संस्कृत सुभाषितानि 301- 400

301-400
_________________________________________________________________
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!
301
कस्यचित् किमपि नो हरणीयं मर्मवाक्यमपि नोच्चरणीयम् श्रीपते: पदयुगं स्मरणीयं लीलया भवजलं तरणीयम्
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 ब्राूयात् साधु वेत्ति यत: स्वयम् मूर्खाग्रेपि च न ब्राूयाद्धुधप्रोक्तं 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 !!"
304
गुरोरप्यवलिप्तस्य कार्याकार्यमजानत: उत्पथं प्रातिपन्नस्य न्याय्यंज्ञन्ब्स्प; भवति शासनम् महाभारत
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!)
305
यद्यद् राघव संयाति महाजनसपर्यया दिनं तदेव सालोकं श,,,,,,,ेषास्त्वन्धदिनालया:
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).
307
किम् कुलेन विशालेन विद्याहीनस्य देहिन: अकुलीनोऽपि विद्यावान् देवैरपि सुपूज्यते
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.
308
पत्रं नैव यदा करीरविटपे दोषो वसन्तस्य किम् नोलूकोऽप्यवलोकते यदि दिवा सूर्यस्य किं दूषणम् धारा नैव पतन्ति चातकमुखे मेघस्य किं दूषणम् यत् पूर्वं विधिना ललाटलिखितं तन्मार्जितुं क: क्षम: ऽऽ
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 गुणज्ञाम्प;: 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.
319
यद्धात्रा निजभालपट्टलिखितं स्तोकं महद् वा धनम् तत् प्राप्नोति मरूस्थलेऽपि नितरां मेरौ ततो नाधिकम् तद्धीरो भव , वित्तवत्सु कॄपणां वॄत्तिं वॄथा मा कॄथा: कूपे पश्य पयोनिधावपि घटो गॄह्णाति तुल्यं पय: नीतिशतक
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.
320
नाम्भोधिरर्थितामेति सदाम्भोभिश्च पूर्यते आत्मा तु पात्रतां नेय: पात्रमायान्ति संपद: विदुरनीति
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!
324
संगच्छध्वं संवदध्वं सं वो मनांसि जानताम् देवा भागं यथा पूर्वे सञ्जानाना उपासते
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.
329
न कश्चिदपि जानाति किं कस्य श्वो भविष्यति अत: श्व: करणीयानि कुर्यादद्यैव बुद्धिमान
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).
332
ब्राम्हण: सम_क् शान्तो दीनानां समुपेक्षक: स्त्रवते ब्रम्ह तस्यापि भिन्नभाण्डात् पयो यथा भागवत 41441
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.
333
दैवमेवेह चेत् कतर्ॄ पुंस: किमिव चेष्टया स्नानदानासनोच्चारान् दैवमेव करिष्यति
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.
334
कार्यमण्वपि काले तु कॄतमेत्युपकारताम् महदप्युपकारोऽपि रिक्ततामेत्यकालत:
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.
336
यदजर््िातं प्राणहरै: परिश्रमै: मॄतस्य तद् वै विभजन्ति रिक्थिन: कॄतं च यद् दुष्कॄतमर्थलिप्सया तदेव दोषापहतस्य कौतुकम् गरूडपुराण
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).
337
त्यजेत् क्षुधार्ता जननी स्वपुत्रं , खादेत् क्षुधार्ता भुजगी स्वमण्डम् बुभुक्षित: किं न करोति पापं , क्षीणा जना निष्करूणा भवन्ति चाणक्य
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.
338
अणुभ्यश्च महद्भ्यश्च शास्त्रेभ्य: कुशलो नर: सर्वत: सारमादद्यात् पुष्पेभ्य इव षट्पद:
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.]
340
यत्र नार्य: तु पूज्यन्ते रमन्ते तत्र देवता: यत्र एता: तु न पूज्यन्ते सर्वास्तत्र अफला: क्रिया: मनुस्मॄति
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'.
345
श्रमेण दु:खं यत्किन्चिकार्यकालेनुभूयते कालेन स्मर्यमाणं तत् प्रामोद श्रमहात्म्य
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!
346
आस्ते भग आसीनस्य }ध्र्वम् तिष्ठति तिष्ठत: शेते निषद्यमानस्य चरति चरतो भग:
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.
347
विपदी धैर्यमथाभ्युदये क्षमा सदसि वाक्पटुता युधि विक्रम: यशसि चाभिरूचिव्र्यसनं श्रुतौ प्रकॄतिसिद्धमिदं हि महात्मनाम्
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.
350
यदा न कुरूते भावं सर्वभूतेष्वमंगलम् समदॄष्टेस्तदा पुंस: सर्वा: सुखमया दिश: श्रीमदभागवत 91515
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).
352
सर्वार्थसंभवो देहो जनित: पोषितो यत: न तयोर्याति निर्वेशं पित्रोर्मत्र्य: शतायुषा श्रीमदभागवत 10455
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.
353
अमॄतं चैव मॄत्युश्च द्वयं देहप्रातिष्ठितम् मोहादापद्यते मॄत्यु: सत्येनापद्यतेऽमॄतम् श्री शंकराचार्य
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).
356
सर्वनाशे समुत्पन्ने ह्मर्धं त्यजति पण्डित: अर्धेन कुरुते कार्यं सर्वनाशो हि दु:सह:
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,
357
गुणेषु क्रियतां यत्न: किमाटोपै: प्रयोजनम् विक्रीयन्ते न घण्टाभि: गाव: क्षीरविवर्जिता:
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.
358
साहित्यसंगीतकलाविहीन: साक्षात् पशु: पुच्छविषाणहीन: तॄणं न खादन्नपि जीवमान: तद्भागधेयं परमं पशूनाम् नीतिशतक
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.
360
असभ्दि: शपथेनोक्तं जले लिखितमक्षरम् सभ्दिस्तु लीलया प्राोक्तं शिलालिखितमक्षरम्
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!
361
आरोप्यते शिला शैले यत्नेन महता यथा पात्यते तु क्षणेनाधस्तथात्मा गुणदोषयो:
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 गॄ*णीयात् 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.
363
अधर्मेणैथते पूर्व ततो भद्राणि पश्यति तत: सपत्नान् जयति समूलस्तु विनश्यति
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.
366
यद्धात्रा निजफालपत्रलिखितम् स्तोकम महद्वा धनम् तत्प्राप्नोति मरुस्थोऽपि नितराम् मेरौ ततो नाधिकम् तद्धीरो भव वित्तवत्सु कॄपनाम वॄत्तिम् वॄथा मा कॄथा: कूपे पश्य पयोनिधावपि घट: प्राप्नोति तुल्यम जलम्
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.
367
नरपतिहितकर्ता द्वेष्यतां याति लोके जनपदहितकर्ता त्यज्यते पार्थिवेन इति महति विरोधे विद्यमाने समाने नॄपतिजनपदानां दुर्लभ: कार्यकर्ता
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.
368
दीपो नाशयते ध्वांतं धनारोग्ये प्रयच्छति कल्याणाय भवति एव दीपज्योतिर्नमोऽस्तुते
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.
370
अक्षरद्वयम् अभ्यस्तं नास्ति नास्ति इति यत् पुरा तद् इदं देहि देहि इति विपरीतम् उपस्थितम्
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'!!
371
अन्यक्षेत्रे कॄतं पापं पुण्यक्षेत्रे विनश्यति पुण्यक्षेत्रे कॄतं पापं वज्रलेपो भविष्यति
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.
372
असारे खलु संसारे सारं श्वशुरमन्दिरम् हरो हिमालये शेते हरि: शेते महोदधौ
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')
373
एकेन अपि सुपुत्रेण सिंही स्वपिति निर्भयम् सह एव दशभि: पुत्रै: भारं वहति गर्दभी
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!
374
आचार: प्रथमो धर्म: अित्येतद् विदुषां वच: तस्माद् रक्षेत् सदाचारं प्राणेभ्योऽपि विशेषत:
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.
376
न मर्षयन्ति चात्मानं संभावयितुमात्मना अदर्शयित्वा शूरास्तू कर्म कुर्वन्ति दुष्करम्
The brave people do not like being praised in front of them. They display their valiour not by words but by doing difficult deeds.
377
चलन्तु गिरय: कामं युगान्तपवनाहता: कॄच्छे्रपि न चलत्येव धीराणां निश्चलं मन:
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.
378
मनस्येकं वचस्येकं कर्मण्येकं महात्मनाम् मनस्यन्यत् वचस्यन्यत् कर्मण्यन्यत् दुरात्मनाम्
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.
392
अस्मिन्महामोहमये कटाहे सूर्याग्निना रात्रिदिवेन्धनेन
मासर्तुदर्वीपरिघ+नेन भूतानि काल: पचतीति वार्ता
Yaksha had asked Yudhishthira, “What is the news?”
In answer to that Yudhishthira said –
In this frying pan of great illusion (the world), Time is cooking the
Creatures with the fire of the sun having the days and nights as it’s fuel
and the months and seasons constituting it’s ladle. This is news.
Time consumes everything and hence one should utilize the available
little time for his own emancipation. Many people do not realise that they
are gradually being consumed by time and hence that is the news deserving
widest publicity.
393
प्रावाद: सत्यम् एव अयं त्वां प्राति प्राायशो नॄप
पतिव्रतानां न अकस्मात् पतन्ति अश्रूणि भूतले
After seeing the dead body of her husband Ravana, Mandodari uttered,
“It is said that when the tears of a pati-vrata (a devout wife) drop on the land,
they do not go waste. And this has been proved once again in your case.”
Vrata means that which is strictly followed with utmost devotion and missionary zeal.
Sita, having followed the vrata of being devoted to her Lord Rama, had attained a spritual
and moral depth. And Ravana having captured and tortured such an elevated soul had to
pay for his sin. Mandodari’s wisdom has to appreciated that even in the time of greatest
sorrow she could understand the real cause of her husband’s demise.
394
यज्ञशिष्टाशिन: सन्तो मुच्यन्ते सर्वकिल्बिषै:
भुजंते ते त्वघं पापा ये पचन्त्यात्मकारणात्
गीता 313
The virtuous who partake of what is left over after sacrifice,
are absolved of all sins. Those sinful ones who cook for the sake
of nourishing their body alone eat only sin.
Bhagwan Shree Krishna has highlighted that an individual should not
live only for himself/herself. The message of helping others and doing
some charity is conveyed, which is the utmost need of this hour.
Also note that the word ‘yadnya’ has much more wide meaning other than
only the ritual part of it.
395
दु:संग सर्वथैव त्याज्य:
कामर् क्रोधर् मोहर् स्मॄतिभ्रंश:र् बुद्धिनाशर् सर्वनाशर् कारणत्वात्
तरंगायिता अपीमे संगात् समुद्रायन्ति
नारद भक्ति सुत्र
Leave the company of bad and evil at all conditions. Because it will lead to desires
(worldly/bad), from the non fulfillment of these desires, anger and moHa (attachment)
will arise and further in this chain the buddhi (intelligence) will get destroyed and at the
end it will be total destruction. (Refer to suBAshita No. 253)
The bad qualities, even though present in small traces in the human mind, like that of tiny
waves, would eventually get developed in to a big ocean due to the company of bad and
evil people!
396
अविश्रान्तम् वहेद् भारम् शीतोष्णं च न विन्दति
ससन्तोषस्तथा नित्यम् त्रीणि शिक्षेत् गर्दभात्
The above subhAshit teaches us three things to be learnt from a Donkey.
and those are:
1. He carries load (meaning he slogs,takes pains..thats what we also have to do to achive our
objectives)without taking any rest
2. He doesn't care about cold,hot weather,monsoon...anything...just does it whatever has
been assigned to him...and (that too with honesty)
3.(and after all this) he is always happy, doesn't complain about anything.
These three things can be learn from a donkey....
thats what the subhAshitkar says.
397
प्रासन्नतां या न गताभिषेकत:
तथा न मम्ले वनवास दु:खत:
मुखाम्बुज श्री रघु नन्दनस्य मे
सदास्तु सा मंजुल मंगल प्रादा
The facial expression of Shri. Rama (also his feelings) neither
displayed smile on hearing the good news of his coronation ceremony nor
did it display any dismay on hearing the bad news of his exile. May such a sight of Shri. Rama always do good to us.
It is not at all a simple thing for any ordinary individual to maintain
such a balance of mind on two extremely opposite conditions in life.
Therefore the last two lines of the suBAshita is for a humble devotee
of Shri. Rama who says that “May such a pure sight of Prabhu Shri. Rama
always guide me”.
398
भो दारिद्रय: नमस्तुभ्यं धन्योहं तव प्रासादत:
पश्यामि जगत्सर्वं न तु मां पश्यति जगत्रय:
Salutations to you Oh Poverty!! I am blessed because of you!
Being poor, I can see the whole world but no one else can see me!! (Rather no
one notices poor people).
If someone can think of such kind of philosophy inspite of having to struggle
for basic necessities of life then we can only say that such a person is a
realised soul fit for liberation! But such persons are rare not only in poor
class but across the whole humanity! For us the message to take from this
suBAshita is always try to find some thing good even from the worst.
399
जलान्तश्चन्द्रचपलं जीवनं खलु देहिनाम् तथाविधिमिति त्वाशाश्वत्कल्याणमाचरेत्
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.
400
विजेतव्या लंका चरणतरणीयो जलनिधि विपक्ष: पौलस्त्यो रणभुवि सहायाश्च कपय:
तथाप्येको राम:सकलमवधीद्राक्षसकुमं क्रियासिद्धि: सत्वे भव्ति महतां नोपकरणे
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.