இரக்கம் எது என்றால் கொலை செய்யாமல் இருப்பதே; இரக்கம் இல்லாதது எது என்றால் கொலை செய்வதே; பாவம் எது என்றால் இறைச்சியைத் தின்பதே

கொல்லாமை அருளுடைமையாகும்; கொல்லுதல் அருளற்ற செயலாகும் எனவே ஊன் அருந்துதல் அறம் ஆகாது

அருள் எது என்றால் ஓர் உயிரையும் கொல்லாமலிருத்தல் அருளல்லாது எது என்றால் உயிர்களைக்கொள்ளுதல் அதன் உடம்பைத் தின்னுதல் அறம் அல்லாதது.

If it be asked what is kindness and what its opposite, the answer would be preservation and destruction of life; and therefore it is not right to feed on the flesh (obtained by taking away life)

This verse from Thirukkural speaks about kindness, its opposite, and the moral implications of taking a life for sustenance. In essence, the Kural states that true kindness is the preservation of life, while its opposite is the destruction of life. Therefore, consuming flesh gained through the taking of a life is not considered virtuous or kind. This verse implies a strong stance towards non-violence and advocates for a vegetarian lifestyle. The Kural urges us to consider the moral implications of our dietary choices, emphasizing the value of all life and the importance of kindness and compassion. It promotes a way of life that minimizes harm to other sentient beings, reflecting a fundamental principle in many spiritual and philosophical traditions. In a broader perspective, the verse could also be interpreted as a call to avoid harm and destruction in our actions and decisions, promoting peace, preservation, and respect for all forms of life.