Thirukkural 1054 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
இரத்தலும் ஈதலே போலும் கரத்தல்
கனவிலும் தேற்றாதார் மாட்டு.
Transliteration
Iraththalum Eedhale Polum Karaththal
Kanavilum Thetraadhaar Maattu
Modern English
“Asking a person who never hides what they can give is almost like giving yourself, because the request lets their generosity do good.”
Modern Interpretation
Asking a person who never hides what they can give is almost like giving yourself, because the request lets their generosity do good. When someone gladly shares food with a hungry neighbor, accepting it completes the act of kindness.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Asking a person who never hides what they can give is almost like giving yourself, because the request lets their generosity do good.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Like giving even asking seems From those who hide not even in dreams
G.U. Pope Translation
Like giving alms, may even asking pleasant seem,From men who of denial never even dream
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
To beg of such as never think of withholding (their charity) even in their dreams, is in fact the same as giving (it oneself);
Tamil commentary
ஒளிவு மறைவு என்பதைக் கனவிலும் எண்ணிப் பாராதவரிடம் சென்று, ஒன்றைக் கேட்பதும், பிறர்க்குக் கொடுப்பதைப் போன்றதே.
Chapter 106
More from Mendicancy
இரவு
Demand from those who can supply Default is theirs when they deny
Kural 1052Even demand becomes a joy When the things comes without annoy
Kural 1053Request has charm form open hearts Who know the duty on their part
Kural 1054Like giving even asking seems From those who hide not even in dreams
Kural 1055The needy demand for help because The world has men who don't refuse
Kural 1056The pain of poverty shall die Before the free who don't deny
Kural 1057When givers without scorn impart A thrill of delight fills the heart
Kural 1058This grand cool world shall move to and fro Sans Askers like a puppet show
Kural 1059Where stands the glory of givers Without obligation seekers?
Kural 1060The 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