The Kural or the Maxims of Tiruvalluvar/Chapter 9
CHAPTER 9
HOSPITALITY
81. What for do the wise toil and set up homes ? It is to feed the guest and help the pilgrim.
82. Were it even the draught of immortality, it shall not be tasted alone when the guest is in the hall.
83. No evil befalleth the man who never faileth to honour the incoming guest.
84. Behold the man who receiveth the worthy guest with his best smile : Lakshmi[1] delighteth to abide in his home.
85. Behold the man who feedeth his guest first and then only eateth what is left: standeth his land in need even of sowing?
86. Behold the man who hath tended the out-going guest and waiteth for the incoming one: he is a welcome guest unto the Gods.
87. We cannot say of any hospitable act by itself, So much is the merit of this act: it is the worth of the guest that is the measure of the sacrifice.
88. Behold the man who performeth not the sacrifice of hospitality: he will say one day, I have toiled hard and laid me up a great treasure: but it is all in vain, for there is none to comfort me.
89. Not to honour the pilgrim is veritable indigence in the midst of wealth : such a thing is found only with fools.
90. The anitcha flower fadeth by smelling: but a look is enough to break the heart of the guest.
- ↑ The Goddess of Prosperity.