PrepMaticThirukkural · பொருட்பால் · குடியியல்
இரவு: Mendicancy
About this chapter
இரவு, mendicancy (asking for help), is about the manner of asking, and the duty of the person who is asked. Chapter 107 then turns to the opposite view, so the two should be read together.
Kural 1051 gives the opening rule: ask of those who ought to be asked, and if they refuse, the blame is theirs and not yours. Kural 1052 says that asking can be a pleasure if what you ask comes without distress, and Kural 1053 sees grace in standing before those who give freely. Kural 1054 goes further, saying that asking of people who would not think of refusing, even in dreams, is the same as giving. Kurals 1055 to 1057 look at the giver. Askers can stand before others only because some do not refuse, the sight of such people ends the misery of want, and the asker rejoices when the giver is not scornful. Kural 1058 says that the world would be like a wooden puppet show if there were no askers, and Kural 1059 adds that there would be no glory for givers without them. Kural 1060 ends with advice to the asker, which is not to be angry at a refusal, since his own want is explanation enough.
Kural 1051 and Kural 1057 are the two to know, since they set the duties of both sides.
For the syllabus, it fits universal values, in particular the ethics of giving and receiving with dignity.
The 10 kurals of இரவு
Each kural is shown in Tamil with a transliteration and G. U. Pope's English verse translation. Open a kural for its plain English meaning.
இரக்க இரத்தக்கார்க் காணின் கரப்பின்
அவர்பழி தம்பழி அன்று.
Irakka Iraththakkaark Kaanin Karappin
Avarpazhi Thampazhi Andru
When those you find from whom 'tis meet to ask,- for aid apply; Theirs is the sin, not yours, if they the gift deny
இன்பம் ஒருவற்கு இரத்தல் இரந்தவை
துன்பம் உறாஅ வரின்.
Inpam Oruvarku Iraththal Irandhavai
Thunpam Uraaa Varin
Even to ask an alms may pleasure give, If what you ask without annoyance you receive
கரப்பிலா நெஞ்சின் கடனறிவார் முன்நின்று
இரப்புமோ ரேஎர் உடைத்து.
Karappilaa Nenjin Katanarivaar Munnindru
Irappumo Reer Utaiththu
The men who nought deny, but know what's due, before their faceTo stand as suppliants affords especial grace
இரத்தலும் ஈதலே போலும் கரத்தல்
கனவிலும் தேற்றாதார் மாட்டு.
Iraththalum Eedhale Polum Karaththal
Kanavilum Thetraadhaar Maattu
Like giving alms, may even asking pleasant seem, From men who of denial never even dream
கரப்பிலார் வையகத்து உண்மையால் கண்ணின்று
இரப்பவர் மேற்கொள் வது.
Karappilaar Vaiyakaththu Unmaiyaal Kannindru
Irappavar Merkol Vadhu
Because on earth the men exist, who never say them nay, Men bear to stand before their eyes for help to pray
கரப்பிடும்பை யில்லாரைக் காணின் நிரப்பிடும்பை
எல்லாம் ஒருங்கு கெடும்.
Karappitumpai Yillaaraik Kaanin Nirappitumpai
Ellaam Orungu Ketum
It those you find from evil of 'denial' free, At once all plague of poverty will flee
இகழ்ந்தெள்ளாது ஈவாரைக் காணின் மகிழ்ந்துள்ளம்
உள்ளுள் உவப்பது உடைத்து.
Ikazhndhellaadhu Eevaaraik Kaanin Makizhndhullam
Ullul Uvappadhu Utaiththu
If men are found who give and no harsh words of scorn employ, The minds of askers, through and through, will thrill with joy
இரப்பாரை இல்லாயின் ஈர்ங்கண்மா ஞாலம்
மரப்பாவை சென்றுவந் தற்று.
Irappaarai Illaayin Eernganmaa Gnaalam
Marappaavai Sendruvan Thatru
If askers cease, the mighty earth, where cooling fountains flow, Will be a stage where wooden puppets come and go
ஈவார்கண் என்னுண்டாம் தோற்றம் இரந்துகோள்
மேவார் இலாஅக் கடை.
Eevaarkan Ennuntaam Thotram Irandhukol
Mevaar Ilaaak Katai
What glory will there be to men of generous soul, When none are found to love the askers' role
இரப்பான் வெகுளாமை வேண்டும் நிரப்பிடும்பை
தானேயும் சாலும் கரி.
Irappaan Vekulaamai Ventum Nirappitumpai
Thaaneyum Saalum Kari
Askers refused from wrath must stand aloof; The plague of poverty itself is ample proof
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