Compassion

There is no saliva/leftover between the mouth and the hand.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely generous or charitable. It implies that as soon as they have something, they give it away to others without hesitation, leaving nothing 'soiled' or 'lingering' for themselves.

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.

Even if there are a hundred moral teachings, one kiss is better.

This expression is used to highlight that practical affection, action, or a small token of love is more valuable than hearing a hundred lectures, sermons, or moral advices. It suggests that a single sincere gesture outweighs voluminous words.

If you speak for merit, the western branch will bloom.

This proverb is used to describe a rare or highly unlikely event occurring due to someone's good fortune or virtuous speech. It suggests that when something auspicious happens, even the impossible (like a branch in the west blooming) becomes possible. It is often used to comment on unexpected positive outcomes or the power of kind words.

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.

Like a blind man's leg becoming a support for a lame person.

This expression describes a situation where two people with different disabilities or weaknesses cooperate to help each other. It signifies mutual aid or synergy where one person's strength compensates for another's weakness, and vice-versa, allowing both to achieve what they couldn't alone.

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.

A hand without a bone

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely generous and charitable. Just as a hand without a bone would be flexible and unable to close or withhold, it refers to someone who gives freely to others without hesitation or stinginess.

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.

Bran-bread from the hand of a mother is better than the five cakes and rich food from the hand of a wife. Pañchabhakshyam are five kinds of cakes.—Paramânnam is a rich dish of rice boiled with milk, sugar, spices, &c.

This proverb emphasizes the incomparable love and comfort associated with a mother's care. It suggests that even the simplest, coarsest food prepared by one's mother is more satisfying and precious than the most luxurious feast prepared by anyone else, including one's spouse. It is used to highlight the deep emotional bond and selfless nature of maternal love.

Urmila's sleep

Refers to a very deep, long, or uninterrupted sleep. In the Ramayana, Urmila (Lakshmana's wife) is said to have slept for fourteen years, taking over her husband's share of sleep so he could remain awake to serve Rama. It is used to describe someone who sleeps for a very long duration or is very difficult to wake up.

Whether you feed it to a milch cow or a barren one, it is not wasted.

This expression refers to the value of food or charity. It implies that feeding a living being—whether productive (like a cow that gives milk) or non-productive (a barren one)—is never a waste and always results in merit or satisfaction. It is often used to encourage generosity without over-calculating the utility of the recipient.

The hardships of famine days will not remain, but the words spoken during those hardships will.

This proverb emphasizes that while physical or financial difficulties are temporary and will eventually pass, the harsh words, insults, or lack of support experienced during those times are remembered forever. It serves as a reminder to be kind and mindful of one's speech even during stressful or lean periods.

An attu-and-a-half for the mother who served an attu.

This proverb highlights the principle of reciprocity and generosity. It implies that those who give or help others will receive back even more than what they offered (interest/bonus). It is used to suggest that kindness is rewarded with greater kindness.

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.

Patience will save you and your neighbour.

This expression highlights the virtue of patience (Tahlimi). It suggests that by remaining patient, a person can avoid self-destruction or making impulsive mistakes while also preventing conflict and harm to those around them. It is used to advise someone to stay calm in provocative situations.

May all people be happy

This is a universal prayer or blessing from Sanskrit commonly used in Telugu culture. It expresses a selfless wish for the well-being, peace, and prosperity of all humanity, regardless of their background. It is often recited at the end of prayers, social gatherings, or speeches to promote universal harmony.

One should do good even to those who have done harm.

This proverb emphasizes the virtue of forgiveness and kindness. It suggests that instead of seeking revenge against those who hurt us, we should maintain our integrity and respond with helpfulness or benevolence.

Kind hospitality is better than the flavor of the food itself.

This proverb emphasizes that how one is treated (with respect and warmth) is more important than the quality of the meal being served. It is used to highlight that heartfelt hospitality and a welcoming attitude hold more value than material offerings or luxury.

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.