Domestic Life
Pazhiyanjip Paaththoon Utaiththaayin Vaazhkkai / Vazhiyenjal Egngnaandrum Il
Classical English couplet — “Who shares his meal with other, while all guilt he shuns,His virtuous line unbroken though the ages runs”
What it says in plain words
“Earn money without doing wrong, and share what you have. This keeps family life on a good path for generations.”
The classical Tamil reading
பொருள் சேர்க்கும் பொது பழிக்கு அஞ்சிச் சேர்த்து, செலவு செய்யும் போது பகுந்து உண்பதை மேற்க்கொண்டால், அவ்வாழ்கையின் ஒழுங்கு எப்போதும் குறைவதில்லை.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
பழிக்கு அஞ்சாமல் சேர்த்த பொருள் கணக்கின்றி இருப்பினும் அதைவிட, பழிக்கு அஞ்சிச் சேர்த்த பொருளைப் பகுத்து உண்ணும் பண்பிலேதான் வாழ்க்கையின் ஒழுக்கமே இருக்கிறது
The ethical and philosophical heart
Having plenty of money does not make a life good. What matters is how you earn it and share it. The heart of this teaching is honest earning and sharing. At home, these habits show children how to live well.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- You return extra change and share lunch with someone who has none.
- Workplace
- You earn through honest sales and share food with a coworker.
- Family
- Your family sets aside some honestly earned money to buy food for others.
- Society
- Neighbors use honestly earned money to provide meals for people in need.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Choose honest work over extra money earned by cheating.
- Integrity
- Refuse dishonest earnings, even when you plan to help others.
- Communication
- Explain to children why both honest earning and sharing matter.
- Leadership
- Show others how to earn fairly and share what they have.
- Governance
- Collect public money fairly and use it to meet people's needs.
For leaders and teams
Make honest earning and fair sharing part of daily life. Show those you guide that wealth alone is not enough.
Something to sit with
“How could you bring more honesty and sharing into your use of money today?”