Kural #295
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Tamil text
மனத்தொடு வாய்மை மொழியின்
தவத்தொடு தானஞ்செய் வாரின் தலை
Maṉattoṭu vāymai moḻiyiṉ
Tavattoṭu tāṉañcey vāriṉ talai
English translation
Speaking truth with a sincere heart excels even those who practice penance and give charity.
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Explanation
Truthfulness from the heart surpasses even great spiritual practices and generous giving. Speaking with complete sincerity is the highest virtue, ranking above austerity and philanthropy.
விளக்கம்
மனப்பூர்வமாக உண்மையைப் பேசினால், அது தவம் செய்து தானம் கொடுப்பதைவிட உயர்ந்தது. வாய்மை அதிகாரத்தில் இது முக்கியம். உள்ளத்தூய்மையே சிறந்த அறம் என்பதை உணர்த்துகிறது. பொய் பேசாமல் இருப்பதே மேலான புண்ணியம்.
Word meanings
- மனத்தொடுmaṉattoṭuwith the heart
- வாய்மைvāymaitruth
- மொழியின்moḻiyiṉif speaking
- தவத்தொடுtavattoṭuwith penance
- தானம்tāṉamcharity
- செய்வாரின்ceyvāriṉthan those who do
- தலைtalaiexcels/superior
Story behind this kural
In a village nestled beside a whispering forest, lived two men. One, a wealthy merchant named Arul, was known for his lavish donations to the temple. He fasted regularly and sought spiritual enlightenment. The other, a humble potter named Selvan, was known for his honesty. His words were few, but always truthful, and his heart was pure. One day, Arul accused Selvan of stealing a valuable gem. The villagers gathered, and Selvan, though facing ruin, simply stated, "I did not take the gem." Days later, the true thief was revealed. The gem was found hidden in Arul's own home. Arul, shamed, offered Selvan a vast sum as recompense. Selvan refused, saying, "My truth is reward enough." The villagers, witnessing this, understood that a truthful heart held a value beyond measure, a value that surpassed even great acts of piety or giving.