QUOTABLE QUOTES FROM SANSKRIT CLASSICS

Quotes 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. Klidsa 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 Mahkvyas:
Kumarasambhavam by Kalidasa
Kiratarjuniyam by Bharavi
Sishupalavadham by Sri Magha
Naishadheeya Charitam by Sri Harsha
There is a sloka which says about these mahakavis:


Upamaa kaalidaasasya bharaverarthagauravam
Dandinah padalaalityam maaghe santi trayo gunaah

Kalidasa excels in the use of similes and metaphors in his poetry,

Bharavis works are pregnant with meaning, Dandis 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.
Somadevas 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 Nti-ataka and Vairgya-ataka.
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 ones
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)

:

Hemnah samlakshyate hyagnau vishuddhih shyaamikaapi va

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

Kriyaa hi vastoopahutaa praseedati

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

Padam hi sarvatra gunairnidheeyate

Good qualities put their footprints everywhere.

Bhinnaruchirhi lokah
People have varied tastes, likes and dislikes.

Maranam prakritih shareerinaam vikritirjeevitamuchyate budhaih

Kshanamapyavatishthate 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.

Swashareerashareerinaavapi shruta samyoga viparyayau yadaa

Virahah 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)

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.

Praayena saamagryavidhau gunaanaam

Paraangmukhee 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.)

Ka eepsitaartha sthiranishchayam manah

Payashcha 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 ?

Shareeramaadyam khalu dharmasaadhanam

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

Na ratnamanwishyati mrigyate hi tat

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

Alokasaamaanyam achintyahetukam
Dwishanti 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.

Praayah pratyayamaadatte swaguneshoottamaadaarh

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

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.

Riktah 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.

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

Kasyaatyantam sukhamupanatam dukhamekaantato vaa
Neechairgachchhatyupari 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)

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)


Sataam hi sandehapadeshu vastushu
Pramaanam 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.

Artho hi kanyaa parakeeya eva

A girl child is another mans property and she is held in trust by

the parents.

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


Anubhavati hi moordhnaa paadapasteevramushnam
Shamayati paritaapam chchhaayayaa samshritaanaam
The tree bears the intense heat on its head while it lessens the heat
for those who take shelter under it.




Bhavanti namraastarava phalodgamaih
Navaambubhirbhoomivilambino ghanaah
Anuddhataah satpurushaah samriddhibhih
Swabhaava 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.

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)


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 Suns rays.





Parasparavirodhinyorekasamshrayadurlabham
Sangamam 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.

Sarvastaratu durgaani sarve bhadraani pashyatu
Sarvah 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.


Chchhinnabandhe matsye palaayite nirvinno
Dheevaro bhanati dharmo me bhavati
When the fishing net was torn and fish leaped into the water the
fisherman becomes dejected and consoles himself saying
that he will get merit (punya) (for allowing the fish to escape).

Sarvatra khalwaatmaanumaanena vartitum yuktam

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

Malavikaagnimitram Natakam(Mahakavi Kalidasa)

Puraanamityeva na saadhu sarvam
Na chaapi kaavyam navamityavadyam
Santah pareekshyaanyatarat bhajante
Moodhah 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.


Artham sapratibandham prabhuradhigantum sahaayavaaneva
Drishyam 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.


Mandopyamandataameti samsargena vipashchitah
Pankachchhidah 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)

Nahi priyam vaktumichchhanti mrishaa hitaishinah
Those who mean well for others do not want to please them by
false praise.
:
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

Nivasanti paraakramaashrayaa na vishaadena samam samriddhayah
Abundance (affluence) co-exists with valour not with melancholy or
absence of enthusiasm
:

Sahasaa vidadheeta na kriyaamavivekah paramaapadaam padam
Vrinute 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.


Sprihaneeya gunairmahaatmabhih charite vartmani yachchhataam
manah
Vidhiheturaheturaagasaam vinipaatopi 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.


Yashodhigantum sukhalipsayaa vaa
manushyasamkhyaamativartitum vaa
Nirutsukaanaamabhiyogabhaajaam 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.

Kimivaavasaadakara aatmavataam
There is nothing which will tire out or disturb the mind of highminded persons.

Prema pashyati bhayaanapadepi.
Love sees cause for fear even in the most unlikely places

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


Sharadambudharachchhaayaa jatwaryo yauvanashriyah
Aapaataramyaah 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.



Tadaa ramyaanyaramyaani priyah shalyam tadaasavah
Tadekaakee sabandhuh sannishtena rahito yadaa
when ones loved one is absent, beautiful things seem ugly, what
one likes including ones own life becomes a pain, one feels lonely
even in the midst of ones relatives.



Jeeyantaam durjayaa dehe ripavashchakshuraadayah
Jiteshu nanu lokoyam 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.


Taavadaashreeyate lakshmyaa taavadasya sthiram yashah
Purushastaavadevaasau yaavanmaanaanna heeyate
One can accumulate wealth, ones fame remains stable and one is
considered a man of substance only so long as one commands the
respect of society.

Prakrityamitraa hi sataamasaadhavah
Evil men are natural enemies of the good ones.

Shishupaalavadham (Maagha kavi)

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



Sampadaa susthirammanyo bhavati swalpayaapi yah
Kritakrityo 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)
:

Maa jeevan yah paraavajnaadukhadagdhopi jeevati

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

Saamaanyaadhikaranam hi tejastimirayo kutah?
Where is comparison between light and darkness ? There is no
comparison at all.

:
Aarabhantelpamevaajjnaah kaamam vyagraa bhavanti cha
Mahaarambhaah 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.

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

Ayathaabalamaarambho nidaanam kshayasampadah

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

Brihatsahaayah kaaryaantam kshodeeyanapi gachchhati
Even small people can get their work done with the help of the big
people

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)

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.

Pittena doone rasane sitaapi tiktaayate
When the tongue is corrupted by pitta, even sugar tastes bitter.

Aarjavam hi kutileshu na neetih
Straightforwardness is not the right policy when people of crooked
mind are concerned.


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)

Shoonyamaputrasya griham chirashoonyam naasti yasya
sanmitram
Moorkhasya 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).
:
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.

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.

:
Daaridryaanmaranaadwaa maranam mama rochate na daaridryam
Alpaklesham 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.

Daaridryaatpurushasya baandhavajano vaakye na santishthate
Susnigdhaah vimukheebhavanti suhridah
sphaareebhavantyaapadah
Sattwam hraasamupaiti sheelashashinah kaantih parimlaayate
Paapam karma cha yatparairapi kritam tattasya sambhaavyate
If one is poor, his relatives dont 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.

Gunaah khalu anuraagasya kaaranam na balaatkarah
It is because of ones qualities one is loved not because of force.

Saahase shree prativasati
In adventure resides Goddess Lakshmi (Only those who are
adventurous can amass wealth)
Uttararaamacharitam (Bhavabhuti)

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)




Priyapraayaa vrittih vinayamadhuro vaachi niyamah
Prakrityaa kalyaanee matiranavageetah parichayah
Puro vaa pashchaadwaa tadidamaviparyaasita rasam
Rahasyam 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.

Vajraadapi kathhoraani mridooni kusumaadapi
Lokottaraanaam 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?
:

Na kinchidapi kurvaanah saukhyairdukhaanyapohati
Tattasya 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.




Antahkaranatattwasya dampatyoh snehasamshrayaat
Aanandagranthirekoyam 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.





Eko rasah karuna eva nimittabhedaadbhinnah pruthakprithagivaashrayate vivartaan
Aavarta budbuda taranga mayaan vikaaraan
Ambho 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.


Gunaah poojaasthaanam
Gunishu 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.


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.




Kaamam dugdhe viprakarshatyalakshmeem
Keertim soote dushkritam yaa hinasti
Taam chaapyetaam maataram mangalaanaam

Dhenum dheeraah soonritaam vaachamaahuh

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



Vyatishajati padaarthaanaantarah kopi heturna khalu bahirupaadheeen preetayah samshrayante
Vikasati 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 suns rays are hot),
the moon stone starts melting when exposed to moonlight (though
moonlight is soft and the moon stone is hard).

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.

Snehachcha nimittasavyapekshashcheti vipratishiddhametat
Love and existence of a cause for such love, these two are mutually
contradictory
Mudraaraakshasam Nataka (Vishakhadatta)

Na yuktam praakritamapi ripumavajnaatum
It is not proper to disregard or neglect even an ordinary enemy.
: ?

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)
:
Himavati divyaushadhayah sheershe sarpah samaavishtah
There are divine medicinal plants in the Himalayas. But on top of it
are serpents
:?
Paraayattah preeteh kathamiva rasam vetti purushah?
How does a man who is under the control of another know the joy of
love.


Iha virachayan saadhweem shishyah kriyaam na nivaaryate
Tyajati 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)


Jalabudbudasamaanaa
sahasodeti nashyati cha

viraajamaanaa

sampat

tadillekheva

The glittering wealth is like the bubbles on water. Like lightning it

rises suddenly and perishes with the same speed.

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


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)

Atiroshanashchakshushmaanapyandha eva janah
The angry person, though possessing eyes, is blind.

Na santyeva te yeshaam
mitrodaaseenashatravah

sataamapi

sataam

na

vidyante

There are no such persons who do not have friends, enemies or

neutrals even though such persons possess good qualities.

Upayogam tu na preetirvichaarayati
Love does not consider use or benefit.
Kaadambari (Baana)

Sarvathaa
na
kanchana
shareeradharmaanamupataapaah

na

sprishati

It is not possible that one, who is subject to the vagaries of a body,

will not ever suffer any disease or discomfort

Sukhamupadishyate parasya
It is easy to preach to others


Bahubhashino na shraddadhaati lokah
People do not listen to one who talks too much.

Mithyaapi tattathaa yathaa griheeetam lokena
Untruth takes the same form as the one given to it by people.
Kaavyameemaamsaa (Kaviraja Rajashekharah)

Praayah
praanabhritaam
naanyadbandhanamasti

premaanamantarena

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

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)

Paraishcha
pareekshayet.
Yadudaaseenah
tadanushthaateti praayo vaadah

pashyati

na

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.

Aniyatakaalaah pravrittayo viplavante
Actions not done at the appropriate time do not yield the desired
result

Samyakswaapo vapushah paramaarogyaaya

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

Matidarpane kaveenaam vishwam pratiphalati
In the mirror of the poets mind there is the reflection of the world.
Kathaasaritsaagaram (Somadeva)

Apraapyam naama nehaasti dheerasya vyavasaayinah
There is nothing unattainable to the one who has courage and who
works hard.

Ashnute sa hi kalyaanam vyasane yo na muhyati
Only one who does not lose his cool in adversity will enjoy
prosperity

Ekachitte dwayoreva kimasaadhyam bhavediti
When two people think alike then what is it that is impossible?

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

Kaamam vyasana vrikshasya moolam durjana sangatih
The root cause of sorrow is the company of bad people.

Tyajantyuttamasatwaa hi praanaanapi na satpatham

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

Panko 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)

Na swalpasya krite bhoori naashayenmatimaannarah
The wise man should not incur a big loss for the sake of a little
gain.

Praakaashyam swagunodayena gunino gachchhanti kim janmanaa
Good people are noticed by their good qualities, not by birth.

Paishunyaadbhidyate snehah
Love and friendship are broken by backbiting.

Yasya buddhirbalam tasya nirbuddhestu kuto balam?
He who has brains has strength (power), where is power in a fool?

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.


Mridunaa salilena khanyamaanaanyavaghrishyanti girerapi sthalani
Eroded by the soft water incessantly, even the hard stones of the
mountain wear away over time.

Deergho 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)

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

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

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

Sampattau cha vipattau cha mahataamekaroopataa
In prosperity and adversity the great do not lose their equilibrium.

Kah parah priyavaadinaam?
Who is not ones own for people of soft and soothing speech.


Nakrah swasthaanamaasaadya gajendramapi karshati
The crocodile, in his own habitat, can drag even an elephant into
the water.
?
Krishe kasyaasti sauhridam?
Who will make friends with a lean (down and out) person?

Aaatmanah pratikoolaani pareshaam na samaacharet
That which is hurting oneself should not be done to others.


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.

Santapayanti kamapathyabhujam na rogaah
How can one be unaffected by diseases if one eats food not
conducive to ones health ?

Sarvanaashe samutpanne ardham tyajati panditah
When everything is at stake the wise give up half of it to save the
other half.

Udaaracharitaanaam tu vasudhaiva kutumbakam
To those of generous character( disposition) the whole world is one
family.


Yadrishee bhaavanaa yasya siddhirbhavati taadrishee
Whatever one dreams or imagines the outcome will be similar.

Hitopadesha (Narayana Panditah)

Udyamena hi siddhyanti kaaryaani na manorathaih
Ones goal is achieved by industry (hard work) and not by building
castles in the air.

Jnaanam bhaarah kriyaam vinaa
Without action knowledge is a burden (knowledge, not put into
practice, is sheer waste)