Reflections on Thirukurral 93: Inner Goodness

“Smiling face, loving eyes and kind words -

Virtue lies in these signs.” (Thiruvalluvar)

In these signs - a genuine smile, loving eyes, and kind words - lie the deeper virtues of love, kindness, empathy, compassion, understanding, and respect. These are not merely considerate gestures, but reflections of a person's inner goodness—a willingness to see the best in others, uplift them, and spread warmth. They form the foundation for meaningful and positive relationships.

A genuine smile is a simple yet powerful act that communicates warmth, positivity, and openness. It dissolves barriers, creates instant connections, and lifts someone's spirit, offering a non-verbal sign of acceptance and friendliness.

Looking at someone with loving eyes means recognizing their inherent worth. As Steve Hardison says, “there is absolutely nothing in this world that is holier than the person next to you.” Loving eyes make others feel truly seen, accepted, and valued.

Kind words have the power to heal, comfort, and inspire. By choosing to speak kindly, we create an atmosphere of peace and goodwill, offering reassurance and acceptance.

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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 93 comes from Dr. M. Rajaram. Kannan’s translation of the same verse is as follows: "To look at someone with kindness, to smile at them and to say pleasant words, is a nice virtue."