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கண்ணோட்டம்: Benignity
About this chapter
கண்ணோட்டம், benignity, is the graciousness and consideration that shows in a person's look and treatment of others. The Tamil word is built on கண், the eye, and the kurals keep returning to the eyes.
Kural 571 says the world exists through this grace, and Kural 572 that those without it are only a burden to the earth. Kural 573 asks what use a song is without harmony, or eyes without kindness. Kural 574 and Kural 575 continue with eyes: they are the face's ornament only if kind, and otherwise merely wounds, a thought that echoes Kural 393. Kural 576 likens people with no kind regard to trees fixed in the earth. Kural 577 says those without kind looks have no eyes, while those who truly have eyes always have kindness. Kural 578 adds an important qualification, that the world belongs to those who can be gracious without damaging the work to be done. Kural 579 holds that to bear with those who grieve us and still show kindness is the finest disposition. Kural 580 ends with an extreme example of courtesy, drinking even poison offered by a friend.
Kural 578 is the most useful, since it makes kindness and duty work together. Kural 575 is the most memorable image.
For the syllabus, the chapter fits governance and universal values, as it combines gentleness with responsibility.
The 10 kurals of கண்ணோட்டம்
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.
கண்ணோட்டம் என்னும் கழிபெருங் காரிகை
உண்மையான் உண்டிவ் வுலகு.
Kannottam Ennum Kazhiperung Kaarikai
Unmaiyaan Untiv Vulaku
Since true benignity, that grace exceeding great, residesIn kingly souls, world in happy state abides
கண்ணோட்டத் துள்ளது உலகியல் அஃதிலார்
உண்மை நிலக்குப் பொறை.
Kannottath Thulladhu Ulakiyal Aqdhilaar
Unmai Nilakkup Porai
The world goes on its wonted way, since grace benign is there; All other men are burthen for the earth to bear
பண்என்னாம் பாடற்கு இயைபின்றேல் கண்என்னாம்
கண்ணோட்டம் இல்லாத கண்.
Panennaam Paatarku Iyaipindrel Kanennaam
Kannottam Illaadha Kan
Where not accordant with the song, what use of sounding chordsWhat gain of eye that no benignant light affords
உளபோல் முகத்தெவன் செய்யும் அளவினால்
கண்ணோட்டம் இல்லாத கண்.
Ulapol Mukaththevan Seyyum Alavinaal
Kannottam Illaadha Kan
The seeming eye of face gives no expressive light, When not with duly meted kindness bright
கண்ணிற்கு அணிகலம் கண்ணோட்டம் அஃதின்றேல்
புண்ணென்று உணரப் படும்
Kannirku Anikalam Kannottam Aqdhindrel
Punnendru Unarap Patum
Benignity is eyes' adorning grace; Without it eyes are wounds disfiguring face
மண்ணோ டியைந்த மரத்தனையர் கண்ணோ
டியைந்துகண் ணோடா தவர்.
Manno Tiyaindha Maraththanaiyar Kanno
Tiyaindhukan Notaa Thavar
Whose eyes 'neath brow infixed diffuse no rayOf grace; like tree in earth infixed are they
கண்ணோட்டம் இல்லவர் கண்ணிலர் கண்ணுடையார்
கண்ணோட்டம் இன்மையும் இல்.
Kannottam Illavar Kannilar Kannutaiyaar
Kannottam Inmaiyum Il
Eyeless are they whose eyes with no benignant lustre shine; Who've eyes can never lack the light of grace benign
கருமம் சிதையாமல் கண்ணோட வல்லார்க்கு
உரிமை உடைத்திவ் வுலகு.
Karumam Sidhaiyaamal Kannota Vallaarkku
Urimai Utaiththiv Vulaku
Who can benignant smile, yet leave no work undone; By them as very own may all the earth be won
ஒறுத்தாற்றும் பண்பினார் கண்ணும்கண் ணோடிப்
பொறுத்தாற்றும் பண்பே தலை.
Oruththaatrum Panpinaar Kannumkan Notip
Poruththaatrum Panpe Thalai
To smile on those that vex, with kindly face, Enduring long, is most excelling grace
பெயக்கண்டும் நஞ்சுண் டமைவர் நயத்தக்க
நாகரிகம் வேண்டு பவர்.
Peyakkantum Nanjun Tamaivar Nayaththakka
Naakarikam Ventu Pavar
They drink with smiling grace, though poison interfused they see, Who seek the praise of all-esteemed courtesy
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