Fate
Nandraangaal Nallavaak Kaanpavar Andraangaal / Allar Patuva Thevan?
Classical English couplet — “When good things come, men view them all as gain;When evils come, why then should they complain”
What it says in plain words
“We welcome good times and feel happy when they come. Why become so troubled when life also brings hard times?”
The classical Tamil reading
நல்வினை விளையும் போது நல்லவை எனக் கருதி மகிழ்கின்றனர், தீவினை விளையும் போது துன்பப்பட்டுக் கலங்குவது ஏனோ.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
நன்மையும் தீமையும் வாழ்க்கையில் மாறி மாறி வரும். நன்மை கண்டு மகிழ்கிறவர்கள், தீமை விளையும்போது மட்டும் மனம் கலங்குவது ஏன்?
The ethical and philosophical heart
Good times and hard times both come into our lives. We gladly welcome success, comfort, and days when things go well. Yet we may struggle to accept days when things go wrong. Remembering that life includes both good and bad can help us stay calmer.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- When rain spoils your outing, remember that not every day goes as hoped.
- Workplace
- After enjoying strong sales, face a slow month without losing heart.
- Family
- When a family plan falls through, accept the disappointment without letting it spoil everyone's day.
- Society
- After enjoying a successful community event, accept that the next one may face problems.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- When plans go wrong, pause before making choices out of distress.
- Integrity
- Keep your standards steady in both easy and difficult times.
- Communication
- Speak calmly about setbacks, just as you speak gladly about success.
- Leadership
- Help others face hard days without expecting every day to go well.
- Governance
- Face difficult periods as calmly as you welcome periods of growth.
For leaders and teams
Show others how to stay steady through changing times. Welcome success, but also help people face setbacks calmly.
Something to sit with
“What could help you face today's difficulties as calmly as you welcome its good moments?”