ஒருவனோடு ஒருவன் நட்புக் கொள்வதற்கு அருகருகே இருப்பதோ, நெருங்கிப் பழகுவதோ வேண்டியதில்ல. இருவரது எண்ணமும் ஒத்திருந்தால் அதுவே நட்பு என்னும் தோழமையைக் கொடுக்கும்.

இருவருக்கிடையே நட்புரிமை முகிழ்ப்பதற்கு ஏற்கனவே தொடர்பும் பழக்கமும் வேண்டுமென்பதில்லை இருவரின் ஒத்த மன உணர்வே போதுமானது

நட்புச் செய்வதற்குத் தொடர்பும் பழக்கமும் வேண்டியதில்லை, ஒத்த உணர்ச்சியே நட்பு ஏற்படுத்துவதற்கு வேண்டிய உரிமையைக் கொடுக்கும்.

Living together and holding frequent intercourse are not necessary (for friendship); (mutual) understanding can alone create a claim for it

Kural 785 emphasizes that physical proximity and frequent interaction are not prerequisites for establishing and maintaining a friendship. It underlines the importance of mutual understanding and shared values as the cornerstone of a strong and lasting bond. This verse suggests that friendship can thrive even in the absence of constant contact or interaction, as long as there is a deep and profound understanding between the parties involved. In essence, it proposes that the essence of friendship is not about "living together or frequent intercourse", but rather about "mutual understanding" that can create a claim for it. It implies that true friendship transcends physical boundaries and temporal structures, and is rather, a connection of souls that understand and resonate with each other. The cultural context of the verse highlights the Tamil tradition of valuing emotional and spiritual connections over physical and superficial ones, emphasizing the depth of relationships. The moral interpretation of the verse is that true friendship is based on mutual understanding, empathy, and shared values. It advises that we should seek friends who understand us and with whom we share a deep connection, rather than simply those who are physically close to us or with whom we frequently interact.