9.1 Hospitality

                                                                        9.1  Hospitality

Question:

How should we treat our guests?

Answer:

Even the elixir of immortality should not be consumed without sharing with the guests waiting outside.                                                                                                       (Couplet – 82)

 

The guest withers at the unwelcome look of the host like the anicham flower, which withers when smelt.                                                                                                (Couplet – 90)

 

விருந்து புறத்ததாத் தானுண்டல் சாவா

மருந்தெனினும் வேண் டற்பாற் றன்று.                                                    (குறள் – 82)

 

மோப்பக் குழையும் அனிச்சம் முகந்திரிந்து

நோக்கக் குழையும் விருந்து.                                                                     (குறள் – 90)

 

Explanation:

We should treat our guests with respect and kindness. We should share our food with our guests. Even if what we eat is the elixir of immortality, we should share it with our guests. Also, we must treat our guests in such a way that they feel welcome and feel that we are happy to entertain them. If our facial expressions or body language indicate that we think that they or unwelcome, they will wither like the delicate anicham flower that wilts as soon as it smelt.