துறவு மேற்கொண்டவர்களுக்கு உதவ எண்ணி, மற்றவர்கள் தவம் செய்வதை மறந்து இருப்பார்கள் போலும்.

துறவிகளுக்குத் துணை நிற்க விரும்புகிறோம் என்பதற்காகத் தாங்கள் கடைப்பிடிக்க வேண்டிய தவ ஒழுக்கத்தை மற்றவர்கள் மறந்து விடக் கூடாது

துறந்தவர்க்கு உணவு முதலியனக் கொடுத்து உதவவேண்டும் என விரும்பி மற்றவர்கள் (இல்லறத்தினர்) தவம் செய்தலை மறந்தார்களோ

It is to provide food etc, for the ascetics who have abandoned (the desire of earthly possessions) that other persons have forgotten (to practise) austerity ?

Kural 263 is a reflection on the relationship between ascetics and the general public. The verse suggests that the primary duty of those who have not chosen the ascetic life is to support those who have. This support typically comes in the form of providing food and other necessities to the ascetics, as they have renounced all earthly possessions and desires. The verse implies a critique of those who neglect this duty. It suggests that they have forgotten the importance of austerity, a key aspect of spirituality. Austerity here refers to self-discipline and self-control, which are cornerstones of spiritual growth. In other words, the verse criticizes those who, while not being ascetics themselves, fail to uphold their part of the societal contract by neglecting to support those who have chosen the spiritual path. They are seen as failing in their spiritual duty, which is different from that of the ascetics, but no less important. The verse thus encourages a balance between the spiritual and material aspects of life, with each sector of society supporting the other in their respective roles. It suggests that spirituality is not solely the domain of the ascetics, but is a responsibility shared by all, each in their own way.