Kural 295Chapter 30: Veracity

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

Modern English

“Speaking truth sincerely from the heart is higher than performing great acts without honesty.”

Modern Interpretation

Speaking truth sincerely from the heart is higher than performing great acts without honesty. Character in ordinary speech can matter more than impressive religious or charitable displays. For example, admitting a mistake openly may show more virtue than making a public donation for praise.

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Modern Plain English

Speaking truth sincerely from the heart is higher than performing great acts without honesty.

Poetic Couplet (Bharati)

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

Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)

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

Tamil commentary

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

Chapter 30

More from Veracity

வாய்மை

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Kural 291

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

Kural 292

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

Kural 293

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

Kural 294

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

Kural 295

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

Kural 296

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

Kural 297

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

Kural 298

Water makes you pure outward Truth renders you pure inward

Kural 299

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

Kural 300

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