Chapter 30 – Veracity / Vaaimai
Couplet 291
You ask, in lips of men what ‘truth’ may be;
‘Tis speech from every taint of evil free.
Explanation
Truth is the speaking of such words as are free from the least degree of evil (to others).
Transliteration
Vaaimai Enappatuvadhu Yaadhenin Yaadhondrum
Theemai Ilaadha Solal.
Falsehood may take the place of truthful word,
If blessing, free from fault, it can afford.
Explanation
Even falsehood has the nature of truth, if it confers a benefit that is free from fault.
Couplet 292
Transliteration
Poimaiyum Vaaimai Yitaththa Puraidheerndha
Nanmai Payakkum Enin.
Couplet 293
Speak not a word which false thy own heart knows
Self-kindled fire within the false one’s spirit glows.
Explanation
Let not a man knowingly tell a lie; for after he has told the lie, his mind will burn him (with the memory of his guilt).
Transliteration
Thannenj Charivadhu Poiyarka Poiththapin
Thannenje Thannaich Chutum.
Couplet 294
True to his inmost soul who lives, – enshrined
He lives in souls of all mankind.
Explanation
He who, in his conduct, preserves a mind free from deceit, will dwell in the minds of all men.
Transliteration
Ullaththaar Poiyaa Thozhukin Ulakaththaar
Ullaththu Lellaam Ulan.
Couplet 295
Greater is he who speaks the truth with full consenting mind
Than men whose lives have penitence and charity combined.
Explanation
He, who speaks truth with all his heart, is superior to those who make gifts and practise austerities.
Transliteration
Manaththotu Vaaimai Mozhiyin Thavaththotu
Thaananjey Vaarin Thalai.
Couplet 296
No praise like that of words from falsehood free;
This every virtue yields spontaneously.
Explanation
There is no praise like the praise of never uttering a falsehood: without causing any suffering, it will lead to every virtue.
Transliteration
Poiyaamai Anna Pukazhillai Eyyaamai
Ellaa Aramun Tharum.
Couplet 297
If all your life be utter truth, the truth alone,
‘Tis well, though other virtuous acts be left undone.
Explanation
If a man has the power to abstain from falsehood, it will be well with him, even though he practise no other virtue.
Transliteration
Poiyaamai Poiyaamai Aatrin Arampira
Seyyaamai Seyyaamai Nandru.
Couplet 298
Outward purity the water will bestow;
Inward purity from truth alone will flow.
Explanation
Purity of body is produced by water and purity of mind by truthfulness.
Transliteration
Puraldhooimai Neeraan Amaiyum Akandhooimai
Vaaimaiyaal Kaanap Patum.
Couplet 299
Every lamp is not a lamp in wise men’s sight;
That’s the lamp with truth’s pure radiance bright.
Explanation
All lamps of nature are not lamps; the lamp of truth is the lamp of the wise.
Transliteration
Ellaa Vilakkum Vilakkalla Saandrorkkup
Poiyaa Vilakke Vilakku.
Couplet 300
Of all good things, we’ve scanned with studious care,
There’s nought that can with truthfulness compare.
Explanation
Amidst all that we have seen (described) as real (excellence), there is nothing so good as truthfulness.
Transliteration
Yaameyyaak Kantavatrul Illai Enaiththondrum
Vaaimaiyin Nalla Pira.
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