Thirukkural 19 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
தானம் தவம்இரண்டும் தங்கா வியன்உலகம்
வானம் வழங்கா தெனின்.
Transliteration
Thaanam Thavamirantum Thangaa Viyanulakam
Vaanam Vazhangaa Thenin
Modern English
“People are most able to help others and pursue personal growth when their basic needs are secure.”
Modern Interpretation
People are most able to help others and pursue personal growth when their basic needs are secure. During times of severe scarcity, most attention goes toward survival. When resources are available, people can think beyond themselves, support those in need, volunteer, donate, learn, and develop their character. This Kural reminds us that prosperity is not only about personal comfort. It creates the conditions for generosity, service, and self-improvement. A thriving society is one where people have enough stability to care for both others and themselves.
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Modern Plain English
People are most able to help others and pursue personal growth when their basic needs are secure.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Were heaven above to fail below Nor alms nor penance earth would show
G.U. Pope Translation
If heaven its watery treasures ceases to dispense,Through the wide world cease gifts, and deeds of 'penitence'
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
If rain fall not, penance and alms-deeds will not dwell within this spacious world
Tamil commentary
மழை பொய்த்துப் போனால், விரிந்த இவ்வுலகத்தில் பிறர்க்குத் தரும் தானம் இராது; தன்னை உயர்த்தும் தவமும் இராது.
Chapter 2
More from The Blessing of Rain
வான்சிறப்பு
The genial rain ambrosia call: The world but lasts while rain shall fall
Kural 12The rain begets the food we eat
Kural 13Let clouds their visits stay, and dearth Distresses all the sea-girt earth
Kural 14Unless the fruitful shower descend, The ploughman's sacred toil must end
Kural 15Destruction it may sometimes pour But only rain can life restore
Kural 16No grassy blade its head will rear, If from the cloud no drop appear
Kural 17The ocean's wealth will waste away, Except the cloud its stores repay
Kural 18The earth, beneath a barren sky, Would offerings for the gods deny
Kural 19Were heaven above to fail below Nor alms nor penance earth would show
Kural 20Water is life that comes from rain Sans rain our duties go in vain