ஒரு செ‌யலைச் செய்ய வேண்டிய முறையை அறிந்து, நம்மைப் பலப்படுத்துவதுடன் ரகசியங்களையும் நாம் காத்துக் கொண்டால், பகைவர் தங்கள் மனத்துள் நம்மை எதிர்க்க எண்ணிய ‌செருக்கு அழியும்‌.

வழிவகை உணர்ந்து, தன்னையும் வலிமைப்படுத்திக் கொண்டு, தற்காப்பும் தேடிக் கொண்டவரின் முன்னால் பகையின் ஆணவம் தானாகவே ஒடுங்கி விடும்

செய்யும் வகையை அறிந்து தன்னை வலிமைப்படுத்திக் கொண்டு தற்காப்புத் தேடிக் கொண்டால், பகைவரிடத்தில் ஏற்பட்ட செருக்குத் தானாவே அழியும்.

The joy of one's foes will be destroyed if one guards oneself by knowing the way (of acting) and securing assistance

Kural 878 is about strategic self-preservation and resourcefulness. It stresses on the importance of understanding the circumstances (or 'the way' of acting) and ensuring one's own strength and safety. The verse suggests that the key to defeat one's enemies is not necessarily by attacking them, but by strengthening oneself and staying secure. The first line 'vagaiyarindhu tharcheydhu' means understanding the situation and acting accordingly. This encompasses being aware of one's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It advises one to act wisely based on this understanding. The second line 'tharkaappu maayum' advises securing one's own safety or protection. This could mean building alliances, gathering resources, enhancing one's skills, or any other act that would improve one's position and security. The third line 'pagaivarkaN patta serukku' refers to the fear or anxiety that arises in the minds of one's enemies. When one acts wisely and ensures their safety, it naturally instills fear in the minds of their opponents. The enemies' joy or confidence in seeing one's downfall will be destroyed, as they see the person acting wisely and staying secure. The kural underlines the importance of strategic thinking, self-preservation, and the strength of character. It advises us to focus more on our growth and security, which in turn can naturally lead to the defeat of one's enemies. The essence of this kural is that the best defense is often a good offense. But in this case, the 'offense' is not an attack on the enemy, but the act of empowering oneself and ensuring one's safety.