.

роУроо்рокா (┼Нmp─Б – not guarding, neglecting, failing to avoid)

ЁЯСЙ If you fail to protect yourself by being rash, the result is destruction. The negation adds force: neglect leads to downfall.

рооெро▓ிропாро░் (meliy─Бr – the weak, powerless, vulnerable)

ЁЯСЙ Not just physically weak, but those without power, status, or support. This is the contrast image against "ро╡ро▓ிропாро░்".

рооேро▓் (m─Уl – upon, towards, against, over)

ЁЯСЙ Indicates direction of action: aggression directed "upon" the weak is condemned. The word also implies “superiority exercised wrongly.”

рооேроХ (m─Уka – excessive, overbearing, unjust, cruel)

ЁЯСЙ This is crucial. “рооேроХ” is not just "opposition," but excessive, arrogant, merciless aggression. The word injects a moral judgment—oppression, bullying.

рокроХை (pagai – enmity, hostility, feud)

ЁЯСЙ Not mere disagreement, but sustained enmity. It’s an enduring hostility that corrodes both parties, but especially shameful when directed at the powerless.

Summary in Style

ро╡ро▓ிропாро░்роХ்роХு → Don’t challenge the powerful lightly.

рооாро▒்ро▒ு + роПро▒்ро▒ро▓் → Opposition means full-scale confrontation, not casual difference.

роУроо்рокுроХ → Protect yourself by restraint.

роУроо்рокா → Neglect brings disaster.

рооெро▓ிропாро░் → The powerless deserve care, not hostility.

рооேро▓் + рооேроХ → Aggression towards the weak is abuse of power.

рокроХை → Hostility is never noble when directed at the weak.

Contextual Understanding — Why, Where, What, When, How?

Why this order?
Tiruvalluvar begins with the powerful (“ро╡ро▓ிропாро░்”)—a natural instinct for self-preservation. Then he contrasts it with the weak (“рооெро▓ிропாро░்”), stressing morality. The order is deliberate: first prudence (don’t oppose the strong), then justice (don’t harm the weak).

Repetition & symmetry:
"роУроо்рокுроХ / роУроо்рокா" → wordplay: preserve vs. neglect. The echo reinforces the contrast of wise restraint vs. reckless arrogance.

Image / metaphor:
"ро╡ро▓ிропாро░்" and "рооெро▓ிропாро░்" are archetypes: the lion and the lamb. The metaphor is clear—pick battles wisely, never prey on the helpless.

Adjectives / qualifiers:
“рооேроХ” before “рокроХை” adds weight. It’s not just enmity—it’s excessive and unjustified. Valluvar qualifies hostility: against the weak, it becomes cruelty.

When / where context?
In governance, leadership, or war strategy—this is practical advice. A ruler, general, or even a common man must know:

When facing the strong → Avoid reckless confrontation.

When facing the weak → Never abuse your position.

How it applies:
It’s both strategic wisdom and ethical principle. Strategy: Avoid needless self-destruction. Ethics: Do not oppress the vulnerable.

ЁЯУЭ рокொро┤ிрок்рокுро░ை - Full Meaning

рооுро┤ுрок்рокொро░ுро│் — Full Meaning in Tamil

ро╡ро▓ிрооை рооிроХ்роХро╡ро░்роХро│ுроХ்роХு роОродிро░ாроХроЪ் роЪெро▓்ро╡родு роОрой்рокродு роЪாродாро░рог рооுро░рог்рокாроЯு роЕро▓்ро▓; роЕродு роиேро░роЯிропாрой рооோродро▓ாроХ рооாро▒ுроо். роЕрод்родроХைроп рооோродро▓ிро▓் рокро▓ро╡ீройро░ுроХ்роХு роЗро┤рок்рокு роЙро▒ுродி. роЖроХைропாро▓் “ро╡ро▓ிропாро░்роХ்роХு рооாро▒ேро▒்ро▒ро▓் роУроо்рокுроХ” роОрой்ро▒ு ро╡ро│்ро│ுро╡ро░் роОроЪ்роЪро░ிроХ்роХிро▒ாро░்—роЕродாро╡родு ро╡ро▓ிрооை рооிроХ்роХро╡ро░ோроЯு рокроХை роХொро│்ро│ாрооро▓், родрой்ройைропுроо் родрой் роиாроЯ்роЯைропுроо் роХாрок்рокாро▒்ро▒ிроХ் роХொро│்ро│ுроо் роЕро▒ிро╡ை роХроЯைрокிроЯிроХ்роХ ро╡ேрог்роЯுроо்.

роЕродே роиேро░род்родிро▓், родрой்ройிроЯроо் ро╡ро▓ிрооை роЗро░ுроХ்роХிро▒родு роОрой்рокродро▒்роХாроХ рооெро▓ிрои்родро╡ро░்рооீродு рокроХை роХொро│்ро╡родு рооிроХுрои்род роЗро┤ிро╡ு. “роУроо்рокா рооெро▓ிропாро░் рооேро▓் рооேроХ рокроХை” роОройுроо் роЕроЯிропிро▓், ро╡ро▓ிрооை роЙро│்ро│ро╡рой் рокро▓ро╡ீройро░்рооீродு роХாроЯ்роЯுроо் рокроХை рооேроХрод்родிрой் роХொроЯுрооைропைрок் рокோрой்ро▒родு: роЕродிроХ рооро┤ை рокெроп்родாро▓ுроо் роЕро┤ிро╡ு, рооро┤ை роЗро▓்ро▓ாрооро▓் ро╡ро▒роЯ்роЪிропாроХ роЗро░ுрои்родாро▓ுроо் роЕро┤ிро╡ு. роЕродுрокோро▓ рокро▓ро╡ீройро░ை роТроЯுроХ்роХுро╡родு роЪрооூроХрод்родைропுроо், роиாроЯ்роЯைропுроо் роЕро┤ிро╡ுроХ்роХு роХொрог்роЯு роЪெро▓்роХிро▒родு.

роЖроХ, роЗрои்родроХ் роХுро▒ро│் роТро░ே роиேро░род்родிро▓் роЗро░ு роЕро▒ிро╡ுро░ைроХро│ை родро░ுроХிро▒родு: ро╡ро▓ிропாро░்рооீродு рокроХைропைрод் родро╡ிро░்род்родு рокுрод்родிроЪாро▓ிрод்родройрооாроХ роироЯрои்родு роХொро│்ро│ுродро▓் роОрой்рокродு роЕро░роЪройிрой் роЕро░роЪிропро▓் роЕро▒ிро╡ு; рооெро▓ிропாро░்рооீродு рокроХை роХொро│்ро│ாрооро▓் роХро░ுрогைропுроЯрой் роироЯрои்родு роХொро│்ро│ுродро▓் роОрой்рокродு роЕро░роЪройிрой் роТро┤ுроХ்роХ роиெро▒ி. родро▓ைрооைроЪ் роЪிро▒рок்рокு роОрой்рокродு роЪрог்роЯைропிро▓ுроо் ро╡ெро▒்ро▒ிропிро▓ுроо் роЗро▓்ро▓ை; рокроХைропை роЕроЯроХ்роХி роЕрооைродிропை роиிро▓ைроиாроЯ்роЯுро╡родிро▓ுроо், ро╡ро▓ிрооைропைрок் рокропрой்рокроЯுрод்родுроо் роЪроороиிро▓ைропிро▓ுроо் роЗро░ுроХ்роХிро▒родு.

рооро▒்ро▒ роЙро░ைроХро│் — Interpretations by Other Tamil Commentators

рокро░ிрооேро▓ро┤роХро░் роЙро░ை

ро╡ро▓ிропாро░்роХ்роХு рооாро▒ு роПро▒்ро▒ро▓் роТрок்рокுроХ - родроо்рооிрой் ро╡ро▓ிропாро░்роХ்роХுрок் рокроХைропாроп் роОродிро░்родро▓ை роТро┤ிроХ, рооெро▓ிропாро░்рооேро▓் рокроХை роУроо்рокா рооேроХ - роПройை рооெро▓ிропாро░்роХ்роХுрок் рокроХைропாродро▓ை роТро┤ிропாродு ро╡ிро░ுроо்рокுроХ. 

ро╡ிро│роХ்роХроо் 
('ро╡ро▓ிропாро░்' роОрой்рокுро┤ிрод் родுрогை ро╡ро▓ிропுроо் роЕроЯроЩ்роХро▓ிрой், 'рооெро▓ிропாро░்' роОрой்рокுро┤ிрод் родுрогை ро╡ро▓ிропிрой்рооைропுроо் роХொро│்ро│рок்рокроЯுроо். роЕрод்родுрогைродாрой் рокроЯை рокொро░ுро│் рооுродро▓ிроп ро╡ேро▒்ро▒ுрооைрод் родுрогைропுроо், роиро▓்ро▓ро▒ிро╡ுроЯைрооை роиீродிроиூро▓்ро╡ро┤ி роТро┤ுроХро▓் рооுродро▓ிроп роТро▒்ро▒ுрооைрод் родுрогைропுроо் роОрой роЗро░рог்роЯாроо். роЕро╡்ро╡ிро░рог்роЯுроо் роЗро▓்ро▓ாро░ை ро╡ெро▓்ро╡ாро░்роХ்роХு ро╡ро▓ி родொро▓ைропாрооைропிрой், роЕро╡ро░ோроЯு рокроХைрод்родро▓் ро╡ிродிроХ்роХрок்рокроЯ்роЯродு. роЪிроЩ்роХ роиோроХ்роХாроХிроп роЗродройுро│் рокроХை рооாроЯ்роЪி рокொродுро╡роХைропாро▓் роХூро▒рок்рокроЯ்роЯродு.)

роорогроХ்роХுроЯро╡ро░் роЙро░ை

родроо்рооிрой் ро╡ро▓ிропாро░்роХ்роХுрок் рокроХைропா ропெродிро░்родро▓ைрод் родро╡ிро░்роХ: родроо்рооைрок் рокோро▒்ро▒ாрод роОро│ிропாро░்рооாроЯ்роЯுрок் рокроХைроХோроЯро▓ை рооேро╡ுроХ. роЗродு родройроХ்роХு роОро│ிропாро░ோроЯு рокроХை роХோроЯро▓ாрооெрой்ро▒родு. 

рооு.ро╡ро░родро░ாроЪройாро░் роЙро░ை

родроо்рооை ро╡ிроЯ ро╡ро▓ிропро╡ро░்роХ்роХு рооாро▒ுрокроЯ்роЯு роОродிро░்род்родро▓ை ро╡ிроЯ ро╡ேрог்роЯுроо், родроо்рооை ро╡ிроЯ рооெро▓ிропро╡ро░் рооேро▓் рокроХைроХ் роХொро│்ро╡родை ро╡ிроЯாрооро▓் ро╡ிро░ுроо்рокி рооேро▒்роХொро│்ро│ ро╡ேрог்роЯுроо்

роЪாро▓роорой் рокாрок்рокைропா роЙро░ை

рокроХைро╡ро░் роироо்рооிро▓ுроо் ро╡ро▓ிропро░் роОрой்ро▒ாро▓் роЕро╡ро░ை роОродிро░்рок்родைрод் родро╡ிро░்род்родு ро╡ிроЯுроХ; рооெро▓ிропро░் роОрой்ро▒ாро▓் роЙроЯройே роОродிро░்род்родுроЪ் роЪெро▓்роХ.

рокுро▓ிропூро░்роХ் роХேроЪிроХрой் роЙро░ை

родроо்рооை ро╡ிроЯ ро╡ро▓ிропро╡ро░ுроХ்роХுрок் рокроХைропாроХி роЕро╡ро░ை роОродிро░்род்родро▓ைроХ் роХைро╡ிроЯро▓் ро╡ேрог்роЯுроо்; родроо்рооிройுроо் рооெро▓ிропро╡ро░ுроХ்роХுрок் рокроХைропாро╡родை ро╡ிроЯாрооро▓் роХொро│்ро╡родро▒்роХு ро╡ிро░ுроо்рок ро╡ேрог்роЯுроо்

роХுро▒ро│ுроо் рокொро░ுро│ுроо் - рокா.ро░ாроХро╡рой் роЙро░ை

роЕро╡ройிро╡рой் рокроХ்роХроЩ்роХро│் - роЕро╖ோроХ் роЪுрок்ро░роорогிропрой் роЙро░ை

ропாрой் родрооிро┤் роХாрогொро│ி

рооேро▓ுроо்/More 

роЮா. родேро╡роиேропрок் рокாро╡ாрогро░் роЙро░ை
ро╡ро▓ிропாро░்роХ்роХு рооாро▒ு роПро▒்ро▒ро▓் роУроо்рокுроХ- родроо்рооிройுроо் ро╡ро▓ிропாро░்роХ்роХுрок் рокроХைропாропெродிро░்род்родро▓ைрод் родро╡ிро░்роХ; рооெро▓ிропாро░்рооேро▓் рокроХை роУроо்рокா рооேроХ- рооро▒்ро▒ рооெро▓ிропாро░்роХ்роХுрок் рокроХைропாродро▓ைрод் родро╡ிро░ாродு ро╡ிро░ுроо்рокுроХ.

родுрогைро╡ро▓ிропுроЯைрооைропாро▓் рооெро▓ிропாро░் ро╡ро▓ிропாро░ாродро▓ுроо் роЕроГродிрой்рооைропாро▓் ро╡ро▓ிропாро░் рооெро▓ிропாро░ாродро▓ுроо் роЙрог்рооைропாро▓், рооெро▓ிропாро░் роОрой்ройுрооிроЯрод்родுрод் родுрогைро╡ро▓ிропிрой்рооைропுроЩ் роХொро│்ро│рок்рокроЯுроо்.

роЗродு рокொро░ுроЯ்рокாро▓ாродро▓ாро▓ுроо், "ро╡ிройைропே роЖроЯро╡ро░்роХ்роХுропிро░ே" (роХுро▒ுрои். 135) роОрой்рокродாро▓ுроо் , ро╡рогிроХро░் рокொро░ுро│ீроЯ்роЯுроо் ро╡ிройை рокோрой்ро▒ே роЕро░роЪро░் рокிро▒роиாроЯுроХро│ைроХ் роХைрок்рокро▒்ро▒роЪ் роЪெроп்ропுроо் рокோро░் ро╡ிройைропுроо் роЕро╡ро░் роХроЯрооைропாроХрок் рокрог்роЯைроХ் роХாро▓род்родிро▒் роХро░ுродрок்рокроЯ்роЯродிройாро▓ுроо், "рооெро▓ிропாро░் рооேро▓் рооேроХ рокроХை" роОрой்ро▒ாро░். рооேро▓ுроо், роЗроЩ்роЩройроо் ро╡ро▓ிропрок் рокோро░்роХ்роХுроЪ் роЪெро▓்ро▓ுродро▓ோроЯு,

'роОроЮ்роЪா роорог்роироЪை ро╡ேрои்родройை ро╡ேрои்родрой் 
роЕроЮ்роЪுродроХрод் родро▓ைроЪ்роЪெрой் ро▒роЯро▓்роХுро▒ிрод் родрой்ро▒ே

(родொро▓். 1008)
"рооைрои்родுрокொро░ு ро│ாроХ ро╡рои்род ро╡ேрои்родройைроЪ் 
роЪெрой்ро▒ுродро▓ை ропро┤ிроХ்роХுроЮ் роЪிро▒рок்рокிро▒் ро▒ெрой்рок"

(родொро▓். 1009)

роОрой்ро▒ рооுро▒ைрок்рокроЯி ро╡рои்род рокோро░ை ро╡ிроЯாрооைропுроо் роЕро╡ро░் роХроЯрооைропாропிро▒்ро▒ு.

ропோроХிро░ாроЬ் ро╡ேродாрод்родிро░ி роороХро░ிро╖ி ро╡ிро│роХ்роХроо்
роТро░ு роиாроЯ்роЯை роЖроЯ்роЪி рокுро░ிропுроо் роЕро░роЪройுроХ்роХு, рооро▒்ро▒ роиாроЯ்роЯро░роЪро░்роХро│ிроЯроо் рокроХை роПро▒்рокроЯுро╡родு роЗропро▓்рокு. рокроХை роПро▒்рокроЯாрооро▓் роХாрок்рокродுроо், рокроХை роПро▒்рокроЯ்роЯ рокிро▒роХுроо் роЕродை родро╡ிро░்рок்рокродுроо் роЪிрои்родройைропро▒ிро╡ு рооிроХ்роХ роЕро░роЪрой் родроХைрооைропாроХுроо். роЗродைропே рокроХைрооாроЯ்роЪி роОрой்ро▒ு роХро░ுродрок்рокроЯுроХிро▒родு. рооுро░роЯ்роЯுрод்родройрод்родாро▓ோ, рокிроЯிро╡ாродрод்родாро▓ோ рокроХை ро╡ро│ро░்рок்рокродுроо், рокோро░ுроХ்роХு ро╡ிрод்родிроЯுро╡родுроо் родро╡ிро░்роХ்роХ ро╡ேрог்роЯுроо் роОрой்ро▒ роЕро▒ிро╡ுро░ைропை

ро╡ро▓ிропாро░்роХ்роХு рооாро▒ேро▒்ро▒ро▓் роУроо்рокுроХ роУроо்рокா
рооெро▓ிропாро░்рооேро▓் рооேроХ рокроХை.

роОрой்ро▒ роХுро▒ро│் рооூро▓роо் родிро░ுро╡ро│்ро│ுро╡ро░் ро╡ро┤роЩ்роХுроХிро▒ாро░்.

роЗро░ு роЕро░роЪро░்роХро│ிроЯைропே роПродோ роХாро░рогрод்родாро▓் рокроХைропுрогро░்ро╡ு родோрой்ро▒ி ро╡ிроЯ்роЯродு. роЗрок்рокроХை ро╡ро│ро░்рои்родாро▓் роОрой்рой роЖроХுроо். ро╡ро▓ிро╡ு роХுро▒ைрои்родро╡ройை ро╡ро▓ிро╡ு рооிроХ்роХро╡рой் ро╡ீро┤்род்родி ро╡ெро▒்ро▒ி роХொро│்ро╡ாрой். рооெро▓ிрои்род роЕро░роЪройுроо், роХுроЯி роороХ்роХро│ுроо் роЪீро░ро┤ிрои்родு ро╡ிроЯுро╡ாро░்роХро│். роЕрои்роиாроЯுроо் ро╡ீро┤்роЪ்роЪிропроЯைропுроо்; роЗродு родிрог்рогроо். родрой் ро╡ро▓ிропுроо், роОродிро░ி ро╡ро▓ிро╡ுроо் роЙрогро░்роЪ்роЪிро╡ропроо் роиீроЩ்роХி ро╡ிро░ிрои்род роХрог்рогோроЯ்роЯрод்родிро▓் роТро░ுро╡рой் роирой்ро▒ாроХ ропூроХிрод்родு роЙрогро░்рои்родு роХொро│்ро│ рооுроЯிропுроо்.

роОродிро░ி ро╡ро▓ிро╡ு рооிроХ்роХро╡рой் роОрой்ро▒ு родெро│ிро╡ாроХ роЙрогро░்рои்родрокிрой் рооெро▓ிрои்родро╡рой் роОрой்рой роЪெроп்роп ро╡ேрог்роЯுроо் ? роОродிро░ி ро╡ро▓ிропைрок் рокாро░ாроЯ்роЯி роЕро╡ройுроХ்роХுрок் рокрогிрои்родு роЪрооро░роЪроо் роЪெроп்родு роЕрооைродி роХாроХ்роХ ро╡ேрог்роЯுроо். роЗродройைропே ро╡ро▓ிропாро░்роХ்роХு рооாро▒ேро▒்ро▒ро▓் роУроо்рокுроХ роОрой்ро▒ роЕроЯிропிро▓் роХூро▒рок்рокроЯுроХிро▒родு.

роЕро╡்ро╡ாро▒ு ро╡ро▓ிропро╡ройிроЯроо் роЕро╡рой் роиிро▓ைропை рокாро░ாроЯ்роЯி роЙропро░்ро╡ை роТрок்рокுроХ்роХொрог்роЯு рокрогிрои்родு рокோроХாро╡ிроЯ்роЯாро▓் роОрой்рой ро╡ிро│ைро╡ு роПро▒்рокроЯுроо் роОрой்ро▒ு роЕроЯுрод்род роЕроЯிропாроХ "роУроо்рокா рооெро▓ிропாро░் рооேро▓்рооேроХ рокроХை" роОрой்ро▒ு роХூро▒ுроХிро▒ாро░். рооேроХроо் рокроХைрод்родாро▓் роОрой்ройро╡ாроХுроо் ? роЕродிроХрооாроХ рокேроп்рои்родுроо் роХெроЯுроХ்роХுроо் роЕро▓்ро▓родு рооро┤ைропே рокொро┤ிропாрооро▓் роХாроп்рои்родுроо் роХெроЯுроХ்роХுроо். рооேроХрок்рокроХைропாро▓் роиாроЯு рокро▓்ро╡ро│роЩ்роХро│ைропுроо் роЗро┤рои்родு роЪீро░் роХெроЯுроо். 

роЕродு рокோро▓ ро╡ро▓ிро╡ுро│்ро│ роиாроЯ்роЯோроЯு, роЕро░роЪройோроЯு роЕро▓்ро▓родு рооройிродройோроЯு рокроХை роОро┤ுрои்родு, роЕрок்рокроХை рокрогிрои்родு рокோроХுроо் рооுро▒ைропாро▓் роЪрооро░роЪроо் роЪெроп்родு роХொро│்ро│рок்рокроЯாро╡ிроЯ்роЯாро▓், роОрок்рокோродுроо் роЕродு роЕроЪ்роЪрод்родை ро╡ிро│ைрод்родுроХ் роХொрог்роЯே роЗро░ுроХ்роХுроо். роЕро┤ிро╡ைропுроо் родро░ுроо் роОрой்ро▒ு роОроЪ்роЪро░ிрок்рокродே роЗроХ்роХுро▒ро│ிрой் роХро░ுрод்родாроХுроо். роЪрои்родро░்рок்рок ро╡роЪрод்родாро▓் роТро░ு рооெро▓ிрои்родро╡рой் ро╡ெро▒்ро▒ி роХொрог்роЯாро▓ுроо் роЕродு роиிро▓ைроХ்роХாродு. 

родொроЯро░்рои்родு рокிрой் ро╡ிро│ைро╡ாроХрод் родுрой்рокрод்родைрод் родро░ро╡ро▓்ро▓родு. рокроХை рооிроХுрои்родு рокோро░் роОро┤ுрои்родு, рооெро▓ிрои்родро╡рой் ро╡ெро▒்ро▒ி роХொрог்роЯாро▓ுроо், рокிрой்ройро░் роОро┤ро╡ிро░ுроХ்роХுроо் родொроЯро░் рокроХைропாро▓் родீрооைропுрог்роЯாроо், родோро▓்ро╡ிроХрог்роЯாро▓ுроо் роЗро┤рок்рокேропாроо். 

рооро┤ை роЕродிроХрооாроХрок் рокெроп்родாро▓ுроо், рокெроп்ропாрооро▓ே роХாроп்рои்родு ро╡ிроЯ்роЯாро▓ுроо் ро╡ிро│ைро╡ு родீрооைропேропாроХுроо் роОрой்ро▒ு рооேроХрок்рокроХைропெрой்ро▒ு роЙро╡рооை роХூро▒ுроХிро▒ாро░், роОроЪ்роЪро░ிрод்родுроо் роЕро▒ிро╡ுро▒ுрод்родுроХிро▒ாро░் ро╡ро│்ро│ுро╡ро░். 

ро╡ро▓ிропро╡ро░் рооுрой் рокрогிро╡ு роХாроЯ்роЯро▓் роЗро┤ிро╡ு роЖроХாродு. ро╡ிро│ைро╡ро▒ிрои்род ро╡ிро┤ிрок்рокிро▓் рокிрой்рокро▒்ро▒рок்рокроЯுроо் роТро░ு роЪிро▒рои்род роиெро▒ிропே роЖроХுроо். роОройро╡ே роЗродு рооெро▓ிропாро░்роХ்роХு роХூро▒ிропுро│்ро│ рокொродுро╡ாрой роЕро▒ிро╡ுро░ை.

Comprehensive English Meaning & Poetic Rendering

A wise person should exercise caution when dealing with the powerful. To “oppose” them is not a small matter—it means to actively take a stand, to confront, and to risk serious consequences. Tiruvalluvar advises that one must protect oneself, guard one’s purpose, and know when restraint is the better part of strength. Recklessly challenging those who hold power can destroy both individual and cause, for the imbalance of strength makes such resistance futile.

On the other hand, the same principle of restraint must not be turned into cowardice or cruelty when dealing with the weak. It is unjust and ignoble to direct hostility against those who lack power or means to defend themselves. By using the word “рооேроХ” (excessive, overbearing), Valluvar makes it clear that such enmity is not mere opposition but oppression—a shameful abuse of advantage. Hostility towards the powerless brings no honor; instead, it exposes the smallness of the one who inflicts it.

Thus, true wisdom lies in a balance: prudence before the strong, compassion before the weak. Leadership, governance, and even personal conduct are guided by this principle. One should never waste strength in reckless battles nor misuse strength in oppressive ways. By restraining oneself where resistance is dangerous, and by refusing to harm those who are vulnerable, a person secures both safety and moral greatness.

Poetic Rendering 

Against the strong, restrain your hand,
For rash defiance none can stand;
But never turn your power to hate,
Upon the weak—it shames the great.

ЁЯУЪЁЯФн роЪிрои்родройைро╡ெро│ி - Global Parallels 

родрооிро┤் роЗро▓роХ்роХிропроЪ் роЪெро▓்ро╡роо் - роТрок்рокுрооை — Parallels in Other Tamil Literary Works:

”рооிроХ்роХுроЯைропாро░் роЖроХி рооிроХроородிроХ்роХрок் рокроЯ்роЯாро░ை
роТро▒்роХрок் рокроЯрооுропро▒ро▓் роОрой்ро▒ро▓் роЗро┤ுроХ்роХாроХுроо்
роиро▒்роХெро│ி родாроХி ро╡ிроЯிройுроо் роиро│ிро╡ро░ைрооேро▓்
роХро▒்роХிро│்ро│ிроХ் роХைропுроп்рои்родாро░் роЗро▓்” (рокро┤рооொро┤ி 36)

‘роЖро▒்ро▒рок் рокெро░ிропாро░் рокроХைро╡ேрог்роЯிроХ் роХொро│்ро│ро▒்роХ
рокோро▒்ро▒ாродு роХொрог்роЯро░роХ்роХрой் рокோро░ிрой் роЕроХрок்рокроЯ்роЯாрой்
роиோро▒்ро▒ рокெро░ுрооை ропுроЯைропாро░ுроо் роХூро▒்ро▒ிрой்
рокுро▒роо்роХொроо்рооை роХொроЯ்роЯிройாро░் роЗро▓்” (рокро┤рооொро┤ி 126)

“ро╡ро▓ிропாро░ைроХ் роХрог்роЯроХ்роХாро▓் ро╡ாроп்ро╡ாро│ா ро░ாроХி
рооெро▓ிропாро░ை рооீродூро░ுроо் рооேрой்рооை ропுроЯைрооை” (рокро┤рооொро┤ி 157)

“роЕрооро░்роиிрой்ро▒ рокோро┤்родிрой்роХрог் роЖро▒்ро▒ுро╡ா ро░ேройுроо்
роиிроХро░ொрой்ро▒ிрой் рооேро▓்ро╡ிроЯுродро▓் роПродроо்...
роХро▓்ро▓ொроЯு роХைроОро▒ிропு рооாро▒ு” (рокро┤рооொро┤ி 382)

Parallels from World Thought:

  • Aristotle – Politics
    • “He who has never learned to obey cannot be a good commander.”
    • Meaning: Recognizing power dynamics is essential for survival and leadership.

  • Sun Tzu – The Art of War
    • “He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.”
    • Meaning: Strategic restraint before the strong is wisdom, not weakness.

  • Marcus Aurelius – Meditations
    • “The best revenge is not to be like your enemy.”
    • Meaning: Do not imitate cruelty; showing mercy to the weak is true greatness.

  • Peter Drucker – Management: Tasks, Responsibilities, Practices
    • “The most serious mistakes are not being made as a result of wrong answers. The truly dangerous thing is asking the wrong question.”
    • Meaning: Leaders must judge context; reckless conflict with the powerful is the wrong battle, bullying the weak is the wrong use of strength.

  • Warren Buffett – Business Wisdom
    • “If you get into a lousy business, you’re going to get a lousy result.”
    • Meaning: Fighting stronger rivals is self-defeating; survival lies in prudence.

  • Amartya Sen – Development as Freedom
    • “The success of a society is to be evaluated primarily by the freedoms that members of the society enjoy.”
    • Meaning: Power must protect the weak, not exploit them; true leadership nurtures freedom.

ЁЯеБ роОро┤ுрод்родாро│ро░் роЬெропрооோроХройிрой் ро╡ெрог்рооுро░роЪு — Thematic Snippets from Venmurasu

ЁЯза роЕроХрок்рокропрогроо் – Inner Exploration

Scholar’s Questions — Valluvar’s Answers

Universal – How should I deal with people more powerful than me without destroying myself?
Thiruvalluvar: True wisdom lies in knowing when resistance brings ruin; survival is secured through prudence, not reckless defiance.

Universal – What is the right way to treat those weaker than me?
Thiruvalluvar: Strength turns noble only when it shields the vulnerable; cruelty towards the weak is the surest fall of honor.

Universal – Is avoiding conflict cowardice or wisdom?
Thiruvalluvar: Restraint before the mighty is not cowardice but foresight—the courage to choose battles that truly matter.

Scholar (Leadership) – How do leaders balance prudence with rivals and compassion with followers?
Thiruvalluvar: A leader earns trust by guarding against stronger foes with care, and by lifting the weak with kindness, never oppression.

Scholar (Management) – How should managers decide which battles to fight and which to avoid?
Thiruvalluvar: Discernment is key—oppose only where success sustains, retreat where power overwhelms, and never exploit subordinates.

Scholar (Politics) – When should nations negotiate with stronger powers and how should they treat weaker allies?
Thiruvalluvar: States thrive by tact before the powerful and justice toward the powerless; empire endures through balance, not aggression.

Scholar (Business) – How can small firms survive against giants without being crushed, and avoid exploiting smaller players?
Thiruvalluvar: Compete wisely, avoid wasteful duels with giants, and build strength by fairness with smaller partners—this ensures resilience.

Scholar (Stoic) – How does one restrain anger and choose justice over cruelty in unequal relationships?
Thiruvalluvar: Mastery lies in governing the self—anger towards the strong destroys, while cruelty toward the weak degrades the soul.

Scholar (Aristotle) – How can recognizing hierarchy in strength help sustain harmony?
Thiruvalluvar: Social order rests in balance—respecting power above while protecting weakness below sustains the fabric of justice.

Scholar (Risk Management) – How can we mitigate risks of conflict with stronger opponents while preventing harm to the vulnerable?
Thiruvalluvar: Avoid reckless exposure to greater threats, and direct strength towards protection, not exploitation—the dual shield of wisdom.

Thiruvalluvar: Prudence with the strong and compassion for the weak form the twin pillars of true wisdom; strength untempered by mercy or foresight becomes its own downfall.

ЁЯза Think With Me — Questions for Curious Young Minds (Ages 13–21)

  1. Have you ever been in a situation where arguing with someone stronger (like an older sibling, teacher, or coach) made things worse?
    This helps you reflect on when silence or patience can be smarter than confrontation.

  2. Can you think of a time when you had power over someone weaker (a younger kid, or even a pet)? How did you treat them?
    This builds empathy by helping you see strength as responsibility, not dominance.

  3. If you had to choose between fighting a stronger opponent or helping a weaker one, which would make you feel more respected in the long run?
    This turns reflection toward values of honor, wisdom, and lasting respect.

ЁЯМ┐ роХродைроХро│் - Stories

Story The Wise Captain and the Mighty River


Once upon a time, there was a small village beside a huge river. The villagers wanted to cross the river, but its currents were strong and dangerous. One day, a young, clever captain came along. Instead of challenging the river directly, he observed its patterns carefully and built bridges where it was safe.

Meanwhile, there were smaller streams where the villagers were careless and often slipped. The captain taught them to walk gently, help each other, and never underestimate the currents. Some villagers tried to cross the strongest parts by themselves and fell, learning the hard way. Others followed the captain’s guidance and reached the other side safely.

The captain also warned: “Do not fight the river, and do not harm those weaker than you.” Over time, the villagers realized that respecting power and helping the vulnerable created harmony and safety.

Moral (Essence of the story):

True wisdom is knowing when to avoid conflict and when to protect the weak. Strength guided by prudence and kindness preserves life and community.

Connection to Everyday Life

In work, family, or society, we face powerful people, difficult situations, or weaker ones who need our care. Acting with strategy and compassion leads to lasting success and trust.

ЁЯМЩ Bedtime Story: The Little Cloud and the Tiny Tree


Once there was a little cloud that could make rain. Below, a tiny tree swayed in the wind. Some days, the cloud rained too much and the tree bent. Other days, it didn’t rain at all, and the tree drooped.

One day, the cloud asked a wise bird, “How can I help the tree without hurting it?” The bird said, “Give just enough rain and watch carefully.” The cloud learned to be gentle, giving rain only what the tree needed. Soon, the tiny tree grew strong and happy.

Moral (Essence of the story):

Don’t hurt the weak and don’t challenge the strong foolishly; kindness and care make everyone grow.

Connection to Everyday Life

Even small acts of patience and care—helping a friend, listening, or guiding someone—can make a big difference every day.

ЁЯЫа️роироЯைрооுро▒ை - Practical Tools

Wisdom becomes powerful only when lived. This section offers simple, actionable ways to apply the kural’s insight in daily life.

Tool 1 – Strategic Restraint (Leadership & Risk Management)

  • What: Learn to avoid direct confrontation with stronger forces.
  • How:
    • Assess risks before reacting.
    • Ask: “Is this battle worth the cost?”
    • Use diplomacy or alliances instead of aggression.
  • Impact: Builds survival, resilience, and earns respect for wise judgment.

Tool 2 – Compassionate Authority (Team & Relationships)

  • What: Use power to protect, not dominate.
  • How:
    • Support weaker voices in meetings.
    • Share credit with junior teammates.
    • Correct with kindness, not humiliation.
  • Impact: Creates loyalty, harmony, and a culture of trust.

Tool 3 – Conflict Selection Framework (Business & Management)

  • What: Choose wisely which conflicts to engage in.
  • How:
    • Classify issues: Critical vs. Non-critical.
    • Confront equals, negotiate with stronger, uplift weaker.
    • Use data-driven decision-making before investing energy.
  • Impact: Saves resources, avoids burnout, and ensures focus on meaningful goals.

Tool 4 – Ethical Communication (Family & Social)

  • What: Shape conversations to balance respect and care.
  • How:
    • With elders/superiors: show restraint, frame points respectfully.
    • With juniors/children: listen, encourage, guide gently.
    • Practice tone-control in heated talks.
  • Impact: Builds bridges across power gaps, prevents escalation.

Tool 5 (Philosophical/Self) – Power as Responsibility

  • What: Redefine strength as the ability to protect, not to destroy.
  • How:
    • Reflect daily: “Did I use my power today to protect or to harm?”
    • Journal about one act of mercy you practiced.
    • Cultivate humility by recognizing your own weaknesses.
  • Impact: Strength becomes a moral compass, not an ego weapon.

2 Micro Practices (Daily)

  • Pause & Scan: Before reacting in conflict, take 3 deep breaths and ask, “Am I facing the strong or the weak?” – adjust action accordingly.
  • One Act of Protection: Do one small deed each day to support someone weaker—mentoring, listening, or even standing up for them.

ЁЯМ╕ЁЯзРЁЯТОЁЯФН роиுроЯ்рокрод்родிрой் роЗродро┤்роХро│் — Petals of Subtle Insight (Applications in Today’s World)

Like petals of a flower, each kural opens to many meanings—this section shows its relevance through different lenses today. It’s about breadth of meaning, showing readers the range of modern applications of the kural. 

Category: Leadership & Governance
Theme: Prudence and compassion as pillars of effective leadership.
Why: The Kural advises rulers (leaders) to balance strategy with ethics—avoiding destructive conflict while protecting the weak.

Category: Risk Management & Strategy
Theme: Choosing battles wisely and mitigating unnecessary risks.
Why: It speaks to avoiding direct confrontation with stronger forces and maintaining long-term stability.

Category: Emotional Intelligence & Ethics
Theme: Balancing assertiveness with empathy.
Why: Demonstrates the moral duty of those in power to act with care toward weaker individuals.

Category: Business & Entrepreneurship
Theme: Strategic competition with larger players while protecting smaller stakeholders.
Why: Applies to firms navigating competitive markets ethically and intelligently.

Category: Personal Development & Self-Mastery
Theme: Self-restraint, prudence, and wise action.
Why: Encourages individuals to choose actions carefully and cultivate compassion in daily life.

Category: Family & Relationships
Theme: Balancing authority and care in relationships.
Why: Guides parents, siblings, and friends in handling conflicts and supporting weaker members thoughtfully.

ЁЯМ┐ рооுроХ்родாроп்рок்рокு - Punchline

“ро╡ро▓ிропாро░் рооுрой் рокொро▒ுрооை, рооெро▓ிропாро░்рооேро▓் роЗро░роХ்роХроо் – Prudence with the Strong, Compassion with the Weak.”

True leadership means knowing when not to fight and refusing to harm those who cannot fight back. Strength is noble only when guided by wisdom and mercy.