Mendicancy
Karappitumpai Yillaaraik Kaanin Nirappitumpai / Ellaam Orungu Ketum
Classical English couplet — “It those you find from evil of 'denial' free,At once all plague of poverty will flee”
What it says in plain words
“When people in need meet someone who freely shares, their suffering eases. They find relief with someone who does not hide available help.”
The classical Tamil reading
உள்ளதை ஒளிக்கும் துன்பநிலை இல்லாதவரைக் கண்டால், இரப்பவரின் வறுமைத் துன்பம் எல்லாம் ஒரு சேரக் கெடும்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
இருப்பதைக் கொடுக்க மனமின்றி மறைத்திடும் இழிநிலை இல்லாதவர்களைக் கண்டாலே, இரப்போரின் வறுமைத் துன்பம் அகன்று விடும்
The ethical and philosophical heart
Having too little can make asking for help painful. Some people hide what they have rather than share it. Meeting someone willing to give brings relief to those in need. The couplet shows how help freely given eases suffering.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- You share your spare meal when a hungry friend asks for food.
- Workplace
- You share extra supplies with a coworker who needs them.
- Family
- You help a relative buy groceries rather than hide the money you can spare.
- Society
- A community kitchen offers available food to people who ask.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Consider what you can share when someone asks for help.
- Integrity
- Do not pretend you have nothing when you can give.
- Communication
- Tell people clearly what help you can offer them.
- Leadership
- Make available support easy for people in need to receive.
- Governance
- Ensure available public aid reaches people who need it.
For leaders and teams
When someone asks for help, share what you can offer. Do not hide available support from those who need it.
Something to sit with
“What could you freely share with someone who needs help today?”