Virtue and Righteousness

Where it surfaces

• The Kural

  The first part of the Kural is devoted to Righteousness, and its second section is said to inculcate principles leading to self-realization.

• Part I—Righteousness

  The entire part is dedicated to righteousness, detailing virtues for householders and ascetics, and emphasizing moral conduct.

• Part III—Love

  The chapter emphasizes that virtue and honour triumph over vice, with a distinction between private morality and state necessity.

• Parimêlajahar

  The author hopes the Kural will sow seeds of a noble, dignified, virtuous, and manly life in the hearts of readers.

• The Kural

  The Kural emphasizes moral virtue and righteous living as central to human life.

• I: In Praise of the Lord

  The chapter emphasizes righteousness as following the ways of the Lord, who is the Ocean of Righteousness.

• IV: The Glorification of Righteousness

  The entire chapter is a glorification of righteousness as the highest good, surpassing all other pursuits.

• Part I: Righteousness

  The chapter's central theme, exploring the nature and importance of righteousness in all aspects of life.

• VI: The Blessings of a Good Helpmate

  Wifely virtues such as chastity, continence, and loving care are presented as the foundation of a blessed home and a righteous life.

• VII: Offspring

  Emphasizes the importance of children bearing an unstained character and the moral responsibility of parents.

• X: Kindness of Speech

  The chapter directly links kind, truthful speech to the dwelling place of righteousness itself.

• XI: Gratitude

  Gratitude is presented as a core moral duty, with ingratitude condemned as the most unforgivable failing.

• XII: Uprightness of Heart

  The entire chapter focuses on uprightness of heart as the essence of virtue, rewarding the just with enduring prosperity and distinguishing them from the unrighteous.

• Self-Control

  Righteousness is said to pilgrimage to the home of the self-controlled man, linking self-mastery directly to virtue.

• XIV: Purity of Conduct

  The chapter is a sustained exposition on the primacy of virtuous conduct as the highest good and the foundation of honor and prosperity.

• XV: Non-Desiring of Another Man’s Wife

  The chapter condemns adultery as a fall from virtue and praises those who uphold righteousness by not coveting another's wife.

• XVI: Forgiveness

  Forgiveness is presented as a supreme virtue, essential for righteousness and spiritual greatness.

• XVII: Non-Envying

  The chapter defines freedom from envy as a core part of virtuous conduct.

• XVIII: Non-Coveting

  The chapter emphasizes righteousness by condemning covetousness and praising those who turn away from evil.

• XIX: Refraining from Slander

  The chapter extols refraining from slander as a righteous act, contrasting it with the meanness of backbiting.

• XX: Refraining from Vain Speaking

  Avoiding idle talk is presented as a mark of worth and wisdom, aligning with the pursuit of righteousness.

• XXI: Fear of Evildoing

  The text advocates for virtuous conduct, urging abstention from evil even toward enemies.

• Subdivision A: Discipline

  Discipline is presented as a core component of virtuous living, guiding ethical behavior.

• Mercy

  Mercy is presented as the core of righteousness, without which no virtuous action is possible.

• XXVI: Abjuring of Flesh-Meat

  Emphasizes pity and moral goodness as incompatible with meat-eating.

• XXX: Truthfulness

  Truthfulness is presented as the highest virtue, surpassing asceticism and almsgiving, and as the foundation of all other virtues.

• XXXII: Non-Injuring

  The chapter extols the pure in heart who refrain from injuring others, embodying righteousness.

• Non-Killing

  Non-killing is presented as the greatest virtue and the foundation of all righteousness.

• Subdivision B: Wisdom

  Wisdom is closely tied to virtue and righteous conduct in the Kural.

• XXXIX: The Qualifications of the Prince

  Emphasizes the prince's need to uphold virtue, abolish unrighteousness, and guard honour while adhering to the laws of valour.

• XLII: Listening to the Instruction of the Wise

  Listening to wise instruction is portrayed as a cornerstone of righteous living, providing moral stability and preventing error.

• XLIII: The Understanding

  Understanding is portrayed as a key virtue that directs one toward the Good and away from evil.

• XLIV: Eschewing of Faults

  The chapter focuses on cultivating virtue by eschewing faults like haughtiness, anger, and parsimony.

• XLVI: Keeping Aloof from Vulgar Company

  Virtue is portrayed as both a personal quality and a social practice, strengthened by association with the good and weakened by vulgar company.

• LVIII: Considerateness

  The chapter emphasizes forbearance and indulgence as key virtues of a righteous person.

• LXVI: Purity of Action

  The chapter strongly advocates for purity of action and moral integrity, condemning dishonorable deeds even in dire circumstances.

• LXIX: The Ambassador

  Emphasizes moral integrity, firmness of mind, and purity of heart as essential for an ambassador to fulfill his duty righteously.

• LXXII: Judging of the Audience

  Self-control in deferring to elders and the failure before the wise being akin to falling from righteousness highlight the ethical dimension of speech.

• LXXVI: The Acquisition of Wealth

  Emphasizes that wealth must be acquired through means that are not evil, and that it should be coupled with mercy and kindliness to yield righteousness.

• LXXVIII: The Self-Abandon of the Warrior

  The warrior's courage and discipline are framed as virtuous, with chivalrous generosity to the fallen as a righteous act.

• LXXIX: Friendship

  True friendship is defined by its role in turning one from wrong and supporting in misfortune, aligning with virtuous living.

• LXXXVII: The Characteristics of Enemies

  Contrasts virtuous leadership with the vices that make a prince vulnerable to enemies.

• Section III: Miscellaneous

  The section discusses moral conduct and the importance of virtue in daily life.

• XCVI: Respectability of Birth

  Emphasizes that virtue arises from a cultivated sense of shame and adherence to family traditions.

• XCVII: Honour

  The chapter extols honour as an essential component of righteous living, urging one to avoid shameful acts even at the cost of life.

• XCVIII: Greatness

  The chapter defines greatness as noble aspiration and virtue, contrasting it with the littleness of those who lack such ambition.

• XCIX: Worth

  The chapter defines worth through virtuous conduct, including love, truthfulness, humility, and doing good to enemies.

• C: Courteousness

  The chapter links courteousness to justice, righteousness, and helpfulness, framing it as a moral duty.

• CII: Sensitiveness to Shame

  Shame is presented as the foundation of virtue and righteousness, without which all other good is lost.