 |
|---|
 |
The Holy Kural
Written over two millenia ago by Saint Tiruvalluvar,
translated under the guidance of Gurudeva, Sivaya Subramuniyaswami
Avoidance of Tyranny |
|---|
|
|---|
Verse 561
He is a true king who impartially investigates
And then duly punishes so that the offense will not reoccur.
Verse 562
He who wishes his prosperity to long remain
Will raise the rod severely, but let it fall softly.
Verse 563
The tyrant who causes terror to his people
Will perish quickly and certainly.
Verse 564
"The king is cruel." Should these bitter words be spoken,
The monarch's life is shortened and he soon dies.
Verse 565
If his countenance is harsh and access to him is hard,
A man's wealth, however vast, might as well belong to a demon.
Verse 566
If he is unkind and speaks cruelly,
A man's lofty wealth cannot last long - it ends right there.
Verse 567
Virulent language and overly severe punishment,
Like a keen file, grind down a king's conquering powers.
Verse 568
The king's wealth will waste away if, without thoughtful involvement, he lets
Ministers work, then works himself into anger, raging at their performance.
Verse 569
The sovereign who does not secure defenses will be seized by fear
When war time comes and promptly perish.
Verse 570
The earth bears no greater burden than the unlearned counselors
Whom the cruel-sceptered king binds to himself.
[Index]
[Prev]
[Next]
|
|
|---|
|
The Holy Kural
Written over two millenia ago by Saint Tiruvalluvar,
translated under the guidance of Gurudeva, Sivaya Subramuniyaswami
Avoidance of Tyranny |
|---|
|
|---|
