Giving
Iraththalin Innaadhu Mandra Nirappiya / Thaame Thamiyar Unal
Classical English couplet — “They keep their garners full, for self alone the board they spread;-'Tis greater pain, be sure, than begging daily bread”
What it says in plain words
“Keeping everything for yourself and refusing to share is worse than begging for food. This includes eating alone because you fear sharing will reduce your savings.”
The classical Tamil reading
பொருளின் குறைபாட்டை நிரப்புவதற்க்காக உள்ளதைப் பிறர்க்கு ஈயாமல் தாமே தமியராய் உண்பது வறுமையால் இறப்பதை விடத் துன்பமானது.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
பிறர்க்கு ஈவதால் குறையக் கூடுமென்று, குவித்து வைத்துள்ளதைத் தாமே உண்ணுவது என்பது கையேந்தி இரந்து நிற்பதைக் காட்டிலும் கொடுமையானது
The ethical and philosophical heart
The couplet warns against keeping plenty but sharing nothing. Fear of having less can stop us from helping someone hungry. The problem is not simply eating alone, but refusing to share. It calls this worse than having to ask others for food.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- You share your extra lunch with someone who has no food.
- Workplace
- You offer some of your snacks to a coworker who missed lunch.
- Family
- Your family shares spare groceries with a neighbor struggling to buy food.
- Society
- A community kitchen serves donated food to people who cannot afford meals.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Before keeping every extra portion, consider who might need a meal.
- Integrity
- Let your care for others show in what you share.
- Communication
- Ask someone what food they need before offering your extra groceries.
- Leadership
- Show others how to share by offering what you can spare.
- Governance
- Use available food supplies to feed people in need rather than leaving them unused.
For leaders and teams
Teach those you lead to share rather than keep everything. Set an example by sharing food with someone who needs it.
Something to sit with
“What could you share today that you have been keeping for yourself?”