Benignity
Manno Tiyaindha Maraththanaiyar Kanno / Tiyaindhukan Notaa Thavar
Classical English couplet — “Whose eyes 'neath brow infixed diffuse no rayOf grace; like tree in earth infixed are they”
What it says in plain words
“People who have eyes but show no kindness are like trees rooted in the ground. Seeing others should include caring about them.”
The classical Tamil reading
கண்ணோட்டதிற்க்கு உரிய கண்ணோடுப் பொருந்தி இருந்தும் கண்ணோட்டம் இல்லாதவர் (கண் இருந்தும் காணாத ) மரத்தினைப் போன்றவர்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
ஒருவர்க்குக் கண் இருந்தும்கூட அந்தக் கண்ணுக்குரிய அன்பும் இரக்கமும் இல்லாவிட்டால் அவர் மரத்துக்கு ஒப்பானவரே ஆவார்
The ethical and philosophical heart
The verse compares people without kindness to trees rooted in soil. Having eyes is not enough if we ignore another person's pain. What matters is to see others with care. At home or work, this means noticing struggles and responding kindly.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- You notice a friend seems upset and ask how they feel.
- Workplace
- You see a coworker struggling and offer to help.
- Family
- You notice someone at home looks tired and share their chores.
- Society
- You notice someone struggling with heavy bags and offer help.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Think about how your choice will affect someone already struggling.
- Integrity
- Show care through your actions, not just a friendly look.
- Communication
- Listen with care when someone tells you about a problem.
- Leadership
- Notice when someone needs support, rather than looking only at results.
- Governance
- Listen kindly to people seeking help with everyday needs.
For leaders and teams
A leader should notice people with kindness, not just watch their work. When someone struggles, ask what help they need.
Something to sit with
“Who around you could use a kinder response from you today?”