Sage Thiru-valluvar
"The Bard of Universal Man"
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Chapter - 58 : Benignity
 

Introductory Note

Benignity= goodness of disposition: kindness: graciousness: favorable circumstances of – climate, weather, disease, planets

Rev. G. U. Pope writes: “This chapter insists on the same subject; but states positively what the last inculcates negatively. Here benignity, the reverse of harshness is enjoined.

Translation(s)

The world abides in happy state since true benignity (goodness of disposition), the grace exceeding greatness, resides in kingly souls.

 

Translation(s)

The world goes on its wonted way since benign (kindly) grace is there. All other men are burden for the earth which it has to bear.

 

Translation(s)

What is the use of sounding cords where (they are) not accordant with the song? What is the gain of the eye that does not afford benignant (kindly or gracious) light?

 

Translation(s)

The seeming eye gives no expressive light to face when (its) not duly meted with kindness bright.

 

Translation(s)

Benignity (kindliness) is eyes’ adorning grace. Without it eyes are wounds disfiguring the face.

 

Translation(s)

One whose eyes, infixed below the brow, diffuse no rays of grace; they are like tree infixed in earth.

 

Translation(s)

They are eyeless whose eyes do not shine with benignant (gracious or kindly) luster. Those who have eyes can never lack the benign (gracious or kindly) light.

Explanation

Those whose eyes have gracious kindly luster or light have eyes; others are eyeless even if they possess the physical eyes.

Translation(s)

Those who can smile benignantly (graciously) yet leave no work undone; by them may all the earth be won as their own.

Explanation

This is an apt description of a charismatic leader. His smile or personality charms everyone. He is gets the work done from them emerging as the leader.

Translation(s)

To smile with kindly face at those who vex, enduring long, is the most excelling grace.

 

Translation(s)

Those who seek being praised for courtesy, which esteemed by all, they drink with smiling face though they see poison interfused (in other’s speech or actions).

 

Summary Note

Benignity is a quality difficult to describe but most people would have experienced & felt it. It is the grace, kindliness, and love that oozes from the faces of saints and great people. It specially resides in the eyes and the smile. All those around them can experience & feel it. It would charisma.

Especially and most importantly our eyes communicate a graciousness. Our smile too communicates a graciousness. This chapter speaks about the non-verbal message we inherently send.

View from East,
Thiruvalluvar Memorial (133 Feet, 7000 Tonnes), Kanyakumari, India
Credit: Baskhar, Flickr

References