ఆచారమునకు అంతమూ లేదు, అనాచారానికి ఆదీ లేదు

acharamunaku antamu ledu, anacharaniki adi ledu

Translation

There is no end to traditions, and no beginning to non-traditions.

Meaning

This proverb highlights that customs and traditions can be expanded indefinitely to the point of absurdity, while improper practices or lack of discipline can arise from anywhere without a clear origin. It is used to suggest that one should follow traditions within reasonable limits and avoid both extreme ritualism and complete lawlessness.

Related Phrases

There is no place without an end, and no beginning without a source.

This philosophical expression emphasizes the cycle of life and the law of causality. It suggests that everything that exists has a boundary or conclusion, and every event or start has a fundamental root or origin. It is often used to describe the interconnectedness of time, existence, and the universe.

There is no end to religious ceremonies, and there is no find- ing the times [ fixed for the observance of them ].

This expression highlights the cyclical nature of actions and the unpredictability of time. It is used to convey that one's deeds (karma) have continuous consequences and that the future or the timing of events (kala) is never guaranteed or fixed. It serves as a philosophical reminder to be mindful of actions and to respect the uncertainty of life.

There is no limit to desire. Much would have more. No one is content with his lot. (Portuguese.)* The more one has the more one wants. (Spanish.)?

This expression is used to describe the insatiable nature of human greed or ambition. It implies that once one desire is fulfilled, another takes its place, suggesting that contentment is difficult to achieve if one keeps chasing endless wants.

There is no limit to purity, nor any beginning to impurity. Man is sinful from his birth, and never attains to perfect purity.

This proverb highlights that tradition and custom (Achara) can be endlessly elaborate with no final limit, while deviations or lack of tradition (Anachara) have no specific origin or defined structure. It is often used to suggest that one can get lost in the complexities of rituals or that improper conduct has existed forever without a clear starting point.

There is no limit to riches.

This expression refers to the infinite nature of human desire for wealth or the fact that there is no limit to how much riches one can accumulate. It is often used to emphasize that material prosperity is boundless, or conversely, that the pursuit of wealth can be never-ending and potentially unsatisfying.

When the husband has no learning, the wife has no pride.

This proverb is used to describe a family or a situation where everyone is simple, humble, or lacks specific status/qualities, leading to a life without complications or pretenses. It often implies a state of being basic or unremarkable but content.

Neither a string nor a top.

This expression is used to describe someone who lacks any ties, responsibilities, or assets. It often refers to a person who is roaming aimlessly without any sense of direction or accountability, or to a situation that is completely disorganized and lacks a proper basis.

Neither a string nor a top

This expression is used to describe a person who is irresponsible, lacks roots, or has no attachments or accountability. Just as a spinning top cannot be controlled or operated without a string, it refers to someone who is wandering aimlessly or a situation that has no proper foundation or control.

There is no end to tradition, and no beginning to bad practices.

This proverb highlights that customs and rituals can be expanded infinitely, while improper or uncultured behaviors have no traceable origin or foundation. It is often used to comment on how people constantly add new rules to traditions or how bad habits seem to exist without any rhyme or reason.

Purity first and impurity after. Impurity always attends purity.

This proverb refers to hypocrisy or double standards. It describes a situation where someone publicly follows all religious or social customs strictly (outward display), but privately indulges in unethical or prohibited activities. It is used to criticize people who act righteous only when being watched.