With English couplets translated by Shuddhananda Bharati
ThirukkuralThirukkural has been translated into many languages. English translations in prose and verse by eminent scholars have appeared in print. Of those done in verse, G. U. Pope’s verses are in varying metres, Rev. Popley’s in blank verses (of five feet), K. M. Balasubramaniam’s in heptametric couplets and Robinson’s in tetrametre. The very name Kural in Tamil means short verse in venba metre of 2 lines each, the first line containing 4 feet and the second line 3. Great truths are found imbedded within the brief compass of those two lines.Aphoristic brevity and felicity of expression, impregnated with great moral truths, distinguish Kural from other works. So a translation that comes very near this high ideal has to be preferred to others. Robinson’s translation of Kural in tetrametric couplets being the shortest in structure, perfect in diction and felicitous in expression, besides being faithful to the original, we thought at first we could arrange to get the third part of Kural on Love translated into English in tetrametric verse (Part III not having been translated by Robinson) and publish Kural in its entirely in uniform tetrametric verse. But since many old Tamil commentaries have now become available (after Robinson) and since it would be advantageous to get the Kural translated by a single eminent hand in uniform metre, taking advantage of the new commentaries since made available. The great saint and savant, poet-philosopher Dr. Shuddhananda Bharati was requested to undertake the task. He readily agreed to do so. He completed the translation in tetrametric couplets, French metre being adopted.Dr. Shuddhananda Bharati, the reputed author of many valuable books in varied languages, with his wide knowledge and travel experiences, with his mastery over several languages like Tamil, English, Sanskrit, Telugu, Hindi, French, etc., with his delving into the depths of Yogic silence and Light and Divine inspiration, has brought out the great truths of Tiruvalluvar in apt and resonant verses, in crystal-clear tetrametric couplets, which can be set to music.Explanatory notes for difficult words in English verses have been added at the end.It is hoped the English reading public will appreciate this new venture of ours and benefit by it.With the blessing of Aum Shuddha Shakti.Editions ASSA, Christian Piaget
