A verse on good governance and the abundance of the earth.
From chapter 55, “Good Rule.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
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A verse on good governance and the abundance of the earth.
545
Where kings rule as wisdom decrees
Rain and harvest abound
இயல்புளிக் கோலோச்சும் மன்னவன் நாட்ட
பெயலும் விளையுளும் தொக்கு
From chapter 55, “Good Rule.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
A verse on what we need to address the wise.
401
Addressing the wise without knowing books—like playing
At chess with no board
அரங்கின்றி வட்டாடி யற்றே நிரம்பிய
நூலின்றிக் கோட்டி கொளல்
From chapter 41, “Lack of Learning.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
A verse on waiting for the right moment, along with a verse from Avvaiyar.
490
Wait like the crane that waits—and strike like the crane
When right
கொக்கொக்க கூம்பும் பருவத்து மற்றதன்
குத்தொக்க சீர்த்த இடத்து
From chapter 49, “Knowing Time.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
A verse on how friends stay with you through hard times, along with a verse from Avvaiyar.
787
Friendship averts trouble shows the way and when
Trouble comes stays
அழிவி னவைநீக்கி ஆறுய்த் தழிவின்கண்
அல்லல் உழப்பதாம் நட்பு
From chapter 79, “Friendship.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
A verse on becoming all of who we truly are.
653
Steer clear of all deeds that dim light—you
Who would keep becoming
ஒஓதல் வேண்டும் ஒளிமாழ்கும் செய்வினை
ஆஅதும் என்னு மவர்
From chapter 66, “Purity of Action.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston