Gratitude
Ezhumai Ezhupirappum Ulluvar Thangan / Vizhuman Thutaiththavar Natpu
Classical English couplet — “Through all seven worlds, in seven-fold birth, Remains in mem'ry of the wiseFriendship of those who wiped on earth, The tears of sorrow from their eyes”
What it says in plain words
“Remember the kindness of those who helped you through hard times. Keep valuing their friendship, no matter how much time passes.”
The classical Tamil reading
தம்முடைய துன்பத்தைப் போக்கி உதவியவரின் நட்பைப் பல்வேறு வகையான பிறவியிலும் மறவாமல் போற்றுவர் பெரியோர்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
ஏழேழு தலைமுறைக்கு என்றும் ஏழேழு பிறவிக்கு என்றும் மிகைப்படுத்திச் சொல்வதுபோல, ஒருவருடைய துன்பத்தைப் போக்கியவரின் தூய்மையான நட்பை நினைத்துப் போற்றுவதற்குக் கால எல்லையே கிடையாது
The ethical and philosophical heart
When life gets easier, we may forget who helped us. The couplet speaks of many lifetimes to show gratitude has no time limit. Someone who eased our pain deserves more than a quick thank-you. Their care is worth remembering long after our troubles have passed.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- Call the friend who supported you through a difficult illness.
- Workplace
- Remember the coworker who helped when you struggled with your first tasks.
- Family
- Thank the aunt who cared for you during a painful time.
- Society
- Keep valuing the neighbors who helped your household after a flood.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Make time for someone whose help carried you through trouble.
- Integrity
- Keep valuing past help even when you no longer need it.
- Communication
- Tell someone how their support helped you through a hard time.
- Leadership
- Remember the people who helped your team through its hardest days.
- Governance
- Continue honoring community members who helped people during a crisis.
For leaders and teams
A good leader remembers those who stood beside others during hard times. Keep honoring their help after the family or team recovers.
Something to sit with
“Whose help during a hard time would you like to honor today?”