Tkl 2 4 11

Created by Jijith Nadumuri at 11 Oct 2011 11:09 and updated at 11 Oct 2011 11:09

TIRUKKURAL of Tiruvalluvar, the Tamil poet

BOOK 2

Wealth

DIVISION 4

2.4 Miscellaneous

ADHIKARAM 11

2.4.11. Mendicancy

1051
When those you find from whom tis meet to ask, for aid apply;
Theirs is the sin, not yours, if they the gift deny.
If you meet with those that may be begged of, you may beg; (but) if they withhold (their gift) it is their blame and not yours.

1052
Even to ask an alms may Pleasure give,
If what you ask without annoyance you receive.
Even begging may be pleasant, if what is begged for is obtained without grief (to him that begs).

1053
The men who nought deny, but know what s due, before their face
To stand as suppliants affords especial grace.
There is even a Beauty in standing before and begging of those who are liberal in their gifts and understand their duty (to Beggars).

1054
Like giving alms, may even asking pleasant seem,
From men who of denial never even dream.
To beg of such as never think of withholding (their charity) even in their dreams, is in fact the same as giving (it oneself);

1055
Because on Earth the men exist, who never say them nay,
Men bear to stand before their Eyes for help to pray.
As there are in the World those that give without refusing, there are (also) those that prefer to beg by simply standing before them.

1056
It those you find from Evil of denial free,
At once all Plague of Poverty will flee.
All the Evil of begging will be removed at the sight of those who are far from the Evil of refusing.

1057
If men are found who give and no harsh words of scorn employ,
The minds of askers, through and through, will thrill with joy.
Beggars rejoice exceedingly when they behold those who bestow (their alms) with Kindness and courtesy.

1058
If askers cease, the mighty Earth, where cooling fountains flow,
Will be a stage where wooden puppets come and go.
If there were no Beggars, (the actions done in) the cool wide World would only resemble the movement of a puppet.

1059
What glory will there be to men of generous soul,
When none are found to Love the askers role?
What (praise) would there be to givers (of alms) if there were no Beggars to ask for and reveive (them).

1060
Askers refused from wrath must stand aloof;
The Plague of Poverty itself is ample proof.
He who begs ought not to be angry (at a refusal); for even the misery of (his own) Poverty should be a sufficient reason (for so doing).

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