పాత్రమెరిగి దానము, క్షేత్రమెరిగి విత్తనము

patramerigi danamu, kshetramerigi vittanamu

Translation

Charity according to the recipient, seed according to the field

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes the importance of discretion and suitability. It means that one should give charity only after judging the worthiness of the recipient (Patra), just as a farmer sows seeds only after assessing the quality of the soil (Kshetra) to ensure a good harvest. It is used to advise someone to be wise and purposeful in their actions and investments.

Related Phrases

Sow the seed knowing the field, give the gift knowing the recipient.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of context and suitability. Just as a farmer chooses seeds based on the quality of the soil to ensure a good harvest, one should evaluate the merit, character, and need of a person before offering help or charity to ensure it is used effectively.

Check the lineage before marrying a woman; check the quality before buying cattle.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of verifying background and quality before making life-altering decisions. Just as one inspects the physical traits and health of livestock, one should understand the family values and upbringing (lineage) of a partner before marriage, as these factors significantly influence the future of a household.

One should know the joint and brand it.

In the past and also occasionally at present, there is a practice of scorching or branding literally as a therapy. One should identify the problem and take appropriate steps to solve it. In other words, you have to know the sensitive spot and work on it for your success.

Give charity after knowing the worthiness of the recipient, and give a daughter in marriage after knowing the lineage.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of due diligence before making significant commitments. It suggests that one should evaluate the character and merit of a person before giving alms to ensure it is used well, and similarly, one must thoroughly investigate a family's background and reputation before finalizing a marriage alliance.

[ Form ] your connexions when you know the caste, [ choose ] your residence when you know the place.

This proverb advises caution and due diligence in social and personal life. It suggests that one should understand a person's background and character before establishing a close relationship or marriage alliance, and similarly, one should thoroughly investigate a location's safety, resources, and suitability before settling down there.

Give charity after knowing the recipient; sow the seed after knowing the field.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of worthiness and suitability. Just as a seed only thrives in the right soil, charity or help should only be given to those who are deserving and will make good use of it. It advises people to exercise discretion and perform due diligence before making commitments or investments.

Knowing the soil, [sow] seed; knowing the worthiness [give] gifts.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of context and worthiness. Just as a farmer selects seeds based on the quality of the soil to ensure a good harvest, one should evaluate the character and need of a person before giving charity or offering help. It teaches that resources should be utilized where they will be truly valued and effective.

Burning the joint after knowing it, and waiting for the right moment after knowing the convenience.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of timing and precision. It suggests that one should understand the root of a problem or the specific situation (the joint) before acting (cauterizing/burning), and should wait for the most opportune moment to strike or make a move.

Why blame the deity today, when in some past life you failed to give charity to the deserving or forgot to worship the divine?

This expression is rooted in the concept of Karma. It implies that one's current misfortunes are the result of neglecting spiritual or charitable duties in the past. It is used to suggest that instead of blaming God or fate for current struggles, one should reflect on their own actions and responsibilities.

Sow the seed according to the field; give charity according to the recipient.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of context and discernment. Just as a farmer chooses seeds based on the quality and type of soil to ensure a good harvest, one should evaluate the worthiness and need of a person before giving charity or help. It is used to suggest that resources and efforts should be invested wisely where they will be most effective or appreciated.