Against Vain Speaking
Nayansaaraa Nanmaiyin Neekkum Payansaaraap / Panpilsol Pallaa Rakaththu
Classical English couplet — “Unmeaning, worthless words, said to the multitude,To none delight afford, and sever men from good”
What it says in plain words
“Speaking useless, unkind words before others can spoil their happiness. Such speech also pulls you away from doing good.”
The classical Tamil reading
பயனோடு பொருந்தாத பண்பு இல்லாத சொற்களைப் பலரிடத்தும் சொல்லுதல், அறத்தோடு பொருந்தாமல் நன்மையிலிருந்து நீங்கச் செய்யும்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
பயனற்றதும், பண்பற்றதுமான சொற்களைப் பலர்முன் பகர்தல் மகிழ்ச்சியைக் குலைத்து, நன்மையை மாய்க்கும்
The ethical and philosophical heart
Words spoken in a group can affect everyone who hears them. Useless, unkind remarks can spoil the mood without helping anyone. They also take the speaker away from treating others well. The lesson is to speak with care and purpose, especially before others.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- With friends, leave out a pointless remark that would embarrass someone.
- Workplace
- During a meeting, avoid jokes that belittle others and help nobody.
- Family
- At dinner, skip hurtful comments that spoil everyone's time together.
- Society
- In a community chat, avoid posting insults that add nothing useful.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Before speaking in a group, ask whether your words help anyone.
- Integrity
- Let your public words match the care you show people privately.
- Communication
- Leave out remarks that offer no help and hurt others.
- Leadership
- Keep group discussions useful without making anyone a target for jokes.
- Governance
- In public meetings, address people's needs rather than trade pointless insults.
For leaders and teams
When others listen to you, make your words helpful and kind. Avoid empty, hurtful remarks that spoil the group's mood.
Something to sit with
“What could you change about your words today to make a group conversation more helpful and kind?”