Kural 856 | Overcoming Hatred

**Verse in Tamil:**

இகலின் மிகலினி தென்பவன் வாழ்க்கை  

தவலுங் கெடலு நணித்து

**Transliteration:**

Ikalin mikal ini thenbavan vaalkkai  

Thavalum kedalum naniththu

**Word-by-Word Meaning:**

- **இகல் (Ikal):** Hatred

- **மிகல் (Mikal):** Great delight

- **இனி (Ini):** Delicious/pleasurable

- **தன்பவன் (Thanbavan):** He who considers

- **வாழ்க்கை (Vaalkkai):** Life

- **தவல் (Thaval):** Misery

- **கெடல் (Kedal):** Destruction

- **நணித்து (Naniththu):** Approaching/drawing near

**Translation:**

For all who boast that they take delight in hatred, failure and death are drawing near.

**Detailed Explanation:**

In this verse, Thiruvalluvar speaks about the destructive power of hatred. He emphasizes that those who find joy in harboring enmity, grudge, or hatred towards others are essentially sowing seeds of misery and destruction for themselves. Their delight in hatred will only accelerate the decline and degradation of their life, as hatred corrodes their mind and soul, attracting downfall and calamity.

**Example/Analogy:**

It's like a fruit-bearing tree that produces poisonous fruit. Although it continues to grow and appear fruitful on the outside, it contains a deadly toxin that will eventually destroy anyone who consumes it. In the same way, a person who nurtures hatred might experience temporary satisfaction, but it will ultimately lead to self-ruin.

**Highlights:**

- 🌱 **Hatred:** Nurturing hatred ultimately leads to self-destruction.

- ⚠️ **Misery and Destruction:** Approaching for those who delight in hatred.

- 💭 **Inner Corrosion:** Hatred corrodes the mind and soul, making life miserable.

**Inference for Modern Times:**

In today's world, where social tensions can flare up quickly, this verse provides a timeless lesson. It advises us to let go of grudges and avoid nurturing hatred. In professional and personal life, holding on to enmity only poisons one's peace and productivity, resulting in unnecessary conflicts and stress. Cultivating a mindset of understanding, empathy, and forgiveness is crucial for well-being and harmonious living, while harboring ill will and negativity only attracts trouble.