Chapter 68 – Modes of Action / Vinaiseyalvakai
Couplets / kuratpaakal
Couplet 671
The Resolve is counsel’s end, If resolutions halt
In weak delays, still unfulfilled, ’tis grievous fault.
Explanation
Consultation ends in forming a resolution (to act); (but) delay in the execution of that resolve is an evil.
Transliteration
Soozhchchi Mutivu Thuniveydhal Aththunivu
Thaazhchchiyul Thangudhal Theedhu.
Couplet 672
Slumber when sleepy work’s in hand beware
Thou slumber not when action calls for sleepless care.
Explanation
Sleep over such (actions) as may be slept over; (but) never over such as may not be slept over.
Transliteration
Thoonguka Thoongich Cheyarpaala Thoongarka
Thoongaadhu Seyyum Vinai.
Couplet 673
When way is clear, prompt let your action be;
When not, watch till some open path you see.
Explanation
Whenever it is possible (to overcome your enemy) the act (of fighting) is certainly good; if not, endeavour to employ some more successful method.
Transliteration
Ollumvaa Yellaam Vinainandre Ollaakkaal
Sellumvaai Nokkich Cheyal.
Couplet 674
With work or foe, when you neglect some little thing,
If you reflect, like smouldering fire, ’twill ruin bring.
Explanation
When duly considered, the incomplete execution of an undertaking and hostility will grow and destroy one like the (unextinguished) remnant of a fire.
Transliteration
Vinaipakai Endrirantin Echcham Ninaiyungaal
Theeyechcham Polath Therum.
Couplet 675
Treasure and instrument and time and deed and place of act
These five, till every doubt remove, think o’er with care exact.
Explanation
Do an act after a due consideration of the (following) five, viz money, means, time, execution and place.
Transliteration
Porulkaruvi Kaalam Vinaiyitanotu Aindhum
Iruldheera Ennich Cheyal.
Couplet 676
Accomplishment, the hindrances, large profits won
By effort these compare,- then let the work be done.
Explanation
An act is to be performed after considering the exertion required, the obstacles to be encountered, and the great profit to be gained (on its completion).
Transliteration
Mutivum Itaiyoorum Mutriyaangu Eydhum
Patupayanum Paarththuch Cheyal.
Couplet 677
Who would succeed must thus begin first let him ask
The thoughts of them who thoroughly know the task.
Explanation
The method of performance for one who has begun an act is to ascertain the mind of him who knows the secret thereof.
Transliteration
Seyvinai Seyvaan Seyanmurai Avvinai
Ullarivaan Ullam Kolal.
Couplet 678
By one thing done you reach a second work’s accomplishment;
So furious elephant to snare its fellow brute is sent.
Explanation
To make one undertaking the means of accomplishing another (similar to it) is like making one rutting elephant the means of capturing another.
Transliteration
Vinaiyaan Vinaiyaakkik Kotal Nanaikavul
Yaanaiyaal Yaanaiyaath Thatru.
Couplet 679
Than kindly acts to friends more urgent thing to do,
Is making foes to cling as friends attached to you.
Explanation
One should rather hasten to secure the alliance of the foes (of one’s foes) than perform good offices to one’s friends.
Transliteration
Nattaarkku Nalla Seyalin Viraindhadhe
Ottaarai Ottik Kolal.
Couplet 680
The men of lesser realm, fearing the people’s inward dread,
Accepting granted terms, to mightier ruler bow the head.
Explanation
Ministers of small states, afraid of their people being frightened, will yield to and acknowledge their superior foes, if the latter offer them a chance of reconciliation.
Transliteration
Uraisiriyaar Ulnatungal Anjik Kuraiperin
Kolvar Periyaarp Panindhu.
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