Kural 250 | Embrace Compassion



#### Original Verse in Tamil:

வலியார்முன் றன்னை நினைக்க தான் றன்னின்  

மெலியார்மேற் செல்லு மிடத்து


#### Transliteration:

Valiyārmun ṟannai ninaikka tāṉ ṟanniṉ  

Meliyārmēr ceyllu miṭattu


#### Word-by-Word Meaning:

- வலியார் (Valiyār) - Stronger persons

- முன் (Mun) - Before

- தன்னை (Ṭannai) - Oneself

- நினைக்க (Ninaikka) - To think

- தான் (Ṭāṉ) - Oneself

- தன்னின் (Ṭanniṉ) - Oneself's

- மெலியார் (Meliyār) - Weaker persons

- மேல் (Mēr) - Over

- செல்லும் (Ceyllum) - Going

- இடத்து (Iṭattu) - Occasion


#### Translation and Detailed Explanation:

**Translation:**

"Before proceeding against men weaker than oneself, one should ponder about the time when they stood before those more powerful."


**Detailed Explanation:**

This Kural emphasizes the importance of empathy and self-reflection. When one is in a position of power over someone weaker, it is crucial to remember the times when they were vulnerable in front of someone stronger. This reflection should inspire compassion and restraint, preventing one from using their strength unjustly. The essence is to cultivate humility and kindness by recalling one's own experiences of vulnerability.


#### Example/Analogy:

Consider a manager who is about to reprimand a junior employee for a mistake. Before doing so, the manager should remember the times they were new to the job and faced similar mistakes. This memory can guide the manager to approach the situation with empathy, offering guidance instead of harsh punishment.


#### Highlights:

- 🤝 Empathy: Reflect on your own vulnerabilities.

- 🌱 Compassion: Treat the weak with kindness.

- ⚖️ Humility: Recognize the cycle of power dynamics.

- 🧘 Self-reflection: Ponder your past experiences.


#### Inference for Modern Times:

In today's fast-paced world, where competition and success often overshadow compassion, this Kural serves as a powerful reminder to stay grounded and humane. Whether in professional or personal life, understanding the struggles of others through the lens of our own experiences can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment. By embracing empathy and humility, we can build stronger, more resilient communities where power is balanced with kindness and respect.

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