Learning by Listening
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cevikkuṇa villāta pōḻtu ciṟitu / vayiṟṟukku mīyap paṭum
“When 'tis no longer time the listening ear to feed / With trifling dole of food supply the body's need.”
“Even unto the stomach some food will be offered when there is no more food to be offered to the ear.”
Only when there is no nourishment for the ear should a little nourishment be given to the stomach.
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Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
செவிக்கு உணவு இல்லாத போழ்து= செவிக்கு உணவாகிய கேள்வி இல்லாத பொழுது; வயிற்றுககும் சிறிது ஈயப்படும்= வயிற்றுக்குஞ் சிறிது உணவு இடப்படும்.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Only when there is a pause in nourishment for the listening ear should a modest share of food be provided for the physical stomach.