Thirukkural, Wisdom of Thiruvalluvar

Thirukkural, meaning 'Sacred couplets,' is a Tamil Classic written by Saint Thiruvalluvar. The author is said to have lived sometime between the 1st century BC and the 8th century AD. It's the only literature translated into many of the world languages. The verses hold a treasure of principles and information that can be applied for any occasions, fields and times, irrespective of religion and race.

Thirukkural has three main sections as Righteousness, Resources or Wealth, and Love and Happiness. Under the above three categories, 1330 couplets have been arranged serially into 133 chapters of ten each. The essence of fifteen vital verses is given here to highlight the relevance to modern times also.

1. People seeking God's blessings, get over the life-cycle. Others never do. Man cannot take pride in his self but appreciates the omniscient and omnipresent Almighty. Without Him, it is impossible to lead a happy life. (Verse 10 in chapter 'Praise of God')

2. World becomes void without water. Only Rain determines it's peace and prosperity. Drought, famine and scarcity render the life difficult and chaotic. Hence, Saving rainwater is the action desired. (Verse 20 in chapter ' Rain's importance')

3. Action with a pure mind is virtuosity. Else, has no value. Any work done with bad and hidden intentions will boomerang on the doer. (Verse 34 in Chapter 'Value of Integrity')

4. Love and honesty are two virtues. Without them, life is meaningless. (Verse 45 in Chapter ' Family life')

5. Speaking harshly instead of using pleasant words is akin to preferring an unripe for the fruit. A person who is gritty, but soft-spoken always commands respect and value. (Verse 100 in Chapter ' Pleasant utterance')

6. Forgetting others' assistance is pardonable, but not the timely help received from them. One should never forget any help provided during the exigencies, even if repaying is impossible. (Verse 110 in Chapter ' Gratitude')

7. Humbleness makes nobleness, while pride fends distress and enmity. One should remain simple and kind to all, irrespective of the status and age. Learned people remain gracious and calm in all circumstances. (Verse 121 in chapter 'Humility')

8. Annihilation of Desire, Anger and Ignorance makes life happy. These three attributes cause hardship and troubles in our life. (Verse 360 in chapter ' Realising Truth')

9. The level of knowledge varies with the number of books read. It is akin to getting more water depending on the depth a well is dug. Keep reading more and more through the entire life to gain wisdom. (Verse 396 in chapter ' Education')

10. Time-conscious people rule the world. Appreciate the value of time and opportunity to take action. Successful persons never hasten, but wait for the right time and place. (Verse 485 in chapter ' Time Awareness')

11. Decide anything based on pros and cons. Ascertain the benefits and harm of anything, and determine, based on the more of them. People who can foresee the good and bad effects are the right people for an excellent administration. (Verse 511 in chapter 'Selective Decision')

12. Positivism or positive mind is the greatest asset; all others disappear later. A person with such attitude takes advantage of any situation and remains cheerful. Gloom surfaces in each opportunity to a pessimist. (Verse 592 in chapter ' Positive Attitude')

13. Efforts end in greatness. Laziness ruins the wealth. Persistent attempts make you experienced and resourceful. Lethargy lands in misery and disrespect. (Verse 616 in chapter ' Power of Action')

14. Like hands swiftly moving to prevent our falling dress, Good friendship extends a helping-hand during difficult times. Such friends are countable and called as thick and close pals. (Verse 788 in chapter ' Friendship')
15.  Correct diagnosis followed by proper treatment with the right drugs suitable for the patient is the best medical practice. (Verse 948 in chapter ' Medicine')

A translated version cannot match the original work. One should learn the language in which the literature is written, to admire and understand the classic like Thirukkural.

You can get the full volume of this marvelous classic as a Translation with Commentary by Rev Dr G U. Pope and two others at http://www.projectmadurai.org/pmetexts/pdf/pm0153.pdf