Thirukkural – 1036
If hands of those who till their lands turn inactive,
Even those who renounced worldly pleasure, suffer.
உழவினார் கைம்மடங்கி னில்லை விழைவதூஉம்
விட்டேமென் பார்க்கும் நிலை.
If farmers stop tilling their lands and rest their hands idly, it will disturb everyone. Even monks who claim to have renounced worldly pleasures will find it difficult to carryout their duties in the absence of food.
உழவினார் – those who plough the land
கைம் மடங்கி – hands turn inactive
விழைவது – yearning / pleasure
விட்டேம் – gave up
என்பார்க்கும் – who say
நிலை இல்லை – can’t do their duty
Old Tamil Poetry 