A poem about death—and life—from the 12th century Tamil woman, poet, and saint Avvaiyar. Nalvazhi 10, “Andandu thorum purandalum.” Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi PruiksmaGIVE, EAT, AND LIFE: […]
Avvaiyar Poems & Interviews
From and about Give, Eat, and Live: Poems of Avvaiyar.
“What We Know: A Handful of Dirt” from Avvaiyar’s Thani Padal | கற்றது கைம்மண்ணளவு
Here’s a poem about knowledge, humility, and always continuing to learn, from the 12th century Tamil woman, poet, and saint Avvaiyar. “Katrathu kaiman alavu.” Translated from the Tamil by Thomas […]
“Don’t Think to Conquer” from Avvaiyar’s Moothurai | அடக்கம் உடையார் அறிவிலர் என்றெண்ணி
A poem about restraint, patience, and surprise, from the 12th century Tamil woman, poet, and saint Avvaiyar. Moothurai 16, “Adakkam udayar arivilar.” Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi PruiksmaGIVE, […]
“To Behold a Good Person” from Avvaiyar’s Moothurai | நல்லாரைக் காண்பதுவும் நன்றே
A poem about staying close to goodness, from the 12th century Tamil woman, poet, and saint Avvaiyar. Moothurai 8, “Nallarai kanbathum nandre.” Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi PruiksmaGIVE, […]
“Like Water Birds that Leave” from Avvaiyar’s Moothurai | அற்ற குளத்தின் அறுநீர்ப் பறவைபோல்
A poem about true friendship by the 12th century Tamil woman, poet, and saint Avvaiyar. From her collection, “The Word that Endures.” Moothurai 17, “Atra kulathil aruneer paravai pol.” Translated […]