Chapter 23 – Giving / Eekai
Couplets / kuratpaakal
Couplet 221
Call that a gift to needy men thou dost dispense,
All else is void of good, seeking for recompense.
Explanation
To give to the destitute is true charity All other gifts have the nature of (what is done for) a measured return.
Transliteration
Variyaarkkondru Eevadhe Eekaimar Rellaam
Kuriyedhirppai Neera Thutaiththu.
Couplet 222
Though men declare it heavenward path, yet to receive is ill;
Though upper heaven were not, to give is virtue still.
Explanation
To beg is evil, even though it were said that it is a good path (to heaven) To give is good, even though it were said that those who do so cannot obtain heaven.
Transliteration
Nallaaru Eninum Kolaldheedhu Melulakam
Illeninum Eedhale Nandru.
Couplet 223
‘I’ve nought’ is ne’er the high-born man’s reply;
He gives to those who raise themselves that cry.
Explanation
(Even in a low state) not to adopt the mean expedient of saying “I have nothing,” but to give, is the characteristic of the mad of noble birth.
Transliteration
Ilanennum Evvam Uraiyaamai Eedhal
Kulanutaiyaan Kanne Yula.
Couplet 224
The suppliants’ cry for aid yields scant delight,
Until you see his face with grateful gladness bright.
Explanation
To see men begging from us in disagreeable, until we see their pleasant countenance.
Transliteration
Innaadhu Irakkap Patudhal Irandhavar
Inmukang Kaanum Alavu.
Couplet 225
‘Mid devotees they’re great who hunger’s pangs sustain,
Who hunger’s pangs relieve a higher merit gain.
Explanation
The power of those who perform penance is the power of enduring hunger It is inferior to the power of those who remove the hunger (of others).
Transliteration
Aatruvaar Aatral Pasiaatral Appasiyai
Maatruvaar Aatralin Pin.
Couplet 226
Let man relieve the wasting hunger men endure;
For treasure gained thus finds he treasure-house secure.
Explanation
The removal of the killing hunger of the poor is the place for one to lay up his wealth.
Transliteration
Atraar Azhipasi Theerththal Aqdhoruvan
Petraan Porulvaip Puzhi.
Couplet 227
Whose soul delights with hungry men to share his meal,
The hand of hunger’s sickness sore shall never feel.
Explanation
The fiery disease of hunger shall never touch him who habitually distributes his food to others.
Transliteration
Paaththoon Mareei Yavanaip Pasiyennum
Theeppini Theental Aridhu.
Couplet 228
Delight of glad’ning human hearts with gifts do they not know.
Men of unpitying eye, who hoard their wealth and lose it so.
Explanation
Do the hard-eyed who lay up and lose their possessions not know the happiness which springs from the pleasure of giving ?.
Transliteration
Eeththuvakkum Inpam Ariyaarkol Thaamutaimai
Vaiththizhakkum Vanka Navar.
Couplet 229
They keep their garners full, for self alone the board they spread;-
‘Tis greater pain, be sure, than begging daily bread.
Explanation
29 Solitary and unshared eating for the sake of filling up one’s own riches is certainly much more.
Transliteration
Iraththalin Innaadhu Mandra Nirappiya
Thaame Thamiyar Unal.
Couplet 230
‘Tis bitter pain to die, ‘Tis worse to live.
For him who nothing finds to give.
Explanation
Nothing is more unpleasant than death: yet even that is pleasant where charity cannot be exercised.
Transliteration
Saadhalin Innaadha Thillai Inidhadhooum
Eedhal Iyaiyaak Katai.
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