 |
|---|
 |
The Holy Kural
Written over two millenia ago by Saint Tiruvalluvar,
translated under the guidance of Gurudeva, Sivaya Subramuniyaswami
Understanding One's Duty to Society |
|---|
|
|---|
Understanding One's Duty to Society |
|---|
Verse 211
The benevolent expect no return for their dutiful giving.
How can the world ever repay the rain cloud?
Verse 212
It is to meet the needs of the deserving
That the worthy labor arduously to acquire wealth.
Verse 213
Of all duties, benevolence is unequaled in this world,
And even in celestial realms.
Verse 214
He who understands his duty to society truly lives.
All others shall be counted among the dead.
Verse 215
The wealth of the world-loving wise man
May be likened to a well-stocked village water tank.
Verse 216
Riches retained by generous men
Resemble a fruit tree ripening in the heart of a village.
Verse 217
In the hands of a benevolent man,
Wealth is like a medicinal tree whose healing gifts help all.
Verse 218
Those who deeply know duty do not neglect giving,
Even in their own unprosperous season.
Verse 219
The benevolent man considers himself poor only
When he is unable to render his accustomed service to humanity.
Verse 220
Were it said that loss of wealth is the price of benevolence,
Such loss is worth selling one's self to procure.
[Index]
[Prev]
[Next]
|
|
|---|
|
The Holy Kural
Written over two millenia ago by Saint Tiruvalluvar,
translated under the guidance of Gurudeva, Sivaya Subramuniyaswami
Understanding One's Duty to Society |
|---|
|
|---|
