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The Holy Kural
Written over two millenia ago by Saint Tiruvalluvar,
translated under the guidance of Gurudeva, Sivaya Subramuniyaswami
Possession of Courtesy |
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Verse 991
If a man is easy of access to all, then the virtue of courtesy
Will be easily accessible to him.
Verse 992
Loving kindness and birth to lofty kindred -
These two confer on one a gracious manner.
Verse 993
That their limbs look alike does not render likeness among human.
Real similarities derive from similarly civil features.
Verse 994
The world commends the civil character of those
Who combine usefulness with impartial benevolence.
Verse 995
Disparaging words pain a man even when uttered in jest. Therefore,
those who know human nature are courteous even to their enemies.
Verse 996
The world goes on because civilized men exist.
Without them it would collapse into mere dust.
Verse 997
Though their minds are as sharp as a rasp,
Men without human decency are as wooden as a tree.
Verse 998
It is disgraceful to be discourteous,
Even toward the unfriendly who treat you unjustly.
Verse 999
To those who cannot smile in joy the wide world
Lies engulfed in darkness even in broad daylight.
Verse 1000
Great wealth amassed by men devoid of that virtue called courtesy
Is like good milk that has soured in an unclean vessel.
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The Holy Kural
Written over two millenia ago by Saint Tiruvalluvar,
translated under the guidance of Gurudeva, Sivaya Subramuniyaswami
Possession of Courtesy |
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