A verse on when—and when not—to take action.
From chapter 68, “Ways of Action.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
author, poet, teacher, and performer
Poems from The Kural: Tiruvalluvar's Tirukkural.
A verse on when—and when not—to take action.
672
Delay what is meant for delay—delay nothing
Not meant for delay
தூங்குக தூங்கிச் செயற்பால தூங்கற்க
தூங்காது செய்யும் வினை
From chapter 68, “Ways of Action.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
A verse on the two uses of wealth.
1005
Those who won’t give and enjoy—even with billions
They have nothing
கொடுப்பதூஉம் துய்ப்பதூஉம் இல்லார்க் கடுக்கிய
கோடியுண் டாயினும் இல்
From chapter 101, “Fruitless Wealth.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
A verse on strangers and the paradoxical gift of openness.
83
The life that cherishes strangers each day
Never falls upon ruin
வருவிருந்து வைகலும் ஓம்புவான் வாழ்க்கை
பருவந்து பாழ்படுதல் இன்று
From chapter 9, “Hospitality.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
A verse on the four qualities that make a true leader.
382
Generosity fearlessness knowledge energy—the nature of a king
Is these four in fullness
அஞ்சாமை ஈகை அறிவூக்கம் இந்நான்கும்
எஞ்சாமை வேந்தர்க் கியல்பு
From chapter 39, “The Splendor of Kings.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
A verse on the connection between learning and life.
391
Faultlessly study what is to be studied—then fit
All that you’ve studied
கற்க கசடறக் கற்பவை கற்றபின்
நிற்க அதற்குத் தக
From chapter 40, “Learning.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston