ஆத்திச்சூடி # 8: ஏற்பது இகழ்ச்சி (yEr-pa-thu iga-zh-tchi)
Translation: Receiving is despicable.
Rumination: The term "ஏற்பது " refers to "receiving" and "இகழ்ச்சி" to "despicable." Here is a maxim to test our logic, cognition, and contextual propriety. In Maxims 3 and 4, Auvaiyar stresses the importance of "giving," whereas she shuns "receiving" in the current maxim. If viewed under the proper context, the paradox can be eliminated. Many scholars interpret 'receiving' to mean alms. However, 'receiving' implies much more than receiving alms. Just as in Maxim 3 one must not receive beyond one's wants and needs. Auvaiyar's maxim is an admonishment to slothful idlers, who are always trigger-happy to receive help from others. So it is, to all those grafted unscruples, who abuse their official positions for huge bribes, thereby rendering their societies corrupt. When a person receives favors, he is inclined to return in favor something that he would have refrained from had he not received the initial favor. Thus, one becomes imprisoned by his own act of receiving. Also, when an able person politely refuses to receive a favor, that favor can reach to those people who are more in need. A case in point would be India's polite refusal to take help from other foreign nations in wake of Tsunami devastation, as that paved way to help other ravaged nations. Also, India was spared of any obligation to return curry-favors against its conscience in a bitterly divided and war-stricken world.
Quote: It is more blessed to give, than to receive. -- Holy Bible (Acts 20:35).
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