Hospitality: Kurals

[Guest guest]

HOSPITALITYTHE TIRUKKURAL OF TIRUVALLUVAR "Holy couplets." A treasury of Hindu

ethical insight and a literary masterpiece of the Tamil language, written by

Saiva Saint Tiruvalluvar (ca 200 BCE) near present-day Madras.

 

 

Tirukkural constitutes one of the most important literary works in Tamil. It is

generally reckoned that Kural was composed during the Sangam Period of literary

development in Tamil (500-200 BC). Kural continues to be important today, in the

twentyfirst century, for scholars believe that Kural conveys many many important

messages to the society. International interest in the study of Kural can be

traced to the second half of the Nineteenth century

Verse 81The whole purpose of maintaining a home

And earning wealth is to provide hospitality to guests. Verse 82To hoard one's

meal when a guest is in the home is improper,

Even if it happens to be the nectar of immortality. Verse 83The life of the man

who daily cares for those who

Come to him will never suffer poverty's painful ruin. Verse 84Wealth's goddess

dwells in the hospitable home

Of those who host guests with a smiling face. Verse 85If a man eats only after

attending to guests' needs,

What further sowing will his fertile fields require? Verse 86The host who,

caring for guests, watches hopefully for more,

Will himself be a welcomed guest of those whose home is heaven. Verse

87Charity's merit cannot be measured by gifts given.

It is measured by measuring the receiver's merits. Verse 88Those who never

sacrifice to care for guests will later lament,

"We hoarded wealth, estranged ourselves, now none will care for us." Verse 89The

poorest penury is having plenty yet shunning guests.

Such senselessness is only found in senseless fools. Verse 90The delicate

anicham flower withers when merely smelled,

But an unwelcome look is enough to wither the heart of a guest.

 

 

 

Join my of Goddess Mahasaraswati Mahalakshmi Mahakali and Hinduism.

 

divyabhakti