Thirukkural 378 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
துறப்பார்மன் துப்புர வில்லார் உறற்பால
ஊட்டா கழியு மெனின்.
Transliteration
Thurappaarman Thuppura Villaar Urarpaala
Oottaa Kazhiyu Menin
Modern English
“The verse suggests that even people without possessions may not be free to renounce worldly life, because difficult circumstances still hold them back.”
Modern Interpretation
The verse suggests that even people without possessions may not be free to renounce worldly life, because difficult circumstances still hold them back. For example, someone may long for a quiet spiritual life but remain responsible for caring for family members.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
The verse suggests that even people without possessions may not be free to renounce worldly life, because difficult circumstances still hold them back.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
The destitute desire will quit If fate with ills visit them not
G.U. Pope Translation
The destitute with ascetics merit share,If fate to visit with predestined ills would spare
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
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
Tamil commentary
துன்பங்களை அனுபவிக்க வேண்டும் என்னும் விதி, ஏழைகளைத் தடுத்திருக்கவில்லை என்றால், அவர்கள் துறவியர் ஆகியிருப்பார்கள்.
Chapter 38
More from Fate
ஊழ்
Efforts succeed by waxing star Wealth-losing brings waning star
Kural 372Loss-fate makes a dull fool of us Gain-fate makes us prosperous, wise!
Kural 373What matters subtle study deep? Levels of innate wisdom-keep
Kural 374Two natures in the world obtain Some wealth and others wisdom gain
Kural 375In making wealth fate changes mood; The good as bad and bad as good
Kural 376Things not thine never remain Things destined are surely thine
Kural 377Who crores amass enjoy but what The Dispenser's decrees allot
Kural 378The destitute desire will quit If fate with ills visit them not
Kural 379Who good in time of good perceive In evil time why should they grieve?
Kural 380What power surpasses fate? Its will Persists against the human skill