Speaking Pleasant Words : Kurals

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THE TIRUKKURAL OF TIRUVALLUVAR

 

"Holy couplets." A treasury of Hindu ethical insight and a literary masterpiece

of the Tamil language, written by Saiva Saint Tiruvalluvar (ca 200 BCE) near

present-day Madras.

 

Tirukkural constitutes one of the most important literary works in Tamil. It is

generally reckoned that Kural was composed during the Sangam Period of literary

development in Tamil (500-200 BC). Kural continues to be important today, in the

twentyfirst century, for scholars believe that Kural conveys many many important

messages to the society. International interest in the study of Kural can be

traced to the second half of the Nineteenth century

 

Speaking Pleasant Words Verse 91Pleasant words fall from the lips of virtuous

men,Full of tenderness and free from deceit. Verse 92Better than a gift given

with a joyous heart. Are sweet words spoken with a cheerful smile. Verse 93A

kindly countenance and sweet words

Spoken from the heart are virtue's way. Verse 94Poverty-provoking sorrow will

not pursue. Those who speak joy-producing words to all they meet.

 

Verse 95 Humility and pleasant words are the jewels

That adorn a man; there are none other. Verse 96 If a man seeks good works while

speaking sweet words, His virtues will wax and his vices wane.

 

Verse 97 Words yield spiritual rewards and moral excellence

When they do not wander far from usefulness and agree ableness.

 

Verse 98 Sweet speech which is stranger to pettinessImparts pleasure not only in

this life, but in the next.

 

Verse 99 Why would anyone speak cruel words, Having observed the happiness that

kind words confer?

 

Verse 100 To utter harsh words when sweet ones would serve. Is like eating

unripe fruits when ripe ones are at hand.