Reflections on Thirukkural 79: The Universal Power of Love

“What useful things can external body parts do,

if the heart is devoid of love?” (Thiruvalluvar)

This verse reminds us that love is the core principle behind all meaningful actions. Without love guiding us, no matter how capable we may be physically or mentally, even the most powerful actions lose their true meaning and purpose. This essential idea is reflected in various teachings.

According to Swami Gitananda, "All actions not motivated by Universal Love are but reflex actions of the lower cerebral and visceral activity." The highest and purest actions arise from Prema Shakti, the Universal Power of Love. Such actions are free from selfish motives and are instead driven by the desire to benefit all beings.

The Benefit Mindset, developed by Ash Buchanan, builds on the Growth Mindset and emphasizes that personal growth is most valuable when directed toward helping and uplifting others. It encourages us to shift our focus from self-centered success to the well-being of those around us. When the heart is filled with love, our growth becomes an offering—a way to uplift and contribute positively to the world.

In Being Love book, BK Shivani explains that love is our natural state of being and giving is the art of living. When we are in serving mode, we create cooperation, "sharing and caring", which strengthens us mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Giving helps us live without competition. "We will be on our own journey. We will achieve according to our capacity, without competing with or copying others."

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📚✍️Written over 2000 years ago in Tamil Nadu, the Thirukkural offers timeless wisdom on the art of living through its 133 chapters, each containing profound insights on life. For English translations, I use both Dr. M. Rajaram's 'Thirukkural – Pearls of Inspiration' (Rupa Publications) and Kannan’s translation available at thirukkural133.wordpress.com .

This translation of Thirukkural 79 comes from thirukkural133.wordpress.com. Dr. M. Rajaram’s poetic translation of the same verse is as follows: "Of what avail is the body's every outward part if there’s no love within the heart?"