Fate (ūḻ): what is destined comes despite every plan; yet the next book will urge effort against it.
ஊழிற் பெருவலி யாவுள மற்றொன்று
சூழினுந் தான்முந் துறும்.
Oozhir Peruvali Yaavula Matrondru
Soozhinun Thaanmun Thurum
Pope (1886)What powers so great as those of Destiny? Man's skillSome other thing contrives; but fate's beforehand still
MeaningWhat is stronger than fate ? If we think of an expedient (to avert it), it will itself be with us before (the thought)
Word by word
ஊழிற்than fate
பெருவலிgreater strength
யாவுளwhat is there
மற்றொன்றுanother (way)
சூழினுந்even if one plans
தான்முந்it itself, first
துறும்arrives
InsightValluvar honestly states the power of past karma (ūḻ). But in Book 2 he writes (620): those who strive tirelessly see even fate turned back — the same balance as Vasiṣṭha’s pauruṣa.
ஆகூழால் தோன்றும் அசைவின்மை கைப்பொருள்
போகூழால் தோன்றும் மடி.
Aakoozhaal Thondrum Asaivinmai Kaipporul
Pokoozhaal Thondrum Mati
Pope (1886)Wealth-giving fate power of unflinching effort brings; From fate that takes away idle remissness springs
MeaningPerseverance 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
Pope (1886)The fate that loss ordains makes wise men's wisdom foolishness; The fate that gain bestows with ampler powers will wisdom bless
MeaningAn 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
Pope (1886)In subtle learning manifold though versed man be,'The wisdom, truly his, will gain supremacy
MeaningAlthough (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
Pope (1886)Two fold the fashion of the world: some live in fortune's light; While other some have souls in wisdom's radiance bright
MeaningThere 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
Pope (1886)All things that good appear will oft have ill success; All evil things prove good for gain of happiness
MeaningIn 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
Pope (1886)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
MeaningWhatever 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
Pope (1886)Save as the 'sharer' shares to each in due degree, To those who millions store enjoyment scarce can be
MeaningEven 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
Pope (1886)The destitute with ascetics merit share, If fate to visit with predestined ills would spare
MeaningThe 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?
Pope (1886)When good things come, men view them all as gain; When evils come, why then should they complain
MeaningHow is it that those, who are pleased with good fortune, trouble themselves when evil comes, (since both are equally the decree of fate) ?
