அடுத்தவர் செய்த தீமை தனக்குத் துன்பமானதை அனுபவித்து அறிந்தவன், அடுத்த உயிர்களுக்குத் தீமை செய்ய எண்ணுவது என்ன காரணத்தால்?

பிறர் தரும் துன்பத்தால் தனக்கேற்படும் துன்பத்தை உணர்ந்தவன் அந்தத் துன்பத்தைப் பிற உயிர்களுக்குத் தரவும் கூடாதல்லவா?

தன் உயிருக்குத் துன்பமானவை இவை என்று உணர்ந்தவன், அத் துன்பத்தை மற்ற உயிருக்குச் செய்தல் என்ன காரணத்தாலோ.

Why does a man inflict upon other creatures those sufferings, which he has found by experience are sufferings to himself ?

Kural 318 discusses the principle of empathy and compassion towards all living beings. It questions why a person, who has experienced pain and discomfort firsthand, would inflict the same suffering onto another living creature. The verse underscores the universal understanding of suffering - what is painful to oneself is likely to be painful to others. Therefore, if one has personally experienced the pain, they should be all the more reluctant to cause it for others. This principle aligns with the golden rule found in many moral and philosophical traditions: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." The verse implores individuals to be mindful of their actions and to treat others, including all living creatures, with kindness and respect. It is a call for empathy, an urging to understand and share the feelings of others, based on one's experiences. This verse ultimately advocates for non-violence and compassion, emphasizing that causing harm to others is not just unethical but also contradictory to one's personal experiences of pain and discomfort. It serves as a reminder that understanding our own pain should lead us to prevent causing pain to others.