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Thirukkural-On Virtue-Avoidance Of Killing-Kural 325

Thirukkural, Kural 325
Nilaianji neethaarul ellaam kolaianjik Kollaamai soolvaan thalai

Of all who have taken to renunciation in order to secure release from birth
The one, who shrinks from violence and promotes
Non-killing, is the leader.

The man, who believes in non-killing, plans and organizes a movement to promote it shall be a leader among 'Neethar' – those who have renounced the word after having lived a full and virtuous life as householder. The word "Soolvaan" is extremely suggestive.

It envisages the leader who plans, organizes, directs and controls, like the modern manager, not only for himself but for the society around him. For, according to the poet, there is no defence of the fearful slaughter of animals under any circumstance. The idea, therefore, is one that calls of positive and organized action in pursuance.

This Kural also gives a clue to the concept of 'Neethar' as those, who have lived a full and virtuous life as a householder and only then withdrawn from it, primarily to obtain freedom from the chain of births – (Nilaianji)

"Araneri" gives expression to much the same thought in the following lines:
Konroon nuharum kodumaiyai unninain
thanraeyoliya viduvaanael - enrum

Idukkan enavundo ilvaalkaikullae
Paduthaalum thanaith thavam

(Araneri-61)

Story first published: Tuesday, December 22, 2009, 14:18 [IST]
Read more about: thirukural