Kural 1051Chapter 106: Mendicancy

Thirukkural 1051 in English

Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.

Tamil original

இரக்க இரத்தக்கார்க் காணின் கரப்பின்
அவர்பழி தம்பழி அன்று.

Transliteration

Irakka Iraththakkaark Kaanin Karappin
Avarpazhi Thampazhi Andru

Modern English

“If you ask someone known to be able to help and they pretend they have nothing, the shame is theirs, not yours.”

Modern Interpretation

If you ask someone known to be able to help and they pretend they have nothing, the shame is theirs, not yours. When a capable sponsor refuses a deserving request while hiding their means, do not blame the person who asked.

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Tamil pronunciation

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Modern Plain English

If you ask someone known to be able to help and they pretend they have nothing, the shame is theirs, not yours.

Poetic Couplet (Bharati)

Demand from those who can supply Default is theirs when they deny

G.U. Pope Translation

When those you find from whom 'tis meet to ask,- for aid apply;Theirs is the sin, not yours, if they the gift deny

Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)

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

Tamil commentary

ஏதும்‌ இல்லா நிலையில், எவரிடம் ஏற்பது இழிவாகாது என்று தோன்றுகிழதோ அவரிடம் பிச்சை ஏற்கலாம்; அவர் தர மறுத்து, மறைத்தால் பழி அவர்க்கே; இரப்பவர்க்கு அன்று.

Chapter 106

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Kural 1051

Demand from those who can supply Default is theirs when they deny

Kural 1052

Even demand becomes a joy When the things comes without annoy

Kural 1053

Request has charm form open hearts Who know the duty on their part

Kural 1054

Like giving even asking seems From those who hide not even in dreams

Kural 1055

The needy demand for help because The world has men who don't refuse

Kural 1056

The pain of poverty shall die Before the free who don't deny

Kural 1057

When givers without scorn impart A thrill of delight fills the heart

Kural 1058

This grand cool world shall move to and fro Sans Askers like a puppet show

Kural 1059

Where stands the glory of givers Without obligation seekers?

Kural 1060

The needy should not scowl at \"No\" His need another's need must show * Saint valluvar talks of two kinds of Asking:() Asking help for public causes or enterprises () Begging when one is able to work and this is condemned