Dread of Evil Deeds
Theeyavai Theeya Payaththalaal Theeyavai / Theeyinum Anjap Patum
Classical English couplet — “Since evils new from evils ever grow,Evil than fire works out more dreaded woe”
What it says in plain words
“Harmful actions lead to more harm. We should fear doing them even more than we fear fire.”
The classical Tamil reading
தீயசெயல்கள் தீமையை விளைவிக்கும் தன்மை உடையனவாக இருத்தலால், அத் தீயச் செயல்கள் தீயைவிடக் கொடியனவாகக் கருதி அஞ்சப்படும்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
தீய செயல்களால் தீமையே விளையும் என்பதால் அச்செயல்களைத் தீயை விடக் கொடுமையானவையாகக் கருதி அவற்றைச் செய்திட அஞ்சிட வேண்டும்
The ethical and philosophical heart
The couplet uses fire to show how serious harmful actions are. We avoid fire because we know it can hurt us. We should also avoid choices that hurt ourselves or others. In daily life, remember that harm can lead to more harm.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- You avoid spreading a rumor that could hurt a friend.
- Workplace
- You report a mistake instead of hiding it and causing more problems.
- Family
- You avoid hurtful words during an argument at home.
- Society
- You avoid dumping waste where it could harm other people.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Before acting, think about the harm your choice could cause.
- Integrity
- Avoid dishonest shortcuts, even when they offer quick rewards.
- Communication
- Choose words that do not add hurt to a disagreement.
- Leadership
- Stop harmful behavior before it causes more problems for your team.
- Governance
- Check whether a public decision could harm people before putting it into practice.
For leaders and teams
Help those you lead understand that harmful choices bring harmful results. Show this care through your own everyday actions.
Something to sit with
“What choice today could help you avoid causing more harm?”