A verse on timing, opportunity, and acting without waiting.
From chapter 49, “Knowing Time.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
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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
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
A verse on good governance and the abundance of the earth.
545
Where kings rule as wisdom decrees
Rain and harvest abound
இயல்புளிக் கோலோச்சும் மன்னவன் நாட்ட
பெயலும் விளையுளும் தொக்கு
From chapter 55, “Good Rule.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
A verse on what we need to address the wise.
401
Addressing the wise without knowing books—like playing
At chess with no board
அரங்கின்றி வட்டாடி யற்றே நிரம்பிய
நூலின்றிக் கோட்டி கொளல்
From chapter 41, “Lack of Learning.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
A verse on waiting for the right moment, along with a verse from Avvaiyar.
490
Wait like the crane that waits—and strike like the crane
When right
கொக்கொக்க கூம்பும் பருவத்து மற்றதன்
குத்தொக்க சீர்த்த இடத்து
From chapter 49, “Knowing Time.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston