Thirukkural Chapter 34 - Instability


Couplet 331 
Lowest and meanest lore, that bids men trust secure,
In things that pass away, as things that shall endure
Explanation
That ignorance which considers those things to be stable which are not so, is dishonorable (to the wise)

Couplet 332 
As crowds round dancers fill the hall, is wealth's increase;
Its loss, as throngs dispersing, when the dances cease
Explanation
The acquisition of wealth is like the gathering together of an assembly for a theatre; its expenditure is like the breaking up of that assembly

Couplet 333 
Unenduring is all wealth; if you wealth enjoy,
Enduring works in working wealth straightway employ
Explanation
Wealth is perishable; let those who obtain it immediately practise those (virtues) which are imperishable

Couplet 334 
As 'day' it vaunts itself; well understood, 'tis knife',
That daily cuts away a portion from thy life
Explanation
Time, which shows itself (to the ignorant) as if it were something (real) is in the estimation of the wise (only) a saw which cuts down life

Couplet 335 
Before the tongue lie powerless, 'mid the gasp of gurgling breath,
Arouse thyself, and do good deeds beyond the power of death
Explanation
Let virtuous deeds be done quickly, before the hiccup comes making the tongue silent

Couplet 336 
Existing yesterday, today to nothing hurled!-
Such greatness owns this transitory world
Explanation
This world possesses the greatness that one who yesterday was is not today

Couplet 337 
Who know not if their happy lives shall last the day,
In fancies infinite beguile the hours away
Explanation
Innumerable are the thoughts which occupy the mind of (the unwise), who know not that they shall live another moment

Couplet 338 
Birds fly away, and leave the nest deserted bare;
Such is the short-lived friendship soul and body share
Explanation
The love of the soul to the body is like (the love of) a bird to its egg which it flies away from and leaves empty

Couplet 339 
Death is sinking into slumbers deep;
Birth again is waking out of sleep
Explanation
Death is like sleep; birth is like awaking from it

Couplet 340 
The soul in fragile shed as lodger courts repose:-
Is it because no home's conclusive rest it knows
Explanation
It seems as if the soul, which takes a temporary shelter in a body, had not attained a home