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இரவச்சம்: The Dread of Mendicancy
About this chapter
இரவச்சம், the dread of mendicancy, is the counterpoint of chapter 106. Where that chapter set out how to ask for help with grace, this one praises the person who does not ask at all. Its theme is self-reliance and dignity.
Kural 1061 says that not asking, even of the most generous, is worth millions of times more. Kural 1062 is a bitter outburst: if the Creator has decreed that people must live by begging, may he himself wander and perish. Kural 1063 calls the belief that one can cure poverty by begging the hardest kind of hardness. Kural 1064 praises the dignity of those who would not beg even in extreme need, saying that the whole earth could not hold its worth. Kural 1065 states the positive side, saying that even thin gruel won by one's own effort is the sweetest food. Kural 1066 declares that even to beg water for a cow is the most shameful thing a tongue can do. Kural 1067 begs the beggars never to ask those who give unwillingly. Kural 1068 compares begging to a fragile raft that splits on the rock of refusal. Kurals 1069 and 1070 end with the hurt of asking and the weight on the one who refuses.
Kural 1065 is the most memorable. Compare Kural 1035 in chapter 104, which also praises the self-reliant farmer.
For the syllabus, it fits universal values: self-reliance and the dignity of labour.
The 10 kurals of இரவச்சம்
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.
கரவாது உவந்தீயும் கண்ணன்னார் கண்ணும்
இரவாமை கோடி உறும்.
Karavaadhu Uvandheeyum Kannannaar Kannum
Iravaamai Koti Urum
Ten million-fold 'tis greater gain, asking no alms to live, Even from those, like eyes in worth, who nought concealing gladly give
இரந்தும் உயிர்வாழ்தல் வேண்டின் பரந்து
கெடுக உலகியற்றி யான்.
Irandhum Uyirvaazhdhal Ventin Parandhu
Ketuka Ulakiyatri Yaan
If he that shaped the world desires that men should begging go, Through life's long course, let him a wanderer be and perish so
இன்மை இடும்பை இரந்துதீர் வாமென்னும்
வன்மையின் வன்பாட்ட தில்.
Inmai Itumpai Irandhudheer Vaamennum
Vanmaiyin Vanpaatta Thil
Nothing is harder than the hardness that will say,'The plague of penury by asking alms we'll drive away.'
இடமெல்லாம் கொள்ளாத் தகைத்தே இடமில்லாக்
காலும் இரவொல்லாச் சால்பு.
Itamellaam Kollaath Thakaiththe Itamillaak
Kaalum Iravollaach Chaalpu
Who ne'er consent to beg in utmost need, their worthHas excellence of greatness that transcends the earth
தெண்ணீர் அடுபுற்கை ஆயினும் தாள்தந்தது
உண்ணலின் ஊங்கினிய தில்.
Thenneer Atupurkai Aayinum Thaaldhandhadhu
Unnalin Oonginiya Thil
Nothing is sweeter than to taste the toil-won cheer, Though mess of pottage as tasteless as the water clear
ஆவிற்கு நீரென்று இரப்பினும் நாவிற்கு
இரவின் இளிவந்த தில்.
Aavirku Neerendru Irappinum Naavirku
Iravin Ilivandha Thil
E'en if a draught of water for a cow you ask, Nought's so distasteful to the tongue as beggar's task
இரப்பன் இரப்பாரை எல்லாம் இரப்பின்
கரப்பார் இரவன்மின் என்று.
Irappan Irappaarai Ellaam Irappin
Karappaar Iravanmin Endru
One thing I beg of beggars all, 'If beg ye may, Of those who hide their wealth, beg not, I pray.'
இரவென்னும் ஏமாப்பில் தோணி கரவென்னும்
பார்தாக்கப் பக்கு விடும்.
Iravennum Emaappil Thoni Karavennum
Paardhaakkap Pakku Vitum
The fragile bark of beggaryWrecked on denial's rock will lie
இரவுள்ள உள்ளம் உருகும் கரவுள்ள
உள்ளதூஉம் இன்றிக் கெடும்.
Iravulla Ullam Urukum Karavulla
Ulladhooum Indrik Ketum
The heart will melt away at thought of beggary, With thought of stern repulse 'twill perish utterly
கரப்பவர்க்கு யாங்கொளிக்கும் கொல்லோ இரப்பவர்
சொல்லாடப் போஒம் உயிர்.
Karappavarkku Yaangolikkum Kollo Irappavar
Sollaatap Poom Uyir
E'en as he asks, the shamefaced asker dies; Where shall his spirit hide who help denies
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