முற்பிறப்பில் தவ நோக்கம் பெற்றிருந்தவர்க்கே இப்பிறப்பில் தவம் செய்ய நேரும். அத்தகைய நோக்கம் இல்லாதவர், இப்போது தவத்தை மேற்கொள்வதும் வீண்தான்.

உறுதிப்பாடும், மன அடக்கமும் உடையவருக்கே தவத்தின் பெருமை வாய்க்கும் எனவே கட்டுப்பாடான ஒழுக்கம் இல்லாதவர்கள், தவத்தை மேற்கொள்வது வீண் செயலேயாகும்

தவக்கோலமும் தவஒழுக்கமும் உடையவர்க்கே பொருந்துவதாகும்; அக் கோலத்தை தவஒழுக்கம் இல்லாதவர் மேற்கொள்வது வீண்முயற்சியாகும்.

Austerities can only be borne, and their benefits enjoyed, by those who have practised them (in a former birth); it will be useless for those who have not done so, to attempt to practise them (now)

The Kural 262 emphasizes the significance of discipline, devotion, and perseverance in one's spiritual journey. It suggests that the practice of austerities, which includes self-discipline and self-denial, is meaningful only to those who have already embraced them in their previous lives. This verse speaks to the law of karma in Hindu philosophy, which believes our past actions influence our present circumstances. In essence, the verse implies that spiritual practices such as austerities cannot be effectively adopted or borne spontaneously, without a solid foundation or predisposition towards them. They require a certain level of spiritual maturity and readiness, which often stems from previous spiritual endeavors. Those who try to practice austerities without this preparation may find it futile and unfulfilling. This is not to discourage those new to the spiritual path but to stress the importance of sincerity, continuity, and commitment in spiritual practices. It serves as a reminder that the benefits of these practices are not immediate gratification but the product of consistent efforts over time, and potentially, lifetimes.