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

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

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

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

Plain-English Meaning

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

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

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!