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The Holy Kural
Written over two millenia ago by Saint Tiruvalluvar,
translated under the guidance of Gurudeva, Sivaya Subramuniyaswami
Military Pride |
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Verse 771
O enemies, stand not against my monarch!
Many who did now stand as stone monuments.
Verse 772
There is greater fulfillment in carrying a lance which missed an
Elephant than an arrow which pierced a forest-dwelling rabbit.
Verse 773
Fierce courage is what they call valor,
And chivalry to the fallen forms its sharp edge.
Verse 774
Having hurled his spear at a huge bull elephant,
The hero finds another piercing his body and grabs it with glee.
Verse 775
Is it not a disgraceful defeat to the courageous warrior
If his glaring eyes so much as blink when the lance is hurled at him?
Verse 776
When recounting his days, the hero considers all days
On which no battle wounds scars were sustained as squandered.
Verse 777
To fasten the warrior's anklet to one who wants glory
More than life is adorning to adorn greatness with beauty.
Verse 778
Men of courage who do not fear their lives in battle do not
forfeit their ardor even if the king prohibits their fighting.
Verse 779
Who dares deride as defeated
Men who die fulfilling valor's vow?
Verse 780
Heroic death which fills with tears the emperor's eyes
Is death worth begging and then dying for.
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The Holy Kural
Written over two millenia ago by Saint Tiruvalluvar,
translated under the guidance of Gurudeva, Sivaya Subramuniyaswami
Military Pride |
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