Harsh words burn the heart for ever

अग्निदाहादपि विशिष्टं वाक्पारुष्यं॥७५॥
चाणक्यसूत्राद्
agnidāhādapi viśiṣṭaṁ vākpāruṣyaṁ||75||
cāṇakyasūtrād

Another terse aphorism by Chanakya..." Even burning by fire would be less painful than being treated with harsh words".
The nearest approach to a man's heart is through words.  Even a newborn child, knowing no language or syntax, exults in calling out  its "maa".  Words are coined to exchange ideas and information. They are also used to express emotions.  We can express love through words for ever. When we are in abysmal depths of despair, a soothing word from a friend or relative or even a stranger would seem like ambrosia.  But knowingly or otherwise many of us have become adepts in handing out harsh and unpleasant words.  For some, the defence is that they are being candid or truthful.. But what is the use of a truthful and straight word if it will cause irreparable damage? 
There is a Malayalam poem... " if one is injured by an arrow, the wound would heal in due course.  If the branches of a tree are cut off, still the tree will grow to its old glory, given the time.  But if one uses the weapon of  unbearable insult against a person, that enters the ears of the latter, delivers deep gashes that will never heal .
അമ്പുകൊണ്ടുളള വ്രണം കാലത്താല്‍ക്ഷയി ച്ച്ചിടും  കൊമ്പുകള്‍ കണ്ടിച്ചാലും  പാദപം കിളുര്‍ത്തിടും കേട്ടുകൂടാത്ത വാക്കാം ആയുധം പ്രയോഗിച്ചാല്‍ കര്‍ണ്ണങ്ങള്‍ക്കകം പുക്കു പുണ്ണ്‍ ആയാല്‍ അത് പിന്നെ പൂര്‍ണ്ണമായ്‌ ശമിക്കയില്ലെത്ര നാള്‍ ചെന്നാല്‍ പോലും 
Our existence in this world is really for very limited periods.  This mortal body will be considgned to ashes one day sooner or later.  Why should we burn it while it is still alive?
Remember,  Harsh words burn the heart for ever.

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