Reflections on Thirukkural 668: Act Boldly, Now!

“Waver not on acts resolved but act firmly,

Fearlessly and wakefully.” ( Thiruvalluvar)

This couplet reminds us that, once a decision is made, we must act with clarity, firmness, and courage — fully present, fully awake. We must act boldly, with our whole being — now!

True vitality, the highest form of energy we can experience, arises from a well-functioning and integrated system, where all aspects of ourselves — body, mind, energy, and spirit — work together in harmony. When these parts function in unison, guided by a clear purpose emerging from moments of inner stillness, we bring our whole being into action. In doing so, the chances of success are high. And regardless of the outcome, there is no failure — for we have offered the best we are capable of. This is the only thing we can possibly do: give our best and leave the rest to unfold in its proper rhythm and timing.

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📚✍️Written over 2000 years ago in Tamil Nadu, the Thirukkural offers timeless wisdom on the art of living through its 133 chapters, each containing profound insights on life. For English translations, I use Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma’s ‘The Kural: Tiruvalluvar's Tirukkural’ (Beacon Press), Dr. M. Rajaram's 'Thirukkural – Pearls of Inspiration' (Rupa Publications) and Kannan’s translation available at  thirukkural133.wordpress.com.

This beautiful translation of Thirukkural 668 comes from Dr. M. Rajaram. Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma's translation of the same verse is as follows: "Enact without waiting or wavering Each action seen clearly”. Kannan's translation is "Do the task that you conceived with clarity of thought, unwaveringly and without procrastination".

Bibliography

Pruiksma, Thomas Hitoshi. The Kural: Tiruvalluvar's Tirukkural. Beacon Press, 2021. Kindle Edition.

M. Rajaram. Thirukkural - Pearls of Inspiration. Rupa Publications, 2023.

Kannan. Thirukkural in English. thirukkural133.wordpress.com