sandalwood is pleasant (cool), moon (or moon light) is more pleasant than sandal. (but) company of a good person (sAdhu) is pleasant then both moon and sandal.
Literal meaning of word 'shItalah' is cool/cold, in this context cool means something which is pleasant.
This is the last 'shloka' in the Rigveda. It states - Let your conclusions be ONE (or be alike), Let your hearts be the same (or be alike) [So that "everyone" feels for the same particular bad/ill in the society in the same intensity. It may be the common experience that not all feel for the same problem in the 'intensity' that we as individual may feel for that. Due to this there may be lack of 'collective' efforts to solve that problem]. Let your minds think alike/similar. May all these factors make your organisational-power an impressive one. This 'shloka' can be called as an 'sanghatan-sukta' i.e. guidelines for building an impressive organisation/nation.
Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak had ended his book 'Geeta Rahasya' by this 'shloka'.
A person who does the things which are to be done and who doesn't do the things which are not to be done; a person who stands by tradition ("prakrutacharo"), is called "Arya".
The term "Arya" is used to refer to elder or respectable person in India. This subhashita give some of the characteristics of 'Arya'. A person who does the things which he is supposed to do i.e. good things, and does not do any bad, can be called Arya.. In short, the one who obeys dharma is Arya. 'Arya' does not reflect any race.
The person with whom we have no relation, but who helps us in our difficult times is our Real relative/brother. In contrast the person who may be our relative/brother (With whom we have blood relations) but who always does bad things for us should not be considered as our relative/brother. Just like a disease which is in our own body does so much harm to us while the medicinal plant which grows in forest far off does so much of good to us!
While fighting with each other, we are five and they are hundred. While fighting with others (enemy) we are hundred plus five.
This are words of yudhiShThIr (dharmarAja). In araNyaparva (i.e. when pANDava were in vanawasa i.e. in jungle for 12 yrs), pandava got a news that kaurava are under attack from gandharvas and were loosing the battle. In fact gandharvas had defeated Kauravas and imprisoned them. That time, bhIma's opinion was, not to help Kaurava, because they were paNDava's enemy. bheema was happy that their job was done by gandharvas. That time yudhiShThIr said that even if Kaurava were enemies, they were their brothers, and paNDava must help them in that crisis.
This is an excellent example laid by yudhiShThIr before us. If we turn our pages of history, many places we find that our rajas were fighting with each other, and they even helped outside invaders to knock down other Indian rajas. And that was major cause of success of invaders.
In todays contex, we must know who is "ours" and who is not.
Friendship of a friend is tested in our bad times, the warrior's heroism is tested in a war, a servant's test lies in his good attitude towards the owner and a donor's test is at the time of drought. The point explained here is that the person who donates wealth/food even at the time of a drought, i.e. at the times when the food is a scarcity, is a real donor. If we do not live up to our expectations at the tough times then there is no use of what we stand for.
107
राजा राष्ट्रकॄतं पापं राज्ञाम्प;: पापं पुरोहित: | भर्ता च स्त्रीकॄतं पापं शिष्यपापं गुरू: तथा ||
If a country goes in a wrong way/ does a sin then the king should be held responsible. If king commits a sin then his advisors/ministers should be held responsible. If a women does a wrong thing then her husband should be held responsible and if a student ('shishya') commits a sin then his teacher ('guru') should be held responsible.
108
पुस्तकस्था तु या विद्या परहस्तगतं धनम् | कार्यकाले समुत्पन्ने न सा विद्या न तद् धनम् ||
The knowledge which is residing in the book and one's wealth which is in possession of some other person is of no use at all. At the time of it's need they will not be of any help for the person.
109
अधमा: धनमिच्छन्ति धनं मानं च मध्यमा: | उत्तमा: मानमिच्छन्ति मानो हि महताम् धनम् ||
An inferior person's desire is money. An average person will desire money and respect. A great person desires respect (and not Money). Respect is superior to money.
110
ये च मूढतमा: लोके ये च बुद्धे: परं गता: | ते एव सुखम् एधन्ते मध्यम: क्लिश्यते जन: ||
महाभारत 122528
Only two types of people are happy in this world. One who are foolish/dull and the others who are very much intelligent and knowledegble. All the other people in between these two limits are the only sufferers. The foolish/dull people do not understand the problem (or cannot grasp the problems) and the intelligent people have the solution for it! And therefore it is only left for the people in between them to keep crying for the problem because having known what it is still they cannot envision the path for it's complete eradication.
111
अतितॄष्णा न कर्तव्या तॄष्णां नैव परित्यजेत | शनै: शनैश्च भोक्तव्यं स्वयं वित्तमुपार्जितम ||
Extreme desire should be avoided. but don't throw away desires. We should enjoy self earned wealth with control. This subhashita explains one of the specialties of our culture. You may find two extreme views about life in this world. There are a few groups who think that desire about anything is cause of sorrow in life. And desire causes degradation of a person. So it should be avoided totally. There are some groups which believe that we should try to satisfy all our desires... and that will bring happiness in life. The problem in first case is, it is very difficult to follow. And often these suppressed desires give rise to misbehavior of a person. In second case, it is obvious that, this view is not good for societal interest. Also desires can't be satisfied. if you fulfill one another would arise. Keeping this in mind our Rishis suggested midway between these two. one need not give away desires totally, but try to control them and satisfy them with some limit.
Rains over the sea are not of any use. Food for one, whose stomach is full, is waste. What's the use of donation to an affluent? Also, lighting a lamp during day is useless.
113
पिबन्ति नद्य: स्वयम् एव न अम्भ: स्वयं न खादन्ति फलानि वॄक्षा: | न अदन्ति सस्यं खलु वारिवाहा परोपकाराय सतां विभूतय: ||
The rivers don't drink their own water. The trees don't eat their own fruits. The clouds don't eat the crops to which they give the water. The wealth of the good people ('sajjan') is really only for helping the others. (They themselves don't consume what they produce!)
114
क्रोधो वैवस्वतो राजा तॄष्णा वैतरणी नदी | विद्या कामदुघा धेनु: सन्तोषो नन्दनं वनम् ||
|||शुक्रनीति
Anger is the King of Death (Yama), greed (desire) is the river VaitaraNI (in the Hell). (However)Knowledge is (like) the cow which fulfills all wishes (Kamdhenu), (and) bliss is the paradise.
115
लोभमूलानि पापानि संकटानि तथैव च | लोभात्प्रवर्तते वैरं अतिलोभात्विनश्यति ||
Greed is a cause of sin ( a greedy person can do any sin to satisfy his greed) Greed is cause of calamity, greed gives rise to enmity (greedy person invites enemies) Greed destroys a person (a greedy persons life gets spoiled by his own deeds) .
A person for whom courage is his father, forgiveness (KshmA) is his mother, calmful mind is his wife, Truth is his son, compassion his sister and control of mind is his brother. And for whom this earth is a bed, the directions (dishA) like the cloths and the knowledge is his food. When all these make up his family then for which thing will that person be scared of? Isn't this a very unique suBAshit indeed? What else will the person need to overcome the challenges that may face him in his life?
Company of great person is always beneficial. (see how) drop of water on lotus leaf appears like a pearl. (i.e.. it gains status similar to pearl) Hear Subhashitkar explains how useful it is to be with great persons.
118
मूर्खो न हि ददाति अर्थं नरो दारिद्रयशङ्कया | प्राज्ञाम्प;: तु वितरति अर्थं नरो दारिद्रयशङ्कया ||
भोजप्रबंध
A unwise ('murkha') person hesitates to donate the wealth due to the fear of becoming poor in future. But due to the same fear (of becoming poor in future), a wise person wisely donates his wealth!
See how the same fear causes wise and unwise persons to behave differently! In conclusion the wise person donates his wealth thinking that in future if he becomes poor then he may loose the opportunity to donate. The implied meaning of the suBAshit may be that man should not fear for the transient things like wealth. Today it is there and tomorrow it may not be there. So donate it when you have it!
One cannot change nature of a person by giving him a advice or telling him good things. (as even) If water is heated, after some time it again attains its normal temperature. Subhashit explains how difficult it is to change nature of a person. Everybody must have experienced this. If we find that a person needs to improve in certain thing, and try to explain that to him, may be he will accept it that time. But after some time you will find him back with all his traits. This behaviour is similar to water. water is normally cold. you can heat it to change its this usual properly. But after some time you will find that water is cold again.
120
यस्मिन् जीवति जीवन्ति बहव: स तु जीवति | काकोऽपि किं न कुरूते चञ्च्वा स्वोदरपूरणम् ||
पंचतंत्र
If the 'living' of a person results in 'living' of many other persons, only then consider that person to have really 'lived'. Look even the crow fill it's own stomach by it's beak!! (There is nothing great in working for our own survival) I am not finding any proper adjective to describe how good this suBAshit is! The suBAshitkAr has hit at very basic question. What are all the humans doing ultimately? Working to feed themselves (and their family). So even a bird like crow does this! Infact there need not be any more explanation to tell what this suBAshit implies! Just the suBAshit is sufficient!!
There is no vidhi (ritual) which is as noble as donation. (People follow some rituals to get some "punya". this subhashit says that sharing your wealth with others is the best possible ritual.) There is no enemy as greed on this earth. (Greed gives rise to problems in life, that's why it is our biggest enemy) There is no other ornament like sheela (good character). (We use ornaments to adorn our body, but there is no ornament comparable to good character.) There is no wealth as satisfaction. (We earn wealth for being happy, but satisfaction is key to happiness.)
Bhismacharya says to Yudhistira, "The forest which gets destroyed due to the fire or due to the axe, will again grow in time. But the wound caused to the mind due to the bad and harsh words will never get healed".
Speak with compassion and soft tongue with all is the message of this suBAshit. The human mind is so soft that it doesn't forget even the smallest of insult/disgrace caused to it .
There are two types of people who should be pushed in deep water with heavy stones tied to their body! One who does not donate inspite of being rich and the other who does not work hard inspite of being poor !!
There is not much difference between 'chita' (pyre) and 'chinta' (Worry). ['chita' and 'chinta' differ only by a 'anusvaar'. Only those who understand the 'devnaagri' script can know what is a 'anusvaar'] The former will destroy (burn) a dead body and the later will burn/harm the living individual!!
126
अङ्गणवेदी वसुधा कुल्या जलधि: स्थली च पातालम् | वाल्मिक: च सुमेरू: कॄतप्रतिज्ञाम्प;स्य धीरस्य ||
For a person who has a firm conviction (mind is firm (krutapratijnasya)), this earth is like a little garden, sea is like a small canal/dam, 'paatal' (there is no parallel concept in english) is like a picnic spot (ramya sthal) and the Meru mountain is like an ant's house ('vaarul')! This means that if you have a firm conviction, hurdles in the way do not mean much. you have ways to tackle them.
127
येषां न विद्या न तपो न दानं ज्ञाम्प;ानं न शीलं न गुणो न धर्म: | ते मत्र्यलोके भुविभारभूता मनुष्यरूपेण मॄगाश्चरन्ति ||
A person who is not educated, who is not ready to work hard, who does not donate whatever he has, who does not have knowledge, who does not have a good character, good qualities and one who does not obey dharma, such a person on this earth is just a useless person, he is as good as any other animal. please see subhashit no 18 which also distinguishes between a human and other animals.
128
माता मित्रं पिता चेति स्वभावात् त्रतयं हितम् | कार्यकारणतश्चान्ये भवन्ति हितबुद्धय: ||
Mother, father and friend are the one who think about our interests (well-being) in a very much natural manner. [It's part of their nature ('swaBAv').They think this without expecting any thing in return.] All others having the similar feelings towards us do so due to their personal benefits or any other reason [It is not part of their nature ('swaBAv')].
129
क: काल: कानि मित्राणि को देश: को व्ययागमौ | कस्याहं का च मे शक्ति: इति चिन्त्यं मुहुर्मुहु: ||
ज्ञख्8211;चाणक्य
"How is situation around me (i.e. is it favourable or not)? who are (my) friends? how is condition in the country? what are the things for and against me (or what do I have and what I don't have)? who am I? what are my strengths?" one should always worry about these questions. Subhashitkar is suggesting us that we must be always alert and consider all this prior to any action.
130
वदनं प्रसादसदनं सदयं )दयं सुधामुचो वाच: | करणं परोपकरणं येषां केषां न ते वन्द्या: ||
A person whose face is always charming/enthusiastic, his heart full of compassion, his speech like 'Amrut' (I think there is no equivalent word for 'Amrut' in english. Here it means sweet speech i.e. speech which will always give pleasure to the listener) and whose work is to always help the needy ('paropkAr'), then tell me for whom such a person will not be the most respected ('vandaneeya') one? Very small and practical points - if we are successful in imbibing these in ourselves then surely we will be the better humans than today!
Subhashitkar has given some of the characteristics of a fool person here. He says, a fool person comes without invitation (he lands up anywhere even if he is not required i.e. he does not have self respect), talk even if not asked for (they have habit of poking his nose in other's business), and trusts a person who is not trustable (he is not able to evaluate others properly)
This 'shloka' is from Ishavasya upanishad. Here I am giving two explanations of this shloka. One is from the book:- Sanskrit Subhashit Navnet, published by Jamnabai Narsee Adhyatmik trust. Another is from one article. This is a not a suBAshit as such but as it has good teaching in it we are sending it to the group. In this moving world, whatever moves is enveloped (is prevaded) by God. Therefore, you find your enjoyment (or protect yourself) by offering it to him (i.e. by renunciation) [To whom does the wealth belong? It belongs to no one] Be no greedy to what belongs to others. Whatever animate or inanimate objects we witness in this world are the abode of the Almighty. Enjoy it with a sense of renunciation, do not grab, because it belongs to nobody i.e. the resources of the world belong to God and it is for his pleasure that they ought to be used.
133
गर्वाय परपीडायै दुर्जस्य धनं बलम् | सज्जनस्य तु दानाय रक्षणाय च ते सदा ||
Wealth and strength of a wicked person is for his vanity(show off) and (ability) to trouble others (respectively). for a good person, they are always for donating (or say sharing with others) and to protect (others) (respectively).
What is in mind should be reflected in one's speech (yaTA chittam taTA vAcho). What is in one's speech should be reflected in one's actions (yaTA vAchataTA kriyHa). Thus the person whose mind, speech and actions are same is a 'sADhu' (I don't think 'gentlemen' is a word anywhere close to the meaning of word 'SADhu'! Meanings of some words can be best appreciated in that language only.).
[This subhashita is an advice to a bhachelor coming out of Gurukula after finishing his studies, before entering into Gruhasthashrama.]
Speak truth, beahave as dharma dictates (dharmAcharan), do not miss swAdhyAy. ( Literally, swadhyay means self-study. ) After paying Gurudakshina (fees) to the guru (teacher), do not stop family propagation. (by entering into Gruhasthashrama)
This is the indication of great people that (they have) discretion along with wealth, humbleness along with scholarship, (and) power with courteousness. Note that this suBAshit has some similarity to that of suBAshit No. 05
137
ये के च अस्माकंज्ञन्ब्स्प; श्रेयांसो ब्राह्मणा: तेषां त्वया आासनेन प्रश्र्वसितव्यम् | श्रद्धया देयम् , अश्रद्धया अदेयम् , श्रिया देयम् , ह्रिया देयम् , भिया देयम् , संविदा देयम् ||
तैत्तरीयोपनिषद्
Those who are superior Brahman, you offer them seat with respect. (Treat them with great respect.) Donate wholeheartedly. Do not give unwillingly. Donate without hesitation. Donate politely. (Do not donate for fame). Donate by fear. ( Feel afraid about being narrow minded) Donate with compassion.
138
वज्रादपि कठोराणि मॄदूनि कुसुमादपि | लोकोज्ञल्त;ाराणां चेतांसि को हि विज्ञाम्प;ातुमर्हति ||
The minds of extraordinary people are harder than (even) the thunderbolt and softer than (even) the flowers; who in this world is capable of discerning them properly? Just pay attention to the two extreme qualities of mind that suBAshitKar has mentioned and further to be present in the same human being! Still further to have the 'vivek' to decide under which circumstances what state of mind should be there and to act accordingly!!
Fortitude, forgivefulness, (self) control, non stealing, purity, withdrawal of senses, intelligence, learning, truth, non-anger (these) ten qualities constitute the characteristics of 'Dharma'.
This suBAshit along with suBAshit No. 17 explains what 'Dharma' is. Please note that there is no equivalent word in english for 'Dharma'. The english word 'Religion' is not at all even close to what 'Dharma' is in samskrit language. Other suBAshitas where the word 'Dharma' occurs are SuBAshit Nos. 22,67,80,127,135. All these subaashitas will help in understanding of what actually 'Dharma' means in our culture.
141
मितं च सारं च वचो हि वाग्मिता |
This subhasita befits the nature of Sanskrit language perfectly. It contains esential truth and is as concise as the meaning itself. Thus Sanskrit is the language of true eloquence.
On the other hand, even if one cannot speak Sanskrit, the test of his eloquence is how well he can put esential truth in only a few words - and that is actually the advice of this subhashita.
Both the good (Shreyas) and the pleasant (Preyas) approch the man. The wise man pondering over them, makes his choice. The wise chooses the good (Shreyas) in preference to the pleasant (Preyas). The fool (simple-minded) for the sake of worldly-being prefers the pleasant (preyas)
All living beings in this world should see me with an amiable eye. I should (also) look at all the living beings with a friendly eye. (I should be very loving and affectionate to all living beings on this earth.) We all should see each other with a friendly eye. (We all should be sympathetic and loving to each other.)
Please listen to the essence of Dharma (i.e. piety) and having listened to it, bear in mind. The essence of Dharma is: Whatever is adverse (or Unfavourable) to us, we should not adopt (operate) that in case of others.
Indra, Surya (the sun), Varun (the rain), Agni (the fire), Garuda with divine and beautiful wings, Yama (the God of Death) and Vayu (the wind) are all the manifestations of the same satyaswarup (closest meaning righteous, veracious ) God. The wise call this spirit by different names given above.
146
आदित्यचन्द्रावनिलोऽनलश्र्चद्यौर्भूमिरापो हॄदयं यमश्र्च | अहश्र्च रात्रिश्र्च उभे च संध्ये धर्माेऽपि जानाति नरस्य वॄत्तम् ||
महाभारत
Aditya (The Sun), Chandra (The Moon), Vayu (The wind), Agni (The fire), Akash (The Space), Prithvi ( The Earth), Jala (The Water), Hridaya (Heart), Yama (The death), both Sandhikalas (Dawn and Dusk) and Dharma, witness what man does.
One who wishes to prosper in this world, should keep back the following six faults sleep (too much), lethargy, fear, anger, laziness and miserliness (stinginess). The six faults can be interpreted as follows:- nidrA :- sleep i.e. ignorance, not knowing what is happening around. tandrA :- lethargy, lassitude. bhaya :- fear. krodh :- anger, short temper. aalsyam :- laziness. diirghasuutrataa :- procrastinate, one who is slow in acting, takes too long for decisions etc.
149
ये केचिद् दु:खिता लोके सर्वे ते स्वसुखेच्छया | ये केचित् सुखिता लोके सर्वे तेऽन्यसुखेच्छया ||
Whatever persons are unhappy in this world, they are so because of their desire (greed) for their own happiness. While those who are happy in this world, they are so, because of their desire for the happiness of others. People are miserable because they strive for their happiness and do not obtain it, while those who strive or exert to make others happy become themselves happy!
Senses (Sense-Organs) are purified by water; Mind is purified by truth; Soul is purified by learning and penance; While intelligence is purified by knowledge.
For a person who is polite and serves/respects old people, four things Viz, life (number of years), knowledge, success in life and strength increase. In short, such person leaves a successful life.
A person should never give up following six qualities. truth (sticking to truth), generosity, activeness, being free from jealousy, tolerance and firmness.
The trees make shade for others, themselves standing in Sun. (Their) fruits are also for others. (Hence) the trees are like 'satpurush' (gentlemen).
154
पात्रे त्यागी गुणे रागी संविभागी च बन्धुषु | शास्त्रे बोद्धा रणे योद्धा स वै ज्ञख्8216;पुरूषज्ञख्8217; उच्यते ||
(One who) donates to right person (for noble cause), appreciates good qualities in others, shares joys and sorrows with brothers, gathers knowledge of science and is ( an excellent ) warrior on battlefield is called ‘Man’.
The qualities of a true friend are: Purity, generosity, chivalry, being composed in happiness and distress, politeness, affection and truthfulness.
The main point of this subhashita is not that we have to make people of such qualities our friends, but that we need to make such qualities our own, for then we will naturally attract virtuous people to become our friends
Whatever you have to return back to others or whichever work has to be done by you, please do it in the expected time only (Don't delay too much). If you don't do this in time (You do it late) then the importance of that work vanishes (i.e. the effect of the work if done late will have no impact. Here the impact of the work that is done in time is compared to a sweet drink ('rasa')).
suBAshitkAr says that if you don't do your 'karma' (duties) at proper time then the sweetness of your work's result is lost. 'kaal' (Time) will drink that sweetness!!
157
मा वनं छिन्धि सव्याघ्रं मा व्याघ्रा: नीनशन् वनात् | वनं हि रक्ष्यते व्याघ्रौ: व्याघ्रान् रक्षति काननम् ||
महाभारत
Don't destroy the forest where tigers are living. Tigers should not get extinguished from the forests. Forest is protected by the tiger (People don't cut trees in the forest for fear of tiger) and by providing the place to hide, forest too protects the tiger!
158
न तु अहं कामये राज्यं न स्वर्गं न अपुनर्भवम् | कामये दु:खतप्तानां प्राणिनाम् आर्तिनाशनम् ||
भागवत
" I do not desire kingdom, nor the heaven or even liberation ('moksha'). I have only one desire and that is to remove the misery of all the living beings who are suffering." King Rantidev has prayed to God in above words. This 'shloka' is also in the Mahabharat- Dronparva.
159
लक्ष्मी: चन्द्राद् अपेयाद् वा हिमवान् वा हिमं त्यजेत् | अतीयात् सागरो वेलां न प्रतिज्ञाम्प;ाम् अहं पितु: ||
These are the words uttered by Shri. Ram when he is going for exile ('vanvAs'). Shri. Ram says: It may happen that brightness may leave the moon, or that the ice may leave the Himalaya, or that Sea may exceed it's limits.... But it is never possible that I will break the oath given to my father.
For one who has conquered the mind, the Super soul is already reached, for he has attained tranquillity. To such a man happiness and distress,heat and cold, honour and dishonour are all the same.
Cuckoo bird’s beauty is in it’s voice, woman’s beauty is in her dedication to family/husband ('pativrata'). Knowledge is the beauty of an ugly person and forgiving is the beauty of the sages ('tapaswis').
Any thing that we see in this world, is it beautiful or ugly in it's very nature? (Of-course No) The thing which is liked by any individual is felt beautiful by that individual! For example a ugly looking child is still loved very much by his/her mother.
When this life is full of uncertainty there is no time which is unfavourable for living the life as per the 'dharma'. Think as if death is within it's reach to you and obey the 'dharma'. Death can come anytime so always do good things (It shouldn’t happen that due to early death your wish to live the life of 'dharma' remained a mere wish only!!!). Don't wait for any favourable time ('muhurta') at which you will start living good life! The whole point is if you want to lead a good/noble life start NOW! Note that 'dharma' is not religion. Please refer suBAshitas No. 17,22,50,67,140,144 for more explanations of the word 'dharma'.
Subhashitkar hear explains what device are to be used to purify different things. He says, purify your next step by your vision i.e. watch the path carefully before you step further. drink water, which is purified by cloth. speak after purification by satya (truth) i.e. speak whatever truth is. purify your behaviour by your mind i.e. make conscience efforts to keep your behaviour good.
Deer, Fishes and noble people ('sajjan') earn their livelihoods on dry grass, water and satisfaction ('santosh') respectively! Even though they lead such simple life without troubling anyone still we find hunters, fishermen and bad people ('durjan') becoming their enemies! It's really true that the people who do not trouble others still have enemies without any reason!
169
न उच्चार्थो विफलोऽपि दूषणपदं दूष्य:तु कामो लघु: ||
There is no fault in the failure of the big dreams/aims. But it's big fault even to think for the personal selfish gains.
170
असतो मा सद्गमय, तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय , मॄत्योर्मा अमॄतं गमय | ज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प; बॄहदारण्यकज्ञन्ब्स्प; उप|
( Oh God ) From the unreal lead me to the real From darkness lead me to light From death lead me to immortality.
171
विद्या मित्रं प्रवासेषु भार्या मित्रं गॄहेषु च | व्याधितस्यौषधं मित्रं धर्माे मित्रं मॄतस्य च ||
Knowledge is (your) friend in the journey, wife is the friend at home, drug is (like) friend in illness and dharma is the friend after death.
172
आदौ माता गुरो: पत्नी ब्राा*मणी राजपत्निका | धेनुर्धात्री तथा पॄथ्वी सप्तैता मातर: स्मॄत: ||
Our own mother (i.e. one who gives birth), guru's (teacher's) wife, wife of a brahmin, wife of a king, cow, nurse and the earth are our mothers.
The word 'mother' indicates respect we have about somebody. Here, subhashitkar says that we have seven mothers i.e. we should have respect to all listed in the subhashita.
173
यथा हि एकेन चक्रेण न रथस्य गतिर्भवेत् | एवं पुरूषकारेण विना दैवं न सिध्यति ||
Just like a chariot cannot run with only a single wheel, in the same way luck will not favour the human without his/her efforts.
When there are changes in our life (good or bad) we generally attribute these to things like - effects of Planetary motions, (bad/good) dream, (bad/good) signs, results of praying to God. But really speaking these are just like the coincidence of a crow sitting on the branch of a tree and that branch falling on ground within few minutes!! (The branch does not fall down due to the weight of the crow!!!)
175
न भूतपूर्वं न कदापि वार्ता हेम्न: कुरंगो न कदापि दॄष्ट: | तथापि तॄष्णा रघुनन्दनस्य विनाशकाले विपरीत बुद्धि: ||
It has never happened before, nobody has heard about, no body has seen a golden deer. But, ShriRama's greed (about it) is unfavorable intention leading to destruction.
176
गुरुं वा बालवॄद्धौ वा ब्राा*मणं वा बहुश्रुतम् | आततायिनमायान्तं हन्यादेवाविचारयान् ||
Hostile person is to be killed without any (second) thought, even if he is your guru (your teacher), a child, an old person, a brahmin (an honorable person) or very famous.
Subhashitakar wants to emphasize here that there is no excuse for crime, no matter who has done that.
Being under the command of our senses/mind is nothing but invitation to many problems and winning over them is a pathway to the glory/success! Choose any path that you like!! Animals get satisfied by Taste,Touch,Smell etc. Getting too much happiness from such things is like being under their command. If human beings are "different" than animals then these things will not give the ultimate joy to any human being.
"Each line (prati-Slokam) of those writtings, which intend to describe the glory of the names of God
(ananta, the unlimited), are bringing about a revolution among the sinful population of this world. Sadhus (or thoroughly honest and purehearted men) hear, recite and accept such literature, even though it is imperfectly composed (abaddhavati)." Bhagavata Purana 1.5.11
Explanation:- Srila Vyasadeva is stressing that the most important thing in any book, or mere few sentences of writting, is the purity of the author's intention. Even sadhus, the most exalted men, will apreciate (hear and accept) such texts although they find many discrepancies in them.
Getting all types of wealth is painful, after getting the wealth protecting it is painful, after you have obtained the wealth it's the cause for many sorrows, if the wealth is spent then also it's sorrowful..... such a wealth which is cause to all types of problems be condemned!!
Three kinds of people get the golden earth; Chivalrous, learned, and the ones who do service. (The Earth gives all its wealth to the three kinds of people.)
181
क्वचिद्भूमौ शय्या , क्वचिदपि च पर्यङ्कशयन: | क्वचित् शाकाहारी , क्वचिदपि च शाल्योदनरूचि: | क्वचित् कन्थाधारी , क्वचिदपि च दिव्याम्बरधर:,ज्ञन्ब्स्प; | मनस्वी कार्यार्थी न गणयति दु:खं न च सुखम् ||
Sometimes sleeps on floor and sleeps on fine bed at other times. Sometimes manages only with vegetables and eats delicious rice at other times. Sometimes wears torn clothes and wears elegant clothes at other times. The person devoted to work does not care about sorrows and joys.
विघ्ने: पुन: पुनरपि प्रतिहन्यमाना: | प्रारभ्य चोत्तमजना न परित्यजन्ति ||
Inferior men do not star a work due to fear of obstacles. Medium men start their work, but leave the work whenever they get difficulty. Exceptionally good people start their work, and continue doing working even if there is series of obstacles in their way.
(any) Desire never gets fulfilled even if it is temporarily satisfied. As, fire consumes offered ghee and increases, desire also increases with consumption.
185
स हि भवति दरिद्रो यस्य तॄष्णा विशाला | मनसि च परितुष्टे कोर्थवान् को दरिद्रा: ||
The person who has more desires is infact the poorest one. If one's mind is satisfied then will there be any distinction between rich and poor? suBAshikAr has termed that person as "Poor" who has more desires. The basic parameters on which anyone's richness or poverty is decided (Which is ofcourse Money) is changed by the suBAshikAr from money to desire (trushna)!!
In this world, the life is uncertain, wealth and youthfulness (also) do not last long (they are unstable). (Even) son and wife are unstable. Dharma and fame are the two things that last long (are stable).
189
कॄपणेन समो दाता न भूतो न भविष्यति | अस्पॄशन्नेव वित्तानि य: परेभ्य: प्रयच्छति ||
No one was/will be ever as generous as a stingy person. He gives his wealth to others without even touching it. Here the subhashitakar is stressing that a miser never spends his money, and after his death, others get that money.
190
खलानां कण्टकानांच द्विविधैव प्रतिक्रिया | उपानन्मुखभंगोवा दूरतो वा विसर्जनम् ||
There are only two options while dealing with the wicked people and a thorn lying on the road. One is to hit their face by your footware or leave them aside!!
Actually the word 'muKhaBhang' applies to both the thorn and the wicked person. When appiled to the wicked person it means you insult that person (and not litellary to hit that person on face!) and when applied to a thorn it means you cut that part of the thorn which is pointed and thus it will not harm anyone. Further the suBAShitkAr says that if you don't have capabilities to do such things then simply leave them aside (You follow a different path!!)
Roots of the sandalwood tree form a shelter for the snakes, on it's top birds take rest, on it's branches monkeys are playing and one can find bee's on it's flowers. Really, the ultimate aim of the good ('sajjan') people is to offer helping hands to others ('paropkAr')!
192
दूरस्थोऽपि न दूरस्थो यो यस्य मनसि स्थित: | यो यस्य हॄदये नास्ति समीपस्थोऽपि दूरत: ||
The one who resides in your mind, is not far away even if one is staying far away(physically). (However) The one who doesn’t have place in your heart, is distant even if one is close to you.
Be cause of your own progress, don't be a cause of your own degradation. You yourself are your friend or enemy (no one else).
That is, a person will prosper or ruin due to his own deeds, he has to select what he wants.
194
न कश्चित् कस्यचिन्मित्रं न कश्चित् कस्यचित् रिपु: | अर्थतस्तु निबध्यन्ते मित्राणि रिपवस्तथा ||
Nobody is friend of any other person. Nobody is enemy of any other person. Need (intention or the situation) only binds (a person as your) friend or enemy.
Friendship or enmity is a relationship between two persons, and it is decided only on their interests. No person is your friend or enemy if you don't consider your interest..
It's very easy to convince an uneducated person. It's even more easy to convince a person who has complete knowledge. But a person who develops a false pride on basis of half-knowledge gained, cannot be convinced even by God.
196
यथा हि गोसहस्रेषु वत्सो विन्दति मातरम् | तथा पूर्वकॄतं कर्म कर्तारम् अनुविन्दति ||
In the group of thousands of cows, the calf correctly identifies it's mother and comes near it's mother - In the same way the deeds done in the past life correctly gets attached to the person (It's effect cannot be undone). Here suBAshitkAr has compared cow with the 'person' (The one who is doing 'karma') and the previous life deeds ('karmas') with the calf. Just as the cow need not bother that how in thousands of group it's calf will locate her, in the same way a human need not bother about how his/her past life deeds will get attached in the current life! According to the Hindu philosophy the current life that we have got and all the goods and bads in it are due to the effect of our deeds in the past life and the deeds in this life will determine about our next life. So 'plan' your next life!!
The studies make one’s knowledge grow ( The education of a person can be judged by the knowledge he/she possesses). Kula is perceived by one’s behaviour. The virtues show one’s originality, (however) the anger can be sensed from one’s eyes.
198
कस्यैकान्तं सुखम् उपनतं दु:खम् एकान्ततो वा | नीचैर् गच्छति उपरि च दशा चक्रनेमिक्रमेण ||
कालिदास मेघदूत
Who is the one who experiences constant happiness or constant sorrows? Like any point on a wheel goes down and again rises up so also the happiness and sorrows follow each other in one's life. Therefore don't get excited by happiness nor get dejected by sorrows.
199
प्रत्यहं प्रत्यवेक्षेत नरश्चरितमात्मन: | किन्नु मे पशुभिस्तुल्यं किन्नु सत्पुरूषैरिति ||
Every day one should introspect one's own bheaviour and see what are qualities in me that resemble with animal ('pashu') characteristics and what are the qualities that resemble with the qualities of a noble person. ('satpurusha'). A simple way of implementation given for any individual to brighten the inherent noble qualities present in the human mind!
200
अव्याकरणमधीतंज्ञन्ब्स्प; भिन्नद्रोण्या तरंगिणीतरणम् | भेषजमपथ्यसहितं त्रयमिदमकॄतं वरं न कॄतं ||
Learning without grammar (i.e. not learning fundamentals, only surface), crossing river using boat which has a hole, and consuming medicines without following the instructions of the physician, better not to do these three things rather than doing them this way. It is advisable not to do something rather than doing it improperly.
Meaning: Even small-small (insignificant) things, when put together, can do a great work. A rope made up of hay sticks can control a powerful elephant. Unity is power.
202
शैले शैले न माणिक्यं मौक्तिकं न गजे गजे साधवो न हि सर्वत्र चन्दनं न वने वने हितोपदेश
All the mountains do not have the precious stones, you will not get pearls from all the elephants; The philanthropists are not very common, sandalwood is not found in all the woods. (The good things are uncommon)
Whatever is not in possession of ourselves (It is with others) is sorrow and whatever is in possession of ourselves is happiness. In short, these are the indications of happiness and sorrow! Happiness is inside the human-being and not outside. Happiness is not tied with the external entity. Absence of desire is absolute happiness! People become unhappy when they see new/better objects of consumption not in their ownership. So the suBAshitkAr has in simple words told us what are the things that makes one happy or sad. We have to decide if we want to be happy or sad!
How can a lazy person acquire knowledge? Without knowledge how will one get wealth? Without wealth who will become friends? And without friends how will anyone become happy?
Just as the rain water that falls on the earth travels through various rivers and ultimately reaches the sea - In the same way offerings ('Namaskaras') offered to various Gods ultimately reaches only one God.
So here in the above suBAshita, the suBAshitkAr addressing the swan says - Only you have the capability to separate milk and water, and so if you only become lazy then who else will be able to do your job? If the people with bright intellect and unique skills don't carry their work as is expected from them, then who else can do it? It is the responsibility of the beaurocrats, doctors, engineers, farmers, soldiers,writers,poets,artists,thinkers,saints of the nation to do their job with the best of their abilities, or else how will the nation progress?
There are many ‘shastraas’ (topics of study, doctrines) and abundance of knowledge. We have limited time and many obstacles. As swan (haMsaH) extracts milk from mixture of milk and water, one should (only) study essence of shastras (rather than studying each end every shastra to great details).
211
कलहान्तनि हम्र्याणि कुवाक्यानां च सौ)दम् कुराजान्तानि राष्ट्राणि कुकर्मांन्तम् यशो नॄणाम्
Quarrels destroy families. Bad words (which hurt others) destroy friends (friendships). Nations get destroyed due to incapable person as a King. Person's bad deeds destroy (or keeps him away from) success.
These three are difficult to obtain in this world, and depend on the mercy of the gods - the human birth, the desire for salvation, and the company of the great-souled ones. This suBAshit will surely appeal to an spiritual person! Individually we can think which of these things we have and be greatful towards it. If we don't have the company of great-souled ones then we should become one!
The one who runs after the luxuries will not get knowledge. And the one who wants to gain knowledge leaves the luxuries. How will any one get knowledge if he/she wants to lead a easy life? And how will one get to live a easy life who is looking for knowledge? suBAshitkAr makes us "understand" that knowledge cannot be gained leading a lavish life-style. Therefore may be in ancient Bharat the 'Gurukula' system was designed in such a way that students in their student life should gain maximum knowledge by staying away from all the pleasures of the materialistic world.
Do such a work through the day, so that you can sleep peacefully at night. Similarly, do such a work throughout your life so that you can 'live' peacefully after death.
215
उपार्जितानां वित्तानां त्याग एव हि रक्षणम् तडागोदरसंस्थानां परीवाह इवाम्भसाम्
Donating (part of ... these are my words :-) ) earned wealth is the best way to protect it. (Just like) allowing water to flow out of a lake is best way to keep the lake clean. Well, I don't know how exactly it works, but may be like this, If you are standing in a bus, and say seat before you becomes empty. If you offer that seat to some other person in the bus, next time when a seat in vicinity becomes empty he takes care that you get it. Similarly if you help others, they will protect you.
A wicked person will notice the bad qualities as tiny as a mustard seed in other person, but will not notice even the bad qualities as large as any big leaf ('bilva-patra') within himself/herself. This subhaashita teaches us to look in to ourselves before we pass any bad comments on others.
217
दानं भोगो नाश: तिस्त्रो गतयो भवन्ति विज्ञल्त;ास्यज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प; | यो न ददाति न भुङ्ज्ञग्त;े तस्य तॄतीया गतिर्भवतिज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प; ||
There are three things that can happen with money/wealth . The money can be donated, it can be consumed for individual purposes and lastly it can be destroyed (It will be of no use to either the individual nor to the society). The wealth of the person who does not donate nor use it for his/her own purposes, ultimately gets destroyed. There are so many subhaahitas that tell us not to accumulate wealth! But as Shri. Ramray Kamath has stated in his last e-mail that attachment to money is often hard to resist- it rightly calls for a "sacrifice" in true sense. Please refer to the suBAshitas No. 121, 124, 133, 179 and 189 which give us more guidelines for putting our earned wealth for proper usage!
One becomes like the people (around him/her), who one lives with, whom one serves and whom one wants to become like.
219
गुणी गुणं वेत्ति न वेत्ति निर्गुणो बली बलं वेत्ति न वेत्ति निर्बल: | पिको वसन्तस्य गुणं न वायस: करी च सिंहस्य बलं न मूषक: ||
Only a person with good qualities knows (or appriciates) qualities of another, not a person without any qualities. A strong person knows (or judges) strength of another storng person, not a weak person. Cuckoo understands (or feels) vasanta Ritu (spring) not a crow (The cuckoo starts singing in this preriod). Elephant knows strength of Lion not a mouse.
220
गुणवान् वा परजन: स्वजनो निर्गुणोपि वा निर्गुण: स्वजन: श्रेयान् य: पर: पर एव च
A friend, even without many good qualities, is better than an enemy with good qualities. After all enemy is enemy. Though, we shall appreciate good qualities in others, it must not be forgotten that enemy is enemy and friend is friend. A person is our enemy or friend depending upon his and our interests, it does not depend on his qualities. Refer to subhashit 194, which have similar meaning.
Even a dust particle which rises above when beaten by someone's foot is better than the person who sits calmly inspite of being insulted badly. The message of this suBAshita can vary from person to person if applied individually. But when applied to the society or nation it will convey in no uncertain terms that any wrong/insult done, should get a befitting reply. Bharat which has been beaten by the terrorism for so many years could not follow this message.
222
सा भार्या या प्रियं बू्रते स पुत्रो यत्र निवॄति: | तन्मित्रं यत्र विश्वास: स देशो यत्र जीव्यते ||
The one who speaks in a sweet language is a real wife to any man; from whom one gets happiness and satisfaction is a real son/daughter; on whom we can put our complete faith without any hesitation is a real friend; and the land in which we can easily earn our livelihood is the real country. The way to understand this suBAshita is not by validating our wife, son, friend or country on the above specified parameters but by seeing if we personally have the qualities mentioned by the suBAshitkAr! As for the country it can be said that from the government's point-of-view it is it's duty to see that every person has work and can easily earn his livelihood, but from the citizen's point-of-view it should no doubt be like "Ask not what the country has done for you, but ask what you have done for the country"!
The old age snatches away the beauty, hope takes away the courage, death defeats the life, hatred will destory ones noble attitude (dharmic vyavahaar), anger will lead to poverty, being in the company of bad people and helping them will take away ones 'sheela', uncontrolled desire will take away the shyness and false pride will take away all the good things!
There are very few who can realise the qualities in others. Also are very few who keep attachment towards the poor people. One can rarely find any person who is fully engrossed in some ones work, and also very few are there who "feel" sad by seeing some ones misery. Should we try to become one of such rare and extinguishing species?
225
आरोग्यं विद्वज्ञल्त;ाा सज्जनमैत्री महाकुले जन्म | स्वाधीनता च पुंसां महदैश्वर्यं विनाप्यर्थे: ||
Good Health, Intelligence, friendship with noble people, birth in a great (noble) family and not being dependent on others (Say for economic or any other needs) - these things (and not 'money') - are the real wealth of a man. Refer to suBAshita No. 212 which very loosely relates with the current suBAshita.
226
कालो वा कारणं राज्ञाम्प;ो राजा वा कालकारणम् इति ते संशयो मा भूत् राजा कालस्य कारणं
Whether circumstances causes King or King causes circumstances? There is no doubt that King causes circumstances. Though it talks about king, it is applicable to all of us. One can have doubt, if surrounding governs him, or he can govern his surroundings. Subhashitkar says that there is no doubt that your surrounding depends on you i.e. you create it.
Even if you surrender all the jewels that you possess, you will not get back a "single" second of the time that has passed away (in your life). When such is a case, those who are wasting the time - what a blunder they are committing!! But 'wasting' of time will mean different to different people! (The work/task which will mean 'proper' usage of time for one person may be the 'waste' for another!) So what exactly to do which will not really mean 'wasting' of time? Please Refer to suBAshita No. 25 on what way to spend the time.
Even a tiny creature such as ant can move ahead miles together if it keeps on walking consistently. But if a Eagle doesn't decide to leave it's place then it can't move even an inch ahead!! suBAshitkAr wants to stress that only having the capability will not do. One should also have the "Will" to achieve the goal. And thus with a strong will an ant (With inferior capabilities) can keep on moving ahead, but the eagle (With much more superior capabilities) - without any efforts can't even dream to reach near it's goal! Notice suBAshita No. 37 which has similar meaning.
229
कन्या वरयते रुपं माता वित्तं पिता श्रुतम् बान्धवा: कुलमिच्छन्ति मिष्टान्ने इतरेजना:
Different people have different interests out of same act. Take for instance wedding. The bride expects a handsome husband (which is natural for that age), her mother expects a wealthy son in law (so that he will keep the daughter happy in life), her father is interested in a knowledgeable person (which is a good quality for him) where as her brothers are interested in a good family background (so that they have a relation with a noble family). And what about others? they are interested only in delicious food! (they are not bothered about what happens to the husband and wife and their families afterwards).
Desire ('Asha') is a strange (surprising) type of chain! The one who are tied by this chain run here and there (For seeking the objects of desire) and the one who are free from this chain stand calmly at one place without moving, like an disabled person!
232
शास्त्राण्यधीत्यापि भवन्ति मूर्खा यस्तु क्रियावान् पुरूष: स विद्वान् | सुचिन्तितं चौषधमातुराणां न नाममात्रेण करोत्यरोगम् ||
Even after learning various sciences ('ShAstra') many remain fools ('murKha'). (They only have the theoretical knowledge of the subject) But the one who performs and acts ('kruti') is the real intelligent person. A doctor, with good intentions, only deciding on the correct medicine (for a particular illness) for a patient will not make that patient healthy. But when the doctor ensures that his/her prescriptions are properly followed by the patient, only then will the patient become free from illness.
233 वॄत्तं यत्नेन संरक्ष्येद् वित्तमेति च याति च | अक्षीणो वित्तत: क्षीणो वॄत्ततस्तु हतो हत: ||
विदूरनीति
One should put efforts in building up good character; the wealth is not stable. One who doesn’t have wealth is not really powerless, (however) characterless person is a waste.
234
परस्य पीडया लब्धं धर्मस्योल्लंघनेन च आत्मावमानसंप्राप्तं न धनं तत् सुखाय वै महाभारत
The wealth, which is earned by troubling others, by disobeying the “Dharma” or even by swallowing (self) insult; does not bring happiness.
235
जानामि धर्मं न च मे प्रावॄज्ञिल्त;ा: | जानाम्यधर्मं न च मे निवॄज्ञिल्त;ा: ||
This suBAshita is uttered by Duryodhana. Draupadi asks Duryodhana that what is the reason that inspite having many common things in between Kauravas and Pandavas - (Same family ('kula'), Same Guru Dronacharya, Same pitamaha Bhishmacharya) Kauravas always followed the path of 'adharma' and Pandavas always the path of 'Dharma'?
Duryodhana says, "It's not that I didn't knew what was 'Dharma' and what was 'adharma'. But inspite of knowing what is 'Dharma', I couldn't follow it (It didn't become my habit) and even though I knew what was 'adharma' I couldn't desist from not doing it".
This suBAshita ponits at a very delicate nature of the human mind. Many people know what is right and what is wrong. Still why is it that they still follow the wrong path?! So one has to develop the 'habit' ('pravrutti') of following the righteous path (and not to follow the bad way).
Without hurting others; Without geting into association of bad Without losing association of good; However little (you progress in the Path of Dharma) That is sufficient. The non-dharmic means cannot justify dharmic "looking" ends. In short ; There is no Dharmic Justification for a "Robinhood" type of activity. (Though ends may be good; the means are not good.) Any intention of Dharmic activity should be absolute and complete from Means through the End.
It is easy to advise others (about how to behave, what is good, what is bad etc.) showing one's smartness. (so you can find many people doing that) (But practicing that is very difficult so) Only great man can practice dharma. In other words, only great man can stick to behaviour, what he thinks, the ideal.
238
अमित्रो न विमोक्तव्य: कॄपणं व*णपि ब्राुवन् कॄपा न तस्मिन् कर्तव्या हन्यादेवापकारिणाम्
Never let your enemy free (if you catch him) even if he asks for (and you feel pity on him). Assuming he will harm you in future, kill him.
This Subhashit, no Indian should forget. Many times in our history our Hindu Kings have made this mistake of forgiving enemy. The most ancient example is of Raja Dahir, and the most recent is of Pakistan.
Your Majesty (Dhrutarashtra), no one ever has everlasting relationship with something else, (in this world). Not even with one’s own body, let alone wife and son.
The working senses are superior to dull matter; mind is higher than the senses; intelligence is still higher than the mind; and he [the soul] is even higher than the intelligence. [The meaning is taken from www.krsna.com]
Observe the ladder: The matter- Senses - The mind - Intelligence ('buddhi') - The Soul.
Carry your enemy on your shoulders if time is against you. But with first opportunity, destroy your enemy, as earthen vessel is broken on a rock. This subhashit tells us that an enemy is always an enemy. If you are not in position to fight with him, temporarily try to please him. But whenever you get a chance, finish him.
Donkeys are singing song in a weddings of camels. Both are praising each other, (donkeys say) how beautiful (camels are), (camels say) what a pleasant voice (of donkeys. i.e. donkeys are good singers). This is a typical scenario in a gathering of low calibre persons. None of them is of any excellence, but they praise each other, either because they don't know what is excellence, or because they want some mental satisfaction. Now whenever somebody praises you, remember this Subhashit ;-)
243
आपूर्यमाणमचलप्रातिष्ठं समुद्रमाप: प्राविशन्ति यद्वत् | तद्वत् कामा यं प्राविशन्ति सर्वे स शान्तिमाप्नोति न कामकामी ||
गीता 270
A person who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of desires—that enter like rivers into the ocean, which is ever being filled but is always still—can alone achieve peace, and not the man who strives to satisfy every such desires.
Getting delighted and feeling friendly by seeing others joys, getting dejected by seeing others sorrows, feeling happiness and satisfied by seeing others good work ('punya karma') and feeling ignorant on the bad deeds of others (Not discussing and thinking only about the bad nature of the person), - such reactions should occur on our own mind.
A short suBAshita with great meaning, which can help any individual to become a better human being!
245
न प्रहॄष्यति सन्माने नापमाने च कुप्यति | न क्रुद्ध: परूषं ब्रूयात् स वै साधूत्तम: स्मॄत: ||
मनुस्मॄति
(Those, who) do not get carried away by honour and do not become angry because of dishonour, do not use harsh words, even when angry, are known as great saints.
246
हर्षस्थान सहस्राणि भयस्थान शतानि च | दिवसे दिवसे मूढं आविशन्ति न पंडितम् ||
For an un-intelligent ('muDha') person, there are hundreds of incidents/ reasons occuring daily to become happy for and thousands of others to become unhappy at. But intelligent person's ('pandit') mind will not get disturbed by such minor things.
247 एका केवलमर्थसाधनविधौ सेना शतेभ्योधिका | नन्दोन्मूलन दॄष्टवीर्यमहिमा बुद्धिस्तु मा गान्मम ||
Background: Chanakya has uttered the above sentences. After Chanakya and Chandragupta established the 'Maurya' dynasty kingdom (defeating the Nand dynasty king), there were some difference of opinions between Chanakya and other ministers of the Kingdom.
Those who wanted to leave me have already left. Those who want to leave me may also do so without any hesitation. But for achieving my objective, that which has helped me and which is stronger than thousands of soldiers - that my intelligence ('buddhi') - let it not leave me!!
See the confidence of Chanakya in himself! Apart from being self-confident, this subhaashita also teaches us that whatever we loose in life it is nothing... But let us not loose good mind/intellect and other noble qualities in ourselves.
Night sounds very long to the one who is awake all through the night. Little distance appears to be stretched to the one who is already tired of walking. (Similarly) Life sounds long to the people who do not know sat-dharma.
Try to avoid any work for which you have to depend on others. Try to finish the work fast for which you can do independently It does not mean that people should not co operate and do things together.
It just gives a word of caution that if you are dependent on others for something,
there is a chance that it will never get done or will be delayed. This is something which we experience frequently.
251
यस्य भार्या गॄहे नास्ति साध्वी च प्रिायवादिनी | अरण्यं तेन गन्तव्यं यथाऽरण्यं तथा गॄहम् ||
A person whose wife lacks the good conduct (Is not a 'saadhvi') and sweet language, such a person should leave home and go to forest because for him, there should be no difference between a forest and his own home!
252
अकॄत्यं नैव कर्तव्य प्रााणत्यागेऽपि संस्थिते | न च कॄत्यं परित्याज्यम् एष धर्म: सनातन: ||
The work which is not to be done (because it is bad) should not be done even if you have to loose your life. And the work which has to be done (because it is your duty) - should be continued to be done even if it costs your own life! This is the sanatana Dharma.
“While contemplating the objects of the senses, a person develops attachment for them, and from such attachment lust develops, and from lust anger arises”. The attachment (and hence the desire to attain) for an object develops in the first place by perceiving it through the senses. When such desire is not fulfilled, then there comes anger in the heart (due to frustration of the desire) Therefore the best policy is to not even think about the sense objects and thus live simply and happily. For, the more one thinks, the more one desires; the more one desires, the more one gets frustrated, and the more one gets frustrated, the more one gets angry.
254
नात्यन्त गुणवत् किंचित् न चाप्यत्यन्तनिर्गुणम् उभयं सर्वकार्येषु दॄष्यते साध्वसाधु वा
There is no work which is good in all respects. There is no work bad in all respects. Both good and bad points are present in every work.
On one side is an act of performing 'Yadnya' and donating generously for the same and on the other side is an act of giving an helping hand to the poor/needy and curing the diseased ones. Both these acts will earn for you the same 'Punya'.
256
मातॄवत्परदारेषु परद्रव्येषु लोष्टवत् | आत्मवत्सर्वभूतेषु य: पश्यति स पश्यति ||
Those who are 'dharmic' in nature (Have noble qualities), consider all the women (Except one's own wife) as mothers - consider other's wealth as dust (Have no intention to acquire other's wealth by any meanes) - and consider all the other living creatures like themselves (Equally love all the living creatures as one would love himself/herself)!
257
य: स्वभावो हि यस्यास्ति स नित्यं दुरतिक्रम: श्वा यदि क्रियते राजा तत् किं नाश्नात्युपानहम्
Whatever be the nature of a person, it is always very difficult to change. If a dog is appointed as King, even then he will not stop biting shoes. That is, he will keep on doing all the inferior things which he is otherwise used to.
For a person who is seconded by activities (i.e. for a person who depends on his own efforts), peak of a mountain is not very high (is not hard to climb), bottom of earth (centre of earth) is not very deep and an ocean is not difficult to cross.
Those who can read books are better than the illiterates. Better than the readers of the book are those who also understand the meaning of the books. Better than those who understand the meaning of the books are the one who know / experience the supreme reality and even better are those who put in practice the knowledge that they have gained from the books!
Just as the bird can fly high with the help of it's two wings, in the same way with the help of knowledge ('dnyaana') and duly performance of one's own duties ('karma') - one can attain the supreme reality.
If you are thinking of doing some work, don't tell it (to others). If others get to know it, it won't succeed. There are some people who talk a lot and don't do much. Perhaps this Subhashit is meant or such people. Subhashitkar is telling us to 'do' rather than 'tell' your intentions to other.
Loosing balance while walking, talking in low voice (not able to talk properly), sweating, and fear, all this are signs found in a person who is about to die, same signs are found in yAchaka, i.e. a person who is asking help from others (a person who is dependent on others).
265
शुश्रूषा श्रवणं चैव ग्रहणं धारणं तथा | उहापोहोर्थ विज्ञाम्प;ानं तत्वज्ञाम्प;ानं च धीगुणा: ||
Willing to listen, to actually listen, to understand what we listen, to be able to remember what we have listened, to be able to deduce some conclusions and put forth arguments, to be able to formalise and conclusively put forth the thought, knowledge of the around and Philosophy - these are the eight facets of 'buddhi'.
266
द्वयक्षरस् तु भवेत् मॄत्युर् , त्रयक्षरमं ब्रा*म शाश्वतम् | 'मम' इति च भवेत् मॄत्युर, 'नमम' इति च शाश्वतम् ||
महाभारत शांतिपर्व
'mR^ityu' (Death) is a two letter word while 'brahma' (The ultimate reality) - the non-perishable - is a three letter word. The word 'mama' (Mine) is also a two letter word and thus will lead you to 'mR^ityu' - but the word 'namama' (Not Mine) is a three letter word and will thus lead you to the 'brahma' (The ultimate reality)! Nothing in this world "is mine" - I am not the "owner/creator" of any thing in this world - "idam na mama" (This is not mine) - I am only an care taker or trustee of the so-called things owned by me! One should think and act keeping this in mind.
Direct Sun (light) does not burn us (our skin) as much as a hot sand dune does. (Similarly) A mediocre person who becomes great (or powerful) due to another person (like sand dune getting hot due to Sunlight) is often annoying.
268
क्वचिद्भूमौ शय्या क्वचिदपि पर्यङ्कशयनं ज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प; क्वचिच्छाकाहारी क्वचिदपि च शाल्योदनरुचि: क्वचित्कन्थाधारी क्वचिदपि च दिव्याम्बरधरो ज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प; मनस्वी कार्यार्थी न गणयति दु:खं न च सुखम्
Sometimes he will sleep on floor, sometimes on bed. Sometimes he will eat vegetables, sometimes rice and bread. Sometimes he will wear worn cloths, sometimes very rich cloths. A person who is dedicated for a certain cause/work is never bothered of (such external) difficulties of facilities. In short, a devoted person is unaffected by all the things which are not related to his cause.
269.
रामो राजमणि: सदा विजयते रामं रमेशं भजे रामेणाभिहता निशाचरचमू रामाय तस्मै नम: रामान्नास्ति परायणं परतरं रामस्य दासोस्म्यहम् रामे चित्तलय: सदा भवतु मे भो राम मामुद्धर ||
रामरक्षा स्तोत्र
Rama, the jewel among the kings, Him I worship, by Him the hordes demons have been destroyed, to him is said my prayer, beyond Him there is nothing to be worshipped, His servant I am, my mind is totally absorbed in Him, O Ram, please lift me up. (The speciality of this verse from rAmarakSha is, it gives all the eight declensions of the singular word rAma. Hats off to the composer, Budhakaushik Rishi)
I take refuge in the lord Hanuman who is as fast as the mind, equals his father, the wind-God, in speed, is the master of the senses, the foremost amongst the learned, the leader of the Monkey forces and the great messenger of Shri Rama .
Good conduct gives long life, desired well-behaved progeny and ever-lasting wealth (i.e. prosperity). so also by good conduct other defects are destroyed. (i.e.They become ineffective.) The suBAshikAr wants to stress that achieving all the good things in the life does not depend on others but rather than on the 'individual' only! And the method is also very simple - "Good Conduct" !
The family in which women folks (such as mother, wife, sister, daughter etc.) are full of sorrow that family meets its destruction very soon; while the family in which thay have not to grieve is always prosperous. Gender equality etc. are the terms evolved in last few hundred years. But here in Hindu's ancient literature one can find not just dry words but sincere and pure feelings for making entire humankind happy.
Strength of a powerful person is ignored if he does not show it to others (if others areunaware). As far as energy is stored in wood, no body is bothered about it. But when same wood starts burning, they are scared of that.
274
विक्लवो वीर्यहीनो य: स दैवमनुवर्तते वीरा: संभावितात्मानो न दैवं पर्युपासते
A powerless timid person believes in fortune (i.e. relies on external forces for his own progress). A powerful person with self esteem does not give any importance to fortune. This subhashita tells us that a person himself is responsible for whatever happens in his life. So he must 'act' if he wants to do any progress. He can not blame his fortune.
275
यथा वायुं समाश्रित्य वर्तन्ते सर्वजन्तव: | तथा गॄहस्थमाश्रित्य वर्तन्ते सर्व आश्रमा: ||
मनु| 377
Just as, (in this world) all the (living) beings exist, depending on (with the help of) air (vAyu), in the same way, all the other stages of life (i.e. Ashramas) exist depending on the stage of a house-holder (i.e. Grhasthashrama).
276
नारीकेलसमाकारा _श्यन्तेपि हि सज्ज्ना: | अन्ये बदरिकाकाश बहिरेव मनोहर: ||
The good ('sajjan') people are like a coconut - Harsh/Rough from outside but very soft and sweet from inside. In contrast the bad ('durjan') people are like berry - only soft from outside, but hard from inside! Just as coconut does not 'look' nice, the 'sajjan' people at first sight may seem to be harsh in their talk and attitude - But in reality their mind is pure. The 'durjan' people may 'look' nice with their sweet talk, but in their minds they will be crooked. What this suBAshita teaches us is that don't be 'nice' and 'good' in your external look - that is not important, but be 'nice'/'good'/'sweet'/'pure' from inside - from your mind. After all beauty is God given - whereas it is in one's hand to make one's mind more and more beautiful!
One shall protect his 'sheela' (good character) with efforts (not his wealth), money can be earned and lost (i.e. money is not stable, you have it today tomorrow you may lose it). A wealthy person without a good character is as good as dead.
This is by Dharamaraja in Mahabharata. It tells us how difficult it is to decide what is good or bad. Logic is unstable (i.e. one can draw any conclusions depending on his knowledge and intelligence, and these conclusions may change greatly due to slight changes in available knowledge). Shruti or Veda will give different opinions (different Vedas will have conflicts over an issue). Every Rishi/Muni will have his own opinion, and there is nothing to believe that one is better than another. Philosophy of dharma is very difficult to understand. So, the path followed by great persons, is the right path.
The one who speaks truth, one who spends less, One who eats nutritional food in limited quantity and the one who has conquered the senses, gets peaceful sleep.
280
परित्यजेदर्थकामौ यौ स्यातां धर्मवर्जितौ | धर्मं चाप्यसुखोदर्कं लोकनिकॄष्टमेव च ||
मनु
Let him avoid (the acquisition of) wealth and (the gratification of his) desires, if they are opposed to Dharma (the sacred law); and even Dharma, which may cause pain in future (or result in pain in future) and is condemned by the people or is offensive to the people.
This suBAshita by Maharshi Manu proves the broad mindedness of the Hindu Culture. Ofcourse The 'Dharma' referred here is the 'Yuga-Dharma' and not the 'Sanatan' Dharma. This provision in our culture to frame the new 'Yuga-Dharma' which is relevant for that 'Yuga' (Period) is what has helped our culture to be always relevant in all the 'Yugas'. We don't say that the laws made by some 'great' person/'holy' book - one thousand years ago should be valid and implemented even today! The flowing water is always fresh while the still water develops insects and bacterias!
More on 'Dharma' in suBAshita Nos. 17,67,140,144,235.
Those listeners only are meritorious, who have faith and devotion and have no further desire except grasping the subject, have control over their speech and are holy (or pure).
We ourselves may have commented many times on the speech of some Lecturer/'Kirtan-Kaar'/Social Workers/Good Politicians etc. and may have pointed out the mistakes in the speech and that of the person also! But this suBAshita is for Listeners! Without the qualities mentioned in the suBAshita, the listener or the seeker cannot really "Realize" or "Live" the Truth/Philosophy that the orator is trying to explain. Even being a Good Listener is so difficult!
In ancient India, there were states called 'gaNarAjya'. These states did not have any king, and were governed by government similar to present democracy. This subhashita is about such gaNarAjya. Whenever unity in unions (societies or gaNarAjya) is broken, they get destroyed, because if they are not united, it is easy for their enemies to conquer them. That's why unions (societies) should always try to be united. We can find many subhashitas in Sanskrit or in other Indian languages that tell us importance of unity in general, and with respect to defence. If we turn pages of our history, we will find that India was, and is, strong in all respects. But, we have a serious lacking, that is devoid of unity, which helps our enemies. Everyone of us should try to help our motherland by uniting our brothers.
283
परवाच्येषु निपुण: सर्वो भवति सर्वदा आत्मवाच्यं न जानीते जानन्नपि च मुह्मति
Every one is always expert in finding out (and talking about) falts/shortcommings of another person. He either does not know his own faults or even after knowing he keeps quiet about it.
Fame is obtained by donating (giving) money, not collecting it. Clouds (givers of water) have a high position whereas the seas (reservoirs of water) have a low position.
285
नारून्तुद: स्यादार्तोपि न परद्रोहकर्मधी: | ययास्योद्विजते वाचा नालोक्यां तामुदीरयेत् ||
विदूरनीति
Let him not, even though pained by others (speak words) cutting (others) to the quick; let him not injure others in thought or deed; let him not utter words, which would pain others and prevent him from gaining heaven.
If an onion plant is grown in camphor bed, musk is used as a soil for it, or it is watered with Ganga-jala (the holiest of the waters), will it give up its characteristic pungent odour? The central idea is that a person's basic character remains the same, no matter what efforts you take to change him.
287
जलबिन्दुनिपातेन क्रमश: पूर्यते घट: स हेतु: सर्वविद्यानां धर्मस्य च धनस्य च
If water is added to a vessel drop by drop, it gets filled slowly. Similarly, knowledge, dharma (punnya, virtuous deeds), and wealth are to be earned slowly. This subhashita says that don't ever miss to gain a small amount of knowledge, dharma or wealth, because any small amount actually adds in your treasure.
288
सेवक: स्वामिनं द्वेष्टि कॄपणं परुषाक्षरम् आत्मानं किं स न द्वेष्टि सेव्यासेव्यं न वेत्ति य:
A servant hates his master if the master is miser and rough in talking. Why doesn't he hate himself as he can not judge who is worthy of serving and who is not? Normally people tend to blame the surroundings for their sufferings. Most of the times the cause of trouble is oneself and not his surroundings.
289
ऐक्यं बलं समाजस्य तदभावे स दुर्बल: तस्मात ऐक्यं प्रशंसन्ति दॄढं राष्ट्र हितैषिण:
Unity is the strength of any society and it (society) is weak without unity. Hence wellwishers of the nation strongly praise unity.
290
का त्वं बालेज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प; कान्चनमाला कस्या: पुत्रीज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प; कनकलताया: ||
हस्ते किं तेज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प; तालीपत्रं का वा रेखाज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प;ज्ञन्ब्स्प; क ख ग घ ||
Who are you, little girl ? : ( My name is) kAnchanamAlA. Whose daughter are you ? : ( I am the daughter of) kanakalatA. What is it in your hand ? : the palm-leaf ( used as a slate or writing pad). What is the written there (on it) ? (alphabets) ka kha ga gha
O good man! The control over mind is more difficult than drinking the water of entire ocean, uprooting the Meru mountain and also licking or eating the fire . (The control over the mind is more difficult than all the impossible things mentioned above). But then the question of how to make this impossible task - possible is unanswered by this subhaashita.
Mere reading of the four vedas and all the shastras number of times, is not enough for obtaining the real knowledge of Brahman (Realisation of the supreme being), Just as a spoon in a vessel used for serving, does not get the taste of the thing served from that pot. (For realisation of highest principle, listening the shastras, meditating on them, and their constant study, observing of the restrictions etc. are necessary.)
He, whose mind is free from objects of senses and whose heart is calm (free from passion, anger, greed etc.), entire world is his friend and liberation or emancipation is as if in his hand only. (He is as good as liberated).
294
अज्ञाम्प;ान तिमिरांधस्य ज्ञाम्प;ानांजन शलाकया चक्षुरुन्मिलितं येन तस्मै श्री गुरवे नम:
Salute to the guru, who opens eyes of a person blind due to darkness of ignorance, by knowledge (GYAna). Guru is one of the most honourable personalities in Indian (Hindu) tradition. This Subhashita demonstrates Guru's role in one's life. Difference between an ignorant person and a knowledgeable person is stated as difference between a blind and a person with normal eyesight. Guru is a person who gives sight to otherwise blind person. On the day of Ashaadh pournima (full moon day in Ashaadh month of Hindu calendar), called Guru pournima, Hindu's show their respect to their Guru by sacrificing something for him.
An intelligent man, eager to have knowledge and wisdom, studies the books and discards what is unimportant, grasping the essence (only) just as a farmer abandons useless husk completely and picks essential grains only.
In case of a student envy is (sudden) death, to much talking is the destruction of wealth. Unwillingness to serve, haste and boasting (or self-praise) these are enemies of learning.
298
नालसा: प्राप्नुवन्त्यर्थान न शठा न च मायिन: न च लोकरवाद्भीता न च शश्वत्प्रतीक्षिण:
A lazy person can never earn wealth (or he can never achieve any thing), neither a wicked person, nor a rogue. The one who worries about others' reactions about his deeds, and the one who waits for long time (for good opportunity) also can not earn wealth. A person must be very active, honest, loyal, confident and quick in actions, in order to achieve his goal.
It should be given(donated) or enjoyed and spent. As far as money is concerned it should never be stocked up. Look here, the collected savings of the bees are stolen by others.
300
या कुन्देन्दुतुषारहारधवला या शुभ्रवस्त्रावॄता , या वीणावरदण्डमण्डितकरा या श्वेतपद्मासना | या ब्रह्माच्युतशङ्करप्रभॄतिभिर्देवै: सदा वन्दिता , सा मां पातु सरस्वती भगवती नि:शेषजाड्यापहाज्ञन्ब्स्प; ||
The one who is as white (beautiful) as kundapushpa ( jasmine or lily flower-two from two different dictionaries), moon or a garland of dewdrops, whose attire is white, whose hand is decorated with Veena (a string instrument), who is sitting on a white lotus, who is always worshipped by Gods like BrahmA, VishNu and Mahesh, Let the Godess SaraswatI, who puts an end to lethargy, protect me!
या कुन्देन्दुतुषारहारधवला या शुभ्रवस्त्रावॄता , या वीणावरदण्डमण्डितकरा या श्वेतपद्मासना | या ब्रह्माच्युतशङ्करप्रभॄतिभिर्देवै: सदा वन्दिता , सा मां पातु सरस्वती भगवती नि:शेषजाड्यापहाज्ञन्ब्स्प; ||
The one who is as white (beautiful) as kundapushpa ( jasmine or lily flower-two from two different dictionaries), moon or a garland of dewdrops, whose attire is white, whose hand is decorated with Veena (a string instrument), who is sitting on a white lotus, who is always worshipped by Gods like BrahmA, VishNu and Mahesh, Let the Godess SaraswatI, who puts an end to lethargy, protect me!
One should never steal others belongings. One should never utter a harsh word about another person (especially something which exposes his deficiencies). One should think about holy feet of Vishnu (one shold worship Vishnu from heart). If one does this, he can attain moksha easily.
302
बुधाग्रे न गुणान् ब्रूयात् साधु वेत्ति यत: स्वयम् | मूर्खाग्रेपि च न ब्रूयाद्धुधप्रोक्तं न वेत्ति स: ||
Do not tell your good qualities to a wise person, he will know them or will find them out. Also, do not tell your good qualities to an idiot person, because he will not be able to undertand them. One does not need to advertise himself Those who can appreciate your qualities, will find out by themselves. Others are not worth paying attention, as they can not understand your greatness. The current era of advertisement (actually, advertising more than what one has) gives exactly opposite message. But our culture, since ancient times, believe in this subhashita. There is more emphasis on 'doing' rather than 'telling' what you did.
303
के-शवं पतितं दॄष्ट्वा पाण्डवा हर्षनिर्भरा: | रूदन्ति कौरवा: सर्वे हा हा के-शव के-शव ||
Hold your breath, if you have tried interpreting this shloka !! Correct interpretation of words is of great importance in Sanskrit language!
Notice that ke and shava have been separated. The word "ka" means water (among several other meanings). Hence ke means ‘in water’. pANDava also means fish and kaurava also means crow. Hence the interpretation is : Seeing the corpse (shava) fallen in water, the fish were overjoyed. All the crows, however, started crying .. " O the corpse in water !!"
A preceptor or an elderly person, if puffed up with pride,if unable to discriminate between the proper and improper thing to be done, and has taken to a wrong path, punishment in his case is just. (No need to feel the 'weight' of the past greatness of that person!)
O descendant of raghu, whatever day is spent in the service of great men, that is a real day. Other days are the abode of darkness, (even though there is day-light they are wasted. They do not deserve to be termed a day).
306
यमो वैवस्वतो राजा यस्तवैष )दि स्थित: | तेन चेदविवादस्ते मा गंगा मा कुरून् व्राज ||
If you are not at variance with (i.e have no difference of opinion with ) God Yama, the son of Vivasvat, who dwells in your heart, you need not either visit the Ganges nor go to the (holy) land of kurus (for expiration of your sins).
What is use of a person who is born in high clan (vishAla kula ) but is devoid of Knowledge (VidhyAhIna) . (i.e. how does it matter even if a person is born in respected family, if he is devoid of knowledge).If a person is knowledgeable, then he is worshipped even by Gods, even if he is born in a low clan.
KarIr tree ( a leafless tree that is found in deserts) does not blossom (even during Spring); how is the Spring responsible for that? Can you blame the Sun, for the Owl can not see during the day ? The cloud can not be blamed if the rain water does not fall in the beak of Chatak bird (a bird who supposedly drinks only the rain water that falls into his beak). Who can change (erasee) the fate (written on one's forehead) ?
309
यथा हि पथिक: कश्चित् छायामाश्रित्य तिष्ठति | विश्रम्य च पुनर्गच्छेत् तद्वद् भूतसमागम: ||
महाभारत
As a certain traveller remains under a shade (of some tree) and having refreshed himself again goes on (his journey), so does the company of living beings.
313
यदीच्छसि वशीकर्तुंं जगदेकेन कर्मणा | परापवादससेभ्यो गां चरन्तीं निवारय ||
चाणक्य
If you want to make this world obidient just by doing one thing, then chase off the cow (the toungue) grazing the field of grains (of blaming, cursing others) Do not curse, criticize others.
314
गुरूशुश्रूषया विद्या पुष्कलेन धनेन वा | अथवा विद्यया विद्या चतुर्थो न उपलभ्यते ||
Knowledge (is acquired) by serving the teacher, or by a lot of money or by (exchange of) knowledge. A fourth (path) is not available.
315
यथा खनन् खनित्रेण नरो वार्यधिगच्छति तथा गुरुगतं विद्यां शुश्रूषुरधिगच्छति
Just as a person gets water after digging earth with a spade, so also a student who serves his guru gets knowledge.
316
यदि सन्ति गुणा: पुंसां विकसन्त्येव ते स्वयम् न हि कस्तूरिकामोद: शपथेन विभाव्यते
If a person has good qualities, they spread by themselves (others get to know about his qualities automatically, he does not have to advertise them).
(As) aroma of musk does not need an oath (it proved by itself).
317
यथा काष्ठं च काष्ठं च समेयातां महोदधौ | समेत्य च व्यपेयातां तद्वद् भूतसमागम: ||
महाभारत
Just as two pieces of wood come together in the great ocean (by the stroke of a wave) and after coming together separate, so does the association of living beings.
318
यस्यास्ति वित्तं स नर:कुलीन: स पण्डित: स श्रुतवान् गुणज्ञ: | स एव वक्ता स च दर्शनीय: , सर्वे गुणा: काञ्चनमाश्रयन्ते ||
नीतिशतक
The one who is wealthy is (considered to be) of high descent. He is the one who is (assumed to be) scholar, famous, having ability to distinguish good qualities; orator and people would want to see him. All the good qualities are (considered to be) possessed by the affluent.
Whatever little or more wealth is written on one’s forehead; one will get it even in the desert. Will not get more even if one goes to Meru (name of a mythological mountain).
Be patient, do not show poverty to the wealthy. Look, the pot can take equal amount of water from a well or from the ocean.
An ocean never begs (for water), yet it is always full of water. If one makes oneself worthy, riches come to that worthy person by themselves (with their own accord).
321
बहीव्मपि संहितां भाषमाण: न तत्करोति भवति नर: प्रामज्ञल्त;ा: | गोप इव गा गणयन् परेषां न भाग्यवान् श्रामण्यस्य भवति ||
धम्मपद 219
If a man, recites even a large portion of sacred text, but being heedless (negligent) does not put in to practice, he has no share in the ascetic life; He is like a cowherd who counts the cows of others (i.e. he is not the owner of the cows).
322
वने रणे Xात्रुजलाग्निमध्ये महार्णवे पर्वतमस्तके वा | सुप्तं प्रमत्तं विषमस्थितं वा रक्षन्ति पुण्यानि पुरा कॄतानि ||
नीतिशतक
When one is trapped in the middle of a jungle ,in the war, in the midst of enemies, water/flood or fire, in the ocean or on the mountains; while sleeping, in unconsciousness, or in (any kind of) odd situation - The good deeds that one might have done in the past, protect oneself.
323
न कालो दण्डमुद्यम्य शिर: कॄन्तति कस्यचित् | कालस्य बलमेतावत् विपरीतार्थदर्शनम् ||
महाभारत 28111
The time does not kill a person by weapons, but it destroys the thinking capability of a person and makes that person follow a wrong path - which ultimately leads to the destruction of that person. Corrupting the intellect is really the power of time!
Oh men! Go together harmoniously; speak together; understand each other's minds; Just as gods from ancient times, having known each other's minds did the job come to their lot, religiously, so you too act.
325
मध्विव मन्यते बालो यावत् पापं न पच्यते | यदा च पच्यते पापं दु:खं चाथ निगच्छति धम्मपद 56
As long as a sin is not mature (does not get ripe) so long an ignorant person considers it sweet like honey; but when the sin ripens he has to suffer it's consiquences. (has to suffer the misery, resulting from it).
326
तावज्जितेन्द्रियो न स्याद् विजितान्येन्द्रिय: पुमान् | न जयेद् रसनं यावद् जितं सर्वं जिते रसे ||
श्रीमद्भागवत 11821
A man conquering all the other senses, as long as, he does not control the organ of taste (tongue), so long he cannot be called self-controlled. He becomes self-controlled (fully) with the control of the desire for taste in food.
327
द्वावेव चिन्तया मुक्तौ परमानन्द आप्लुतौ | यो विमुग्धो जडो बालो यो गुणेभ्य: परं गत: ||
भागवत 1194
There are two (persons in this world), who are free from anxiety and filled with great delight: An ignorant child, without any activity and an ascetic beyond the three Gunas (i.e. Prakrti) - i.e. who has attained god.
328
न तथा तप्यते विद्ध: पुमान् बाणै: सुमर्मगै: | यथा तुदन्ति मर्मस्था ह्मसतां पुरूषेषव: ||
भागवत 11233
A man, having his body well pierced by the arrows is not pained (tormented) so much, as he suffers, when his mind is cut to the quick by shaft-like harsh words of the wicked.
Nobody knows, tomorrow what will happen to whom. Therefore, the wise, finish tomorrow’s work today itself.
330
वयमिह परितुष्टा वल्कलैस्त्वं दुकूलै: सम इह परितोषो निर्विशेषो विशेष: | स तु भवति दरिद्रो यस्य तॄष्णा विशाला मनसि च परितुष्टे कोऽर्थवान को दरिद्र: ||
A yogi says to a king: “We are here (in a hermitage) content with a garment, made of barks, while you are with your silken garments. Our contentment is the same. There is no difference whatever. He, who has abundant desire, is poor. When there is contentment in the mind, who is rich and who is poor?
331
न ह्मम्मयानि तीर्थानि न देवा मॄच्छिलामया: | ते पुनन्त्युरूकालेन दर्शनादेव साधव: ||
भागवत 104831
The holy places of water and idols of gods made out of stone do not purify the devotees immediately. They purify men after a long-standing adoration. But saints do so by a mere sight (as soon as devotees see them).
If a brahmin with even (sama) attitude towards all (Samadrsti) does not act for giving relief to the weak (and opressed), it may be considered that, that brahmin has lost his Brahma lusture (energy), just like the milk(or water) streaming (or leaking) out from a pot that is leaking.
This subhashita is for them who believe in luck or fortune rather than their own capabilities. It says, if luck only is doing all your work, then why do you need to do anything? Your luck will also do your day to day activities like taking bath, giving donations, sitting and talking. Moral: don’t rely on fortune or other such things, rely on your own strengths.
Even a very small thing done for somebody is very helpful if done at a proper time. But if one does not do it at a proper time (does it when it is not called for), then a (apparently) big favour to a person will be in vain.
335
यो यमर्थं प्रार्थयते यदर्थं घटतेऽपि च | अवश्यं तदवाप्नोति न चेच्छ्रान्तो निवर्तते ||
If a person wants something, and if he makes efforts to achieve it - without getting tired - then no doubt he gets it.
Whatever is earned by a person, by lethal hard work, the descendants divide it amongst themselves, when he/she dies. (However) the wrong deeds done by the sinner for gaining the wealth; accompany him/her. (He/she has to face the consequences. The sins are not inherited).
Starving mother might leave her own son, starving snake might eat her own eggs, What sin can a starved not do? People, who are helpless, get merciless when its a question of life and death for them.
A wise person should gather only important parts (gist) of knowledge from all 'shaastras' (because they are many and it is impractical to learn everything in depth) - juts as a bee gathers (only) honey from all types of flowers (and does not collect flowers).
339
न अन्नोदकसमं दानं न तिथिद्र्वादशीसमा | न गायत्रया: परो मन्त्रो न मातु: परदैवतम् ||
Giving water and food is the best amoung various donations. 'dwadashi' is the most auspicious amoung all the days. 'Gayatri Mantra' is the best amoung all the 'Mantras' and mother is superior over all the Gods. ['dwadashi' - 12th day of a fortnight - In Hindu system of calendar a 'dwadashi' comes twice in a month - once in the 'shukla paksha' when moon is in the waxing phase and once in the 'krishna paksha' when moon is in the wanning phase.]
Where women are adored and given respect, the Gods like to stay in such places. But where women are given ill-treatment, at such places no work is successful because of absence of Gods.
341
वनेऽपि सिंहा मॄगमांसभक्षिणो बुभुक्षिता नैव तॄणं चरन्ति | एवं कुलीना व्यसनाभिभूता न नीचकर्माणि समाचरन्ति ||
Lions in forest, who eat flesh of other animals - will not eat grass even if they are very hungry. Similarly, persons born in good families will not perform any misconduct even in odds. Meaning of respectable family should be taken here as a good cultured families - families with values. When a person is having a bad time, to overcome it, he may do something that is ethically wrong, e.g. a person can steal somebody else’s food if he is starving. A cultured person will die - but not do such things.
342
खद्योतो द्योतते तावद् यवन्नोदयते शशी | उदिते तु सहस्रांशौ न खद्योतो न चन्द्रमा: ||
The glittering fly appears bright (or is visible) only until the absence of moon in the sky. But when the Sun rises, there is neither the glittering fly nor the moon! In absence of a true great person, a mediocre will also appear like a great person. But nobody will notice such person in presence of a truly great individual.
343
स्वभावं न जहात्येव साधुरापद्गतोऽपि सन् | कर्पूर: पावकस्पॄष्ट: सौरभं लभतेतराम् ||
A good person never gives up his/her nature even when caught in a disaster. Camphor caught with fire, emits more fragrance.
344
चिज्ञल्त;स्य शुद्धये कर्म न तु वस्तूपलब्धये | वस्तुसिद्धिर्विचारेण न किंचित्कर्मेकोटिभि: ||
विवेकचूडामणी
The whole purpose of worship (Like chanting 'mantras', performing 'puja' etc.) is for purifying the mind and not for attaining the spiritual knowledge. Spiritual knowledge can only be attained by deep thinking and reading and would not be attained even if any one chants millions of 'mantras'.
While working hard we do feel a bit of sadness due to the adverse conditions. But surely in future when we think of 'that' work, it gives us the happiness and satisfaction (Of having completed the work up to the expectation). Any good and positive work to be done cannot be done without facing the hardship. At the moment of actually doing the work we may feel the heat of it! But in future the memories of it will surely give a pleasant and cool experience!
Fortune of a person who sits idle, also sits idle. That of who stands, also stands. That of who sleeps, also sleeps, and fortune of a person, who walks, also walks. Here, subhashitkar says that fortune does not bring any thing to life, one who Works, or puts efforts, succeeds (you can say his fortune also works for him). In other words God helps them, who help themselves.
Courage in adversity, patience in prosperity, oratory in assembly, bravery in battle, full of interest in fame, attachment to knowledge; all these are naturally found in the great persons.
348
यावत् भ्रियेत जठरं तावत् सत्वं हि देहीनाम् | अधिकं योभिमन्येत स स्तेनो दण्डमर्हति ||
मनुस्मॄती, महाभारत
One may claim proprietorship to as much wealth, as is required to maintain himself; but he who desires proprietorship over more than that, must be considered a thief; he deserves to be punished.
349
अहं च त्वं च राजेन्द्र लोकनाथौ उभावपि | बहुव्रीहिरहं राजन् षष्ठीतत्पुरूषो भवान ||
A beggar says to the King, "O King! Both of us are Lokanathas. However, if I’m BahuvrIhi compound, you are ShaShthi TatpuruSha!" laaoknaaqa: can be analysed into a Bahuvrihi compound as laaok: naaqa: yasya sa: - he whose patrons are the people, a beggar. The same compound, analysed into Shashthi tatpurusha, would be laaoksya naaqa: - the Lord of the people, the King.
When a man does not harbour any bad (or unauspicious) thought about any creature, to that man of uniform outlook (view) towards all, happiness is there all around (in all directions).
351
शरदि न वर्षति गर्जति वर्षति वर्षासु नि:स्वनो मेघ: | नीचो वदति न कुरुते न वदति सुजन: करोत्येव ||
Clouds in autumn do not cause rain, but they make big sound when they pass by.(Where as,) monsoon clouds give rains, without making noice. An inferior person just talks, does not do any thing, (but) good a person acts, does not talk (about his acts).
A mortal (a man) with the life of one hundred years even, cannot be free from the debts of his parents, from whom the body, which is the root of the four principal objects of human life (Dharma, Artha, Kaama and Moksha), has originated and by whom it has been nourished.
Immortality and Death both these reside in the body only. Death comes because of temptation; and immortality by the truth.
354
परिवर्तिनि संसारे मॄत: को वा न जायते | स जातो येन जातेन याति वंश: समुन्न्तिम् ||
नितीशतक 32
In this ever-rotating wheel of birth and death, who that is dead, is not indeed born again? But he alone is (considered as) born by whose birth (his) family attains eminence.
355
को न याति वशं लोके मुखे पिण्डेन पूरित: मॄदंगो मुखलेपेन करोति मधुरध्वनिम्
Who on earth can not be controlled if his mouth is properly filled (his wants are satisfied by you). Even a mrudungam (a musical instrument) makes sweet sound if flour is applied to it (flour is applied to mrudungam to make its sound clearer).
In the situations where every thing is about to get distroyed, a wise person gives up half (or a part) of what he has. One can live with half of what he wants, but it is extremely difficult to withstand loss of everything,
One should try to develop (relevant) qualities/skills in him rather than making noise (showing off irrelevant qualities). A cow cannot be sold by ringing a bell in her neck if she cannot be milked (making sweet sound of bell is irrelevant quality where as giving milk is a relevant quality of a cow). Today's world of advertisement tells us exactly opposite of this. It tells us to attract others by attractive packaging rather than contents. But by attractive packaging, one can only raise expectations, but can not satisfy them.
He who is devoid of the arts, of literary composition and music is evidently a beast without the tail and horns; That he lives without eating (feeding on) grass is the great good fortune of the beasts!
359
न प्रा)ष्यति सम्माने नापमाने च कुप्यति | न क्रुद्ध: परूषं ब्रूयात् स वै साधूत्तम: स्मॄत: ||
He is declared as the best saint, who is not overjoyed when honoured, and does not get angry when insulted and also does not speak harsh words when angry.
The oath taken by the wicked person are like the letters written on the water (So much temporary !). In contrast, even the informal words uttered by the saintly person are like the letters imprinted on rocks!
It is very very difficult to lift the rock till the peak of the mountain. But it's very very easy to get the same rock from the peak to the mountain foot. (You just need to give the first push!). In the same way it is very difficult task to induce noble thoughts in to a person's mind and to make him/her an good individual. But it's far more simple to induce bad habits in a person!
362
लुब्धमर्थेन गॄह्णीयात् क्रुद्धमञ्जलिकर्मणा | मूर्खं छन्दानुवॄत्त्या च तत्वार्थेन च पण्डितम् ||
A greedy person can be convinced by use of wealth (by giving him bribe). Hot tempered person can be convinced by being polite with him. A fool can be convinced by making him feel that you are acting as he wants. A wise person can be convinced by telling him the gist of the matter.
Through unrighteousness a man prospers, for a while; then he experiences good fortune, afterwards he conquers his enemies but (at the end ) he perishes, tearing root and branch.
364
विद्या मित्रं प्रावासेषु भार्या मित्रं गॄहेषु च | व्याधितस्योषधं मित्रं धर्मो मित्रं मॄतस्य च ||
Knowledge is a friend during travel. Wife is a friend in home. Medicines are the friends during illness and our good deeds (Dharma) are friends after death!
365
रूपयौवनसंपन्ना: विशालकुलसंभवा: | विद्याहीना: न शोभन्ते निर्गन्धा: किंशुका: इव ||
Those who are born in a great family and are handsome and young, but do not possess any knowledge, are like a beautiful flower without fregnance.
On your forehead, by Brahma written, is your destiny; That's what decides if you have little or lots of money; It matters not whether you seek in a desert or mountain of gold; Don't kneel and crawl before the rich, don't be pitied, be bold. Just watch the water a pail can get from a well or mighty sea; The source, you go to, makes no difference in a pail's capacity.
It is destiny that determines one becomes wealthy or poor. So, it does not matter where you seek wealth. Therefore, do not go begging or acting servile and pitiably with the rich. It does not matter whether you go to a well or the ocean. The amount of water you can gather depends only on the size of your pail. Reference to destiny here does not imply fatalism,. It indicates the observation by the poet that everything in life is not under one's control , and that even after making one's best efforts, what one can attain in life depends on one's own innate capabilities .Hence the reference to a pail's capacity to hold water.
A person who works for benefit the ruler, is disliked by the people. The one who works for the welfare of the people, is disliked by the ruler. So, it is difficult to find a person who can work for benefit of the both, where he is facing equally strong opposition from both the sides. ( it will be very difficult do something which is liked by both sides, if their interests are clashing.) This Subhashita is suitable for a situation where rulers are not particularly contributing towards the welfare of their subjects, and their actions are primarily driven by their own vested interests.
The lamp destroys darkness, it brings health and wealth. Lamp is for the welfare of all humans. O flame of lamp, I bow to you.
369
तत् कर्म यत् न बन्धाय सा विद्या या विमुक्तये | आयासाय अपरं कर्म विद्या अन्या शिल्पनैपुणम् ||
विष्णुपुराण 23
That 'karma' (action), which does not bound the soul back in the life and death cycle is the real 'karma'. That 'vidyA' (knowledge) which brings liberation to the soul, is the real 'vidyA'. Rest all 'karmas' lead just to hardship and rest all forms of knowledge are nothing but information specalizations (or stamp collection)!
According to our Indian culture, liberation of soul (moksha) is the ultimate aim of life. There are many paths (yoga) towards moksha. One of the them is 'niSkAmakarmayoga' (actions without desire). The one, whose actions are driven by desire, fails to attain moksha. The karma which is driven by desire is binding to soul (i.e. it will add to his pApa (bad deed) or punya (good deed)), and some time later, he will either get reward or penalty for the deed. If the same karma is done without any desire, or if the person performs the karma just as his duty, without claiming its fruits (niShkAmakarma) he does not get any reward or penalty. Those who can practice this for their life, can attain moksha. The vidyA which helps in practicing this niShkAmakarma is real vidya.
If the person at the peak of his wealth says 'No No' to the poor and needy person then be assured that in future that person will have to say 'Give Give'!!
The bad work ('pApa') done in other places get vanished in the holy places. In contrast the same bad deeds committed in the holy places gets inscribed on the rocks - unwashable!! The lesson is that the purest and sacred atmosphere of the holy places will transform a person and make him repent on his earlier sins! But if at all a person does commit sin in such place then it can never be forgived for having polluted the greatness of the place.
In this meaningless world only one place is worth to live in! And that place is the home of father-in-law! And see therefore Lord Shankar stays in himalayas and Lord Vishnu stays in the Sea!! (Himalay is father of mother Parvati and Sea is considered as father of Godees Laxmi as she was born from the 'samudra-manthana')
A lioness having only one cub relaxes as she is assured that her cub will bring the hunt. But the donkey even if having ten children will have to carry her load herself!
Good character (which is characterised by a good beheviour) is our first (and the most importent) duty. Great scholars have said this. So one should preserve/observe them greater than one`s life.
375
न तथा शीतलसलिलंज्ञन्ब्स्प; नज्ञन्ब्स्प; चन्दनरसोज्ञन्ब्स्प; नज्ञन्ब्स्प; शीतला छाया | प्र*लादयति पुरूषं यथा मधुरभाषिणी वाणी ||
The cold water, sandal paste and cold shade do not give pleasure that much like sweet speech gives pleasure.
Even the huge mountains may start moving due to the mighty wind at the time of dooms day ('pralay'). But the minds of brave persons will never ever get perturbed.
In the mind, speech and action, the great souls are same, but the wicked are different in mind, speech and action. (Wicked people will not be truthful).
379
जीवने यावदादानं स्यात्,,, प्रदानं ततोऽधिकम् |
इतयेषा प्रार्थनाऽस्माकं भगवन्परिपूर्यताम् ||
Oh Lord, please do fulfill this expectation that -
In our lives whatever we give to others should be greater than whatever
we borrow from others.
Putting in similar context we can pray to Lord that “Oh Lord Please grant
me a favour that let number of people who get benefited and happy by me
be always more than those who get harmed and pained by me!”
This is an achievable accomplishment for an average individual in his/her
life time who is longing for material pleasures along with a moderate
deposit of ‘punya’ in his/her account!!
380
सत्यं माता पिता ज्ञानं धर्मो भ्राता दया सखा |
शान्ति: पत्नी क्षमा पुत्र: षडेते मम बान्धवा: ||
Truth is my mother, knowledge is my father, ‘Dharma’ is my brother,
Mercifulness is my friend, Calmness(peacefulness) is my wife and forgiveness my son.
There six are my kith and keens.
381
न अहं जानामि केयुरे, नाहं जानामि कुण्डले |
नूपुरे तु अभिजानामि नित्यं पादाभिवन्दनात् ||
रामायण 4, 622
When Ravana was forcefully taking away Sita , she had thrown few of her ornaments
in a hope that Rama might see those and make his way to her.
Rama showed these ornaments to Lakshmana and asked if he could recognize those.
At that moment Lakshmana said – “ I do know about Sita’s ear rings nor can I identify any
other ornaments of her.
Being always at her feet to get her blessings, I can only say that this feet chain (nupure)
certainly belongs to her”.
Many salutes to Lakshmana’s such pure devotion!
382
तद् ब्रूहि वचनं देवि ,राज्ञ: यद् अभिकांक्षितम् |
करिष्ये प्रतिजाने च , रामो द्विर् न अभिभाषते ||
रामायण अयोध्या सर्ग 1830
After getting the boons from King Dasharatha that Bharata be crowned and Rama be sent to forest, Kaikai told Lord Rama that King Dasharatha is not willing to convey the sad message to him. So if Rama is interested in following what King Dasharatha desires only then she can convey the message.
At that moment Rama exclaimed with sorrow and mentioned that he could even jump into the fire on the command of king Dasharatha. So he requested Kaikai mata to order him what King Dasharatha wants. He took oath that he would do whatever King Dasharatha says! Shree Rama never gives his words twice! Therefore he is known to be ek-vachani (If once said, it will be done at any cost).
383
तिष्ठेत् लोको विना सूर्यं सस्यमं वा सलिलं विना |
न हि रामं विना देहे तिष्ठेत् तु मम जीवितम् ||
रामायण
When Kaikai asks king Dashratha to give her the boon that Rama be sent to exile – at that moment king Dashratha says, “It may happen that this world may survive without sun or the crops may grow without water. But without Rama my body will not be able to hold the life!”
This really became true after Rama went to exile – King Dashratha left his body in deep sorrow of Rama’s separation.
384
दूरस्था: पर्वता: रम्या: वेश्या: च मुखमण्डने | युध्यस्य तु कथा रम्या त्रीणि रम्याणि दूरत: ||
Mountain look very spectacular from distance. Prostitutes look very beautiful when they make-up. War stories are very interesting. All these three things are interesting from distance (Better be away from them).
385
उपाध्यात् दश आचार्य: आचार्याणां शतं पिता | सहस्रं तु पितॄन् माता गौरवेण अतिरिच्यते ||
मनुस्मॄति
An Acharya (spiritual guide- person having knowledge of all Vedas, in modern terms, Chancellor of University) is ten times superior to an Upadhyaya (Person who masters part of Vedas, in modern terms, a professor), Father is like hundred Acharyas, and person's Mother is thousand times superior to Father!
386
आर्ता देवान् नमस्यन्ति, तप: कुर्वन्ति रोगिण: |
निर्धना: दानम् इच्छन्ति, वॄद्धा नारी पतिव्रता ||
Those who are in distress pray God (They are not real devotees). Those who are having some disease follow strict do’s and don’ts (They pretend to do ‘tapa’). Those who are poor wish to make some donations (They feel they are generous) and a old aged lady portrays herself as having good character!
‘SuBAshitkAr’ says that many people only act as if they possess good virtues. Many times it’s only due to some circumstances.
387
शोको नाशयते धैर्य, शोको नाशयते श्रॄतम् |
शोको नाशयते सर्वं, नास्ति शोकसमो रिपु: ||
These sentences are uttered by Kausalya, mother of Lord Rama.
When Rama was exiled by his father King Dashratha, Kausalya in deep grief said bad words to her husband even though she knew that it was not her husband’s fault. Later she realised her fault and then she says –
Sorrow kills ones patience, sorrow makes forget one’s ability to distinguish between good and bad, sorrow takes away all good qualities and thus the sorrow is the biggest enemy of an individual.
Thus one should not give himself/herself in the hands of sorrow.
388
भीष्मद्रोणतटा जयद्रथजला गान्धारनीलोत्पला |
शल्यग्राहवती कॄपेण महता कर्णेन वेलाकुला ||
अश्वत्थामविकर्णघोरमकरा दुर्योधनावर्तिनी |
सोत्तीर्णा खलु पाण्डवै: रणनदी कैवर्तक: केशव: ||
This ‘shloka’ is from Mahabharata and so the reader should be familiar with this famous
epic to understand and appreciate the meaning of the ‘shloka’.
With Bhishma and Drona as it’s banks, Jayadratha as it’s water, Gandhara as blue lily, Salya
as shark, Kripa as the speed of the water flow, karna as it’s breakers, Ashwatthama and vikarna
as it’s killer whales and Duryodhana as it’s whirlpools, the river of battle was successfully crossed
by Pandavas, only because their boatman was Lord Krishna.
389
यस्य कॄत्यं न जानन्ति मंत्रं वा मंत्रितं परे |
कॄतमेवास्य जानन्ति स वै पण्डित उच्चते ||
One cannot guess what a person is going to do. One cannot understand or
appreciate a person’s advice or the importance of the task as emphasised by him/her.
Only after people see the sweet fruits as a result of doing such a task then one
recognises such a person’s greatness, who can be rightly called as a ‘Pandit’.
To give an example, Veer Savarkar gave call to Indian youths during second
world war to join British Army. This was the time when ani-British sentiments
amoung the Indians was at it’s peak and many people wondered that how can
such a patriot and a crown of Indian revolutionaries say such thing! But after the
independence people saw the fruits of Veer Savarkar’s appeal. A slave nation having
been deprived of arms for centuries needed experienced soldiers having expertise in
modern arms and ammunitions for building an independent army.
Indian Army General Shri. Thimappa in the post independent India was soldier in
second world war!!
390
यक्ष उवाच
किंस्विद्गुरूतरं भूमे: किंस्विदुच्चतरं च खात् |
किंस्विच्छीघ्रतरं वायो: किंस्विद्वहुतरं तॄणात् ||
युधिष्ठिर उवाच
माता गुरूतरो भूमे: खात्पितोच्चतरस्तथा |
मन: शीघ्रतरं वातात् चिन्ता बहुतरी तॄणात् ||
These two ‘shlokas’ from ‘Aranya Parva’ of Mahabharata occur as the part of famous dialogue between
‘Yaksha’ and Dharmaraj Yudhisthira, popularly known as ‘Yaksha Prashna’ episode.
Yaksha asked – “What is weightier (more sustaining) than the earth and what is higher than the sky?
What is swifter than the wind and what is more numerous than grass? “
Yudhisthira replied – “The mother is more sustaining (weightier) than the earth and father is higher
(bestower of more benefits) than the sky. The mind is swifter than the wind and thoughts (of a sorrow stricken mind)
are more numerous than grass.
The earth and sky are often compared to the mother and father in the Vedas. The earth sustains and the sky gives
rain but the mother sustains and nourishes her children with much more care and love and the father also bestows
more benefits on his children.
391
क्रोध: सुदुर्जय: शत्रु: लोभो व्याधिरनन्तक: |
सर्वभूतहित: साधु: असाधुर्निदय: स्मॄत: ||
Background -
Yaksha put forth the following question to Yudhishthira - “Who is the enemy of men difficult to conquer
and what is the endless disease? What is the nature of a good man and what is the nature of a bad man?”.
The above SuBAshita is the answer given by Yudhishthira -
Anger is the enemy of men difficult to conquer and covetousness (greed) is the endless desire.
A good man is one who seeks welfare of all beings and a bad man is one who has no compassion or mercy.
Life of a man is like a shaky reflection of moon in the water (is very short, and unstable). Knowing this, humans should always keep on doing a long lasting work that benefits the society.
For defeating Lanka, (Lord Rama) had to walk across the sea. His opponent was (powerful) RavaNa, and his army was of monkeys (All odds were against Rama). Inspite of that Rama killed all the demons. Success of great men depend solely on their own capacities, and not on the means they get to use.
