Wealth

Whatever one touches becomes gold

This expression is used to describe a person who is currently experiencing a period of extreme good luck or success. Every venture they undertake or every decision they make leads to a positive outcome, similar to the legend of King Midas.

As the Tangêḍu blossoms.

This expression is used to describe something that is occurring in great abundance, or a situation that has become unexpectedly colorful and prosperous. Just as the Tangedu (Senna aurata) flowers bloom all at once, covering the bushes in vibrant yellow, this phrase signifies a sudden and beautiful transformation or a plentiful state.

Tangêḍu is the Cassia Auriculata.

Children depend on the prayers performed, and wealth depends on fortune.

This proverb suggests that the quality and number of children one has is a result of their spiritual merit or devotion (puja), while the accumulation of wealth and prosperity (addalu/granaries) is a matter of luck or destiny. It is used to express that certain blessings in life are predetermined by one's actions and fate.

Wealth has no end, and poverty has no beginning.

This proverb highlights the boundlessness of human experience. It suggests that there is no limit to how much wealth one can accumulate (or how much greed one can have), while poverty is a deep abyss where it is often impossible to pinpoint where the struggle truly started or where it might finally resolve. It is used to describe the infinite nature of prosperity and the cycle of deprivation.

Selling firewood in the same shop where one once sold flowers.

This expression describes a person's decline in status, fortune, or reputation. It is used when someone who once held a prestigious position or lived a luxurious life is forced by circumstances to take up a much lowlier or less dignified occupation in the same place where they were once respected.

The earth is for the brave to enjoy.

This expression suggests that wealth, success, and the world belong to those who are courageous and bold. It is used to encourage someone to be brave or to explain that only the strong and daring achieve great things in life.

The one who gives money is the God of Love for a prostitute.

This proverb highlights materialism or transactional relationships. It suggests that for someone driven by professional gain or money, the most attractive or important person is simply the one who pays them. It is used to describe situations where loyalty or affection is bought rather than earned through character.

A worm-eaten seed is better than a gold coin.

This proverb highlights the value of productivity and life over inanimate wealth. A gold coin, while valuable, remains static and cannot grow, whereas even a damaged seed has the potential to sprout, grow, and produce more seeds. It is often used to emphasize that something with the potential for growth and utility is superior to mere stagnant riches.

The giver feels like a corpse is leaving the house, while the receiver feels like he is performing a ritual for a son.

This proverb describes the contrasting emotions in a transaction or lending situation. The person giving away money or a resource feels a sense of loss and mourning (similar to a death in the house), whereas the person receiving it feels immense joy and celebration (similar to the happiness of a holy ritual to gain an heir). It is used to highlight how painful it is to part with wealth and how delightful it is to acquire it.

Whether one is the brother-in-law of a King or the brother of a courtesan, it is all profit.

This proverb is used to describe a person who occupies a position where they enjoy benefits and influence without having any actual responsibilities or accountability. It highlights how being closely associated with people in power or those in lucrative, albeit unconventional, professions can lead to an easy life of perks and protection.

Ploughing a field for food is better than knowing ten million other skills.

This proverb emphasizes the supreme importance of agriculture and food security over any other professional skill or academic knowledge. It suggests that while there are countless ways to earn a living or gain knowledge, the profession that provides basic sustenance (farming) is the most noble and essential for survival.

Can kings ever give as much as the lands themselves can give?

This expression highlights the supreme value of owning and cultivating land over receiving royal favors or gifts. It suggests that while a king (or a person in power) might grant wealth once, the earth (agriculture) provides wealth and sustenance continuously through hard work. It is used to emphasize the importance of self-reliance and the enduring wealth found in agriculture.

Wealth and life are under the Guru's control; the key and the body are under my control.

This proverb satirically describes a person who pretends to surrender everything to a teacher or mentor but remains deeply attached to their physical comforts and material possessions. It is used to mock hypocritical devotion or someone who talks about sacrifice but keeps the most important resources for themselves.

Gold is the release from karma (or debts).

This proverb suggests that money or wealth has the power to solve many problems, settle obligations, and free one from various worldly troubles or sins. It is often used to highlight the influence and necessity of money in resolving difficult situations.

A mother is a divinity, a father a treasure.

This expression emphasizes the supreme importance of parents in one's life. It highlights that a mother provides spiritual and emotional guidance like a deity, while a father provides the material support and security necessary for life.

If one becomes wealthy by stealing, he cannot enjoy it for long.

This proverb emphasizes that wealth acquired through dishonest or illegal means like theft is temporary and will not bring lasting happiness or security. It suggests that ill-gotten gains eventually lead to downfall or are lost quickly, highlighting the importance of honesty and hard work for sustainable prosperity.

Three coins in hand are better than six coins owed to you.

This expression emphasizes the value of immediate possession over promised wealth. It suggests that having a smaller amount of certain, liquid cash is better than a larger sum that is yet to be collected or exists only as a debt. It is similar to the English proverb 'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush'.

Who does not desire a woman and gold?

This expression highlights the universal human attraction towards physical beauty (desire) and material wealth (gold/money). It is often used to suggest that it is human nature to be tempted by these two elements, though it can also be used as a cautionary remark regarding the primary sources of human attachment or downfall.

Ten acres are better than ten coins (panalu)

This proverb emphasizes the value of land and sustainable resources over liquid cash. It suggests that while money (panalu) is temporary and easily spent, owning land (acres) provides long-term security, livelihood, and stability for generations.

Is there a shortage of footwear for the children of the wealthy?

This proverb suggests that for people with abundant resources or power, even their smallest needs are easily met without effort. It is used to describe a situation where someone influential never lacks support, opportunities, or basic necessities, implying that luxury and convenience come naturally to those in high positions.