Tirukural

CHAPTER 58

The Kindly Look

571

The fairest graciousness, they say, is a kindly look. Wherever it thrives, the whole world flourishes.§

572

It is compassion that sustains the world’s existence. The existence of those bereft of it is a burden to the Earth.§

573

What use is melody in an unmusical song? What use are eyes that express no sympathy?§

574

Other than being facial ornaments, what do eyes with no quality of kindness really do?§

575

A compassionate glance is the eyes’ true ornament. Without such kindness, eyes become unsightly sores.§

576

Eyes that remain unmoved by pity might as well be unmovable tree stumps bound in earth.§

577

Those who lack a kindly look are indeed without eyes, and those who truly have eyes never lack a gracious look.§

578

This world belongs to those who, while neglecting no duty, never neglect to behold others benevolently.§

579

To grant forbearing kindness even to those who aggrieve us is the foremost of virtues.§

580

Desiring to be gracious above all else, guests may politely accept even poison they watched their host prepare and serve.§