Manthagini

“Even the Devine cannot interfere with your true hearted effort.” Kural 619

தெய்வத்தான் ஆகா தெனினும் முயற்சிதன்

மெய்வருத்தக் கூலி தரும்  Kural 619

This verse affirms the supremacy of free will and personal agency. This is an especially profound idea within a deeply spiritual culture like Tamil society. In this context, fate and karma often take center stage. Thiruvalluvar reminds us that destiny is not fixed; it is shaped, softened, and redirected through persistent action. Even what is not “ordained” becomes possible through effort.

Grass finds its way through the crevice of a rock. It does so not because the rock yields. It is because the will to grow persists. In the same way, determination—quiet, consistent, and sincere—creates openings where none seem to exist.

People’s struggles are not the only thing that saddens me most. It is also the absence of effort. They surrender to the invisible and neglect what is visible and within their control. Effortlessness disguised as helplessness is where my discomfort quietly settles.

A phrase that makes me think is “I’m busy.” It has become an excuse that people use to avoid engagement. It often hides a lack of interest or willingness to act. The reality is, we are all busy; life is demanding for everyone. Still, being busy doesn’t mean being committed. What we really imply is: “This doesn’t matter enough for me to find time.” Acknowledging this about our true priorities is something many find difficult to confront.

Yet I write this not in judgment, but in remembrance.

I remind myself that effort is important. Discipline is a commitment. Faith shows itself best not in waiting, but in taking action. When intention meets even small actions, we regain our power. In that moment, things change.

Miracles do happen. Not when we wait for them—but when we walk toward them with effort, discipline, and faith working together.