author, poet, teacher, and performer
Poems from The Kural: Tiruvalluvar's Tirukkural.
A verse on the imperative of right action, with a connection to the five remembrances of Buddhism.
36
Do right without waiting—at death it remains
Beside one undying
அன்றறிவாம் என்னா தறஞ்செய்க மற்றது
பொன்றுங்கால் பொன்றாத் துணை
From chapter 4, “The Imperative of Right Action.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
A verse on generosity and giving without expectation.
211
Kindness seeks no return—what does the earth
Return to the rain
கைம்மாறு வேண்டா கடப்பாடு மாரிமாட்
டென்னாற்றுங் கொல்லோ உலகு
From chapter 22, “Knowing What Is Fitting.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
A verse on the gift of tears.
71
Is there a latch for love—the fullness of one’s heart
Shows in the tears that well
அன்பிற்கும் உண்டோ அடைக்குந்தாழ் ஆர்வலர்
புன்கணீர் பூசல் தரும்
From chapter 8, “Having Love.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
A verse on openness to strangers and the practice of kindness.
991
From openness to all people the practice
Of kindness comes easily
எண்பதத்தால் எய்தல் எளிதென்ப யார்மாட்டும்
பண்புடைமை என்னும் வழக்கு
From chapter 100, “Having Kindness.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
A verse on the fundamental importance of farmers for everyone everywhere. With all good wishes to M. Manikandan and his film #kadaisivivasayi.
1032
Farmers sustain everyone not farming—they
Are the pin holding the world together
உழுவார் உலகத்தார்க் காணி அஃ தாற்றா
தெழுவாரை எல்லாம் பொறுத்து
From chapter 104, “Farming.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
