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.
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!!!!