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The Holy Kural
Written over two millenia ago by Saint Tiruvalluvar,
translated under the guidance of Gurudeva, Sivaya Subramuniyaswami
The Merits of the King |
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Verse 381
He is lion among kings who is well-endowed with these six possessions:
Army, citizens, wealth, ministers, allies and fortresses.
Verse 382
Four are the characteristics which a king cannot lack:
Fearlessness, generosity, wisdom and industriousness.
Verse 383
In those who rule the land these three must never lapse:
Vigilance, valiance and virtuous learning.
Verse 384
He is a true king who, unswerving in virtue,
Restrains wrongdoing, and, steadfast in courage, maintains his honor.
Verse 385
A king is he who can amass a treasury of wealth,
Store it, guard it and expend it wisely.
Verse 386
All peoples praise that nation whose sovereign
Is always accessible and never speaks severely.
Verse 387
Behold the King who speaks sweetly, gives generously and
Protects powerfully - the world, esteems his word its command.
Verse 388
Ruling righteously himself and safeguarding subjects from others,
A monarch may be deemed divine by his people.
Verse 389
The world abides protected beneath the umbrella
Of a virtuous king who can abide words bitter to the ear.
Verse 390
He is a light ruler who is endowed with the four merits
Of generosity, graciousness, justice and care for the people.
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The Holy Kural
Written over two millenia ago by Saint Tiruvalluvar,
translated under the guidance of Gurudeva, Sivaya Subramuniyaswami
The Merits of the King |
|---|
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