Page:The Kural or The Maxims Of Tiruvalluvar.pdf/128

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
PART I RIGHTEOUSNESS
 

CHAPTER 33

NON-KILLING

321. The greatest of virtues is non-killing: killing bringeth in its train every other sin.

322. To divide one's bread with the needy and to abstain from killing: this is the greatest of all the commandments of all the prophets.

323. The greatest virtue of all is non-killing : truthfulness cometh only next.

324. What is the good way? It is the path that taketh thought how it may save even the smallest of creatures from being killed.

325. Among all that have renounced this life with its fears of ill, the chiefest is he that reverenceth all life for fear of killing any.

8
69