Sage Thiru-valluvar
"The Bard of Universal Man"
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Chapter - 64 : The Office of Minister of state
 

Introductory Note

Comparable with Manu Smriti vii.58

Translation(s)

He is a minister who grasps with large wisdom, means, time, mode of work, and rare functions he must discharge.

 

Translation(s)

A minister must own a greatness of guardian power, determined mind, learned wisdom, manly effort with the former five combined.

Explanation

The former five are referring to the five qualities described in the previous verse. It has four only - means, time, mode of work, and rare functions he must discharge. Actually the ‘means’ in it are two – Money and Men - as stated in Chapter 76 and 77. Thus there are five.

Translation(s)

He is a minister whose power can divide enemies, attach friends more firmly, and can heal the wide breaches of severed ones.

Explanation

The leader of genius must have the ability to make different opponents appear as if they belonged to one category.
- Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf

Translation(s)

A minister has the power to see the methods which afford help, to ponder long, then utter calm conclusive word.

 

Translation(s)

The man who knows virtue has use of wise and pleasant words and affords aid in counsel with apt plans for every season.

Explanation

The phrase ‘every season’ means ‘every situation.’

Counsel can mean either a body of advisors or the role of the man as counsel.

Translation(s)

When native subtilty combines with sound scholastic lore (learning) it is subtilty surpassing all before which nothing stands.

Explanation

The word ‘subtilty’ used by Rev. G.U.Pope, is now subtlety I think. Probably innate intelligence is meant.

Translation(s)

Though knowing all that books can teach, in action the truest tact is to follow common sense of men.

 

Translation(s)

It is duty of the man in place (i.e. holding the position) to say aloud the very truth, though the unwise king may cast his words away.

 

Translation(s)

A minister, who by king’s side, plots evil things brings woes worse than countless foemen (enemies).

Explanation

Once again, this is true in business also:

"No amount of ability is of the slightest avail without honor."
- Andrew Carnegie

Translation(s)

For gaining desired ends, just council avails nothing to the minister when tact in execution fails (is lacking).

Explanation

Tact must accompany caution according to Rev. G U Pope.

A Husband & His Wife in Foreground - View from the Mainland,
Thiruvalluvar Memorial (133 Feet, 7000 Tonnes), Kanyakumari, India
Credit: Priya20, Flickr

References