The Kural · Chapter
LXXIX: Friendship explained
This chapter extols the supreme value of true friendship, describing it as a rare and powerful defense against enemies, akin to the waxing moon in its growth with the worthy.
What happens
This chapter extols the supreme value of true friendship, describing it as a rare and powerful defense against enemies, akin to the waxing moon in its growth with the worthy. It emphasizes that genuine friendship is not about merrymaking but about mutual correction, heart-to-heart union, and steadfast support in misfortune, contrasting it with the shallow alliances of fools.
Themes in this chapter
Social Harmony and Ethics
Friendship is presented as a moral bond that restrains wrongdoing and directs toward right, essential for social cohesion.
Virtue and Righteousness
True friendship is defined by its role in turning one from wrong and supporting in misfortune, aligning with virtuous living.
Characters to notice
- Thiruvalluvar
Author of the Kural, presenting aphorisms on the nature and value of true friendship.
- the Kural
The text itself, which contains the teachings on friendship being quoted and explained.
Key passages
“What is there in the world that is so difficult to acquire as friendship? and what other armour equalleth it as a defence against the machinations of foes?”
Friendship is the rarest and most powerful shield against enemies' schemes.
Opening couplet emphasizing the rarity and protective value of true friendship.
“The object of friendship is not merrymaking: but the restraining and reproving of oneself when one goeth astray.”
The purpose of friendship is not entertainment but moral correction.
Highlights the ethical function of friendship over mere pleasure.
“That man alone is thy friend who turneth thee aside from wrong, directeth thee toward the right, and beareth thee company in misfortune.”
A true friend steers you away from evil, guides you to goodness, and stays with you in hard times.
Defines the threefold duty of a genuine friend.