Domestic Life
Thurandhaarkkum Thuvvaa Dhavarkkum Irandhaarkkum / Ilvaazhvaan Enpaan Thunai
Classical English couplet — “To anchorites, to indigent, to those who've passed away,The man for household virtue famed is needful held and stay”
What it says in plain words
“People who run a home should support those who have left household life and those in need. They should also help care for those who have died.”
The classical Tamil reading
துறந்தவர்கும் வறியவர்க்கும் தன்னிடத்தே இறந்தவர்க்கும் இல்லறம் மேற்கொண்டு வாழ்கிறவன் துணையாவான்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
பற்றற்ற துறவிகட்கும், பசியால் வாடுவோர்க்கும், பாதுகாப்பற்றவர்க்கும் இல்லற வாழ்வு நடத்துவோர் துணையாக இருத்தல் வேண்டும்
The ethical and philosophical heart
Care at home should reach beyond our own family. Some people have given up household life and need support. Others need food, shelter, or someone to keep them safe. Those who have died also need others to arrange their final care. Sharing what we have helps meet these needs.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- Share a meal with someone who has no food today.
- Workplace
- Help a coworker arrange time off to care for someone who has died.
- Family
- Set aside some food to share with a neighbor in need.
- Society
- Help arrange a respectful funeral for someone with no family support.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Consider who needs help when planning how to use your household money.
- Integrity
- Follow through when you promise food or other help.
- Communication
- Ask people what they need without making them feel ashamed.
- Leadership
- Show others how to share time, food, and care.
- Governance
- Make food, safe shelter, and funeral support available to people without help.
For leaders and teams
Teach those you lead to care beyond their own circle. Set an example by helping people who lack support.
Something to sit with
“Who outside your home could use some care from you today?”