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இனியவை கூறல்: The Utterance of Pleasant Words
About this chapter
இனியவை கூறல் teaches the value of pleasant speech (இன்சொல்). The chapter argues that kind words cost nothing, bring real benefit to speaker and listener, and are a form of virtue in themselves.
Kural 91 defines pleasant words: they are soaked in love and free from deceit. Kurals 92 and 93 make the claim that a kind word with a cheerful face is better than a gift, and that a bright look, a sincere heart and a sweet word together are virtue (அறம்). Kural 94 promises that those who speak kindly to everyone are spared the sorrow of want, and Kural 95 names humility and sweet speech as the only true ornaments. Kurals 96 to 98 widen the benefit: such speech makes vice shrink and virtue grow, yields merit, and brings joy in this world and the next. The final three kurals press the point. Kural 99 asks why anyone who has seen kind words bring joy still chooses harsh ones, and Kural 100 gives the image of leaving ripe fruit to eat unripe fruit.
Kural 100 is among the best known, and the fruit comparison makes it easy to remember. Kural 92 is the most useful, because it ranks a kind word with a smile above a gift.
For the syllabus, it fits universal values and everyday life. Chapter 19, on backbiting, and Chapter 20, on vain speech, are its counterpart.
The 10 kurals of இனியவை கூறல்
Each kural is shown in Tamil with a transliteration and G. U. Pope's English verse translation. Open a kural for its plain English meaning.
இன்சொலால் ஈரம் அளைஇப் படிறுஇலவாம்
செம்பொருள் கண்டார்வாய்ச் சொல்.
Insolaal Eeram Alaiip Patiruilavaam
Semporul Kantaarvaaich Chol
Pleasant words are words with all pervading love that burn; Words from his guileless mouth who can the very truth discern
அகன்அமர்ந்து ஈதலின் நன்றே முகனமர்ந்து
இன்சொலன் ஆகப் பெறின்.
Akanamarndhu Eedhalin Nandre Mukanamarndhu
Insolan Aakap Perin
A pleasant word with beaming smile's preferred, Even to gifts with liberal heart conferred
முகத்தான் அமர்ந்து இனிதுநோக்கி அகத்தானாம்
இன்சொ லினதே அறம்.
Mukaththaan Amarndhuinidhu Nokki Akaththaanaam
Inso Linadhe Aram
With brightly beaming smile, and kindly light of loving eye, And heart sincere, to utter pleasant words is charity
துன்புறூஉம் துவ்வாமை இல்லாகும் யார்மாட்டும்
இன்புறூஉம் இன்சொ லவர்க்கு.
Thunpurooum Thuvvaamai Illaakum Yaarmaattum
Inpurooum Inso Lavarkku
The men of pleasant speech that gladness breathe around, Through indigence shall never sorrow's prey be found
பணிவுடையன் இன்சொலன் ஆதல் ஒருவற்கு
அணியல்ல மற்றுப் பிற.
Panivutaiyan Insolan Aadhal Oruvarku
Aniyalla Matrup Pira
Humility with pleasant speech to man on earth, Is choice adornment; all besides is nothing worth
அல்லவை தேய அறம்பெருகும் நல்லவை
நாடி இனிய சொலின்
Allavai Theya Aramperukum Nallavai
Naati Iniya Solin
Who seeks out good, words from his lips of sweetness flow; In him the power of vice declines, and virtues grow
நயன்ஈன்று நன்றி பயக்கும் பயன்ஈன்று
பண்பின் தலைப்பிரியாச் சொல்.
Nayan Eendru Nandri Payakkum
Payaneendru Panpin Thalaippiriyaach Chol
The words of sterling sense, to rule of right that strict adhere, To virtuous action prompting, blessings yield in every sphere
சிறுமையுவு நீங்கிய இன்சொல் மறுமையும்
இம்மையும் இன்பம் தரும்.
Sirumaiyul Neengiya Insol Marumaiyum
Immaiyum Inpam Tharum
Sweet kindly words, from meanness free, delight of heart, In world to come and in this world impart
இன்சொல் இனிதீன்றல் காண்பான் எவன்கொலோ
வன்சொல் வழங்கு வது?
Insol Inidheendral Kaanpaan Evankolo
Vansol Vazhangu Vadhu?
Who sees the pleasure kindly speech affords, Why makes he use of harsh, repellant words
இனிய உளவாக இன்னாத கூறல்
கனிஇருப்பக் காய்கவர்ந் தற்று.
Iniya Ulavaaka Innaadha Kooral
Kaniiruppak Kaaikavarn Thatru
When pleasant words are easy, bitter words to use, Is, leaving sweet ripe fruit, the sour unripe to choose
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