Thirukkural Chapter 38 - Fate


Couplet 371 
Wealth-giving fate power of unflinching effort brings;
From fate that takes away idle remissness springs
Explanation
Perseverance comes from a prosperous fate, and idleness from an adverse fate

Couplet 372 
The fate that loss ordains makes wise men's wisdom foolishness;
The fate that gain bestows with ampler powers will wisdom bless
Explanation
An adverse fate produces folly, and a prosperous fate produces enlarged knowledge

Couplet 373 
In subtle learning manifold though versed man be,
'The wisdom, truly his, will gain supremacy
Explanation
Although (a man) may study the most polished treatises, the knowledge which fate has decreed to him will still prevail

Couplet 374 
Two fold the fashion of the world: some live in fortune's light;
While other some have souls in wisdom's radiance bright
Explanation
There are (through fate) two different natures in the world, hence the difference (observable in men) in (their acquisition of) wealth, and in their attainment of knowledge

Couplet 375 
All things that good appear will oft have ill success;
All evil things prove good for gain of happiness
Explanation
In the acquisition of property, every thing favourable becomes unfavourable, and (on the other hand) everything unfavourable becomes favourable, (through the power of fate)

Couplet 376 
Things not your own will yield no good, howe'er you guard with pain;
Your own, howe'er you scatter them abroad, will yours remain
Explanation
Whatever is not conferred by fate cannot be preserved although it be guarded with most painful care; and that, which fate has made his, cannot be lost, although one should even take it and throw it away

Couplet 377 
Save as the 'sharer' shares to each in due degree,
To those who millions store enjoyment scarce can be
Explanation
Even those who gather together millions will only enjoy them, as it has been determined by the disposer (of all things)

Couplet 378 
The destitute with ascetics merit share,
If fate to visit with predestined ills would spare
Explanation
The destitute will renounce desire (and become ascetics), if (fate) do not make them suffer the hindrances to which they are liable, and they pass away

Couplet 379 
When good things come, men view them all as gain;
When evils come, why then should they complain
Explanation
How is it that those, who are pleased with good fortune, trouble themselves when evil comes, (since both are equally the decree of fate) ?

Couplet 380 
What powers so great as those of Destiny? Man's skill
Some other thing contrives; but fate's beforehand still
Explanation
What is stronger than fate ? If we think of an expedient (to avert it), it will itself be with us before (the thought)