Poetry

Here is Valluvar’s Voice

Following is the translation of Thirukkural, a discourse on ethics, its author is Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar who lived around 3rd Century. It’s translation is done by Mr. NV Subbaraman, he lives in Chennai.

CHAPTER FORTY SEVEN

அதிகாரம் 47

DELIBERATED DEEDS

தெரிந்து செயல் வகை

                                                                              ~*~

Original

அழிவதூஉம் ஆவதூஉம் ஆகி வழிபயக்கும்

ஊதியமும் சூழ்ந்து செயல்

Pronunciation

Azhivadhoo, aavadhoom aagi vazhipayakkum

OOdhiyamum soozhndhu seyal.

Translation

Deliberate deeds

Well before action for right

If they serve all needs!

Comment

Before embarking on a work, one has to analyze the end and the possible ill effects on completion and also the good things that can happen because of that work.

                                                                              ~*~

Original

தெரிந்த இனத்தொடு தேர்ந்து எண்ணிச் செய்வார்க்கு

அரும்பொருள் யாதொன்றும் இல்.

Pronunciation

Therindha inaththodu thaerndhu eNNic ceyvaarkku

ArumporuL yaadhondrum il.

Translation

Discussed with the known

Deliberated within

Seed of success sown!

Comment

Those who discuss and deliberate on a work to be started with the competent persons will not come to grief ever.

                                                                              ~*~

Original

ஆக்கம் கருதி முதல் இழக்கும்; செய்வினை

ஊக்கார் அறிவுடை யார்.

Pronunciation

Aakkam karudhi mudhal izakkum seyvinai

Ookkaar arivudai yaar.

Translation

The wise do not lose

What they have on hand at first

To earn as they choose!

Comment

In anticipation of the wealth to come later, no sensible person should fritter away what all he has accumulated with great efforts.

                                                                              ~*~

Original

தெளிவு இலதனைத் தொடங்கார்; இளிவுஎன்னும்

ஏதப்பாடு அஞ்சு பவர்.

Pronunciation

TheLivu iladhanai thodangaar iLivuennum

Aedhappaadu anjubavar.

Translation

Sans wise discussion

The wise don’t start a deed-lest

Sad repercussion!

Comment

Those who deem it a disgrace will not commence any work without deliberating and discussing with the wise and competent.

                                                                              ~*~

Original

வகையறச் சூழாது எழுதல் பகைவரைப்

பாத்திப் படுப்பதோர் ஆறு.

Pronunciation

Vagaiyarach choozaadhu ezhudhal pagaivaraip

Paaththip paduppadhoar aaru.

Translation

Discussion less deeds

Like enemies worst nurtured

To failure it leads!

Comment

Deeds that are started without deliberation and discussion is like nurturing the foes that is bound to lead to failure in our activities.

                                                                              ~*~

Original

செய்தக்க அல்ல செயக்கெடும்; செய்தக்க

செய்யாமை யானும் கெடும்.

Pronunciation

Seythakka alla seyakkedum seydhakka

Seyyaamai yaanum kedum.

Translation

What needs to be done

Will be done with if not done

As what not to be done!

Comment

One gets into failure for doing the things wrongly; he also gets into failure when he does not do the thing after deliberation and discussion.

                                                                              ~*~

Original

எண்ணித் துணிக கருமம்; துணிந்தபின்

எண்ணுவம் என்பது இழுக்கு.

Pronunciation

ENNiththuNika karumam thuNindhapin

ENNuvam enbadhu izhukku.

Translation

Think before action

If not deliberated

Better inaction!

Comment

It is wise to commence a work after deliberation and discussion; it is foolish to think that we can deliberate and discuss after commencing the work.

                                                                              ~*~

Original

ஆற்றின் வருந்தா வருத்தம் பலர்நின்று

போற்றினும் பொத்துப் படும்.

Pronunciation

Aatrin varundhaa varuththam palarninru

Poatrinum poththup padum.

Translation

Failure-it leads to

Even with all support; if

You don’t think and do!

Comment

A work that is commenced without deliberating and discussing the ways and means of accomplishing is bound to fail even if many stand to help.

                                                                              ~*~

Original

நன்றுஆற்ற லுள்ளும் தவறுஉண்டு அவரவர்

பண்பறிந்து ஆற்றாக் கடை.

Pronunciation

Nanru aatra liLLum thavaruuNdu avaravar

PaNbarindhu aatraak kadai.

Translation

If traits not thought of

And action launched; most likely

Failure follows on!

Comment

Without thinking and analyzing and discussing the traits, if a work is launched, it can lead to failure.

                                                                              ~*~

Original

எள்ளாத எண்ணிச் செயல் வேண்டும் தம்மொடு

கொள்ளாத கொள்ளாது உலகு.

Pronunciation

ELLadha eNNich cheyal vaeNdum thammodu

KoLLaadha koLLaadhu ulagu.

Translation

Do what are all right

Not detested by the world

With all your might!

Comment

If one does a job below his dignity, the world will not only not accept the same; but detest it. Hence one should do the things after due deliberation without giving room for disgrace.

 

 

One Comment

  1. Wisdom lines of Saint Thiruvalluvar and a fine translation by Shri. N V Subbaraman on
    ‘ Deliberated Deeds ‘ for the benefit of viewers!

    Do you want your needs fulfilled?
    A seed of success you want to sow?
    Is it your desire to keep in tact what you’ve with you at the first instance?
    Is successful deal your concern?
    Do you hate nurturing enemies?
    Do you want to keep away from failure?
    Are you for ‘thinking’ that precedes ‘action’?
    Do you consider effectiveness of available support significant?
    Are you particular about consequences?
    Do you want to pursue what world glorifies?

    If an affirmative response is all that you anticipate, your option is but to discuss and deliberate with the WISE!!!!