The Kural or the Maxims of Tiruvalluvar/Chapter 38
CHAPTER 38
DESTINY
371. Resolution cometh to a man when Fortune is about to smile on him ; but Indolence appeareth when Fortune is about to leave.
372. Evil fate dulleth the faculties : but when Fortune is about to smile she first expandeth the intelligence.
373. What doth learning avail and all subtleties? It is the Spirit that is inside that prevaileth over all.
374. There are two things in the world which have nothing in common : Riches is one thing and Saintliness is quite another.
375. When the tide is against thee even good things turn to evil: and even evil things turn to good when the tide is on.
376. What Destiny denieth thou canst not keep even with the utmost care : and even if thou scatter abroad, the things that are thine will not go away from thee.
377. Even the man who hath amassed ten million cannot enjoy his riches except as the Ordainer hath ordained.
378. Verily the destitute poor would turn their hearts towards renunciation but that Destiny reserveth them for the miseries that are their portion.
379. He that rejoiceth when good cometh, why should he fret when he receiveth evil?
380. What is there that is mightier than Destiny? For even as its victim is meditating a plan to overcome it, it forestalleth him and bringeth him down.
HERE ENDETH PART I
ENTITLED RIGHTEOUSNESS