Thirukkural 380 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
ஊழிற் பெருவலி யாவுள மற்றொன்று
சூழினுந் தான்முந் துறும்.
Transliteration
Oozhir Peruvali Yaavula Matrondru
Soozhinun Thaanmun Thurum
Modern English
“The verse presents fate as a force that can outlast our attempts to avoid it, encouraging humility about what we cannot control.”
Modern Interpretation
The verse presents fate as a force that can outlast our attempts to avoid it, encouraging humility about what we cannot control. For example, a carefully planned trip may be changed by a sudden emergency, even though wise preparation still matters.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
The verse presents fate as a force that can outlast our attempts to avoid it, encouraging humility about what we cannot control.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
What power surpasses fate? Its will Persists against the human skill
G.U. Pope Translation
What powers so great as those of Destiny? Man's skillSome other thing contrives; but fate's beforehand still
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
What is stronger than fate ? If we think of an expedient (to avert it), it will itself be with us before (the thought)
Tamil commentary
விதியை வெல்ல வேறொரு வழியை எண்ணி நாம் செயற்பட்டாலும், அந்த வழியிலேயோ வேறு ஒரு வழியிலேயோ அது நம்முன் வந்து நிற்கும்; ஆகவே விதியை விட வேறு எவை வலிமையானவை?
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