The Kural: Tiruvalluvar's Tirukkural

by Tiruvalluvar, Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma (Translation), Andrew Harvey (Foreword)

A new translation of the classical Tamil masterpiece, uniquely rendering the unforgettable humanity, vitality, and wisdom of its verse in incandescent English.

Drawing on the poetic tradition of W. S. Merwin, Wendell Berry, and William Carlos Williams, and nurtured by 2 decades of study under Tamil scholar Dr. K. V. Ramakoti, this new translation of the Kural by Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma brings English readers closer than ever to the brilliant inner and outer music of Tiruvalluvar's work and ideas.

Tiruvalluvar's Tirukkural is a masterwork of poetry and practical philosophy. On par with other world classics such as the Tao Te Ching, the Kural is a compendium of 1,330 short philosophical verses, or kurals, that together cover a wide range of personal and cosmic experience, such as--

POLITICS
Harsh rule that brings idiots together--nothing
Burdens the earth more

HOSPITALITY
The life that cherishes strangers each day
Never falls upon ruin

FRIENDSHIP
Friendship is not a face smiling--friendship
Is a heart that smiles

GREED
Those who won't give and enjoy--even with billions
They have nothing

Accompanying the translation is a foreword by the founder of the Institute for Sacred Activism, Andrew Harvey; an introduction by the translator and scholar Archana Venkatesan; and a "Commentary of Notes," in which Pruiksma elucidates key words and shares insights from important Tamil commentaries.

Rich with indelible wordplay, learning, and heart, Pruiksma's translation transforms the barrier of language into a bridge, bringing the fullness of Tiruvalluvar's poetic intensity to a new generation.

Genres: Poetry, Philosophy, Nonfiction, India, Literature

256 pages, Hardcover

Published January 11, 2022

Reviews

[manaal]

wish i could read this in tamil but was still nice to read it like this. did not make me feel more culturally connected in any way though lol

[Arjuna Ranatunga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely collection of two-line verse couplets, imparting short pithy wisdom, from the Hindu & Buddhist traditions. This book was a favourite of Leo Tolstoy. The translation is masterful... and conveys effectively, the original intent. One of my currently favourite reads. The only book i can think of that's better than it, is The Dhammapada... the original words of the Buddha.

[Helios · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Kural, also known as the Thirukkural, is a classic Tamil text composed by Thiruvalluvar sometime between 2 BCE and 5 CE. It is a collection of 1,330 couplets, or kurals, that cover a wide range of topics, including ethics, politics, love, and spirituality.

The Kural is considered one of the greatest works of Tamil literature and has been translated into many languages. It is widely read and respected in Tamil Nadu, India, and among Tamil communities around the world. Thiruvalluvar, offers a captivating exploration of human experience across three sections: virtue, wealth, and love. In this review, I would like to specifically dive into the third section, Inbam (love), examining its unique perspective on this universal theme.

Inbam encompasses a spectrum of emotions and relationships. It delves into themes like friendship, familial love, and the universal yearning for connection. This broader lens allows readers to find resonance and guidance in its verses, regardless of their specific love experiences.

The chapters on love are structured logically, guiding readers through different stages of relationships. It begins by emphasizing the importance of choosing the right partner, highlighting qualities like character, compatibility, and shared values. The text then explores the joys and challenges of married life, offering practical advice on communication, respect, and navigating conflict with grace.

Overall, The Kural's section on love is a treasure trove of wisdom, offering valuable insights and guidance for navigating the complexities of human connection. Its timeless message of respect, understanding, and the importance of choosing wisely resonates across cultures and generations, making it a valuable read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of love in its various forms.

[Jagdish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pruiksma's translation represents a meticulous scholarly journey, reflecting deep respect for the original text's nuanced philosophical landscape. By dedicating five years to this project and drawing inspiration from renowned poets and scholars, he has crafted a translation that honours the original's poetic elegance while making its wisdom accessible to modern readers.

Pruiksma's translation carefully preserves the rhythmic quality of the original Tamil while ensuring semantic accuracy. What distinguishes Pruiksma's work is not just its linguistic precision but its ability to bridge cultural and temporal divides. By engaging deeply with Tamil scholarly traditions and collaborating with experts like Dr. K.V. Ramakoti, he has created a translation that is both academically rigorous and emotionally resonant.

The translation has been celebrated by prominent scholars who recognize its unique ability to capture the Kural's philosophical depth while maintaining its poetic beauty. It represents more than a mere linguistic translation—it is a cultural dialogue that invites readers to explore timeless wisdom through a contemporary lens.

Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma's translation of the Tirukkural stands as a remarkable achievement in comparative literature, offering English-speaking audiences an intimate encounter with one of the world's most profound philosophical texts. By treating translation as an art of cultural interpretation, he has created a work that is simultaneously scholarly, poetic, and profoundly human.

[Julia Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tirukkural, Tamil: திருக்குறள், or 'sacred verses'

One day I will read this in Tamil; until then, this English translation of two-line couplets filled with wisdom concerning the individual's morality (aka unenlightened human) will suffice.

"If the art of listening hasn't entered them even when hearing Ears do not hear"

“Steer clear of all deeds that dim light—you Who would keep becoming”

The Kural discusses all: from ethics to economics, from love to cosmic order; Also: Non-violence, kingship, self-study, wise company, vegetarianism. It is the most cited/reviewed work in Tamil literature.

[joe2436]

Interesting read. This was my first exposure to any Tamil literature, and I wanted to read this to get more exposure to ancient texts of great world cultures. As a Westerner raised in Christian culture, I was surprised at how similar this was to the biblical books of Proverbs and Song of Solomon. Some major cultural differences relate to vegetarianism and theology, but there are more similarities than differences. Enjoyable and deeply wise read. Happy to gain more insight to the ancient and rich world culture of the Tamil people.

[Ramesh Abhiraman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Does anyone believe in serendipity? I learnt of this book today, when I read Niranjana Roy's review of Tirukkural, The Book of Desire, by the Tamil writer Meena Kandasamy. That review is interesting in itself, and was published in Financial Times Jan 4th 2023. I must get that book. (That covers only a third of Tirukkural, the KAmappAl or book of desire). And no sooner had I learnt of this pair of books than I spotted this proof for review (being resold) at a used bookstore today.

[Nicole-Anne Keyton (Hint of Library) · Rating 5 out of 5]

These translated couplets are a true work of art. I also appreciate how the translator guides us through his process and his relationship with the text. *chef's kiss*

[Parker Samelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ancient and timeless wisdom.

[Maura]

Kind of like the I-Ching or Confuscious but from the Tamil culture. Fascinating but didn't hold my interest very strongly.

[Carolyn Wilhelm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep thoughts

This is not a quick read and needs to be read in short sections to savor and ponder the words about life. Interesting. Probably over my head.