Farming
Iravaar Irappaarkkondru Eevar Karavaadhu / Kaiseydhoon Maalai Yavar
Classical English couplet — “They nothing ask from others, but to askers give,Who raise with their own hands the food on which they live”
What it says in plain words
“People who earn their food through their own work do not beg from others. They also give to those who ask, without hiding what they have.”
The classical Tamil reading
கையால் தொழில் செய்து உணவு தேடி உண்ணும் இயல்புடைய தொழிலாளர், பிறரிடம் சென்று இரக்கமாட்டார், தம்மிடம் இரந்தவர்க்கு ஒளிக்காமல் ஒரு பொருள் ஈவார்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
தாமே தொழில் செய்து ஊதியம் பெற்று உண்ணும் இயல்புடையவர், பிறரிடம் சென்று கையேந்த மாட்டார், தம்மிடம் வேண்டி நின்றவர்க்கும் ஒளிக்காமல் வழங்குவார்
The ethical and philosophical heart
The couplet connects working for your food with helping others. Earning your living can help you meet your own needs. But the lesson also asks you to share what you have. When someone asks for help, do not pretend you have nothing.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- You buy food with your wages and share some with someone who asks.
- Workplace
- A worker shares lunch with a coworker who has no food.
- Family
- A family uses its earnings for meals and gives food to a neighbor who asks.
- Society
- Farmers give some of their harvest to people who ask for food.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Plan to meet your needs through work and share with someone in need.
- Integrity
- Do not hide what you have when someone asks for help.
- Communication
- Answer requests for help honestly, without pretending you have nothing.
- Leadership
- Show others how to earn a living and share with people in need.
- Governance
- Support opportunities to earn a living and help people who need food.
For leaders and teams
Teach those you lead to work and share with others. Set an example by helping someone who asks, without hiding what you have.
Something to sit with
“What could you share today with someone who asks for help?”