Tirukural

CHAPTER 24

Glory

231

Give to the poor and become praiseworthy. Life offers no greater reward than this.§

232

Those who expound will always praise people who bestow alms on the imploring poor.§

233

Nothing on Earth is imperishable, except exalted glory, which endures forever.§

234

So great is glory gained by men in this world that celestials cease praising ascended sages.§

235

Loss that is gain and death that is life of immortal glory are attained only by the wise.§

236

If you must be born, be born for glory. Those born without it would be better off without birth.§

237

Why do those whose life is devoid of renown blame enemies who hate them, when they have themselves to blame?§

238

Barren are they and deemed a disgrace by all men on Earth who fail to beget the offspring called fame.§

239

Even flawlessly fruitful lands will lessen their yields when forced to support the body of one who lacks illustriousness.§

240

Those who live without reproach truly live. Those who live without renown don’t live at all.§