The Kural or the Maxims of Tiruvalluvar/Chapter 11
CHAPTER 11
GRATITUDE
101. Behold the kindness done without any obligation: even the heavens and the earth are too poor to repay it.
102. A kindness done in the hour of need may look small : but it outweigheth the whole world.
103. Behold the kindness done without thought of recompense : it is mightier than the ocean.
104. The benefit received may be small even like a millet seed: but in the eyes of the just its measure is that of a palmyra tree.
105. Gratitude is not limited by the assistance given: it is bounded only by the nobility of him that receiveth it.
106. Disregard not the friendship of the holy ones : forsake not those that succoured thee in difficulty.
107. He that hath relieved from affliction shall be remembered with gratitude in every birth.
108. It is ignoble to forget a kindness : but an ill turn received it is the part of nobility to forget at once.
109. The mortallest injury is forgiven the moment the mind recalleth a single kindness received from the injurer.
110. There is redemption for men who are guilty of every other crime: but the ingrate wretch shall know of none.
