# LXVI: Purity of Action explained — The Kural

> Chapter companion for The Kural by Thiruvalluvar.

## What happens

This chapter emphasizes the importance of purity in action, arguing that while alliances may bring success, only righteous deeds fulfill all desires. It warns against actions that bring dishonor, even in times of need, and contrasts the fleeting nature of ill-gotten gains with the enduring value of wealth acquired through virtuous means.

## Themes in this chapter

### Virtue and Righteousness

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

### The Vanity of Worldly Life

Contrasts the temporary nature of wealth gained through guile with the lasting value of righteous acquisition, hinting at the futility of worldly pursuits without virtue.

## Character check-ins

### Thiruvalluvar

Author of the Kural verses on purity of action.

### the Kural

The text itself, containing the teachings on righteous conduct.

## Key lines

> Alliances bring success unto a man: but purity of action fulfilleth his every desire.

While forming alliances can lead to success, it is purity in one's actions that truly grants all wishes.

_Highlights the supremacy of moral conduct over strategic partnerships._

> Let not a man do those things that good men condemn, even to save the mother that bore him from starvation.

One should never commit acts that virtuous people disapprove of, even if it means letting his own mother starve.

_Emphasizes the absolute priority of moral integrity over familial duty._

> To try to lay by wealth by means of guile is like trying to preserve water in a pot of clay that is not baked.

Attempting to accumulate wealth through deceit is as futile as storing water in an unbaked clay pot.

_Uses a vivid metaphor to illustrate the impermanence of dishonestly gained riches._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxvi-purity-of-action
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se/chapters