Sage Thiru-valluvar
"The Bard of Universal Man"
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Chapter - 68 : The Method of Acting
 

Translation(s)

The end (result) of counsel is resolve. If (execution of) resolutions halt due to weak delays, still unfulfilled, it is grievous fault.

Explanation

Zeal is a volcano, at the peak of which the grass of indecisiveness doesnot grow.
- Kahlil Gibran

Translation(s)

Slumber when sleepy works are in hand; beware, you should not slumber, when action calls for sleepless care.

 

Translation(s)

When way is clear let your action be prompt; when not, watch till you see some open path.

 

Translation(s)

With work or enemy, when you neglect some little thing; if you reflect (on such behavior in past, you will discover), like smoldering fire it will bring ruin.

 

Translation(s)

Think over these five with exact care till every doubt is removed – treasure, instrument, time, deed, and place of act.

Explanation

"Superhuman effort isn't worth a damn unless its achieves results."
- Ernest Shackleton, 1916

Translation(s)

Compare these and then let the work be done – accomplishment, the hindrances, large profits won by effort.

 

Translation(s)

One who would succeed must thus begin: first let him ask the thoughts of them who thoroughly know the task.

 

Translation(s)

By doing one thing you reach accomplishment of second work, like furious elephant is sent to snare its fellow brute.

Explanation

"Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs." - Henry Ford

Translation(s)

Making enemies cling to you as friends is a more urgent thing to do than kindly acts to friends.

Explanation

“If you want to make peace, you don't talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.”
- Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Albanian born Indian Missionary and Founder of the Order of the Missionaries of Charity. Nobel Prize for Peace in 1979 (1910-1997)

Translation(s)

The men of lesser realms (smaller kingdoms) bow their head to mightier ruler, accepting granted terms fearing the people’s inward dread.

Explanation

Rev. G U Pope comments - “This is a perplexing couplet: ‘Kings of small states, fearing the inward weakness of their own people, must pay homage to greater rulers in order to obtain the needful assistance: It is no disgrace to seek the friendship and protection of mightier states.’” However, it teaches: Learn the wisdom of compromise for it is better to bent a little than to break.

“If thy heart fails thee, climb not at all.”
- Elizabeth I, Queen of England & Ireland, also known as Good Queen Bess, presided over growing empire (1533-1603)

Sunrise in Kanyakumari (India) with Thiruvalluvar Statue in Foreground.
1.7 Million Tourists Visited Kanyakumari in 2007.
Credit: S e l v i n, Flickr

References