A verse on the connection between learning and life.
From chapter 40, “Learning.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
author, poet, teacher, and performer
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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
A verse on giving nourishment to the ear.
412
When the ear lacks food feed a little
To the belly
செவிக்குண வில்லாத போழ்து சிறிது
வயிற்றுக்கும் ஈயப் படும்
From chapter 42, “Listening.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
A poem about death—and life—from the 12th century Tamil woman, poet, and saint Avvaiyar.
Even if you wallow, weeping year after year,
Will those who have died come back?
You of this earth
Weep not. That too is our way. Till going, give
—what is it to us?—give, eat, and live.
Nalvazhi 10, “Andandu thorum purandalum.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
GIVE, EAT, AND LIFE: POEMS OF AVVAIYAR
Red Hen Press, Los Angeles
A verse about what it means to have a home.
81
The life of cherishing and being at home—for cherishing guests
With generosity
இருந்தோம்பி இல்வாழ்வ தெல்லாம் விருந்தோம்பி
வேளாண்மை செய்தற் பொருட்டு
From chapter 9, “Hospitality.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
A poem about stopping to see where we really are.
“Stop,” by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE SAFETY OF EDGES
Marrowstone Press, Seattle