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Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma

author, poet, teacher, and performer

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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

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