About the book
A new translation of the classical Tamil masterpiece on ethics, power, and friendship, bringing Tiruvalluvar’s poetry and philosophy to a new generation seeking practical wisdom and spiritual sustenance
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.
Editions of The Kural
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807003619
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807020555
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807003626
Read an Excerpt
A new translation of the classical Tamil masterpiece on ethics, power, and friendship, bringing Tiruvalluvar’s poetry and philosophy to a new generation seeking practical wisdom and spiritual sustenance
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Kural about?
A new translation of the classical Tamil masterpiece on ethics, power, and friendship, bringing Tiruvalluvar’s poetry and philosophy to a new generation seeking practical wisdom and spiritual sustenance
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.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Kural?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Poetry / Poems > Classic poetry / poems
Where can I read a sample of The Kural?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807003619
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Kural?
Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Kural is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807003619) and paperback(ISBN 9780807020555) and ebook(ISBN 9780807003626)
Where can I buy The Kural online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Kural from below
Where can I buy The Kural?