Thirukkural 298 in English

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

Tamil original

புறள்தூய்மை நீரான் அமையும் அகந்தூய்மை
வாய்மையால் காணப் படும்.

Transliteration

Puraldhooimai Neeraan Amaiyum Akandhooimai
Vaaimaiyaal Kaanap Patum

English Translation

“Water makes you pure outward Truth renders you pure inward”

Plain-English meaning

Purity of body is produced by water and purity of mind by truthfulness

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

Water makes you pure outward Truth renders you pure inward

G.U. Pope Translation

Outward purity the water will bestow;Inward purity from truth alone will flow

Plain-English Meaning

Purity of body is produced by water and purity of mind by truthfulness

உடம்பு தண்ணீரால் சுத்தமாகும்; உள்ளம் உண்மையால் சுத்தமாகும்.

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!