The Kural · Chapter
XXI: Fear of Evildoing explained
This chapter emphasizes the importance of fearing evil deeds, as they inevitably bring ruin upon the doer.
What happens
This chapter emphasizes the importance of fearing evil deeds, as they inevitably bring ruin upon the doer. It contrasts the foolishness of those who commit sin without fear with the wisdom of the virtuous who abstain from wrongdoing, even toward enemies. The text warns that evil deeds pursue their author like a shadow, leading to destruction, and advises that true security lies in adhering to the straight path.
Themes in this chapter
Karma and Destiny
The chapter stresses that evil deeds inevitably lead to the doer's destruction, illustrating karmic retribution.
Virtue and Righteousness
The text advocates for virtuous conduct, urging abstention from evil even toward enemies.
Characters to notice
- Thiruvalluvar
Author of the Kural, presenting moral teachings on the fear of evildoing.
- the Kural
The text itself, containing the aphorisms on evildoing and its consequences.
Key passages
“The evil fear not the folly called sin: but the worthy flee from it.”
Foolish people are not afraid of committing sin, but virtuous people avoid it.
Contrast between the reckless and the righteous.
“Evil bringeth forth evil: evil therefore shall be feared even more than fire.”
Evil actions produce more evil, so they should be feared more than fire.
Emphasizes the escalating nature of wrongdoing.
“The chiefest wisdom, they say, is to abstain from injury even to an enemy.”
The highest wisdom is to refrain from harming even an enemy.
Advocates for universal non-violence.
“Let not a man compass another’s ruin even by oversight: for Justice will compass the ruin of him that plotteth evil.”
Do not cause another's ruin even accidentally, because justice will destroy the one who plans evil.
Karmic justice is inevitable.
“Let not a man work evil saying, I am poor: for, if he do, he will sink into a lower destitution than before.”
Do not commit evil because of poverty, or you will become even poorer.
Poverty is no excuse for wrongdoing.
“Whoso desireth not to be saddened by ills, let him abstain from doing injury to others.”
If you do not want to suffer, avoid harming others.
Cause and effect in moral conduct.