பிழையற்ற அறிவினை உடையவர், உயிர் பிரிந்த இறைச்சியை உண்ணமாட்டார்.

மாசற்ற மதியுடையோர், ஓர் உயிரைப் பிரித்து அதன் ஊனை உண்ண மாட்டார்கள்

குற்றத்திலிருந்து நீங்கிய அறிவை உடையவர், ஒர் உயிரினிடத்திலிருந்து பிரிந்து வந்த ஊனை உண்ணமாட்டார்.

The wise, who have freed themselves from mental delusion, will not eat the flesh which has been severed from an animal

Kural 258 discusses the concept of vegetarianism from a philosophical and ethical standpoint. This verse asserts that those who have achieved a state of clarity and wisdom, having rid themselves of mental illusions or delusions, will refrain from consuming meat, which is only obtained by severing it from a living being. In the Tamil cultural and philosophical context, this Kural may be interpreted as an advocacy for ahimsa or non-violence, a principle deeply embedded in many Indian philosophies, which includes not causing harm to other living beings for one's sustenance. The underlying moral principle here is respect for all forms of life and the understanding that each life form has an inherent right to live, which should not be violated for the sake of satiating one's palate. This verse thus promotes compassion, empathy, and non-violence while discouraging the act of inflicting harm or death upon other creatures for food. In a broader sense, this verse encourages us to introspect on our actions, consider their consequences, and make choices that reflect empathy and respect for all life forms. It suggests that true wisdom lies in understanding the interconnectedness of all beings and in making choices that uphold this principle of coexistence.