Tamil has different words to refer to the act of ‘giving.’ The reason, perhaps, for such a variety of words is that giving to others can be motivated by many reasons and can be of many kinds, said Malayaman in a discourse.
Tamil work Kurunthokai says it is the duty of the haves to give when the have-nots seek help. One should be motivated by the desire to do good and not by selfish concerns. Selfish motives devalue acts of charity. The Jain work Naladiyar says giving to others expecting this will result in some benefits later is not generosity. It is akin to lending money.
Manimekalai says that giving to the rich is like selling dharma. True charity lies in providing food to the poor and ensuring they do not suffer the pangs of hunger. Neetinool says timely rains save wilting crops. Likewise, a truly large-hearted person will seek out the needy and help them.
Acts of kindness can extend beyond help rendered to human beings and include the animal kingdom and even plants. This is evident from two incidents that took place in Tamil Nadu. King Pekansaw a peacock shivering in the rain, and he used his cloak to shield the peacock from the cold rains. King Paari got down from his chariot and used the chariot to support a creeper that was lying on the ground.
While one may not expect any reciprocity or gratitude from a person who has taken our help, it is quite possible that they may be grateful to us, and this gratitude may manifest in some way. But what could a creeper do in return for a king who used his royal his chariot to stake it up? What can a peacock do in return for the man who protected it from the rains?
Clearly, it was with complete selflessness that the kings performed these acts of kindness.
