Virtue

Poem : 371

Wealth-giving fate power of unflinching effort brings;
From fate that takes away idle remissness springs.

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

Poem : 372

The fate that loss ordains makes wise men's wisdom foolishness;
The fate that gain bestows with ampler powers will wisdom bless.

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

Poem : 373

In subtle learning manifold though versed man be,
'The wisdom, truly his, will gain supremacy.

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

Poem : 374

Two fold the fashion of the world: some live in fortune's light;
While other some have souls in wisdom's radiance bright.

Explanation :
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.

Poem : 375

All things that good appear will oft have ill success;
All evil things prove good for gain of happiness.

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

Poem : 376

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.

Explanation :
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.

Poem : 377

Save as the 'sharer' shares to each in due degree,
To those who millions store enjoyment scarce can be.

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

Poem : 378

The destitute with ascetics merit share,
If fate to visit with predestined ills would spare.

Explanation :
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.

Poem : 379

When good things come, men view them all as gain;
When evils come, why then should they complain?

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

Poem : 380

What powers so great as those of Destiny? Man's skill
Some other thing contrives; but fate's beforehand still.

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