తనకు మాలిన ధర్మము, మొదలు చెడ్డ బేరము

tanaku malina dharmamu, modalu chedda beramu

Translation

To give that in charity which a man himself needs to receive from others is like trading after the loss of one's principal.

Meaning

This proverb warns against excessive generosity or helping others at the cost of one's own basic needs or survival. It suggests that doing charity while neglecting your own family or self is foolish and unsustainable, much like a business transaction that results in the loss of the principal investment.

Related Phrases

Though the kingdom be lost, the air of royalty still remains.

This proverb is used to describe someone who maintains their dignity, values, or refined habits despite a significant loss in wealth or status. It emphasizes that while material possessions can be lost, one's fundamental nature and upbringing remain unchanged.

Applied to a man who bears the appearance of having seen better days.

An opportunity that comes to your feet will not be found even if you go to Kashi.

This expression means that when a good opportunity or a profitable deal comes to you effortlessly, you should grab it immediately. If you neglect or reject it, you might not find such a great opportunity again, even if you travel far and wide or put in immense effort (symbolized by going to the holy city of Kashi).

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.

When one went to do a good deed, bad fate/karma coiled around them.

This expression is used when someone tries to help others or do something virtuous, but ends up facing unexpected trouble or negative consequences as a result of their kindness. It is similar to the English saying, 'No good deed goes unpunished.'

A bargain [with a man] with his belly full. A person in easy circumstances will drive a hard bargain.

This expression refers to a negotiation or deal where one party is not in desperate need or in a hurry. Since they are already satisfied (full), they can afford to be indifferent, picky, or firm on their terms without worrying about the outcome.

By trading in glass bracelets a bare subsistence only can be obtained. Because so many break. Applied to any business which is attended with heavy losses.

This proverb is used to describe a business or activity that yields very little profit, barely covering one's basic needs or daily expenses. It suggests that despite the hard work involved, the returns are only sufficient for survival and not for saving or growth.

My chastity is known to my first husband. Said by a widow who had passed herself off as a maid, and married again.

This is a sarcastic or ironic expression used to mock someone who is boasting about their integrity or loyalty when their past actions clearly prove otherwise. It highlights a contradiction where someone claims to be virtuous despite having a history of failure or betrayal. It is often used to expose hypocrisy.

Virtue protects the head. The reward of virtue in this life is protection from evil.

This proverb means that one's righteous deeds and moral conduct will act as a shield and save them from danger or misfortune in critical times. It is used to encourage ethical behavior, suggesting that being good eventually leads to being protected by one's own karma.

Will the wealth of a paramour's sons be used for charity rather than for fines?

This proverb suggests that wealth acquired through immoral or ill-gotten means will only be wasted on useless expenses or penalties (dandugalu) rather than being spent on noble causes like charity or religious deeds. It is used to remark that money earned dishonestly never serves a good purpose.

A bargain made with a full stomach

This expression refers to a negotiation or deal where one party is not in a hurry or desperate to sell or buy. Because they are already satisfied or financially stable, they can afford to be stubborn, picky, or indifferent to the outcome of the deal.