~ ThirukuraL ~

[MysteRy]

ThirukuraL



Avoidance of Laziness

Verse 601
The eternal flame of a family vanishes
When eclipsed by that dark cloud called laziness.

Verse 602
Let those who wish their family to be a noble family
Call laziness "laziness" and live without it.

Verse 603
A man whose actions are ruled by ruinous indolence
Will see his family fall before his own destrution.

Verse 604
Their family will perish and their vices will thrive when men,
Ensnared in sloth, do not put forth earnest exertion.

Verse 605
Procrastination, forgetfulness, laziness and sleep - these four
form the coveted ship which bears men to their destined ruin.

Verse 606
Seldom do men possessed by sloth achieve anything special,
Even when supported by the earth's wealthy proprietors.

Verse 607
The lazy ones, inept in noble exertion,
Invite sharp scoldings and must endure the shame of scornful words.

Verse 608
If lassitude is allowed to live in aristocrats,
They will be forced into servitude under foes.

Verse 609
Disgrace that has come upon a man and his family
Will disappear the moment he casts out laziness.

Verse 610
A king who is devoid of indolence will procure thereby,
All that cosmic province measured by God's immeasurable strides.

[MysteRy]

ThirukuraL



Perseverance

Verse 611
Never say in weakness, "This task is too difficult,"
For perseverance will give the ability to accomplish it.

Verse 612
Beware of leaving any work undone, for the world
Will abandon those who abandon their work unfinished.

Verse 613
The pride of profuse giving dwells only
With the dignity of diligent effort.

Verse 614
Like the swordsmanship of an effimate man,
The philanthropy of those who avoid hard work will end in failure.

Verse 615
He who prefers work to pleasure supports his family
Like a pillar, sweeping away their every sad sorrow.

Verse 616
Perseverance creates prosperity,
And the lack of it produces poverty.

Verse 617
They say the black ogress called Misfortune lurks in laziness,
While goddess Fortune lingers in the laboring toils of active men.

Verse 618
To be devoid of good fortune is no one's disgrace.
But shame belongs to those destitute of knowledge and tenacity.

Verse 619
Though destiny decrees one's deeds will fail,
The wages for determined work are always paid.

Verse 620
Those who strive with tireless exertion and remain undaunted
Will see the backside of retreating Fate.

[MysteRy]

ThirukuraL



Being Undaunted by Troubles

Verse 621
Laugh when troubles come your way.
There is nothing better to conquer calamity.

Verse 622
A flood of troubles will vanish the moment
The mind of a wise man collects itself to face them.

Verse 623
Trouble itself they send away troubled
Who do not trouble themselves at the sight of it.

Verse 624
Troubles will be troubled before the man who faces them
Like the determined bullock that wades through every difficulty.

Verse 625
Though massed upon him like a mountain,
A man's afflictions will be afflicted by his undaunted will.

Verse 626
Those who do not guard wealth gathered and boast, "I earned it,"
Will not, in poorer times, bemoan, "I have become destitute."

Verse 627
Knowing this body to be the prey of misery,
High souls, expecting troubles, do not accept them troubled.

Verse 628
Declaring difficulties to be quite natural,
Those who do not pursue life's pleasures will not suffer its sorrows.

Verse 629
He who does not long for joy in joy
Will not suffer sorrow in sorrow.

Verse 630
He who does not distinguish pain from pleasure
Becomes so distinguished even enemies hope to pay homage.

[MysteRy]

ThirukuraL



Essentials Of the State Ministers

Verse 631
A minister is he who can conceive a great enterprise, rightly choose
the ways, The means and the time, then successfully accomplish it.

Verse 632
A minister is he who, in addition to the above five, is well-endowed
With steadfastness, protection of the people, learning and perseverance.

Verse 633
He who can divide the enemy, bind friends more firmly
And reunite estranged allies is indeed a minister.

Verse 634
Call him a minister who comprehends things,
Executes them effectively and directs others firmly.

Verse 635
The helpful minister is he who understands virtue, is learned and
Deliberate in speech and discerns what is fit in every situation.

Verse 636
When subtle intelligence combines with scholastic study,
Who can stand before such peerless subtlty?

Verse 637
Though you have learned theoretical methods,
Act only after you know the world's practices.

Verse 638
Though his leader lacks knowledge and repels advice,
The loyal minister's obligation is to cry out his counsel.

Verse 639
Better for the king to face 700 million distant foes
Than befriend a single counselor who conspires at his side.

Verse 640
Though they may devise the perfect plan,
Those without executive abilities never finish their work.

[MysteRy]

ThirukuraL



Eloquence

Verse 641
Among a man's many good possessions,
A good command of speech has no equal.

Verse 642
Prosperity and ruin issue from the power of the tongue.
Therefore, guard yourself against thoughtless speech.

Verse 643
The content of worthy speech binds friends more closely,
And its eloquence draws even enemies to listen.

Verse 644
Judge the nature of your listeners and speak accordingly.
There is nothing more virtuous or valuable than this.

Verse 645
Speak out your speech. Once it is known,
No speech can be spoken to refute that speech.

Verse 646
To speak so listeners long to hear more and to listen
So others' meaning is grasped are the ideals of the impeccably great.

Verse 647
In a war of words none can defeat an eloquent man
Who never succumbs to fear or confusion.

Verse 648
Upon finding men whose forceful speech is couched
In cogent and enchanting ways, the world swiftly gathers around.

Verse 649
Unaware of the artful use of a few flawless words,
Men become enamored with excessive syllables.

Verse 650
Men who cannot communicate their knowledge to others
Resemble a bouquet of unfragrant flowers in full bloom.

[MysteRy]

ThirukuraL



Purity of Action

Verse 651
Good friendships bring wealth to a man,
But goodness of action fulfills his every desire.

Verse 652
Actions which bring fame but no real benefit
Are to be avoided always.

Verse 653
Declaring that their future will be brighter,
Men desist from deeds that darken glory's light.

Verse 654
However troubled the times, men of unperturbable perception
Never commit shamful or sordid deeds.

Verse 655
Do nothing that would make you regret, "What have I done!"
However, do not remain regretful if regretable deeds do occur.

Verse 656
Though he must behold his own mother's hunger,
Let a man refrain from deeds that wise men condemn.

Verse 657
The worst poverty of worthy men is far better
Than wealth amassed by improper means.

Verse 658
Even when accomplished, forbidden deeds afflict sorrow
On those who seek after, rather than shun, them.

Verse 659
What is gained by tears will go by tears. In the end, goodness
Reaps many good things, though it begins with loss.

Verse 660
Protecting the country by wrongly garnered wealth
Is like preserving water in an unbaked pot of clay.

[MysteRy]

ThirukuraL



Resoluteness of Action

Verse 661
What is called resoluteness of action is, in truth,
Resoluteness of mind. All other qualities are not that.

Verse 662
To avoid all action that is bound to fail and not to be discouraged by
Failures are said to be the two guiding principles of reflective men.

Verse 663
To reveal an action only after completion is resoluteness.
To disclose that action earlier causes countless difficulties.

Verse 664
It is easy for anyone to speak of a plan,
But it is difficult indeed to execute what has been spoken.

Verse 665
The strong-willed actions of eminent men
Earn the crown's respect and the crowd's renown.

Verse 666
Those who think will have their thoughts fulfilled,
Just as they thought, provided they possess the strength of will.

Verse 667
Do not disparage men who appear small, for there are those,
Seemingly insignificant, who are like the linchpin of a mighty chariot.

Verse 668
Visualize actions with unclouded clarity,
Then forcefully undertake them without delay or indecision.

Verse 669
Despite dire hardships, hold to strength of mind
And do those deeds which yield joy of heart.

Verse 670
Whatever other strengths they may possess, the world neither needs
Nor likes those who have no need for action's strength.

[MysteRy]

ThirukuraL



Modes of Action

Verse 671
When a decision is reached, deliberation ends.
To delay that decision's execution is detrimental.

Verse 672
Slumber when sleepy work awaits,
But never rest when actions demand sleepless vigilence.

Verse 673
Direct action is good whenever feasible,
but when it is not, seek other means of success.

Verse 674
Reflect on this: Both efforts and enemies, if left unfinished,
Can destroy like an unextinguished fire.

Verse 675
Before acting resolve all doubts through consideration of these five:
Cost, means, time, place and the action itself.

Verse 676
Discern a deed's outcome, obstacles and opulent earnings
Successful effort affirms - then act.

Verse 677
The way to accomplish any task is to ascertain
The inmost thoughts of an expert in that task.

Verse 678
Just as one elephant may be used to tether another,
So one task may be the means of accomplishing another.

Verse 679
Rather than bestow kind favors on friends,
Hasten to befriend your unkind enemies.

Verse 680
Fearing their people's inner apprehensions,
Men of minor realms bow before mightier rulers, accepting terms.

[MysteRy]

ThirukuraL



Ambassadors

Verse 681
Kindliness, high birth, and a nature pleasing to kings -
These are the qualities of an ambassador.

Verse 682
Kindliness, knowingness and deliberateness of speech
Are three necessities for an ambassador.

Verse 683
The ambassador who presents to lance-bearing monarchs plans
That portend victory to his own king must be a scholar among scholars.

Verse 684
Send him on mission who possesses these three:
Well-winnowed wisdom, ample learning and an imperturbable presence.

Verse 685
The good which an ambassador procures derives from succinct speech
Cheerful conversation and avoidance of argument.

Verse 686
An envoy is learned, eloquently persuasive, unfearing of the fiercest
Stare and understanding of what fits the moment.

Verse 687
He is superior who knows duty and place,
Judges the appropriate time and thinks before he speaks.

Verse 688
Integrity, influence and intrepidity - these three along with truthfulness
Are the qualities of a man who faithfully delivers his monarch's message.

Verse 689
Commission him to deliver the monarch's mandates
Who, firm of vision, never blurts out flawed words.

Verse 690
An ambassador is he who fearlessly extends his king's glory,
Though he may expend his own life.

[MysteRy]

ThirukuraL



Associating with Monarchs

Verse 691
Those who associate with irascible kings should be like men who
Warm themselves at a fire, moving neither too near nor too far away.

Verse 692
Do not desire what the king desires
And the king himself will confer enduring wealth.

Verse 693
One wishing to be wary must beware of his grave faults.
Once suspicions are aroused, they are rarely removed.

Verse 694
In the presence of the great ones never speak
In whispers or exchange smiles with others.

Verse 695
The emissary neither eavesdrops nor inquires into matters.
Rather he listens raptly when secrets are revealed.

Verse 696
Sensing unspoken thoughts and ascertaining the ripe moment,
Speak of vital matters pleasantly, without offending others.

Verse 697
Speak useful ideas of interest to the king,
But always leave useless thoughts unspoken - even if he inquires.

Verse 698
Never criticize the king because he's young or your own kin.
Rather respect the luminous dignity kingship commands.

Verse 699
Men whose wisdom is unwavering
Do not use the high esteem to excuse lowly behavior.

Verse 700
Those who do unworthy deeds, expecting indulgence for their
Long-standing friendship with the monarch, ensure their own ruin.

[MysteRy]

ThirukuraL



Discerning Unspoken Thoughts

Verse 701
He who can discern through looking the unspoken thoughts of another
Is an ornament to this earth, encircled by ever unchanging seas.

Verse 702
He who can divine without any doubt what is in the king's
Mind should be held equal to a god.

Verse 703
Give whatever is required to gain an advisor
Who, knowing his own mind, can read another's thoughts.

Verse 704
Those who grasp the unspoken thoughts of others possess the same
physical features as those who do not - yet they are different.

Verse 705
Of what use are the body's eyes, if they cannot discern
Another's intentions by beholding their own?

Verse 706
As a crystal reflects objects that are nearby,
So does the face reflect what is foremost in the heart.

Verse 707
What is more perceptive than the face? For whether the heart
Is angry or glad, it is the face that expresses it first.

Verse 708
If you find a man who knows the truth of things by looking into the
Mind, it is enough to stand silently looking into his face.

Verse 709
If you find a man who knows the eye's language,
The eyes will speak of hidden hate and love.

Verse 710
Observe those who claim subtle discernment -
Their only measuring rod is their eyes.

[MysteRy]

ThirukuraL



Judging the Audience

Verse 711
Let pure men of studied eloquence study the audience
Before speaking deliberate words.

Verse 712
Let those good men who have the gift of eloquence await
The right moment and then speak with clear knowledge.

Verse 713
Those who do not assess an audience before venturing to speak
Are unaware of the way of words and remain ineffective.

Verse 714
Be brilliant before brilliant men; but assume
The dullness of white mortar before the unlearned.

Verse 715
Among all good things the best is that diffidence
Which refrains from speaking first with elders.

Verse 716
To blunder before perceptive, erudite men
Is to slip and fall from a high place.

Verse 717
A learned man's learning shines brightest
Among luminaries who can capably critique his language.

Verse 718
Speaking to an audience of understanding men
Is like watering a bed of growing plants.

Verse 719
Those who speak good things to good and learned gatherings
Should never say them to ignorant groups, even forgetfully.

Verse 720
Speaking before men of alien mind
Is like pouring sweet nectar down a drain.

[MysteRy]

ThirukuraL



Not Dreading the Audience

Verse 721
Pure men of skillful discourse may speak unfalteringly
Before the powerful, provided they understand the audience.

Verse 722
Those who can convincingly express what they have learned
Before a learned assembly are the learned among learned men.

Verse 723
Those who can brave death on the battlefield are common.
But rare are they who can face an audience without fear.

Verse 724
Speak confidently before the learned what you have mastered;
And learn from those more learned still what you do not know.

 Verse 725
Study the science of logic so that
You may fearlessly reply in any assembly.

Verse 726
What does a coward do with a sword?
What does a man who fears a subtle council do with books?

Verse 727
The learning of those who fearfully face an audience
Is like the shining sword of womanly men amid foes.

Verse 728
Having learned many things, men remain useless
If they cannot expound effectively in chambers of excellence.

Verse 729
The learned who are intimidated by gatherings of good men
Are alluded to as less than the illiterate.

Verse 730
Men whose fear of assemblies forbids them to share
Their knowledge may be alive, yet may as well be dead.

[MysteRy]

ThirukuraL



The Country

Verse 731
Where unfailing fertile fields, worthy men
And wealthy merchants gather - that is a country.

Verse 732
A land coveted for its vast wealth, free from calamities
And yielding in abundance is indeed a country.

Verse 733
Call that a land which bears every burden that befalls,
Yet pays in full all tariffs owed the king.

Verse 734
Free of famine, endless epidemics and ravaging foes -
Now that is a flourishing nation.

Verse 735
Profuse factions, ruinous civil subservisives and murderous gangs
That harass the king - a real land is without these.

Verse 736
An incomparable country is one never devastated,
Yet, if devastated, would prosper undiminished.

Verse 737
Rain waters, underground waters, well-situated water shedding mountains
And strong fortresses are the features of a good country.

Verse 738
Five are the ornaments of a country: good health, abundant harvests,
Wealth, happiness and safety from invasions.

Verse 739
A place where prosperity comes effortlessly deserves the name land,
Not one where wealth entails laborious toils.

Verse 740
Even if a country has all these blessings, it is worth nothing
If it lacks harmony between the ruler and the ruled.

[MysteRy]

ThirukuraL



Fortresses

Verse 741
To aggressors and to those in fear who seek defense
A fortress is an important asset.

Verse 742
A good fort has crystal clear water, arable lands,
A hill and lovely shaded woods.

Verse 743
The texts prescribe four features of a fort's ramparts -
High, thick, solid and virtually impregnable.

Verse 744
The ideal fortress is spacious but vulnerable in very few places
And is capable of depleting the foe's determined will to storm it.

Verse 745
A good garrison is hard to assail sieze, amply provisioned
And well-suited to accommodate well those within.

Verse 746
A worthy fortress, stocked with all needed goods,
Needs good men to fend off all attack.

Verse 747
It is impossible to capture a strong fort, whether by employing
Launching artillery, tunneling beneath or encircling siege.

Verse 748
However forcefully the offensive may press,
The fort offers allies defense and foes defeat.

Verse 749
A fortress earns greatness by enabling courageous defenders
To gloriously defeat the enemy at the battle's very outset.

Verse 750
Whatever excellent qualities a fortress may possess,
It will be of no avail to men who lack action's excellence.