Thirukkural 295 in English

Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.

Tamil original

மனத்தொடு வாய்மை மொழியின் தவத்தொடு
தானஞ்செய் வாரின் தலை.

Transliteration

Manaththotu Vaaimai Mozhiyin Thavaththotu
Thaananjey Vaarin Thalai

English Translation

“To speak the truth from heart sincere Is more than giving and living austere”

Plain-English meaning

He, who speaks truth with all his heart, is superior to those who make gifts and practise austerities

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

To speak the truth from heart sincere Is more than giving and living austere

G.U. Pope Translation

Greater is he who speaks the truth with full consenting mindThan men whose lives have penitence and charity combined

Plain-English Meaning

He, who speaks truth with all his heart, is superior to those who make gifts and practise austerities

உள்ளம் அறிய உண்மை பேசுபவன், தவமும் தானமும் செய்பவரைக் காட்டிலும் உயர்ந்தவன் ஆவான்.

Chapter 30

வாய்மை

If \"What is truth\"? the question be, It is to speak out evil-free

E'en falsehood may for truth suffice, When good it brings removing vice

Let not a man knowingly lie; Conscience will scorch and make him sigh

He lives in loving hearts of all Who serves the Truth serene in soul

To speak the truth from heart sincere Is more than giving and living austere

Not to lie brings all the praise All virtues from Truth arise

Lie not lie not Naught else you need All virtues are in Truth indeed

Water makes you pure outward Truth renders you pure inward

All lights are not lights for the wise; Truth light is light bright like Sun-light

Of all the things we here have seen Nothing surpasses Truth serene!