A verse on the sweetness of children’s voices.
From chapter 7, “Having Children.”
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 sweetness of children’s voices.
66
Those who don’t hear the babble of their children
Call the flute and the lyre sweet
குழலினிது யாழினி தென்பதம் மக்கள்
மழலைச்சொல் கேளா தவர்
From chapter 7, “Having Children.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
A verse on what makes a true country.
731
The union of unfailing yields untarnished wealth and people
Of wisdom—that is a country
தள்ளா விளையுளும் தக்காரும் தாழ்விலாச்
செல்வரும் சேர்வது நாடு
From chapter 74, “Country.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
A verse on endurance and having energy.
597
Even stung by arrows the elephant stands tall—even stung
By failure the sturdy do not slacken
சிதைவிடத் தொல்கார் உரவோர் புதையம்பிற்
பட்டுப்பா டூன்றுங் களிறு
From chapter 60, “Having Energy.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
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
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