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Tirukkural-On Virtue-Pleasing Speech Or Courtesy-Kural 97

By Staff

Thirukkural In English, Kural 97
Nayaneenru nandri payakkum payaneenru
Panpin thalaipiriyach sol.

Pleasant words from a well mannered man will do
Good to others and generate blessings.

Purposeful and pleasing speech coming from a cultured gentleman will be productive of nothing but good.

Parimelalagar would say that the word 'Nayan' in this context would mean 'Needhi' in respect of his life on earth. Here, therefore, the word 'Needhi' or justice would refer to right conduct in life, as against the word, 'Nandri' or reward, which would imply the virtue that could ensure eternal reward.

The juxtaposition of the word 'Nayan' and 'Nandri' balancing 'Payan' and 'Panbu' in this Kural counts for considerable poetic beauty.

'Panbu' stands for culture in speech and 'Payan' for the good result that it produces.

Cf. Kural 45 also in this connection, where a similar balancing of the words 'Anbu' and 'Aran' with 'Panbu' and 'Payan' has been done effectively.

Story first published: Wednesday, December 24, 2008, 14:02 [IST]
Read more about: thirukural