A verse on leaders and acting in advance: “Prevention is better than cure.”
From chapter 44, “Elimination of Faults.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
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A verse on leaders and acting in advance: “Prevention is better than cure.”
435
The life of a king who won’t guard beforehand
Falls like a haystack before fire
வருமுன்னர்க் காவாதான் வாழ்க்கை எரிமுன்னர்
வைத்தூறு போலக் கெடும்
From chapter 44, “Elimination of Faults.”
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.
400
Learning is sacred unperishing prosperity—all
Other wealth is not wealth
கேடில் விழுச்செல்வம் கல்வி யொருவற்கு
மாடல்ல மற்றை யவை
From chapter 40, “Learning.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
A verse on where right action comes from, with a connection to the Beatitudes.
34
Right action is purity of heart-and-mind—all else
Nothing but noise
மனத்துக்கண் மாசிலன் ஆதல் அனைத்தறன்
ஆகுல நீர பிற
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 hard work, discipline, and the rewards of motivation.
620
Those who strive without ceasing or despair
See the defeat of fate
ஊழையும் உப்பக்கம் காண்பர் உலைவின்றித்
தாழா துஞற்று பவர்
From chapter 62, “Mastery of Action.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
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