The Conduct of Affairs
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ollumvā yellām viṉainaṉṟē yollākkāl / cellumvāy nōkkic ceyal.
“When way is clear, prompt let your action be; / When not, watch till some open path you see.”
“Go straight for the goal whenever circumstances permit: but when circumstances are against, follow along the path that offereth the least resistance.”
When direct action is possible, that is good; when it is not, act by looking for another way through which the undertaking can succeed.
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Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
ஒல்லும் வாய் எல்லாம் வினைநன்று= வினைசெய்யுங்கால், இயலும் இடத்தெல்லாம் போராற் செய்தல் நன்று; ஒல்லாக்கால் செல்லும் வாய்நோக்கிச் செயல்= அஃது இயலாவிடத்து, ஏனை மூன்று உபாயத்துள்ளும் அது முடிவதோர் உபாயநோக்கிச் செய்க.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Direct execution is best wherever feasible; when direct means are blocked, seek viable alternative paths and accomplish the purpose.