Thirukkural 372 in English

Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.

Tamil original

பேதைப் படுக்கும் இழவூழ் அறிவகற்றும்
ஆகலூழ் உற்றக் கடை.

Transliteration

Pedhaip Patukkum Izhavoozh Arivakatrum
Aakaloozh Utrak Katai

English Translation

“Loss-fate makes a dull fool of us Gain-fate makes us prosperous, wise!”

Plain-English meaning

An adverse fate produces folly, and a prosperous fate produces enlarged knowledge

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

Loss-fate makes a dull fool of us Gain-fate makes us prosperous, wise!

G.U. Pope Translation

The fate that loss ordains makes wise men's wisdom foolishness;The fate that gain bestows with ampler powers will wisdom bless

Plain-English Meaning

An adverse fate produces folly, and a prosperous fate produces enlarged knowledge

தாழ்வதற்கு உரிய விதி இருந்தால் அறிவு மனிதனைப் பேதை ஆக்கும்; உயர்வதற்கு உரிய விதி இருந்தால் அறிவு விரிவு பெறும்.

Chapter 38

ஊழ்

Efforts succeed by waxing star Wealth-losing brings waning star

Loss-fate makes a dull fool of us Gain-fate makes us prosperous, wise!

What matters subtle study deep? Levels of innate wisdom-keep

Two natures in the world obtain Some wealth and others wisdom gain

In making wealth fate changes mood; The good as bad and bad as good

Things not thine never remain Things destined are surely thine

Who crores amass enjoy but what The Dispenser's decrees allot

The destitute desire will quit If fate with ills visit them not

Who good in time of good perceive In evil time why should they grieve?

What power surpasses fate? Its will Persists against the human skill