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Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma

author, poet, teacher, and performer

  • Books
    • THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
    • The Safety of Edges
    • Give, Eat, and Live: Poems of Avvaiyar
    • Body and Earth
    • A Feast for the Tongue
    • Juan Rulfo’s Pedro Páramo
    • Other Writings
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Kural Videos

Talks & Presentations

The Safety of Edges

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 குநழ்யும் 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
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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
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Kural 489: The Kural on Taking Action in Time

May 31, 2022

A verse on timing, opportunity, and acting without waiting.

489
When the rare moment arrives do what is rare
Without waiting

எய்தற் கரிய தியைந்தக்கால் அந்நிலையே
செய்தற் கரிய செயல்

From chapter 49, “Knowing Time.”

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 468: The Kural on Right Action

May 24, 2022

A verse on clarity before action and right effort.

468
Without right effort all effort miscarries
Even with many who care

ஆற்றின் வருந்தா வருத்தம் பலர்நின்று
போற்றினும் பொத்துப் படும்

From chapter 47, “Clarity Before Action.”

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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