Compassion
చంద్రుడికో నూలు పోగు
chandrudiko nulu pogu
A thread for the moon
This expression is used when offering a small, humble contribution toward a great cause or person. Just as a single thread is insignificant to the vast moon but is still offered as a gesture of devotion, this phrase signifies that the intent and sincerity of the giver matter more than the value of the gift.
ఆకొన్న కూడె అమృతము, తాకొంకక ఇచ్చువాడె దాత
akonna kude amritamu, takonkaka ichchuvade data
Hungry man's food is nectar, and the one who gives without hesitation is the true donor.
This expression emphasizes that when one is truly hungry, even the simplest food tastes like nectar (divine food). Similarly, a person who gives generously and without reluctance when someone is in need is considered a true philanthropist. It is used to describe the value of things based on necessity and the virtue of selfless giving.
వానలెక్కడ అంటే దానధర్మాలున్న ధరణిలో అన్నట్లు
vanalekkada ante danadharmalunna dharanilo annatlu
When asked 'Where does it rain?', the reply was 'In the land where charity and righteousness exist'.
This proverb suggests that natural blessings and prosperity occur where people are generous and virtuous. It is used to highlight the belief that the well-being of a society is a direct result of the collective goodness and charitable nature of its people.
మొదటి చూపుకే కలిగిన వలపుకు కాలయాపన లేదు
modati chupuke kaligina valapuku kalayapana ledu
There is no delay for love that occurs at first sight.
This expression suggests that love at first sight is immediate and decisive. It implies that when a strong connection is felt instantly, there is no need for hesitation or a long waiting period to recognize those feelings. It is often used to describe whirlwind romances or instant attraction.
తిన నేర్చినమ్మ పెట్ట నేరుస్తుంది
tina nerchinamma petta nerustundi
A woman who knows how to eat also knows how to serve.
This proverb implies that someone who enjoys or appreciates the value of something will also know how to provide it to others. In a broader sense, it means that a person who understands their own needs and comforts is better equipped to care for the needs of others. It is often used to describe someone's hospitality or their proficiency in managing resources.
అలికిన ఇంట ఒలికినా అందమే
alikina inta olikina andame
Even if something spills in a freshly cleaned house, it looks beautiful.
This expression is used to describe someone who is naturally talented or inherently good. It suggests that for a person with a good foundation or great skill, even their mistakes or accidents appear graceful and don't diminish their reputation.
వచ్చే వారికి స్వాగతం, వెళ్లే వారికి ఆశీర్వాదం
vachche variki svagatam, velle variki ashirvadam
Welcome the coming, speed the parting guests. Svâgatam signifies literally "well come."—Asîmântam is an abbrevi- ation of Asîmântamanuvrajeyam, "I follow you to the boundary," used to Brahman guests at the conclusion of a Srâddha.
This expression is used to signify a balanced and mature perspective towards relationships or visitors. It implies that while one warmly welcomes newcomers or guests, they also graciously accept and offer good wishes to those who choose to depart, without harborring ill will or desperation.
కొంచెమైనను పంచి కుడువ మేలు
konchemainanu panchi kuduva melu
Even if it is a little, sharing and eating is better.
This proverb emphasizes the value of generosity and communal sharing. It suggests that sharing even a small amount of what one has with others is more virtuous and fulfilling than eating or enjoying a large amount alone.
నరునకు నరుడు, తరువుకు వేరు సహాయం.
narunaku narudu, taruvuku veru sahayam.
A man is helped by another man, just as a tree is helped by its root.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of human cooperation and mutual dependency. Just as a tree cannot stand or thrive without its roots, a human being requires the support, companionship, and assistance of fellow humans to succeed and survive in life.
కాకి పిల్ల కాకికి ముద్దు
kaki pilla kakiki muddu
For the crow its young one is the loveliest.
The suggestion is that for the parents the ugly child is not ugly but very lovable. It is the unbounded love of parents for their offspring that is highlighted here.
హరిదాసున కందరూ తనవారే.
haridasuna kandaru tanavare.
To a servant of Lord Hari, everyone is his own.
This expression refers to a state of equanimity and universal love. It implies that a person who is spiritually enlightened or truly pious sees no distinction between people, treating everyone with the same kindness, impartiality, and sense of belonging, without bias or prejudice.
శనిగ్రహం చూపు బుధగ్రహం దయ
shanigraham chupu budhagraham daya
The gaze of Saturn and the grace of Mercury.
This expression is used to describe a situation or a person's temperament where they appear harsh, stern, or critical on the outside (like the perceived malefic influence of Saturn), but possess a kind, helpful, and intellectual heart (like the benefic nature of Mercury). It refers to tough love or a strict mentor who ultimately wishes for one's well-being.
కన్ను ఎరుగకున్నా కడుపు ఎరుగుతుంది
kannu erugakunna kadupu erugutundi
Although the eye does not see, the belly finds. A man's want leads him to seek and find a livelihood. A hungry man sees far. A hungry man discovers more than a hundred lawyers. (Spanish.)
This proverb is used to describe the instinctual bond between a mother and her child. It implies that even if a mother cannot see her child's suffering or needs with her eyes, she can feel them intuitively in her gut or heart. It is often used to emphasize maternal intuition and the deep, invisible connection of parenthood.
చిత్తశుద్ధి కలిగి చేసిన పుణ్యంబు కొంచెమైన నదియు కొదువగాదు
chittashuddhi kaligi chesina punyambu konchemaina nadiyu koduvagadu
A good deed done with a pure heart, even if small, is never insufficient.
This expression emphasizes that the intention and sincerity behind an action are more important than the scale or quantity of the deed. It suggests that merit earned through sincere devotion or selfless service is never wasted and holds immense value, regardless of how minor it may appear.
మానవ సేవే మాధవ సేవ
manava seve madhava seva
Service to humanity is service to God
This expression emphasizes that helping and serving fellow human beings is equivalent to worshiping God. It is often used to encourage social service, philanthropy, and kindness towards others as the highest form of spiritual practice.
ముష్టిలో ముష్టి, ధర్మముష్టి
mushtilo mushti, dharmamushti
Alms within alms, righteous alms
This expression refers to a situation where someone who is already in a state of seeking help or living on charity decides to share a portion of what they have received with someone even more needy. It signifies an act of extreme generosity or charity performed by a person who themselves has very little.
జాతి టెంకాయవలె.
jati tenkayavale.
Like a high-quality coconut.
This expression refers to a person who may appear tough, hard, or indifferent on the outside but possesses a soft, kind, and pure heart within. It is used to describe someone with a strong exterior but a compassionate nature.
కడి గండము గాచును.
kadi gandamu gachunu.
A lump of food [given in charity] will save you from trouble. He who lends to the poor, gets his interest from God. (German.)
This proverb highlights the importance of timely help or minimal sustenance. It implies that even a very small amount of food or a minor timely intervention can save a person from a life-threatening situation or a major calamity.
ముష్టిలో ముష్టి ధర్మ ముష్టి
mushtilo mushti dharma mushti
Among the fists, the fist of charity.
This expression is a play on words using 'Mushti' (which can mean both 'a fist' and 'begging/alms'). It highlights the ironic situation where someone who is already poor or a beggar themselves tries to help another beggar. It is used to describe an act of charity performed by those who have very little to give, emphasizing that even the smallest act of kindness from the poor is significant.
రాతి పశువును పూజిస్తారు, చేతి పశువును బాదుతారు
rati pashuvunu pujistaru, cheti pashuvunu badutaru
They worship the stone animal, but they beat the living animal in their hand.
This proverb highlights human hypocrisy and irony. It refers to people who offer great respect and rituals to idols (stone statues) while mistreating or neglecting the actual living beings or family members right in front of them. It is used to criticize those who value religious symbolism over practical compassion.