Not doing Evil
Karuththuinnaa Seydhavak Kannum Maruththinnaa / Seyyaamai Maasatraar Kol
Classical English couplet — “Though malice work its worst, planning no ill return, to endure,And work no ill, is fixed decree of men in spirit pure”
What it says in plain words
“Even when someone hurts you out of anger, do not hurt them back. Good character means holding firmly to this choice.”
The classical Tamil reading
ஒருவன் கறுவுகொண்டு துன்பம் செய்த போதிலும் அவனுக்கு திரும்ப துன்பம் செய்யாதிருத்தலே மாசற்றவரின் கொள்கையாகும்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
சினங்கொண்டு சொல்லாலோ செயலாலோ ஒருவன் துன்பம் தரும்போது அந்தத் துன்பத்தை அவனுக்குத் திரும்பச் செய்யாமல் தாங்கிக் கொள்வதே சிறந்த மனிதரின் கொள்கையாகும்
The ethical and philosophical heart
Someone may hurt you through angry words or harmful actions. Their behavior can make you want to hurt them back. This couplet asks you to refuse to return harm. Your own actions can stay kind, even when others are unkind.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- When a friend insults you, you explain your hurt without insulting them.
- Workplace
- When a coworker spreads lies about you, you correct the facts without spreading lies about them.
- Family
- When your brother shouts at you, you answer without cruel words.
- Society
- When a neighbor damages your fence, you seek repairs without damaging theirs.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Before responding to hurt, choose an action that does not hurt back.
- Integrity
- Keep your commitment to avoiding harm, even when someone treats you badly.
- Communication
- Explain what hurt you without using words meant to wound.
- Leadership
- Address harmful behavior without trying to make the person suffer in return.
- Governance
- Handle complaints fairly, without using public power to hurt personal enemies.
For leaders and teams
Show others how to respond without hurting back. Address the problem without making revenge your goal.
Something to sit with
“When someone hurts you today, how could you respond without hurting them back?”