Kural Chronicles

KURAL 291

ARATHUPAAL

THURAVARAVIYAL

ADHIKAARAM 30 : VAAIMAI – TRUTH

வாய்மை எனப்படுவது யாதெனின் யாதொன்றும்
தீமை இலாத சொலல்.

Vaaimai enapaduvathu yaathenin yaathonrum

Theemai ilaatha Solal.

Meaning

If you ask what is truth, it is the speaking of words that do not cause evil or harm to anyone.

Glossary

Vaaimai: truth;  Enapaduvathu: means, the meaning of;  Yaathu enin: if you ask what it is;   Yaathu onrum: not a single;  Theemai: evil;  Ilaatha: not;  Solal: speaking words

Understanding the Kural

A deep and profound concept – TRUTH. Valluvar tackles it in his inimitable down to basics fashion. He seemingly does not go with absolute truth. He says it is important to not harm others with what you say. That is Valluvar’s truth. If an absolute truth will be potentially harmful to an innocent person, it is better to exercise control and speak only what will not harm