Military Spirit
Peraanmai Enpa Tharukanon Rutrakkaal / Ooraanmai Matradhan Eqku
Classical English couplet — “Fierceness in hour of strife heroic greatness shows;Its edge is kindness to our suffering foes”
What it says in plain words
“Standing bravely against an enemy shows great courage. Helping that enemy in trouble shows an even greater courage.”
The classical Tamil reading
பகைவரை எதிர்த்து நிற்க்கும் வீரத்தை மிக்க ஆண்மை என்று கூறுவர், ஒரு துன்பம் வந்த போது பகைவர்க்கும் உதவிச் செய்தலை அந்த ஆண்மையின் கூர்மை என்று கூறுவர்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
பகைவர்க்கு அஞ்சாத வீரம் பெரும் ஆண்மை என்று போற்றப்படும் அந்தப் பகைவர்க்கு ஒரு துன்பம் வரும்போது அதைத் தீர்க்க உதவிடுவது ஆண்மையின் உச்சம் எனப் புகழப்படும்
The ethical and philosophical heart
It takes courage to stand firm against someone who opposes you. But their suffering calls for something more than a fighting spirit. The couplet praises helping even an enemy as courage at its highest. In everyday life, disagreements need not stop us from helping someone in real trouble.
In personal life, work and society
Personal: You call for help when a neighbor you dislike falls outside.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- When someone opposing you faces trouble, consider how you can help.
- Integrity
- Stay willing to help someone in trouble, even during a serious disagreement.
- Communication
- Speak firmly during disagreements, but offer help when the other person is suffering.
- Leadership
- Support a struggling team member, even if they have challenged you.
- Governance
- Give emergency aid to communities in need, including those that oppose your government.
For leaders and teams
Show courage when facing opposition, but help those who oppose you when trouble strikes. Let those you lead see that strength can include kindness.
Something to sit with
“How could you help someone facing trouble despite a disagreement between you?”