106.1 Begging

 106.1 Begging

106.1 இரவு

 

Question:

                If one should beg, from whom should one beg?

Answer:

Seek help from those who can afford it and are also inclined to be

charitable. If they refuse to help, it is their fault and not yours.    (Couplet – 1051)

இரக்க இரத்தக்கார்க் காணின் கரப்பின்

அவர்பழி தம்பழி அன்று.                                                     (குறள் – 1051)

 

Explanation:

In Couplet 1051, Valluvar advises that if one has to beg, one should beg from people who can afford it and are inclined to be charitable. This couplet should not be misconstrued as Valluvar’s unconditional endorsement of begging. In Tamil society, begging has always been considered disgraceful and demeaning. For example, in poem 206[1] of Puranaanuuru, the poet Kazhaidhin Yaanaiyaar (கழைதின் யானையார்) says “It is demeaning to beg and denying alms to someone who is begging is worse than that.” It has always been considered that working hard and earning a living is the best thing to do. Also, in Couplet 616, Valluvar says, “Persistent hard work will bring about good fortune, and indolence will bring about poverty.” But Valluvar is also a pragmatist. He knows that sometimes some people are pushed into begging for their own survival and their family’s survival. Under such extenuating circumstances, if one must beg, Valluvar’s advice is to beg from the right people.

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[1]. ஈயென இரத்தல் இழிந்தன்று அதன்எதிர்

   ஈயேன் என்றல் அதனினும் இழிந்தன்று;

                                                (கழைதின் யானையார், புறநானூறு, 204: 1-2)