Kural #1070
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Tamil text
இரந்தும் உயிர்வாழ்தல் வேண்டுமெனின்
எஞ்ஞான்றும் பிரந்து பின்செல் பவர்க்கு
Irantum uyirvāḻtal vēṇṭumeṉiṉ
Eññāṉṟum pirantu piṉcel pavarkku
English translation
If one desires to live by begging, let it be to those who always separate (from wealth) and follow (the path of giving).
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Explanation
If begging is unavoidable, at least beg from those who have made a practice of generosity and giving. This final kural offers practical advice: seek help from the truly charitable.
விளக்கம்
யாசித்தே உயிர் வாழ நேர்ந்தால், எப்போதும் பிறருக்குக் கொடுத்து உதவும் நல்லோரிடம் மட்டுமே இரக்க வேண்டும். இரவச்சம் அதிகாரத்தில், யாசிப்பது இழிவானது என்றாலும், தவிர்க்க முடியாவிட்டால் வள்ளல்களிடம் செல்வதே மேல். பிறருக்கு உதவுவதே சிறந்த வாழ்க்கை என்பதை இது உணர்த்துகிறது.
Word meanings
- இரந்தும்irantumeven begging
- உயிர்uyirlife
- வாழ்தல்vāḻtalliving
- வேண்டும்vēṇṭumwish/desire
- எனின்eṉiṉif
- எஞ்ஞான்றும்eññāṉṟumalways/ever
- பிரந்துpirantuseparating/giving away
- பின்piṉafter/following
- செல்celgoing
- பவர்க்குpavarkkuto those
Story behind this kural
In a humble village nestled beside a whispering river, lived two beggars, Elara and Rohan. Elara, driven by pride, would only implore those known for their stinginess. "A coin is a coin," she'd mutter, her voice barely a whisper. Rohan, however, sought out the generous, the ones who shared their meager harvests without hesitation. One harsh winter, the river froze, and the villagers’ stores dwindled. Elara, despite her persistent begging, remained thin and gaunt. Her pride kept her from admitting her folly. Rohan, on the other hand, fared better. He received a warm meal from the baker, a blanket from the weaver, and firewood from the farmer, all known for their kindness. As spring arrived, melting the ice and thawing the land, Elara, weakened and ashamed, watched Rohan, healthy and content, tending a small plot of land. He shared his first harvest with her. She finally understood.