The Kural or the Maxims of Tiruvalluvar/Chapter 2
CHAPTER 2
IN PRAISE OF RAIN
11. It is by the unfailing fall of rain that the earth sustaineth itself: therefore is the rain called the immortal drink.
12. Every food that is sweet to the taste is given to man by Rain : and itself formeth also part of his food.
13. It rain should fail, famine would rage over the wide earth even though it is encircled by the ocean.
14. Husbandmen would cease to ply the plough if the fountains of the heavens are dried up.
15. It is rain that ruineth, and it is rain again that setteth up those that it hath ruined.
16. Even grass will cease to grow if the showers from above should cease to fall.
17. Even the mighty ocean would reek with corruption if the heavens should cease to suck its waters and render them back to it.
18. Sacrifices will not be offered to the Gods nor Feasts be celebrated on earth if the heavens are dried up.
19. Neither charity nor austerities will abide on the wide earth if the heavens should hold back their showers.
20. Nothing on earth can go on without water : so even right conduct itself depends ultimately on rain.
