இறைச்சியைத் தின்னாது இருத்தல் என்னும் அறத்தின்மேல் உயிர்நிலை இருக்கிறது. இதை மீறித் தின்னும் உயிர்களை நரகம் விழுங்கும்; வெளியே விடவும் செய்யாது.

உயிர்களை உணவாக்கிக் கொள்ளச் சகதிக்குழியும் வாய் திறவாது; புலால் உண்ணாதவர்கள் இருப்பதால், பல உயிர்கள் கொல்லப்படாமல் வாழ்கின்றன

உயிர்கள் உடம்பு பெற்று வாழும் நிலைமை, ஊன் உண்ணாதிருத்தலை அடிப்படையாகக் கொண்டது ஊன் உண்டால் நரகம் அவனை வெளிவிடாது.

Not to eat flesh contributes to the continuance of life; therefore if a man eat flesh, hell will not open its mouth (to let him escape out, after he has once fallen in)

Kural 255 is a philosophical verse that highlights the importance of vegetarianism and compassion towards all living beings. The verse suggests that abstaining from consuming meat contributes to the sustainment and continuity of life. It is a call against taking the life of another creature for the sake of one's sustenance. In essence, the verse is promoting the principle of 'Ahimsa' or non-violence, a core tenet found in many Eastern philosophies and religions. It suggests that by choosing not to eat meat, you are indirectly contributing to the preservation of life. On the other hand, the verse warns of the consequences of eating meat. It suggests that if a person consumes meat, they will face severe repercussions in the afterlife. The verse metaphorically states that hell will not let the person escape, symbolizing the severity of the punishment. The three Tamil explanations provided support this interpretation and emphasize different aspects of the verse. The first highlights the negative consequences of meat-eating, the second emphasizes the life-sustaining benefits of abstaining from meat, and the third frames it as a moral duty towards preserving life. Overall, this verse from Thirukkural teaches the value of compassion, non-violence, and respect towards all life forms. It suggests that our dietary choices can have profound spiritual and ethical implications.