Tirukural – Chapter 23
Chapter 23: Charity
Verse 226
A rich family is seen personally feeding the poor in their home, a temple and the marketplace. They have learned that to relieve the hunger of the less fortunate is the right use of their wealth. They receive the blessings of the inner plane deities.
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Weaver’s Wisdom
Verse 221
Giving to the poor is true charity.
All other giving expects some return.
Verse 222
Though some may declare it a good path, garnering gifts is bad.
Even if they say it denies one Heaven, giving gifts is good.
Verse 223
Men of good birth graciously give,
never uttering the wretched excuse, “I have nothing.”
Verse 224
How unpleasant a beggar’s pleading can become,
until one sees his face so sweetly pleased.
Verse 225
Great, indeed, is the power to endure hunger.
Greater still is the power to relieve others’ hunger.
Verse 226
Relieving the ravaging hunger of the poor
is a right use for wealth men have obtained.
Verse 227
The fiery scourge called hunger never touches
the man who shares his daily meal with others.
Verse 228
Is it because they are unaware of the joys of giving
that hard-hearted men waste their wealth by hoarding it?
Verse 229
More bitter than even a beggar’s bread is the meal
of the miser who hoards wealth and eats alone.
Verse 230
There is nothing more bitter than death;
yet even death seems sweet when giving is impossible.
2 Responses to “Tirukural – Chapter 23”
From Our Gurus' Teachings
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February 14th, 2021 at 9:46 pm
“AUM”!.
February 15th, 2021 at 6:01 am
Thank you.