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
Modern English
“Water cleans the body, but truthfulness cleans the mind.”
Modern Interpretation
Water cleans the body, but truthfulness cleans the mind. Honest words and actions remove the hidden dirt of guilt and deceit. For example, telling the truth about a mistake brings more real peace than hiding it behind excuses.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Water cleans the body, but truthfulness cleans the mind.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
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
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Purity of body is produced by water and purity of mind by truthfulness
Tamil commentary
உடம்பு தண்ணீரால் சுத்தமாகும்; உள்ளம் உண்மையால் சுத்தமாகும்.
Chapter 30
More from Veracity
வாய்மை
If \"What is truth\"? the question be, It is to speak out evil-free
Kural 292E'en falsehood may for truth suffice, When good it brings removing vice
Kural 293Let not a man knowingly lie; Conscience will scorch and make him sigh
Kural 294He lives in loving hearts of all Who serves the Truth serene in soul
Kural 295To speak the truth from heart sincere Is more than giving and living austere
Kural 296Not to lie brings all the praise All virtues from Truth arise
Kural 297Lie not lie not Naught else you need All virtues are in Truth indeed
Kural 298Water makes you pure outward Truth renders you pure inward
Kural 299All lights are not lights for the wise; Truth light is light bright like Sun-light
Kural 300Of all the things we here have seen Nothing surpasses Truth serene!