Thirukkural 297 in English

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

Tamil original

பொய்யாமை பொய்யாமை ஆற்றின் அறம்பிற
செய்யாமை செய்யாமை நன்று.

Transliteration

Poiyaamai Poiyaamai Aatrin Arampira
Seyyaamai Seyyaamai Nandru

Modern English

“If a person can truly avoid falsehood, that achievement is so valuable that even the absence of other virtues is less troubling.”

Modern Interpretation

If a person can truly avoid falsehood, that achievement is so valuable that even the absence of other virtues is less troubling. Honesty is a foundation from which better conduct can grow. For example, someone who admits a failure has already taken the first step toward changing it.

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Modern Plain English

If a person can truly avoid falsehood, that achievement is so valuable that even the absence of other virtues is less troubling.

Poetic Couplet (Bharati)

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

G.U. Pope Translation

If all your life be utter truth, the truth alone,'Tis well, though other virtuous acts be left undone

Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)

If a man has the power to abstain from falsehood, it will be well with him, even though he practise no other virtue

Tamil commentary

பொய் சொல்லாமல் ஒருவன் வாழ்ந்தால் பிற அறங்களைச் செய்யாமல் இருப்பதுகூட, அவனுக்கு நல்லதாகிவிடும்.

Chapter 30

More from Veracity

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Read all 10 Kurals →

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!