Compassion
Tap an underlined Tamil word to explore its sound, meaning, and use.
nallāṟṟā ṉāṭi yaruḷāḷka pallāṟṟāṉ / ṟēriṉu maḵtē tuṇai
Examine by a sound method and let compassion govern you; even if you investigate through many differing paths, that compassion alone is the support.
▸Other translations · Pope (1886) & Aiyar (1916)
“The law of 'grace' fulfil, by methods good due trial made, / Though many systems you explore, this is your only aid.”
“Reason by the right method and take up Mercy: and if thou inquire of all religions also, thou shalt see that Mercy is the only salvation.”
Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
நல் ஆற்றான் நாடி அருள் ஆள்க= அளவைகளானும், பொருந்துமாற்றானும் நன்றான நெறியிலே நின்று, 'நமக்குத் துணையாம் அறம் யாது' என்று ஆராய்ந்து அருளுடையராக; பல் ஆற்றான் தேரினும் துணை அஃதே= ஒன்றையொன்று ஒவ்வாத சமயநெறிகள் எல்லாவற்றானும் ஆராய்ந்தாலும் துணையாவது அவ்வருளே, பிறிது இல்லை.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Parimelazhagar asks the reader to stand in a sound method of inquiry, examine which virtue will support us, and become governed by compassion. Even when mutually differing religious paths are examined, compassion—and nothing else—is the support.