As among a thousand cows
the calf runs after its mother,
so too deeds done previously
always pursue the doer. 3081
Salute the gods? But even they
cannot escape relentless fate.
Salute that fate? But even it
bears fruit to deeds proportionate.
Then, if fruit depend on deeds,
are gods and fate of any avail?
Salutations to deeds on which
even fate cannot prevail. 3079
Such is the marvel in this world
of deeds done in a previous birth:
the undisciplined live long lives,
the servile have of wealth no dearth. 3084
Why be depressed in adverse times
and wonderstruck in prosperity?
It is by previous deeds decided,
whatever has to be will be. 3087
The fruit which deeds of people bear
are most uneven, it is seen:
some the palanquin do carry,
some ride upon the palanquin. 3092
Whatever man earns
with lifelong labour,
his heirs divide
when he is dead;
the evil he did
for greed of wealth
alone remains
that unfortunate’s property. 3099VYĀSA
Fruit come not from looks or family,
morals, learning or pure speech.
It is merit amassed from deeds
done by man in former lives
that bears fruit for him
in due time, like a tree. 3100AŚVAGHOSHA
The man to whom
the gods award
defeat, his mind
they overturn:
he sees things
upside down. 3095