Tirukural

CHAPTER 71

Discerning Unspoken Thoughts

701

He who can discern another’s unspoken thoughts by merely looking is an emerald on an Earth encircled by equable seas.§

702

Regard as god-like those who can divine without hesitation what is in the minds of others.§

703

Give whatever is required to gain an advisor who, knowing his own mind, can read another’s intentions.§

704

Those who grasp others’ unspoken thoughts have the same physical features as most folks—yet how different they are.§

705

Of what benefit are eyes in a body, if they cannot by their observing powers perceive another’s intentions?§

706

As a crystal mirror reflects objects that are nearby, so the face reflects what is foremost in the heart.§

707

What is more forthrightly profound than the face? For whether the heart is angry or glad, the face expresses it first.§

708

If you find a man who understands matters by looking into the mind, it suffices to stand silently looking into his face.§

709

If you find men who know the eye’s language the eyes will speak to them of hidden hate and love.§

710

Observe those who are said to see subtly with their mind’s eye— their singular measuring rod is their eyes.§