Koduthalum insolum.

 Explanation of Thirukkural 525

அருளில்லார்க்கு அவ்வுலகம் இல்லை பெருவுலகத்து

இவ்வுலகம் இல்லார்க்கு இல்.*

Arulillārkku avvulagam illai peruvulagaththu

Ivvulagam illārkku il.*

"Those who lack compassion will not attain the heavenly world. Likewise, in this vast world, those without kindness do not truly belong."

This Kural, composed by the revered Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, emphasizes the supreme importance of compassion (arul) in both spiritual and worldly life.

1. The Spiritual Perspective:

The phrase "avvulagam illai" means that those who do not possess compassion cannot attain heavenly bliss (moksha or svarga).

In Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions, kindness and mercy are essential virtues for spiritual progress. Lack of these qualities leads to rebirth in lower realms.

2. The Worldly Perspective:

Thiruvalluvar also states that even in this world (ivvulagam), a person devoid of compassion is not truly part of society.

This implies that without kindness, one becomes alienated, unloved, and ultimately without meaningful relationships.

Moral of the Kural:

Compassion is the foundation of both earthly life and the afterlife.

A person who lacks kindness and empathy is isolated in this world and denied spiritual progress in the next.

True greatness is not measured by wealth or power but by the ability to show love and mercy to all living beings.

This Kural beautifully aligns with the universal principle that “A life without compassion is a life without meaning.”

Thirukkural on "Koduthalum Insolum" (Giving and Speaking Kindly)

Thiruvalluvar emphasizes the importance of both generosity (கொடுத்தலும்) and kind speech (இனிய சொற்களும்) in several Kurals. One of the most famous ones is:

Kural 94 – The Value of Both Giving and Kind Words

கொல்லாமை மேற்கொண் டொழுகல் குளியலுண்கண்

ல்லாத உவப்பதே இல்.

Meaning:

"There is nothing more joyful than practicing non-violence, generosity, and kind speech."

This Kural suggests that giving (கொடுப்பது) alone is not enough—it should be accompanied by kind and pleasant words.l

Kural 100 – Speech and Generosity Together

இனிய உளவாக இன்னாத கூறல்

கனிஇருப்பக் காய்கவர்ந் தற்று.

Meaning:

"Speaking harshly when pleasant words are available is like plucking an unripe fruit when ripe ones are within reach."

Here, Thiruvalluvar compares harsh words to unripe fruits, meaning that kindness in speech is just as important as generosm

Kural 101 – Sweet Speech is Greater than Giving

இன்னாசெய் தார்க்கும் இனியவாக யானும்

உன்னாமை உள்ளம் தரும்.

"Even to those who hurt us, speaking kindly brings peace of mind."

This highlights that even greater than giving is the ability to speak kindly—a virtue that heals relationships and fosters goodwill.

Giving (கொடுக்கும் தன்மை) should be accompanied by kind words to have true value.

Sweet speech (இனிய சொல்) is often more powerful than material gifts.

Even when one cannot give material things, a kind word can bring immense joy.

Thus, Thiruvalluvar teaches that true generosity is not just about wealth but also about how we treat others with our words.