thirukkural-On Virtue-On Fate-Kural 371

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The constructive industry that produces wealth, and the destructive indolence
That brings about adversity in life, are both the outcome of fate.

Fate determines the industry and indolence that produce wealth or adversity. Thiruvalluvar is primarily the product of the Tamil Hindu Society of two thousand years ago which, it would appear, fully believed in the Karma theory. This idea envisages that one"s conduct and achievements in the present life are regulated by the good and bad deeds performed by one in the previous life. These past deeds give rise to the industry and indolence, which now are apparent causes for the acquisition and loss of wealth.

The poet by this explanation seeks to reconcile the 'Doctrine of Karma' with the inescapable cause and effect nexus between work and wealth.

'Ool" or fate arising from Karma is not to be mistaken for belief in blind luck. Valluvar"s view is that fate determines the sum total of man"s thoughts, desires and actions, which become his start in the next life.

According to Rajaji, men reap the just and natural reward of every previous action of theirs, and build their natures and tendencies as a result of it. The account obviously is not closed at death but carried over. But the implication is that, there is still some room, albeit against odds, for the play of the individual will and effort in the environment, which can make all the difference to the ultimate outcome, in a particular set of circumstances, which need not be absolutely pre-determined.