QUOTABLE QUOTES FROM SANSKRIT CLASSICSQuotes from Sanskrit Classics

The classical period of Sanskrit literature dates back from the 3rd century BC right upto to the 8th century AD.  One of the earliest known Sanskrit plays is the mrichakatika thought to have been composed by shudraka in the 2nd century BC. Bhasa and Kalidasa are major early poets and dramatists. Kālidāsa qualifies easily as the greatest poet and playwright in Sanskrit.  His three famous plays are Vikarmorvashiyam, Malavikaagnimitram andAbhijnaanashaakuntalam.  The last mentioned play is acknowledged as one the most beautiful plays not only in classical Sanskrit but also in world literature.A few of the greatest works of poetry in this period are the following  Mahākāvyas:

Kumarasambhavam by Kalidasa Kiratarjuniyam by Bharavi Sishupalavadham by Sri Magha Naishadheeya Charitam by Sri Harsha

There is a sloka which says about these mahakavis:

                                        उपमा� का�लि�दा�सस्य भा�रवे�रर्थ�गौ�रवेमा�                  दान्डि�नः� पदा��लि�त्य� मा�घे� सन्ति�� त्रय गौ!णाः��

                                        Upamaa kaalidaasasya bharaverarthagauravam                                        Dandinah padalaalityam maaghe santi trayo gunaah

Kalidasa excels in the use of similes and metaphors in his poetry, Bharavi’s works are pregnant with meaning, Dandi’s language is simple and lilting and poet Magha combines in him all the three qualities mentioned above  Sanskrit fairy tales and fables are chiefly characterized by ethical reflections and proverbial philosophy. The two most important collections are Panchatantra by Vishnu Sharma andHitopadesha by Narayana Pandita.  These were originally intended as manuals for the instruction of kings in domestic and foreign policy.Somadeva’s Kathasaritsagara is a work of special importance. Composed in verse it is of very considerable length, containing more than 22,000 slokas.Fable collections, serving as the handbooks of practical moral philosophy, provided an abundant reservoir of ethical maxims.  They became so popular that works consisting exclusively of poetical aphorisms started to appear. The most important are the two collections by the highly-gifted Bhartruhari entitled respectively Nīti-śataka and Vairāgya-śataka.  

Given below is selection of sayings from the Sanskrit classics. The selections are in the nature of what is called subhashitani , literally meaning ‘well said’, picturesque in expression and import, embedded as diamonds strewn . They throw light on human nature, on virtues like truthfulness,  compassion, love, humility, charity, perseverance, human effort etc, code of conduct according to one’s role in the family or society and practical advice when faced with obstacles or difficulties.  They also warn us against negative emotions like anger, jealousy, greed, conceit, fault-finding etc.  It has to be pointed out here that the selections are not intended to bring out the poetic excellences or provide a critical appreciation of the works concerned

Raghuvamsam (Mahakavi Kalidasa)

हे�म्नः� स��क्ष्य�� ह्यग्नः� विवेशु!द्धि+: श्य�मिमाका�ऽविप वे�Hemnah samlakshyate hyagnau vishuddhih shyaamikaapi va

The purity or otherwise  of gold can be tested only when it is put through the fire

वि/य� विहे वेस्�0पविहे�� प्रस2दावि�Kriyaa hi vastoopahutaa praseedati

Knowledge imparted only  to a fit recipient will yield the desired result.

पदा� विहे सवे�त्र गौ!णाः3र्निनः5धी2य��Padam hi sarvatra gunairnidheeyate

Good qualities put their footprints everywhere.

द्धिभान्नरुलि9र्निहे5 � का�Bhinnaruchirhi lokah

People have varied tastes, likes and dislikes.

मारणाः� प्रका: वि�� शुर2रिरणाः�� विवेका: वि�र्जी=विवे�मा!च्य�� बु!धी3� क्षणाःमाप्यवेवि�ष्ठ�� श्वसनः� यदिदा र्जी��!नः�नः! ��भावे�नःस�

Maranam prakritih shareerinaam vikritirjeevitamuchyate budhaihKshanamapyavatishthate shwasanyadi janturnanu laabhavaanasau

Wise men say that death is a natural thing for the embodied sou whereas life is accidental. Even if one is able to breathe and be alive for a second, it should be considered as a gain.

स्वेशुर2रशुर2रिरणाः�वेविप श्रु!� स�य गौ विवेपय�य� यदा� विवेरहे�� विकामिमावे�नः!��पय��� वेदा बु�ह्य3र्निवे5षय3र्निवे5पद्धिG���

Swashareerashareerinaavapi shruta samyoga viparyayau yadaaVirahah kimivaanutaapayedvada baahyairvishayaih vipashchitaam

When the union and separation of the body (shareera )  and the indweller of the body (shareeree, Jiva) is common knowledge, how could the separation (viraha)  from external entities cause grief to a wise person? 

Kumarasambhavam (Mahakavi Kalidasa)

विवेका�रहे��� सवि� विवेवि/य��� य�ष�� नः 9����लिस � एवे धी2र��

Vikaarahetau sati vikriyante Yeshaam na chetaamsi ta eva dheeraah

Only he can be considered a dheera ( a person of courage) whose mind is not disturbed or overcome by emotions even in the presence of objects of temptation.

प्र�य�णाः स�माग्र्यविवेधी� गौ!णाः�नः�मा� पर�ङ्मुKखी2 विवेश्वस:र्जी� प्रवे:लिM�

Praayena saamagryavidhau gunaanaamParaangmukhee vishwasrijah pravrittih

In most of the cases, the Creator Brahma is reluctant to assemble all the good qualities in one place (person).  (The idea is even the best of men will have a few failings.)

का ईप्सिप्स��र्थ�स्थिQरविनःGय� मानः�पयG विनःम्नः�द्धिभामा!खी� प्र�2पय���  

Ka eepsitaartha sthiranishchayam manahPayashcha nimnaabhimukham prateepayet

Who can reverse the course of two things, namely, the mind which is steadfastly clinging to the desired object and water which always flows from  higher level to lower level ?

शुर2रमा�द्यं� खी�! धीमा�स�धीनःमा�

Shareeramaadyam khalu dharmasaadhanam

The human body is the first instrument for treading the path of dharma

नः रत्नःमान्ति�वेष्यवि� मा:ग्य�� विहे ���

 Na ratnamanwishyati mrigyate hi tat

A valuable diamond does not seek,  it is only sought after.

अ� कास�मा��यमालि9�त्यहे��!का� विUषन्ति�� मा�दा�Gरिर�� माहे�त्मानः�मा�

Alokasaamaanyam achintyahetukamDwishanti mandaashcharitam mahaatmanaam

Fools deride the character of great souls whose conduct and behaviour are different from those of ordinary mortals who cannot think of possible reasons for such difference.

प्र�य� प्रत्ययमा�दाM� स्वेगौ!णाः�ष0Mमा�दार�

Praayah pratyayamaadatte swaguneshoottamaadaarh

Respect or recognition by men of noble character instills into one a belief in one’s own good qualities.

य�च्ञा� मा घे� वेरमालिधीगौ!णाः� नः�धीमा� �ब्धका�मा�

Yaachjnaa moghaa varamadhigune naadhame labdhakaamaa

Begging of a  noble person and not getting what one wants is much better than begging of a mean person and getting what one wants.

रिरक्तः� सवेY भावेवि� विहे �घे!� प0णाः��� गौ�रवे�यRiktah sarve bhavati hi laghuh poornata gauravaaya

Empty ( of wealth, knowledge, good qualities etc) one loses dignity and respect in society. Fullness ( of wealth, knowledge, good qualities etc.) , on the other hand, gives one dignity and respect in society.

आपन्न�र्नि�5प्रशुमानःफ���  सम्पदा ह्यKMमा�नः�मा�

Aapannaartiprashamanaphalaah sampado hyuttamaanaam

Noble souls use their wealth for the purpose of wiping out the misery and suffering of those overcome by misfortune.

कास्य�त्य��� स!खीमा!पनः�� दु: खीमा�का���� वे� नः293गौ�च्छत्य!परिर 9 दाशु� 9/नः�मिमा/मा�णाः

Kasyaatyantam sukhamupanatam dukhamekaantato vaaNeechairgachchhatyupari cha dashaa chakranemikramena

There is none who is always happy and comfortable and none who is always unhappy and miserable.  Happiness and sorrow alternate like the rim of a wheel which goes up and down 

Abhijnaanashaakuntalam Natakam   (Mahakavi Kalidasa) विकामिमावे विहे माधी!र�णाः�� माण्डनः� नः�का: �2नः�मा�

Kimivahi madhuraanaam mandanam naakriteenaam?

Which is not an adornment for a beautiful form? (Anything can add to the beauty if one has a beautiful form)

स��� विहे स�दा�हेपदा�ष! वेस्�!ष! प्रमा�णाःमा��कारणाः प्रवे:Mय�

Sataam hi sandehapadeshu vastushuPramaanam antahkarana pravruttayah

For people of character, when in a dilemma whether a particular conduct or deed is good or bad, their own inner voice or conscience is the final arbiter.

अर्थa विहे का�य� परकाbय एवेArtho hi kanyaa parakeeya eva

A girl child  is another man’s  property and she is held in trust by the parents.

औत्स!क्यमा�त्रमावेस�ययवि� प्रवि�ष्ठ�Autsukyamaatramavasaayayati  pratishthaa

When one gets recognition,  the enthusiasm which was there while endeavouring to get that recognition, cools down.

अनः!भावेवि� विहे मा0र्ध्नानः�� प�दापस्�2व्रमा!ष्णाः� । शुमायवि� परिर��प� छा�यय� स�द्धिश्रु��नः�मा� ॥

Anubhavati hi moordhnaa paadapasteevramushnamShamayati paritaapam chchhaayayaa samshritaanaam

The tree bears the intense heat on its head while it lessens the heat for those who take shelter under it. 

भावेन्ति�� नःम्रा�स्�रवे फ� द्गमा3� नःवे��बु!द्धिभाभा0�मिमाविवे��विबुनः घेनः��

अनः!+��� सत्प!रुष� समा:द्धि+द्धिभा� स्वेभा�वे एवे3ष पर पका�रिरणाः�मा�

Bhavanti namraastarava phalodgamaihNavaambubhirbhoomivilambino ghanaahAnuddhataah satpurushaah samriddhibhihSwabhaava evaisha paropakaarinaam 

Trees laden with fruits bend down so that people may pluck and enjoy the fruits.  Clouds laden with water come down in the form of rain cooling the earth and watering plants and trees.  In the same way noble men do not become conceited when fortune embraces them but use their wealth to help others.  This is the nature of persons who are always eager to be of help to fellow humans. 

स्रर्जीमाविप द्धिशुरस्यन्धः� द्धिक्षप्�� धी!नः त्यविहेशु�काय�Srajamapi shirasyandhah kshiptaam dhunotyahishankayaa

One who is blind throws away even a garland of flower placed on his head,  thinking it is a snake.

Vikramorvasheeyam Natakam   (Mahakavi Kalidasa)

यदा�वे पनः�� दु: खी��� स!खी� �द्रसवेMर�। विनःवे��णाः�य �रुच्छ�य� �प्�स्य विहे विवेशु�ष�� ॥

Yadevopanatam dukhaat sukham tadrasavattaram Nirvaanaaya taruchchhaayaa taptasya hi visheshatah

The happiness one gets after a period of grief is all the more enjoyable.  One who is afflicted by the intense heat of the Sun better enjoys the shade given by a tree than one who is not exposed to the Sun’s rays.

परस्परविवेर लिधी�य र�कास�श्रुयदु��भा� । स�गौमा� श्रु2सरस्वेत्य भा0�य�दुद्भूq�य� स��मा� ॥

ParasparavirodhinyorekasamshrayadurlabhamSangamam  shreesaraswatyorbhooyaadudbhootaye sataam

The conflicting attributes of wealth and learning rarely co-exist in one person.  Let there be such a rare union of Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati  for the benefit of the good people. 

सवे�स्�र�! दुगौ��द्धिणाः सवेY भाद्र�द्धिणाः पश्य�!। सवे�� का�मा�नःवे�प्नो �! सवे�� सवे�त्र नः�दा�! ॥

Sarvastaratu durgaani sarve bhadraani pashyatuSarvah kaamaanavaapnotu  sarvah sarvatra nandatu

May all cross their difficulties.  May all see good  and auspicious things.  May all get their wishes fulfilled.  May everyone everywhere be happy.

लिछान्नबुन्धः� मात्स्य� प��मिय�� विनःर्निवे5ण्णाः । धी2वेर भाणाःवि� धीमाa मा� भावेवि� ॥

Chchhinnabandhe matsye palaayite nirvinnoDheevaro bhanati dharmo me bhavati

When the fishing net was torn and fish leaped into the water the fisherman becomes dejected and consoles himself sayingthat he will get merit (punya)  (for allowing the fish to escape).

सवे�त्र खील्वे�त्मा�नः!मा�नः�नः वेर्नि�5�!� य!क्तःमा�

Sarvatra khalwaatmaanumaanena vartitum yuktam

It is best for every one to act in accordance with one’s status everywhere.

Malavikaagnimitram Natakam(Mahakavi Kalidasa)

प!र�णाःमिमात्य�वे नः स�धी! सवेt नः 9�ऽविप का�व्यं� नःवेमिमात्यवेद्यंमा�।

स��� पर2क्ष्य��य�र�� भार्जी��� मा0ढ्ः�� परप्रत्ययनः�यबु!द्धि+�  ॥

Puraanamityeva na saadhu sarvamNa chaapi kaavyam navamityavadyamSantah pareekshyaanyatarat bhajanteMoodhah parapratyayaneya buddhih

All kavyaas are not good only because they are old.   All kaavyas  are not bad because they are new. Good and wise people examine both and decide whether a kaavya is good or bad.  Only a fool will be blindly led by what others say.

अर्थt सप्रवि�बुन्धः� प्रभा!रलिधीगौ��!� सहे�यवे�नः�वे ।

दृश्य� �मालिस नः पश्यन्ति�� दाxप�नः विवेनः� स9क्ष!रविप  ॥

Artham sapratibandham prabhuradhigantum sahaayavaanevaDrishyam tamasi na pashyanti deepena vinaa sachakshurapi

Only one who has some one to help will be able to get hold of an object or achieve a goal when there are impediments or obstructions in the process.  Even a person with eyes will be able to see an object in darkness only with the help of a lamp.

मा�दा ऽप्यमा�दा��मा�वि� स�सगौYणाः विवेपद्धिG�� पङ्� कालिछादा� फ�स्य�वे विनःकाषYणाः�विवे��  पय�

Mando’pyamandataameti samsargena vipashchitahPankachchhidah phalasyeva nikashenaavilam payah

Even a fool becomes clever by association with the wise just as even muddy water becomes clear when  it comes into contact with the fruits of the nirmalee tree (i.e. when the fruits are  put in the water).

Kiraataarjuneeyam (Mahakavi Bharavi)

नःविहे विप्रय� वेक्तः! मिमाच्छन्ति�� मा:ष� विहे�3विषणाः�

 Nahi priyam vaktumichchhanti mrishaa hitaishinah

Those who mean well for others do not want to  please them  by false praise.

नःनः! वेक्तः: विवेशु�ष विनः: स्प:हे� गौ!णाःगौ:ह्य� वे9नः� विवेपद्धिG��

Nanu vaktrivishesha ni:sprihaa gunagrihyaa vachane vipashchitah

The wise are indifferent as to who uttered the words, they judge the words by their inherent quality

विनःवेसन्ति�� पर�/मा�श्रुय� नः विवेष�दा�नः समा� समा:+य�

Nivasanti paraakramaashrayaa na vishaadena samam samriddhayah

Abundance (affluence) co-exists with valour not with melancholy or absence of enthusiasm

सहेस� विवेदाधी2� नः वि/य�माविवेवे�का: परमा�पदा�� पदा�। वे:णाः!�� विहे विवेमा:श्यका�रिरणाः� गौ!णाः�!ब्ध�� स्वेयमा�वे सम्पदा� ॥

Sahasaa  vidadheeta na kriyaamavivekah paramaapadaam padamVrinute hi vimrishyakaarinam gunalubdhaah swayameva sampadah

Do not embark on an endeavour on the spur of the moment without analysing its pros and cons.  The absence of discrimination is the cause of great misfortune.  Fortune, ever greedy for good qualities in men,  embraces those who engage themselves in an endeavour after consultations and discussions with men of knowledge.

स्प:हेणाः2यगौ!णाः3मा�हे�त्माद्धिभाGरिर�� वेत्मा�विनः यच्छ��� मानः� विवेलिधीहे��!हेY�!र�गौस�� विवेविनःप�� ऽविप समा!न्न��स्समा�

Sprihaneeya gunairmahaatmabhih charite vartmani yachchhataam manahVidhiheturaheturaagasaam vinipaato’pi samunnateh samah

For those who follow in the footsteps of  great men possessing highly desirable qualities, even a downfall on account of fate and not involving wrong doings is equal to rising higher in status.

यशु ऽलिधीगौ��!� स!खीलि�प्सय� वे� मानः!ष्यस�ख्य�मावि�वेर्नि�5�!� वे� विनःरुत्स!का�नः�माद्धिभाय गौभा�र्जी�� समा!त्स!का� वे�ङ्� कामा!प3वि� लिसद्धि+�

Yasho’dhigantum sukhalipsayaa vaa manushyasamkhyaamativartitum vaaNirutsukaanaamabhiyogabhaajaam samutsukevaankamupaiti siddhih    

 Achievement, it seems,  is enthusiastic to sit on the lap of those who engage themselves diligently in an endeavour without caring for fame, happiness or rise in popularity.

किंका5 वे�वेस�दाकार आत्मावे��मा�

Kimivaavasaadakara aatmavataam

There is nothing which will tire out or disturb the mind of  high-minded persons.

प्र�मा पश्यवि� भाय�नःपदा�ऽविपPrema pashyati bhayaanapade’pi.

Love sees cause for fear even  in the most unlikely places

उपनः�मावेधी2रय�त्यभाव्यं��

Upanatamavadheerayantyabhavyaah

Unlucky persons disregard ( do not care about) what is already at hand

शुरदाम्बु!धीरच्छ�य� र्जीत्वेयa य�वेनःद्धिश्रुय� आप��रम्य�� विवेषय�� पय���परिर��विपनः�

Sharadambudharachchhaayaa jatwaryo yauvanashriyahAapaataramyaah vishayaah paryanta paritaapinah

Youth is fleeting like the clouds of autumn.  The pleasures of the senses are sweet in the beginning but yield bitter results in the end. 

�दा� रम्य�ण्यरम्य�द्धिणाः विप्रय� शुल्य� �दा�सवे� । �दा�का�काb सबु�धी!स्सनः� इष्टे�नः रविहे� यदा� ॥

Tadaa ramyaanyaramyaani priyah shalyam tadaasavahTadekaakee sabandhuh sannishtena rahito yadaa

when one’s loved one is absent,  beautiful things seem ugly,  what one likes including one’s own life becomes a pain, one feels lonely even in the midst of one’s relatives.  

र्जी2य���� दुर्जी�य� दा�हे� रिरपवेश्च्क्ष!र�दाय� । न्डिर्जी��ष! नःनः! � का ऽय� ��ष! का: त्स्नःस्त्वेय� न्डिर्जी��॥

Jeeyantaam durjayaa dehe ripavashchakshuraadayahJiteshu nanu loko’yam teshu kritsnastwayaa jitah

The enemies resident in the body,  namely the sense organs like the eyes,  which are difficult to control,  should be conquered.  Once they are conquered, it is as good as  the whole world has been conquered by you.

��वेदा�श्रुय�� �क्ष्म्य� ��वेदास्य स्थिQर� यशु� । प!रुषस्��वेदा�वे�स� य�वे�मा�नः�न्न हे2य�� ॥

Taavadaashreeyate lakshmyaa taavadasya sthiram yashahPurushastaavadevaasau yaavanmaanaanna heeyate

One can accumulate wealth, one’s fame remains  stable  and one is  considered a man of substance  only so long as one commands the respect of society.

प्रका: त्यमिमात्र� विहे स��मास�धीवे�

Prakrityamitraa hi sataamasaadhavah

Evil men are natural enemies of the good ones.

Shishupaalavadham   (Maagha kavi)

माहे2य��स� प्रका: त्य� मिमा�भाविषणाः�

Maheeyamsah prakrityaa mitabhaashinah

Great men, by nature, do not talk much (they limit their speech to the essentials only)

स�पदा� स!स्थिQर�मा�य भावेवि� स्वेल्पय�ऽविप य� । का: �का: त्य विवेलिधीमा��य� नः वेधी�यवि� �स्य ��मा� ॥

Sampadaa susthirammanyo bhavati swalpayaa’pi yahKritakrityo vidhirmanye na vardhayati tasya taam

In the case of one who is satisfied with a little wealth, even Fate (vidhih) thinks it has done its job and does not increase his wealth. (One should have enough ambition if he wants to accumulate lot of wealth and should not be content with what he has)

मा� र्जी2वेनः� य� पर�वेज्ञा�दु: खीदाग्धी ऽविप र्जी2वेवि�

 Maa jeevan yah paraavajnaadukhadagdho’pi jeevati

One who lives,  even after one has been scorched by the humiliation showered on him by others,  is as good as dead. 

स�मा��य�लिधीकारणाः�  विहे ��र्जीप्सिस्�मिमारय � का! ��

Saamaanyaadhikaranam hi tejastimirayo kutah?

Where is comparison between light and darkness ? There is no comparison at all.

आरभ्य���ऽल्पमा�वे�ऽज्ञा�� का�मा� व्यंग्रा� भावेन्ति�� 9 माहे�र�भा�� का: �लिधीय� वि�ष्ठन्ति�� 9 विनःर�का! ��:

Aarabhante’lpamevaa’jjnaah kaamam vyagraa bhavanti chaMahaarambhaah kritadhiyastishthanti cha niraakulaah

Fools start an undertaking in a small way and they struggle to complete it.  Great men start in a big way and accomplish the task remaining unruffled in spite of its magnitude.

उप�यमा�स्थिQ�स्य�विप नःश्य�त्यर्थ��� प्रमा�दा��Upaayamaasthitasyaapi nashyantyarthaah pramaadatah

The undertakings of those who are careless and negligent never bear fruit though they have used proper means.

अयर्थ�बु�मा�र�भा विनःदा�नः� क्षयसम्पदा�

Ayathaabalamaarambho nidaanam kshayasampadah

Embarking on something which is beyond one’s capacity or strength is one of the causes for diminution  in one’s wealth

बु:हेत्सहे�य�� का�य����� क्ष दाxय�नःविप गौच्छवि�

Brihatsahaayah kaaryaantam kshodeeyanapi gachchhati

Even small people can get their work done with the help of the big people

क्षणाः� क्षणाः� यन्नवे��मा!प3वि� �दा�वे रूप� रमाणाः2य��य��

Kshane Kshane yannavataamupaiti tadeva roopam ramaneeyataayaah

Beauty is that which takes on a new form every minute (so that the one who looks at it is never tired or bored)

Naishadheeya Charitam (Sri Harsha)

अप�� विहे �:प्�स्य नः वे�रिरधी�र� स्वे�दु� स!गौ�लिधी� स्वेदा�� �!ष�र�

Apaam hi triptaaya na vaaridhaara swaaduh sugandhih swadate tushaaraa

One who is satiated with water will not appreciate a pouring  of cool water sweet in taste and smell.   

विपM�नः दूनः� रसनः� लिस��विप वि�क्तः�य��

Pittena doone rasane sitaapi tiktaayate

When the tongue is corrupted by pitta, even sugar tastes bitter.

आर्जी�वे� विहे का! दि���ष! नः नः2वि��Aarjavam hi kutileshu na neetih

Straightforwardness is not the right policy when people of crooked mind are concerned.

मिमा�� 9 स�र� 9 वे9 विहे वे�न्तिग्मा��

Mitam cha saaram cha vacho hi vaagmitaa

Oratory is speech which is measured (not verbose) and at the same time pregnant with meaning.  

Mrichchhakatikam (Raja Sudraka)

शु0�यमाप!त्रस्य गौ:हे� लि9रशु0�य� नः�प्सिस्� यस्य सन्मि�मात्र�। मा0खी�स्य दिदाशु�� शु0�य�� सवेt शु0�य� दारिरद्रस्य ॥

Shoonyamaputrasya griham  chirashoonyam naasti yasya sanmitramMoorkhasya dishaah shoonyaah sarvam shoonyam daridrasya

The house of a childless person is shoonya (void),  for a person without a good  friend it is forever void,  the four quarters are void for the fool and  for the poor everything is shoonya (void).

स!खी� विहे दु: खी�नःनः!भा0य शु भा�� घेनः��धीका�र�न्तिष्वेवे दाxपदाशु�नःमा�

Sukham hi dukhaananubhooya shobhate ghanaandhakaareshwiwa deepadarshnam

Happiness is more appreciated after one experiences grief over a period in the same way as light is more appreciated by a person in pitch darkness.

स!खी�M! य य�वि� नःर दारिरद्र��� धी:�� शुर2र�णाः मा:�� स र्जी2वेवि�

Sukhaattu  yo yaati naro daridrataam Dhritah shareerena mritah sa jeevati

One who has enjoyed prosperity is suddenly reduced to penury  is as good as dead even while living.

दा�रिरद्र�य��मारणाः�U� मारणाः� मामा र 9�� नः दा�रिरद्र�य� । अल्पक्��शु� मारणाः� दा�रिरद्र�यमानः��का� दु: खीमा� ॥

Daaridryaanmaranaadwaa maranam mama rochate na daaridryamAlpaklesham maranam daaridryamanantakam dukham

If I have to choose between death and penury I will choose death not penury.  Death involves only a little distress but penury brings unending physical and mental agony.

दा�रिरद्र�य�त्प!रुषस्य बु��धीवेर्जीनः वे�क्य� नः स�वि�ष्ठ�� स!प्सिस्नःग्धी�� विवेमा!खी2भावेन्ति�� स!हृदा� स्फा�र2भावे�त्य�पदा�

सत्त्वे� ह्रस्वेमा!प3वि� शु2�शुद्धिशुनः� का�न्ति�� परिरम्��य�� प�पमा� कामा� 9 यत्पर3रविप का: �� �Mस्य सम्भा�व्यं��

Daaridryaatpurushasya baandhavajano vaakye na santishthateSusnigdhaah vimukheebhavanti suhridah sphaareebhavantyaapadahSattwam hraasamupaiti sheelashashinah kaantih parimlaayatePaapam karma cha yatparairapi kritam tattasya sambhaavyate

If one is poor,  his relatives don’t heed his words, even loving friends neglect him, his misfortunes spread out, his physical and mental strength shrinks, the moon of his good conduct becomes pale and even the wrongs committed by others are foisted on to him.

गौ!णाः�� खी�! अनः!र�गौस्य का�रणाः� नः बु��त्का�र�Gunaah khalu anuraagasya kaaranam na balaatkarah

It is because of one’s qualities one is loved not because of force.

स�हेस� श्रु2 प्रवि�वेसवि�

Saahase shree prativasati

In adventure resides Goddess Lakshmi (Only those who are adventurous can amass wealth)

Uttararaamacharitam (Bhavabhuti)

स��� सद्धिद्भूस्स�गौ� क्र्थमाविप विहे प!ण्य�नः भावेवि�

Sataam sadbhih sangah kathamapi hi punyena bhavati

The meeting of good people with good people somehow happens only by punya (fruit of meritorious deeds done in the past)  

विप्रयप्र�य� वे:लिM� विवेनःयमाधी!र वे�लि9 विनःयमा� प्रका: त्य� काल्य�णाः2 मावि�रनःवेगौ2�� परिर9य�।

प!र वे� पG�U� �दिदादामाविवेपय��लिस� रस� रहेस्य� स�धी0नः�मानः!पदिदा विवेशु!+� विवेर्जीय��॥

Priyapraayaa vrittih vinayamadhuro vaachi niyamahPrakrityaa kalyaanee matiranavageetah parichayahPuro vaa pashchaadwaa tadidamaviparyaasita rasamRahasyam saadhoonaamanupadhi vishuddham vijayate

Loving, polite and pleasing  interaction with others,  controlled speech, a heart which only thinks of the good of others, introduction which is not boastful, Uniform behaviour before and after (when face to face  or behand the back)– These are the secrets, pure and simple, of saintly souls.

वेज्रा�दाविप काठो र�द्धिणाः मा:दूविनः का! स!मा�दाविप । � का Mर�णाः�� 9����लिस का नः विवेज्ञा��!माहे�वि�॥

Vajraadapi kathhoraani mridooni kusumaadapiLokottaraanaam chetaamsi ko nu vijnaatumarhati.

The hearts of the best of men who are a cut above the ordinary people are harder than diamond (when facing obstacles or  enemies )  and softer than flowers (towards the less privileged and the miserable).  Who can understand the hearts of such men?   नः विकास्थि�9दाविप का! वे��णाः� स�ख्य3दु�:खी��यप हेवि�।

�Mस्य विकामाविप द्रव्यं� य विहे यस्य विप्रय र्जीनः�

Na kinchidapi kurvaanah saukhyairdukhaanyapohatiTattasya kimapi dravyam yo hi yasya priyo janah

Without doing anything, if one converts the sorrows of another person into joy and happiness, then the first one,  who is the object of love for the second one,  is a valuable thing for the latter.

अ���कारणाः�त्त्वेस्य दाम्पत्य � स्नः�ह्स�श्रुय���। आनः�दाग्रान्मि�र�का ऽय� अपत्यमिमावि� बुर्ध्नाय�� ॥

Antahkaranatattwasya dampatyoh snehasamshrayaatAanandagranthireko’yam apatyamiti badhyate

The concrete manifestation of the joy arising out of the union of the minds of the husband and the wife is called apatyam (progeny) on which converges the love of both of them.

एका रस� कारुणाः एवे विनःमिमाMभा�दा��� द्धिभान्न� प:र्थक्प:र्थविगौवे�श्रुय�� विवेवे���नः� । आवे�� बु!द्बुKदा �र�गौमाय�नः� विवेका�र�नः�

अ�भा यर्थ� सलि��मा�वे �! �त्समास्�मा� ॥।

Eko rasah karuna eva nimittabhedaa-dbhinnah pruthakprithagivaashrayate vivartaanAavarta budbuda taranga mayaan vikaaraanAmbho yathaa salilameva tu tatsamastam

Karuna(pathetic) rasa (emotion) is the only one which manifests in the form of other emotions like sringara (love) etc. depending on the underlying circumstances which give rise to the emotion in the same way as bubbles, waves, swell etc are only different forms that water takes.  The  basic substance is water only. गौ!णाः��  प0र्जी�Q�नः�

गौ!द्धिणाःष! नः 9 लि�ङ्गं� नः 9 वेय�

Gunaah poojaasthaanamGunishu n cha lingam na cha vayah

Good qualities are appreciated in whomsoever they are found.  The sex or the age of the person is not taken into consideration.

ऋषय र�क्षस2मा�हुः� वे�9मा!�माMदृप्�य � स� य विनः� स9�वे3र�णाः�� स विहे � कास्य विनःऋवि��

Rishayo raakshaseemaahurvaachamunmattadriptayoh

Saa yonih sarva vairaanaam saa hi lokasya nirritih

The speech of intoxicated and conceited persons is termed as raakshasee (demoniac) by the rishis.  Such speech is the root cause of all enmities and that is hell in this world.

का�मा� दुग्धी� विवेप्रका: ष्यत्य�क्ष्मा� काbर्तिं�5 स0�� दुष्का: �� य� विहेनःप्सिस्� ।

��� 9�प्य���� मा��र� मा�गौ��नः�� धी�नः!� धी2र�� स0नः:��� वे�9मा�हुः� ॥

Kaamam dugdhe viprakarshatyalakshmeemKeertim soote dushkritam yaa hinastiTaam chaapyetaam maataram mangalaanaamDhenum dheeraah soonritaam vaachamaahuh

Speech that is embellished by truth and love yields all one’s wishes, drives away poverty, builds a reputation, prevents wrong doings in the same way as the Cow Mother which yields all auspicious things.

व्यंवि�षर्जीवि� पदा�र्थ��नः���र: का ऽविप हे��!- नः� खी�! बुविहेरुप�धी2नः� प्र2�य� स�श्रुय��� ।

विवेकासवि� विहे प��गौस्य दाय� प!ण्डर2का� द्रवेवि� 9 विहेमारश्मा�वे!द्ग�� 9�द्रका���� ॥

Vyatishajati padaarthaanaantarah ko’pi hetu-rna khalu bahirupaadheeen preetayah samshrayanteVikasati hi patangasyodaye pundareekam’Dravati cha himarashmavudgate chandrakaantah

It is some internal cause which  brings together people.  Love does not depend upon external attributes. The lotus blossoms when the sun rises (though the lotus is delicate and the sun’s rays are hot), the moon stone starts melting when exposed to  moonlight (though moonlight is soft and the moon stone is hard). 

विप्रय�नः�शु� का: त्स्नः� विका� र्जीगौदारण्य� विहे भावेवि�Priyaanaashe kritsnam kila jagadaranyam hi bhavati

When the woman one loves is lost the whole world turns into a dense jungle for the one who loves.

स्नः�हेच्च विनःमिमाMसव्यंप�क्षG�वि� विवेप्रवि�विष+मा����

 Snehachcha nimittasavyapekshashcheti vipratishiddhametat

Love and existence of a cause for such love, these two are mutually contradictory

Mudraaraakshasam Nataka (Vishakhadatta)

नः य!क्तः� प्र�का: �माविप रिरप!� अवेज्ञा��!मा�Na yuktam praakritamapi ripumavajnaatum

It is not proper to disregard or neglect even an ordinary enemy.

काbदृशुस्�:णाः�नः�� अन्तिग्नःनः� सहे विवेर धी: ?

Keedrishastrinaanaam agninaa saha virodhah?    What  kind of enmity the grass has towards fire ?  (there is no enmity, it is the nature of fire to burn anything whatsoever)

विहेमावेवि� दिदाव्यं�षधीय� शु2षY सप�� समा�विवेष्टे:

Himavati divyaushadhayah sheershe sarpah samaavishtah

There are divine medicinal plants in the Himalayas. But on top of it are serpents

पर�यM� प्र2��� कार्थमिमावे रस� वे�लिM प!रुष:?Paraayattah  preeteh kathamiva rasam vetti purushah?

How does a man who is under the control of another know the joy of love.

इहे विवेर9यनः� स�र्ध्नावे� द्धिशुष्य� वि/य�� नः विनःवे�य��� त्यर्जीवि� �! यदा� मा�गौt मा हे�Mदा� गौ!रुरङ्� का! शु�

Iha virachayan saadhweem shishyah kriyaam na nivaaryateTyajati tu yadaa maargam mohaattadaa gururankushah 

Here the disciple is not prevented from doing anything good.  But when he deviates from the right path guru will act as ankusha (weapon used to control an elephant), meaning he will be controlled and brought back to the correct path.

Dashakumaaracharitam (Dandi)

र्जी�बु!द्बुKदासमा�नः� विवेर�र्जीमा�नः� सम्प�� �विडल्��खी�वे सहेस दा�वि� नःश्यवि� 9

Jalabudbudasamaanaa viraajamaanaa sampat tadillekheva sahasodeti nashyati cha

The glittering wealth is like the bubbles on water.  Like lightning it rises suddenly and perishes with the same speed.

इहे र्जीगौवि� विहे नः विनःर2हेदा�विहेनः� द्धिश्रुय� स�श्रुय���

Iha jagati hi na nireehadehinam shriyah samshrayante 

In this world one who does not put in effort (i.e. one who is inactive) does not acquire wealth

श्रु�य��लिस 9 सका���यनः�स�नः�� हेस्�� विनःत्यस�लिन्नद्ध्या�विनः

Shreyaamsi cha sakalaanyanalasaanaam haste nityasaannidhyaani

All prosperity and welfare  is always in the hands of those who are always active, who do not know laziness  

Harshacharitam (Bana)

अवि�र षणाःGक्ष!ष्मा�नःप्यन्धः एवे

Atiroshanashchakshushmaanapyandha eva janah

The angry person, though possessing eyes,  is blind.

नः स�त्य�वे �� य�ष�� स��माविप नः विवेद्यं��� मिमात्र दा�स2नःशुत्रवे�

Na santyeva te yeshaam sataamapi sataam na vidyante mitrodaaseenashatravah

There are no such persons who do not have friends, enemies or neutrals even though such persons possess good qualities.

उपय गौ� �! नः प्र2वि�र्निवे59�रयवि�Upayogam tu na preetirvichaarayati

Love does not consider use or benefit.

Kaadambari (Baana)

सवे�र्थ� नः का�9नः नः स्प:शुवि� शुर2रधीमा��णाःमा!प��प��Sarvathaa na kanchana na sprishati  shareeradharmaanamupataapaah

It is not possible that one,  who is subject to the vagaries of a body, will not ever suffer any disease or discomfort

स!खीमा!पदिदाश्य�� परस्यSukhamupadishyate parasya

It is easy to preach to others

बुहुःभा�विषणाः नः श्रुद्दधीवि� � का�Bahubhashino na shraddadhaati lokah

People do not listen to one who talks too much.

मिमाथ्य�विप �Mर्थ� यर्थ� गौ:हे2�� � का� नः

Mithyaapi tattathaa yathaa griheeetam lokena

Untruth takes the same form as the one given to it by people. 

Kaavyameemaamsaa (Kaviraja Rajashekharah)

प्र�य� प्र�णाःभा:��� प्र�मा�णाःमा��र�णाः नः��यद्बुन्धःनःमाप्सिस्�Praayah praanabhritaam premaanamantarena naanyadbandhanamasti

Generally, for the living,  there is no bondage except love.

पक्षप�� विहे गौ!णाःदा ष� विवेपय��सयवि�

Pakshapaato hi gunadoshau viparyaasayati

 It is only partiality that interchanges good and bad (i.e. good is considered as bad and bad is considered as good)

पर3G पर2क्षय��� यदुदा�स2नः� पश्यवि� नः �दानः!ष्ठ���वि� प्र�य वे�दा�

Paraishcha pareekshayet.  Yadudaaseenah pashyati na tadanushthaateti praayo vaadah

The plan should be got examined by outsiders.   The argument is, what the neutral person sees,  the one who executes may not see most of the time.

अविनःय�का���� प्रवे:Mय विवेप्�वे���

Aniyatakaalaah pravrittayo viplavante

Actions not done at the appropriate time do not yield the desired result

सम्यक्स्वे�प वेप!ष� परमा�र ग्य�य

Samyakswaapo vapushah paramaarogyaaya

The right kind of sleep is good for a very healthy body.

मावि�दाप�णाः� कावे2नः�� विवेश्व� प्रवि�फ�वि�Matidarpane kaveenaam vishwam pratiphalati

In the mirror of the poet’s mind  there is the reflection of the world.

Kathaasaritsaagaram (Somadeva)

अप्र�प्य� नः�मा नः�हे�प्सिस्� धी2रस्य व्यंवेस�मियनः�Apraapyam naama nehaasti dheerasya vyavasaayinah

There is nothing unattainable to the one who has courage and who works hard.

अश्नु!�� स विहे काल्य�णाः� व्यंसनः� य नः मा!ह्यवि�Ashnute sa hi kalyaanam vyasane yo na muhyati

Only one who does not lose his cool in adversity will enjoy prosperity

एकालि9M� Uय र�वे विकामास�र्ध्नाय� भावे�दिदावि�

Ekachitte dwayoreva kimasaadhyam bhavediti

When two people think alike then what is it that is impossible?

कारुणाः�द्र�� विहे सवे�स्य स�� ऽका�रणाःबु�न्धःवे��Karunaardraa hi sarvasya santo’kaaranabaandhavaah

Good people whose heart is full of sympathy and kindness become, without selfish motives, the friends or relatives of all.

का�मा� व्यंसनःवे:क्षस्य मा0�� दुर्जी�नःस�गौवि��Kaamam vyasana vrikshasya moolam durjana sangatih

The root cause of sorrow is the company of bad people.

त्यर्जी�त्य!Mमासत्वे� विहे प्र�णाः�नःविप नः सत्पर्थ�

Tyajantyuttamasatwaa hi praanaanapi na satpatham 

Those of good nature may give up their life but not the righteous path.

पङ्� का विहे नःभालिस द्धिक्षप्�� क्ष�प्�!� प�वि� मा0धी�विनःPanko hi nabhasi kshiptah ksheptuh patati moordhani

Mud, thrown at the sky, falls on the head of the person who throws it  (If one does something bad it recoils on him)

Panchatantra (Vishnu Sharma)

नः स्वेल्पस्य का: �� भा0रिर नः�शुय��मावि�मा�न्नर�

 Na swalpasya krite bhoori naashayenmatimaannarah

 The wise man should not incur a big loss for the sake of a little gain. 

प्र�का�श्य� स्वेगौ!णाः दाय�नः गौ!द्धिणाःनः गौच्छन्ति�� किंका5 र्जी�मानः�

Praakaashyam swagunodayena gunino gachchhanti kim janmanaa

Good people are noticed by their good qualities, not by birth.

प3शु!�य�द्धिद्भूद्यं�� स्नः�हे�Paishunyaadbhidyate snehah

Love and friendship are broken by backbiting.

  यस्य बु!द्धि+बु��� �स्य विनःबु!�+�स्�! का! � बु�मा�

Yasya buddhirbalam tasya nirbuddhestu kuto balam?

He who has brains has strength (power), where is power in a fool?

स�वे�धीमा�� परमा गौहेनः य विगौनः�माप्यगौम्य�

Sevaadharmah parama gahano yoginaamapyagamyah

To be in the service of another is a difficult job which even a yogi may not be able to fulfill.

मा:दुनः� सलि���नः खी�यमा�नः��यवेघेष�न्ति�� विगौर�रविप Q��विनः

Mridunaa salilena khanyamaanaanyavaghrishyanti girerapi sthalani

Eroded by the soft water incessantly, even the hard stones of the mountain wear away over time.

दाxघेa बु!द्धि+मा� बु�हूDeergho buddhimato baahoo

The hands of the one with brains are long indeed.  ( Using his brains he can do many things with hands which less brainy fellows cannot do)

यद्भूविवेष्य विवेनःश्यवि�

Yadbhavishyo vinashyati

 One  will face adversity if one does not take precautions to counteract anticipated  difficulties or problems

बुहूनः�माप्यस�र�णाः�� समावे�य विहे दुर्जी�य�Bahoonaamapyasaaraanaam samavayoo hi durjayah.

If a large number of people unite for a purpose they become invincible, though each one, by himself  is weak.

अत्य�दार� शुङ्� कानः2य�Atyaadarah shankaneeyah

One should be circumspect with regard  to those who show more than the usual respect or regard.

स�पM� 9 विवेपM� 9 माहे��मा�कारूप��

Sampattau cha vipattau cha mahataamekaroopataa

 In prosperity and adversity the great do not lose their equilibrium.

  का� पर� विप्रयवे�दिदानः�मा�

 Kah parah priyavaadinaam?

  Who is not one’s own for people of soft and soothing speech.

नः/� स्वेQ�नःमा�स�द्यं गौर्जी��द्रमाविप काष�वि�

  Nakrah swasthaanamaasaadya gajendramapi karshati

  The crocodile, in his own habitat, can drag even an elephant into the water. 

का: शु� कास्य�प्सिस्� स�हृदामा�?  Krishe kasyaasti sauhridam?

  Who will make friends with a lean (down and out) person?

आत्मानः� प्रवि�का0 ��विनः पर�शु� नः समा�9र��� Aaatmanah pratikoolaani pareshaam na samaacharet

That which is hurting oneself should not be done to others.

अनः�गौ�� य� का! रु�� स शु भा�� स शु च्य�� य नः कार त्यनः�गौ�मा�

Anaagatam yah kurute sa shobhate,Sa shochyate yo na karotyanaagatam.

One who takes precautions before misfortune strikes will prosper.  One who does not take action when misfortune is anticipated,  will come to grief.

स���पयन्ति�� कार्थमापथ्यभा!र्जी� नः र गौ��Santapayanti kamapathyabhujam na rogaah

How can one be unaffected by diseases if one eats food not conducive to one’s  health ?

सवे�नः�शु� समा!त्पन्न� अधीt त्यर्जीवि� पप्सिण्ड��Sarvanaashe samutpanne ardham tyajati panditah

When everything is at stake the wise give up half of it to save the other half.

उदा�र9रिर��नः�� �! वेस!धी3वे का! �!�बुकामा�

Udaaracharitaanaam tu vasudhaiva kutumbakam

To those of generous character( disposition) the whole world is one family.

यदृशु2 भा�वेनः� यस्य लिसद्धि+भा�वेवि� ��दृशु2Yadrishee bhaavanaa yasya siddhirbhavati taadrishee

Whatever one dreams or imagines the outcome will be similar.

Hitopadesha (Narayana Panditah)

  उद्यंमा�नः विहे लिसद्ध्यान्ति�� का�य��द्धिणाः नः मानः रर्थ3�Udyamena hi siddhyanti kaaryaani na manorathaih

One’s goal is achieved by industry (hard work) and not by building castles in the air.

ज्ञा�नः� भा�र� वि/य�� विवेनः�

Jnaanam bhaarah kriyaam vinaa

Without action knowledge is a burden (knowledge, not put into practice, is sheer waste)