Kural 221
Giving to the poor is true charity.
All other giving expects some return.
Kural 222
Though some may declare it a good path, garnering gifts is bad.
Even if they say it denies one Heaven, giving gifts is good.
Kural 223
Men of good birth graciously give,
never uttering the wretched excuse, ”I have nothing.”
Kural 224
How unpleasant a beggar’s pleading can become,
until one sees his face so sweetly pleased.
Kural 225
Great, indeed, is the power to endure hunger.
Greater still is the power to relieve others’ hunger.
Kural 226
Relieving the ravaging hunger of the poor
is a right use for wealth men have obtained.
Kural 227
The fiery scourge called hunger never touches
the man who shares his daily meal with others.
Kural 228
Is it because they are unaware of the joys of giving
that hard-hearted men waste their wealth by hoarding it?
Kural 229
More bitter than even a beggar’s bread is the meal
of the miser who hoards wealth and eats alone.
Kural 230
There is nothing more bitter than death;
yet even death seems sweet when giving is impossible.
