Energy
Aakkam Izhandhemendru Allaavaar Ookkam / Oruvandham Kaiththutai Yaar
Classical English couplet — “'Lost is our wealth,' they utter not this cry distressed,The men of firm concentred energy of soul possessed”
What it says in plain words
“People with a firm will to keep going do not lose heart when they lose wealth.”
The classical Tamil reading
ஊக்கத்தை உறுதியாகத் தம்கைப் பொருளாக உடையவர், ஆக்கம்( இழந்து விட்டக்காலத்திலும்) இழந்து விட்டோம் என்று கலங்க மாட்டார்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
ஊக்கத்தை உறுதியாகக் கொண்டிருப்பவர்கள், ஆக்கம் இழக்க நேர்ந்தாலும் அப்போதுகூட ஊக்கத்தை இழந்து கலங்க மாட்டார்கள்
The ethical and philosophical heart
Losing money or property can make the future feel uncertain. But losing what you own need not mean losing your drive. The key is to keep your will to continue. This helps you face the loss and take your next step.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- After losing savings, you keep looking for ways to earn again.
- Workplace
- After losing a big customer, you keep working to find new customers.
- Family
- When family income drops, you work together on a new spending plan.
- Society
- After a flood damages local shops, neighbors work together to reopen them.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- After a money loss, focus on the next useful step.
- Integrity
- When money is lost, admit it honestly and keep working.
- Communication
- Speak honestly about losses while showing your willingness to continue.
- Leadership
- Help your team keep going when money or supplies are lost.
- Governance
- When public funds shrink, keep working to meet people's needs.
For leaders and teams
When resources are lost, show others how to keep going with steady effort. Help them see a useful next step.
Something to sit with
“What helps you keep going when you lose something you worked hard to gain?”