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Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma

author, poet, teacher, and performer

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    • THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
    • The Safety of Edges
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Tirukkural Videos

Poems from The Kural: Tiruvalluvar's Tirukkural.

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Kural 61: The Kural on Children and Family

July 5, 2022

A verse on how knowledge is passed from generation to generation.

61
Of all we may have we know nothing higher than having
Children with knowledge

பெறுமவற்றுள் யாமறிவது இல்லை அறிவறிந்த
மக்கட்பேறு அல்ல பிற

From chapter 7, “Having Children.”

Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston

More about the book
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Kural 82: The Kural on Hospitality and Life

June 28, 2022

A verse on sharing food with guests and the elixir of immortality.

82
With a guest at the door it is not worth eating
Even the nectar of the gods

விருந்து புறத்ததாத் தானுண்டல் சாவா
மருந்தெனினும் வேண்டற்பாற் றன்று

From chapter 9, “Hospitality.”

Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston

More about the book
I’d like a copy!

Kural 872: The Kural on the Power of Words

June 21, 2022

A verse on how the pen is indeed mightier than the sword—or a bow and arrow.

872
Oppose those who plow with bows—not those
Who plow with words

வில்லேர் உழவர் பகைகொளினும் கொள்ளற்க
சொல்லேர் உழவர் பகை

From chapter 88, “Knowing an Enemy.”

Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston

More about the book
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Kural 90: The Kural on Hospitality

June 14, 2022

A verse on hospitality and delicacy.

90
Anicham flowers wilt when smelt—a guest wilts
When a face turns sour

மோப்பக் குழையும் அனிச்சம் முகந்திரிந்து
நோக்கக் குழையும் விருந்து

From chapter 9, “Hospitality.”

Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston

More about the book
I’d like a copy!

Kural 1027: The Kural on Family and Strength

June 7, 2022

A verse on ability and responsibility.

1027
Like the strong-hearted in battle—those able in family
Bear the weight

அமரகத்து வன்கண்ணர் போலத் தமரகத்தும்
ஆற்றுவார் மேற்றே பொறை

From chapter 103, “Serving Family.”

Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston

More about the book
I’d like a copy!

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