The Right Sceptre
Iraikaakkum Vaiyakam Ellaam Avanai / Muraikaakkum Muttaach Cheyin
Classical English couplet — “The king all the whole realm of earth protects;And justice guards the king who right respects”
What it says in plain words
“A ruler protects the people under their care. If the ruler stays fair, that fairness protects the ruler too.”
The classical Tamil reading
உலகத்தை எல்லாம் அரசன் காப்பாற்றுவான், நீதிமுறை கெடாதவாறு ஆட்சி செய்வானாயின் அரசனை அந்த முறையே காப்பாற்றும்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
நீதி வழுவாமல் ஓர் அரசு நடைபெற்றால் அந்த அரசை அந்த நீதியே காப்பாற்றும்
The ethical and philosophical heart
A ruler's duty is to keep people safe. The couplet teaches that fairness protects those who lead. At home or work, fair treatment helps people trust their leaders. Leaders protect that trust by following the same rules for everyone.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- You follow the same shared-house rules you ask your roommates to follow.
- Workplace
- A manager listens to both coworkers before settling their disagreement.
- Family
- A parent applies the same household rule to every child.
- Society
- A public official handles complaints fairly, even when friends are involved.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Check whether your choice treats everyone involved fairly.
- Integrity
- Follow fair rules even when they work against your own interests.
- Communication
- Explain the fair rule behind your decision in simple words.
- Leadership
- Protect people's trust by treating them fairly each day.
- Governance
- Apply the law fairly, including when powerful people break it.
For leaders and teams
Protect the people in your care through fair rules and fair treatment. Keep those standards even when doing so is difficult.
Something to sit with
“Where could you be more fair today toward someone who depends on you?”