Chapter 38: Fate

ஆகூழால் தோன்றும் அசைவின்மை கைப்பொருள்
போகூழால் தோன்றும் மடி.

Aakoozhaal Thondrum Asaivinmai Kaipporul
Pokoozhaal Thondrum Mati

Efforts succeed by waxing star Wealth-losing brings waning star

Meaning: Perseverance comes from a prosperous fate, and idleness from an adverse fate

பேதைப் படுக்கும் இழவூழ் அறிவகற்றும்
ஆகலூழ் உற்றக் கடை.

Pedhaip Patukkum Izhavoozh Arivakatrum
Aakaloozh Utrak Katai

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

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

நுண்ணிய நூல்பல கற்பினும் மற்றுந்தன்
உண்மை யறிவே மிகும்.

Nunniya Noolpala Karpinum Matrundhan
Unmai Yarive Mikum

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

Meaning: Although (a man) may study the most polished treatises, the knowledge which fate has decreed to him will still prevail

இருவேறு உலகத்து இயற்கை திருவேறு
தெள்ளிய ராதலும் வேறு.

Iruveru Ulakaththu Iyarkai Thiruveru
Thelliya Raadhalum Veru

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

Meaning: 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

நல்லவை எல்லாஅந் தீயவாம் தீயவும்
நல்லவாம் செல்வம் செயற்கு.

Nallavai Ellaaan Theeyavaam Theeyavum
Nallavaam Selvam Seyarku

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

Meaning: In the acquisition of property, every thing favourable becomes unfavourable, and (on the other hand) everything unfavourable becomes favourable, (through the power of fate)

பரியினும் ஆகாவாம் பாலல்ல உய்த்துச்
சொரியினும் போகா தம.

Pariyinum Aakaavaam Paalalla Uyththuch
Choriyinum Pokaa Thama

Things not thine never remain Things destined are surely thine

Meaning: 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

வகுத்தான் வகுத்த வகையல்லால் கோடி
தொகுத்தார்க்கு துய்த்தல் அரிது.

Vakuththaan Vakuththa Vakaiyallaal Koti
Thokuththaarkku Thuyththal Aridhu

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

Meaning: Even those who gather together millions will only enjoy them, as it has been determined by the disposer (of all things)

துறப்பார்மன் துப்புர வில்லார் உறற்பால
ஊட்டா கழியு மெனின்.

Thurappaarman Thuppura Villaar Urarpaala
Oottaa Kazhiyu Menin

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

Meaning: 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

நன்றாங்கால் நல்லவாக் காண்பவர் அன்றாங்கால்
அல்லற் படுவ தெவன்?

Nandraangaal Nallavaak Kaanpavar Andraangaal
Allar Patuva Thevan?

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

Meaning: How is it that those, who are pleased with good fortune, trouble themselves when evil comes, (since both are equally the decree of fate) ?

ஊழிற் பெருவலி யாவுள மற்றொன்று
சூழினுந் தான்முந் துறும்.

Oozhir Peruvali Yaavula Matrondru
Soozhinun Thaanmun Thurum

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

Meaning: What is stronger than fate ? If we think of an expedient (to avert it), it will itself be with us before (the thought)