A verse on clarity before action and right effort.
From chapter 47, “Clarity Before Action.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
author, poet, teacher, and performer
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
I was delighted to discuss compassion, poetry, the Tirukkural, leadership, voice, silence, and much more with the wonderful Chloë Goodchild on her VOCE Dialogues Podcast.
You can listen to the podcast by way of this link:
Chloë is the founder of The Naked Voice, a pioneering experiential vocal training programme, providing a sound awareness toolkit of conscious core practices, music, audio-books and spoken meditations that empower you to find and to embody your authentic voice.
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
A verse on how friends stay with you through hard times, along with a verse from Avvaiyar.
787
Friendship averts trouble shows the way and when
Trouble comes stays
அழிவி னவைநீக்கி ஆறுய்த் தழிவின்கண்
அல்லல் உழப்பதாம் நட்பு
From chapter 79, “Friendship.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
A verse on becoming all of who we truly are.
653
Steer clear of all deeds that dim light—you
Who would keep becoming
ஒஓதல் வேண்டும் ஒளிமாழ்கும் செய்வினை
ஆஅதும் என்னு மவர்
From chapter 66, “Purity of Action.”
Translated from the Tamil by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
THE KURAL: Tiruvalluvar’s Tirukkural
Beacon Press, Boston
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