Share with others before you eat - mantrA 196

srigurubhyO namahA |

The 196th mantrA forms the end of the current subsection dealing with the transitory nature of life.

அவ்வியம் பேசி அறங்கெட நில்லன்மின்
வெவ்விய னாகிப் பிறர்ப்பொருள் வவ்வன்மின்
செவ்விய னாகிச் சிறந்துண்ணும் போதொரு
தவ்விகொ டுண்மின் தலைப்பட்ட போதே. I.5.10.196

Speak not in envy, stray not from the Dharmic way,
Covet not other's riches with lustful greedy glances;
With heart to pity attuned, as you sit down to eat,
Share with others before the feast commences. I.5.10.196

Com - Speak not in envy, stray not from the Dharmic way, you must not speak ill of others (biased by envy, jealousy, anger etc) and lead yourself into the path of adharmA (improper conduct). Covet not other's riches with lustful greedy glances; you must not act out of hatred and greed and want what is not rightfully yours, you must not commit theft and violence (which stem out of greed and hatred) for improper gain. With heart to pity attuned, as you sit down to eat, You must live with a controlled mind that has learnt to be content with what is available and when sitting down to eat (with the senses controlled) Share with others before the feast commences. You must be compassionate to the needs of others, and if someone comes visiting, share at least a ladle of food with them before you commence your own meal.

*In the last mantra of this subsection the sage leaves us with a few good pointers. One must remain unaffected by envy and jealousy as they cause one to commit actions that are impure and unjust. One must also remain free of greed and anger as these will drag one to base actions that have devastating consequences. It is also good to note that these emotions cloud the mind and cause agitation that renders meditation and contemplation impossible. Learning to be content with what is available; one must live a regulated life if desirous of self knowledge. Most importantly (being aware of the momentary nature of life and the preciousness of life) we must be empathetic to the needs of those around us and be ready to share what we have with those that don’t or those who are guests in our home. Upholding these morals one must live this short life and try to rid the mind of its useless delusions and dangerous emotions. Some of these morals will be discussed in greater detail in different sub sections to follow within the body of the first tantrA. 

thirucchitrambalam ||