हितोपदेश - विग्रह - मूर्ख

शतं दद्यान्न विवदेदिति सुज्ञस्य सम्मतम् |
विना हेतुमपि द्वंद्वं तत्स्यान्मूर्खस्य लक्षणम् ||

- हितोपदेश - विग्रह

A wise man will avoid arguments if it can be avoided with some loss (about a hundred rupees). He thinks like that because he knows that the hundred he would save by an argument is not worth the fight. On the other hand, a fool would kick up an argument even if he has no reason to do so. He may be just hoping that the other person will just give up some money. Money so earned will never do any good.

- Hitopadesha

आवेग

शर्करास्वादमत्तेन मक्षिका चेदुपेक्ष्यते |
साकं प्रविश्य जठरं विपत्तिं तनुते न किम् ||

In a hurry to taste the sugar, if you ignore the fly sitting on top of it - it is bound to create trouble in your stomach. Hence one must not hurry at the sight of anything pleasant. One must be patient.

किरातार्जुनीय - मानहीनः

शक्तिवैकल्यनम्रस्य निःसारत्वाल्लघीयसः |
जन्मिनो मानहीनस्य तृणस्य च समा गतिः ||

- किरातार्जुनीय

A blade of grass bends due to lack of strength. It flies away due to lack of weight. A person without honour is just like a grass - without inner strength or weight.

- Kiratarjuniya

मनुस्मृति - दम्बः

शक्तः परजने दाता स्वजने दुःखजीविनि |
मध्वापातो विषास्वादः स धर्मप्रतिरूपकः ||

- मनुस्मृति

If one's family members and relatives are in trouble and still he helps others in search of fame, then it is not Dharma (moral code of life). It only looks like Dharma. It may seem like honey in the beginning, but will turn into poison. In fact, it is exactly opposite to Dharma.

- Manu Smriti

मनुस्मृति - प्रदुष्टभाव

वेदाः त्यागश्च यज्ञाश्च नियामाश्च तपांसि च |
वि विप्रदुष्टभावस्य सिद्धिं गच्छन्ति कर्हिचित् ||

- मनुस्मृति

The vedas, mindset for sacrifice, rituals of offerings to God, prayers, penances can never be mastered by any one with a corrupted mind - a mind that chases sensory pleasures.

- Manu Smriti

सुबंधु - सुभाषितसुधानिधि - पिशुनः

विषधरतोऽप्यतिविषमः
    खल इति न मृषा वदन्ति विद्वांसः |
यदयं नकुलद्वेषी
    कुलविद्वेषी पुनः पिशुनः ||

- सुबंधु - सुभाषितसुधानिधि

Between a rogue rumor monger and a snake wise men say that the rogue is more dangerous. It is indeed true. A snake is not an enemy to your entire clan (it hates only mongoose). But a wicked man is. It is a play of words here. In sanskrit नकुल, means mongoose. It also means "not entire family" when broken down differently.

- Subandhu Subhashitasudhanidhi

भोधिचार्यावतार - दोष

विषं रुधिरमासाद्य प्रसर्पति यथा तनौ |
तथैव छिद्रमासाद्य दोषस्चित्ते प्रसर्पति ||

- भोधिचार्यावतार

Just like how poison spreads through the entire body with the help of blood, one bad quality (weakness) will spread through the entire mind using a single opportunity (a moment of weakness).

- Bhodhicharavatara

मृच्छकटिक - मूर्खः

विपर्यस्तमनश्चेष्टैः शिलाशकलवर्ष्मभिः |
मांसवृक्षैरियं मूर्खैः भारक्रान्ता वसुन्धरा ||

- मृच्छकटिक

There are huge people walking this earth with weird mind and behavior, whose body is as hard as stone (indestructible) and whose only purpose in this earth is to increase the weight on earth. They are the fools.

- Mrucchakatika

शिशुपालवध - शत्रुः

विधाय वैरं सामर्षे नरोऽरौ य उदासते |
प्रक्षिप्योदर्चिषं कक्षे शेरते तेऽभिमारुतम् ||

- शिशुपालवध

After hurting an enemy, one must expect him to be filled with ideas for revenge. Hence one must not relax. If he does relax, he will be destroyed. Much similar to a person setting fire to a stretch of grass and sleeping against the direction of wind. The wind will soon carry the fire to him and burn him down.

- Shishupalavadha

शिशुपालवध - अल्पधीः अपायः

विदुरेष्यदपायमात्मना
    परतः श्रद्दधतेऽथवा बुधाः|
न परोपहितं न च स्वतः
    प्रमिमीतेऽनुभवादृतेऽल्पधीः ||

- शिशुपालवध

A wise man can foretell the problems that may come in his way. If he misses it, then he will at least listen when others tell him about the troubles he is going to face. But an idiot will neither see it himself, not listen to people who warn him about it. He comes to know about it only when he will experiences it (and unprepared).

- Shishupalavadha

भागवत - कलौ वित्तं

वित्तमेव कलौ नृणां जन्माचारगुणॊदयः |
धर्मन्यायव्यवस्थायां कारणं बलमेव हि ||

- भागवत

In the epoch of Kali (present age) money assumes too much importance. It is what determines the nobility of the family you are born in, your character and all your qualities. He who has the money will be considered noble, of good character and believed to have good qualities. In the global system of morality, economy and justice - the mighty will always have their way. They derive their might from the money they possess.

- Bhagavata

मनुस्मृति - राजधर्म

विक्रोशंतो यस्य राष्ट्राद्ध्रियंते दस्युभिः प्रजाः |
संपश्यतः सभृत्यस्य मृतः स न तु जीवति ||

- मनुस्मृति

A king and his officers are as good as dead under whose watch the thieves (and other rogues) steal from and trouble subjects. It is the duty of a king to keep his subjects safe.

- Manu Smriti

प्रसन्नराघव - विमला विद्या

वार्ता च कौतुकवती विमला च विद्या
    लोकोत्तरः परिमलश्च कुरङ्गनाभेः |
तैलस्य बिन्दुरिव वारिणि दुर्निवारं
    एतत्त्रयं प्रसरति स्वयमेव भूमौ ||

- प्रसन्नराघव

Sensational news, pure education (knowledge) and the smell of the musk deer's secretion - these three will spread all around the world without any help from others. Much like a drop of oil on th surface of water.

- Prasanna Raghava

मृच्छकटिक - वेश्या

वाप्यं स्नाति विचक्षणो द्वजवरो मूर्खोऽपि वर्णाधमः
फुल्लां नाम्यति वायसोऽपि हि लतां या नामिता बर्हिणा |
ब्रह्यक्षत्रविशस्तरंति च यया नावा तयैवेतेरे
त्वं वापीव लतेव नौरिव जनं वेश्याऽपि सर्वं भज ||

- मृच्छकटिक

In a pond all kinds of people take bath - the learned, fools, brahmins, common men, people of lower caste, so on. A creeper full of flowers will bend if a peacock sits on it. It does also bend if a crow sits like wise. While crossing a river, you can find all kinds of people on a boat. Just like a boat, or the pond or the creeper a prostitute does serve everyone of her clients equally favoring none.

- Mrucchakatika

अन्योक्तिस्तबक - हंस बक

वाग्देव्या सह सख्यमाचर वह ब्रह्माणमाविष्कुरु
  प्राविण्यं गतिषु प्रदर्शय निजं विद्याबलं निर्मलम् |
मीनं मा स्पृश मौक्तिकं कवलय क्रीड द्रुतं द्यौस्तले
  चेदव्रीड बकाधम प्रतिभया हंसत्वमाकांक्षसि ||

- अन्योक्तिस्तबक

Oh Duck! you secretly wish to be a swan. I will tell you what you need to do to become one. You must be friends with Saraswathi (goddess of learning). You must climb the back of Lord Brahma (the creator). You must show elegance in your walking. You must study more and increase your knowledge. You must give up eating fish. Instead you must have pearls (pure crystal water) for food. You must learn to fly in the sky. When you can do all these, then you can wish to be a swan.

- Anyoktistabaka

मनुस्मृति - व्यसन

व्यसनस्य च मृतोश्च व्यसनं कष्टमुच्यते |
व्यसन्यधोऽधो व्रजति स्वर्यात्यव्यसनी मृतः ||

- मनुस्मृति

Between addiction and death, death is better. By death one may rise up to heaven. But with addiction there is only one way - down and down.

- Manu Smriti

हितोपदेश - संधि - राग

वनेऽपि दोषाः प्रभवन्ति रागिणां
    गृहेऽपि पंचेन्द्रियनिग्रहं तपः |
अकुत्सिते कर्मणि यः प्रवर्तते
    निवृत्तरागस्य गृहं तपोवनम् ||

- हितोपदेश, संधि

A person with lot of desires will not at peace even in a forest. He will find something or the other to indulge in. On the other hand, if a person has over come greed and desires and can control his senses - he can find peace right in his home. If you are earning your daily food by a respectable occupation and give up all the desires - your own home will become a penance ground.

- Hitopadesha, Sandhi

किरातार्जुनीय - मायावि

व्रजन्ति ते मूढधियः पराभवं
    भवन्ति मायाविषु येन मायिनः |
प्रविश्य हि घ्नंति शठास्तथाविधान्
    असंवृताङ्गान् निशिता इवेषवः ||

- किरातार्जुनीय

If person does not deal with a crook in crooked manner, he is bound to face defeat. They must be paid back in their own coin. Just like how an arrow most certainly hits (and hurts) that part of the body (how ever small) that is not covered by the armor, such deceitful people search and hurt only those people who are innocent and incapable of deceit themselves.

- Kiratarjuniya

हितोपदेश - मित्रलाभ - लोभ

लोभेन बुद्धिश्चलति लोभो जनयति तृषाम् |
तृषार्तो दुःखमाप्नोति परत्रेह च मानवः ||

- हितोपदेश - मित्रलाभ

Greed forces wisdom to abandon you. It gives rise to various desires. Desires lead to sorrow - both in this world as well as the after life.

- Hitopadesha, Mitralabha

लोभ

लोभाविष्टो नरो वित्तं वीक्षते नैव चापदम् |
दुग्धं पश्यति मार्जारो यथा न लगुडाहतिम् ||

A person blinded with greed can only see ways acquiring wealth - not the dangers associated with them. A cat sees the milk but can not see the danger of getting beaten with a stick when caught.

मनुस्मृति - तामस लक्षण

लोभः स्वप्नोऽधृतिः क्रौर्यं नास्तिक्यं भिन्नवृत्तिका |
याचिष्णुता प्रमादश्च तामसं गुणलक्षणम् ||

- मनुस्मृति

The following are the qualities of darkness (found in a person): greed, laziness (always dreaming), fear, cruelty, disbelief, lacking righteousness in occupation, beggary, insanity.

- Manu Smriti

सुभाषितसुधानिधि - दम्भ

लोभः पितातिवृद्धो जननी माया सहोदरः कूटः |
भ्रुकुटीरचना च विद्या पुत्रो दम्भस्य हुंकारः ||

- सुभाषितसुधानिधि

This is the verse that enumerates the relatives of deceit. Greed is his father, illusion his mother, fraud is his brother, art of making eyebrows knot is his education and grunting is his son. Such is the nature of his company.

- Subhashitasudhanidhi

रघुवंश - सुपुत्रः

लोकान्तरसुखं पुण्यं तपोदानसमुद्भवम् |
सन्ततिः शुद्धवंश्या हि परत्रेह च शर्मणे ||

- रघुवंश

If you want to be happy in your afterlife, then you have to do a lot of penance and charity in this life. But it is a good son (or daughter) brought up in righteous upbringing that can give you happiness both in this world as well as the after life.

- Raghuvamsha

भागवत - आशा

लोकः स्वयं श्रेयसि नष्टदृष्टि-
    र्योऽर्थान् समीहेत निकामकामः |
अन्योन्यवैरः सुखलेशहेतो-
    रनन्तदुःखं च न वेद मूढः ||

- भागवत

He who begs money for his own sake will never prosper. He will get on himself lot of grief that comes from hating others. But stupid as they are, will never realize this (and hence continue to do so).

- Bhagavata

दक्षस्मृति - कुतपस्विनः

लाभपूजानिमित्तं हि व्याख्यानं शिष्यसंग्रहः |
एते चान्ये च बहवः प्रपंचाः कुतपस्विनां ||

- दक्षस्मृति

There are a many rogues posing as mendicants. They sole aim to gather as many followers as possible so that it maximizes the profit they can make from rituals.

- Dakshasmriti

हितोपदेश - सुहृद्भेद - स्वभाव

लाङ्गूलचालनमधश्चरणावपातं
    भूमौ निपत्य वदनोदरदर्शनं च |
श्वा पिण्डदस्य कुरुते गजपुंगवस्तु
    धीरं विलोकयति चाटुशतैश्च भुङ्क्ते ||

- हितोपदेश, सुहृद्भेद

Look at the difference between a dog and an elephant. A dog shakes its tail, falls at the feet, shows a sorry face and does belly up antics in front of the person who gives it food. But an elephant maintains its composure, majestic look. On the other hand, the mahout has to cajole the elephant with hundred nice words in order to make it eat. We all have choices whether to behave like a dog or an elephant.

- Hitopadesha, Suhrudbheda

अन्योक्तिस्तबक - स्वभाव

लशुने कुसुमाधिवासनं पिशुने सज्जनताप्रसंजनम् |
शुनि किंच शुचित्वकल्पनं न विधेरप्यधिकारगोचरम् ||

- अन्योक्तिस्तबक

The following are impossible even by order of fate - making perfumes from the flowers of garlic, making a virtuous man out of a rumor monger, teaching a dog to be clean.

- Anyoktistabaka

भल्लटशतक - अधिकारि

रे रे रासभ वस्त्रभारवहनात् कुग्रासमश्नासि किं
    राजाश्वावसथं प्रयाह्जि चणकभ्यूषान् सुखं भक्षय |
सर्वान् पुच्छवतो हयानभिवदन्त्यत्राधिकारे स्थिताः
    राजा तैरुपदिष्टमेव मनुते सत्यं तटस्थाः परे ||

- भल्लटशतक

Oh Oh Donkey! Why are you eating garbage after having carried so much weight? Go to the royal stable where they keep the horses. Don't mind the officers there. They consider anything with a tail as a horse. That place is filled with yes-men who consider the kings words to be the ultimate truth. The others (who can know right from wrong) will not mind (do not care) you eating there.

- Bhallatashataka

सुभाषितसुधानिधि - राग

रागो नाम मनश्यल्यं गुणद्रविणतस्करः |
राहुर्विद्याशशांकस्य तपोवनहुताशनः ||

- सुभाषितसुधानिधि

Desire is the nail that drills into your mind and hurts it. It is the thief who steals all your good qualities. He is the Rahu who eats the moon of knowledge (your wisdom). He is the fire that burns the garden of penance.

- Subhashitasudhanidhi

अविमारकम् - यौवन

रागं विजृंभयति संश्रयते प्रमादं
    दोषान् न चिंतयति साहसमभ्युपैति |
स्वच्छंदतो व्रजति नेच्छति नीतिमार्गं
    बुद्धिं शुभां सुविदुषामवशीकरोति ||

-अविमारकम्

It increases desires. It accompanies madness. It does not let you see your own mistakes. It makes you take up risky adventures. It makes you yearn for a care-free existence. It forces you to go away from the right path. It controls your wisdom even though are intelligent. Such is the effect of youth on a person.

- Avimarakam

सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार - परोपकार

रत्नाकरः किं कुरुते स्वरत्नैः
    विन्ध्याचलः किं करिभिः करोति |
श्रीखण्डखण्डैः मलयाचलः किं
    परोपकाराय सतां विभूतयः ||

- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

What is the use of gems to an ocean? What do the forests of Vindhya have to gain from the famous elephants that roam them? Does the Malaya forests gain by the sandalwood trees that grow there? Noble men are always like that. Their actions always help others.

- Subhashitaratnabhandagara

हितोपदेश - अनर्थकारण

यौवनं धनसंपत्तिः प्रभुत्वमविवेकिता |
एकैकमप्यनर्थाय किमु यत्र चतुष्टयं ||

- हितोपदेश

Youth, wealth, power, stupidity - any one of them is a recipe for calamity. What can I say when all of them are present in one place? The poet is commenting on what could happen to a stupid prince.

- Hitopadesha

मनुस्मृति - साधु

योऽसाधुभ्योऽर्थमादाय साधुभ्यः संप्रयच्छति |
स कृत्वा प्लवमात्मानं संतारयति तावुभौ ||

- मनुस्मृति

If a person takes away from the bad people and gives it to the virtuous people, then he becomes boat using which both can cross this world of misery.

- Manu Smriti

मनुस्मृति - राजा

योऽरक्षन् बलिमादत्ते करं शुल्कं च पार्थिवः |
प्रतिभागं च दण्डं च स सद्यो नरकं व्रजेत् ||

- मनुस्मृति

A king who collects varieties of taxes, tolls, shares, fines without actually protecting the subjects or their properties will surely end in hell.

- Manu Smriti

मनुस्मृति - स्वप्रशंसा

योऽन्यथासंतमात्मानं अन्यथा सत्सु भाषते |
स पापकृत्तवो लोके स्तेन आत्मापहारकः ||

- मनुस्मृति

He whose actions are solely directed towards getting praised by others or giving an impression of nobility is a sinner, a con man (thief) and is destroying himself.

- Manu Smriti

सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार - अधीशः

यो न वेत्ति गुणान्यस्य न तं सेवेत पण्डितः |
न हि तस्मात्फलं तस्य सुकृष्टा दूषरादिव ||

- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

A wise man must never serve a master who can not value his qualities. Serving him will be like trying to cultivate on barren land. No matter how hard you plough the land and sow seeds, there will be no crop.

- Subhashitaratnabhandagara

उपमितिभवप्रपंच - कूपमण्डूकः

यो न निर्गत्य निःशेषां विलोकयति मेदिनीं |
अनेकाद्भुतवृत्तांतां स नरः कूपदर्दुरः ||

- उपमितिभवप्रपंच

If a person never gets out of his home (home town) and sees the world full of surprises, then he is to be considered as a frog in a well.

- Upamitibhavaprapancha

मनुस्मृति - पापचेतसः

ये कार्यिकेभ्योऽर्थमेव गृह्णीयुः पापचेतसः |
तेषां सर्वस्वमादाय राजा कुर्यात् प्रवासनम् ||

- मनुस्मृति

A king must identify those wicked corrupt officials who take bribe from people who come for help. He must confiscate all their wealth and chase them out of the country.

- Manu Smriti

सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार - शूरः पण्डितः

युध्यन्ति पशवः सर्वे पठन्ति शुकसारिकाः |
दातुं जानाति यो वित्तं स शूरः स च पण्डितः ||

-सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

All animals know to fight. Even birds like parrots can talk. Ability to fight and talk do not make us any better than them. He who has the ability to give away money (or any other wealth, like knowledge) should alone be called as brave or wise.

- Subhashitaratnabhandagara

मनुस्मृति - कुपुत्रः

यादृशं फलमाप्नोति कुप्लवैः संतरन् जलम् |
तादृशं फलमाप्नोति कुपुत्रैः संतरंस्तमः ||

- मनुस्मृति

If you plan to navigate through darkness(miseries) of the world with the help of a bad son, then you will meet with the same fate as if you tried to cross the ocean using a bad boat (with holes).

- Manu Smriti

विष्णुपुराण - तृष्णा

या दुस्त्यजा दुर्मतिभिर्या न जीर्यति जीर्यतः |
तां तृष्णां संत्यजेत् प्राज्ञः सुखेनैवाभिपूर्यते ||

-विष्णुपुराण

Wicked people can not get rid of it. It does not get weaker in spite of you getting weaker due to old age. Such is the nature of greed. A wise man will realize that he has to distance himself from it. That is the only way he will be surrounded by happiness.

- Vishnupurana

अनर्घराघव - न्यायप्रवृत्ति

यांति न्यायप्रवॄत्तस्य तिर्यंचोऽपि सहायतां |
अपंथानं तु गच्छंतं सोदरोपि विमुंचति ||

- अनर्घराघव

When a man is righteous (like Rama) even animals (like the monkeys) help him achieve his goals. If a man is a rogue (like Ravana) even his own brother (like Vibhishana) will desert him.

- Anargharaghava

सुभाषितसुधानिधि - याचना

याचना हि पुरुषस्य महत्वं
    नाशयत्यखिलमेव तथा हि |
सद्य एव भगवानपि विष्णु-
    र्वामनो भवति याचितुमिच्छन् ||

- सुभाषितसुधानिधि

Beggary will destroy all the good qualities that a man has. Look at even Lord Vishnu. He had to become Vamana (midget) when he chose to beg alms from Raja Bali.

- Subhashitasudhanidhi - Begging

किरातार्जुनीय - सिद्धिप्राप्तिः

यशोऽधिगंतुं सुखलिप्सया वा
    मनुष्यसंख्यामतिवर्तितुं वा |
निरुत्साकानामभियोगभाजां
    समुत्सुकेवांकमुपैति सिद्धिः ||

- किरातार्जुनीय

Greatness like fame, happiness and ability to rise above human mediocrity comes naturally (as if coincidental) to people who have trained themselves not to react to joy and sadness and believe in action

- Kiratarjuniya

मनुस्मृति - कर्मफल

यदि नात्मनि पुत्रेषु न चेत्पुत्रेषु नप्तृषु |
न त्वेव तु कृतोऽधर्मः कर्तुर्भवति निष्फलः ||

- मनुस्मृति

The consequences of one's mis deeds has to be suffered by him, or his children, or his grand children or his great grand children. There is no way that it will go unaccounted for.

- Manu Smriti

मनुस्मृति - विद्या

यथा काष्ठमयो हस्ती यथा चर्ममयो मृगः |
पुमान्यस्चानधीयानः त्रयस्ते नाम बिभ्रति ||

- मनुस्मृति

An elephant made out of sticks, a deer made out of just skin (not speed) and a person without education are all useless. Their only accomplishment is to be counted as an elephant, deer or a man.

- Manu Smriti

महाभारत - उद्योग पर्व - तृष्णा

यत् पृथिव्यां व्रीहियवं हिरण्यं पशवः स्त्रियः |
नालमेकस्य तत्सर्वमिति मत्वा शमं व्रजेत् ||

- महाभारत - उद्योग पर्व

All the food grains, gold, animals (husbandry/poultry/cattle) and the women in the world, if given to one person will also never satisfy him. Hence, one must stop efforts towards satisfying greed and concentrate on eliminating it.

- Mahabharata, Udyoga Parva

शिशुपालवध - स्वार्थ

यजातां पाण्डवः स्वर्गमवत्विन्द्रस्तपत्विनः |
वयं हनाम द्विशतः सर्वः स्वार्थं समीहते ||

- शिशुपालवध

Let Yudhistira do penance, let Indra take care of heaven, let the sun give sunlight (and heat), let us kill the enemies. Every one in this world works for their own selfish reasons.

- Shishupalavadha

महाभारत - शान्तिपर्व - तृष्ण

यच्च कामसुखं लोके यच्च दिव्यं महत्सुखम् |
तृष्णाक्षयसुखस्यैते नार्हतः षोडशीयं कलाम् ||

- महाभारत, शान्तिपर्व

The happiness got by satisfying your desires, or the happiness got in heaven does not even match up to a sixteenth portion of the real happiness that is attained through limiting your desires.

- Mahabharata, Shantiparva

पञ्चतंत्र - मित्रभेद - कीर्तिः

मृतैः संप्राप्यते स्वर्गो जीवद्भिः कीर्तिरुत्तमा |
तदुभावपि शूराणां गुणावेतौ सुदुर्लभौ ||

- पञ्चतंत्र, मित्रभेद

Speaking about soldiers fighting a war - the dead attain heaven. Those who live will enjoy fame. Brave courageous men will enjoy both. It is very difficult for common man to attain both.

- Panchatantra, Mitrabheda

सुभाषितसुधानिधि - मृतस्य कीर्तिः

मृतः कीर्तिं न जानाति जीवन् कीर्तिं समश्नुते |
मृतस्य कीर्तिर्मर्त्यस्य यथा माला गतायुषः ||

- सुभाषितसुधानिधि

A dead man will not enjoy his fame. Fame can be relished only when he is alive. Fame for a dead man is as useless as the garland that is put over his dead body.

- Subhashitasudhanidhi

मनुस्मृति - कामजः दश गणः

मृगयाक्षो दिवास्वप्नः परिवादः स्त्रियो मदः |
तौर्यत्रिकं वृथाट्य च कामजो दशको गणः ||

- मनुस्मृति

The following are the ten types of sin a person commits due to his desires - hunting, gambling, sleeping during day (laziness), flirting with women, intoxication, triple symphony of song, dance, and instrumental music and wandering aimlessly.

- Manu Smriti

पञ्चतंत्र - मित्रभेद - द्वेष

मूर्खाणां पण्डिता द्वेष्या निर्धनानां महाधनाः |
व्रतिनः पापशीलानामसतीनां कुलस्त्रियः ||

- पञ्चतंत्र - मित्रभेद

It is very natural that the fools hate the wise people, poor hate rich, corrupt hate the righteous and promiscuous hate the chaste.

- Panchatantra, Mitrabheda

सुभाषितसुधानिधि - मूर्ख व्यवहार

मूर्खा न द्रष्टव्या द्रष्टव्यास्चेन्नतैस्तु सह तिष्ठेत् |
यदि तिष्ठेन्न कथयेद्यदि कथयेन्मूर्खवत्कथयेत् ||

- सुभाषितसुधानिधि

One must not see a fool. Avoid him. If you happen to see one, then avoid standing next to him. If you happen to stand next to him, avoid talking to him. If you absolutely have to talk to him, then talk to him like a fool only. A fool will not understand any way of communicating other than his own foolish way.

- Subhashitasudhanidhi

कात्यायन स्मृति - निःसार

मनुष्ये कदलीस्तंभे निःसारे सारमार्गणम् |
यः करोति स संमूढो जलबुद्बुदसन्निभे ||

- कात्यायन स्मृति

One must not search for a purpose/meaning in human life which is as dry (devoid of strength/life/sap) like a stem of banana plant and as ephemeral as a water bubble.

- Katyayana Smriti

पञ्चतंत्र - मित्रभेद - हितैषि

माता मित्रं पिता चेति स्वभावात् त्रितयं हितम् |
कार्यकारणतश्चान्ये भवन्ति हितबुद्धयः ||

- पञ्चतंत्र, मित्रभेद

Mother, friend and father - these are the only three people who will help you by nature. All other become well-wishers only to serve their own purpose.

- Panchatantra, Mitrabheda

पञ्चतंत्र - मित्रभेद - स्पर्धा

महद्दिः स्पर्धमानस्य विपदेव गरीयसी |
दन्तभङ्गोऽपि नागानां श्लाघ्यो गिरिविदारणे ||

- पञ्चतंत्र, मित्रभेद

When you are competing with the mighty, even if you face deep trouble you still have your honor. If an elephant breaks its tusk while it tries to break the mountain (by ramming into it) it still looks majestic.

- Panchatanra, Mitrabheda

तंत्रवार्तिक - कृष्णशुक्ल विवेक

महताऽपि प्रयत्नेन तमिस्रायां परामृशन् |
कृष्णशुक्लविवेकं हि न कश्चिदधिगच्छति ||

- तंत्रवार्तिक

In pitch darkness, one can not know the difference between white or black no matter how hard you try. The same difficulty exists when trying to know right from wrong if you are in the darkness of ignorance.

- Tantravartika

शिशुपालवध - कर्मफल

महतस्तरसा विलङ्घय -
    न्निजदोषेण कुधीर्विनश्यति |
कुरुते न खलु स्वयेच्छया
    शलभानिन्धनमिद्धदीधितिः ||

- शिशुपालवध

When a rogue tries to trouble a noble man, it is the rogue who gets destroyed by his own actions. The fire will not hunt down the moth. But it is the moth that tries to conquer fire, and gets burnt in the process.

- Shishupalavadha

विष्णुपुराण - मनोरथ

मनोरथानां न समाप्तिरस्ति
    वर्षायुतेनापि तथाब्दलक्षैः |
पूर्णेषु पूर्णेषु मनोरथानां
    उत्पत्तयः सन्ति पुनर्नवानाम् ||

- विष्णुपुराण

There is no end to the desires. They never get satisfied even after a lakh years of prosperity. As and when some desires get fulfilled, some more are born.

-Vishnu Purana

देवीभागवत - प्रमाद

मधु पश्यति मूढात्मा प्रपातं नैव पश्यति |
करोति निंदितं कर्म नरकान्न बिभेति च ||

- देवीभागवत

When he looks at the honey comb hanging off the cliff, a fool sees only honey. He does not see the danger of falling into the valley below. Just like that people only see the short term pleasures and not their consequences (like miserable time in hell)

- Devi Bhagavata

मालविकाग्निमित्र - सज्जन सङ्गः

मन्दोऽप्यमन्दतामेति संसर्गेण विपश्चितः |
पङ्कच्छिदः फलस्येव निकषेणाविलं पयः ||

- मालविकाग्निमित्र

Even a fool can learn some thing (and attain greatness) if he spends some time with the virtuous wise men. Even muddy water becomes clear when it comes in contact with a particular fruit - Strychnos Potatorum (that acts like a coagulant).

- Malavikagnimitra

याज्ञवल्क्य - मिश्रचौर

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भेषजस्नेहलवणगन्धधान्यगुडादिषु |
पण्येषु प्रक्षिपन् हीनं पणान् दाप्यस्तु षोडश ||

- याज्ञवल्क्य

If a miser shopkeeper is adulterating medicine, oil, salt, sandal wood paste (perfume), cereals, jaggery and other such house hold items then he must be fined sixteen times the value of what he sold.

- Yajnavalkya

मनुस्मृति - ब्रह्मवेदिनः

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भूतानां प्राणिनः श्रेष्ठाः प्राणिनां बुद्धिजीवनः
    बुद्धिमत्सु नराः श्रेष्ठा नराणां सात्त्विकाः स्मृताः |
सात्त्विकेषु च विद्वांसः विद्वत्सु कृतबुद्धयः
    कृतबुद्धिषु कर्तारः कर्तृषु ब्रह्मवेदिनः ||

- मनुस्मृति - श्रेष्ठः

In this world of beings, the animals are better than other (plants, microbes etc..). Among the animals, those who think are better. Man is the best among those animals that can think. Among all men, those who follow honest (and other virtues) are the best. Among honest people, those who are knowledgeable are better. Among those who have knowledge, only those who practice are better than the rest. Among such people, the do-er is the best. It is no use just talking about knowledge. Among all the do-ers, the person who has the realization of the oneness in the universe is the best.

- Manu Smriti

भामिनीमान - विधिविपर्यास

भूतिर्नीचगृहेषु विप्रसदने दारिद्र्यकोलाहलः
    नाशो हंत सतामसत्पथजुषामायुः शतानां शतम् |
दुर्नीतिं तव वीक्ष्य कोपदहनज्वालाजटलोऽपिसन्
    किं कुर्वे जगदीश यत्पुनरहं दीनो भवानीश्वरः ||

- भामिनीमान

The bad people always have plenty. Poverty dances in the homes of people who lead a honest life. Virtuous people die early while the rogues live for hundred years. When I see such atrocities in Your creation, I get all fumed up in anger. But what can I do, I am helpless and you are all powerful.

- Bhaminimana

याज्ञवल्क्य - वैद्य

भिषज्ञ्मिथ्याचरन् दंड्यस्तिर्यक्षु प्रथमं दमम् |
मानुषे मध्यमं राजपुरुषेषूत्तमं दमम् ||

- याज्ञवल्क्य

If a doctor administers wrong medicine, then he must be punished in increasing order of severity based on who he gave the medecine to - animals, common man and royalty

- Yajnavalkya

वेदान्ताचार्य - मूर्ख़ - बुद्धिमान्

भवन्ति बहवो मूर्ख़ाः क्वचिदेको विशुद्धधीः |
त्रासितोऽपि सदा मूर्ख़ैरचलो यस्य बुद्धिमान् ||

- वेदान्ताचार्य

There are many a fools in this world. But there are very few people who can be called wise. Only those who can keep their minds from wavering in spite of attacks from the foolish are the only real wise people.

- Vedantacharya

पञ्चतंत्र - मित्रभेद - विमर्श

भये वा यदि वा हर्षे संप्राप्ते यो विमर्शयेत् |
कृत्यं न कुरुते वेगात् न स संतापमाप्नुयात् ||

- पञ्चतंत्र, मित्रभेद

He who ponders to think (and deliberates) when confronted with fear or extreme happiness and who would never react in a hurry will never be sad.

- Panchatantra, Mitrabheda

मनुस्मृति - शुभ

भद्रं भद्रमिति ब्रूयात् भद्रमित्येव वा वदेत् |
शुष्कवैरं विवादं च न कुर्यात् केनचित् सह ||

- मनुस्मृति

One must always talk auspiciously. One must not talk negatively about anybody's endeavor. One must not quarrel just for the sake of quarreling. One must not pickup unnecessary arguments

- Manu Smriti

शिशुपालवध - महतां सङ्गः

बृहत्सहायः कार्यांतं क्षोदीयानपि गच्छति |
संभूयांभोधिमभ्येति महानद्या नगापगा ||

- शिशुपालवध

With help of the mighty and powerful, even the weak (and insignificant) can attain greatness. A mountain stream can also join the ocean if it can get some help from a river (by joining it as a tributary).

- Shishupala Vadha

पञ्चतंत्र - मित्रभेद - एकता

बहूनामप्यसाराणां समवायो हि दुर्जयः |
तृणैरावेष्ट्यते रज्जुर्येन नागोपि बध्यते ||

- पञ्चतंत्र - मित्रभेद

When many seemingly powerless beings unite, they can not be defeated easily. Just like a rope made of grass (many of them) can tie down an elephant

- Panchatantra, Mitrabheda

किरातार्जुनीय - कोप

बलवानपि कोपजन्मनः
    तमसो नाभिभवं रुणद्धि यः |
क्ष्यपक्ष इवैंदवीः कलाः
    सकला हन्ति स शक्तिसंपदः ||

- किरातार्जुनीय

One must destroy the darkness that emanates from anger as early as possible. If unchecked, it will destroy everything. The darks spots on the moon will engulf the entire moon during the waning phase.

- Kiratarjuniya

मनुस्मृति - बलप्रयोग

बलादत्तं बलाद्भुक्तं बलाद्यच्चापि लेखितम् |
सर्वान् बलकृतानर्थान् अकृतान् मनुरब्रवीत् ||

- मनुस्मृति

Charity, eating, writing (learning) or any other work - if done only when forced up on you, is as good as not done.

- Manu Smriti

मनुस्मृति - क्रोध

पैशुन्यं साहसं द्रोह ईर्ष्यासूयार्थदूषणम् |
वाग्दण्डजं च पौरुष्यं क्रोधजोऽपि गणोष्टकः ||

- मनुस्मृति

Calumny, haste, deceit, jealousy, greed, insincerity while dealing with money, attacking people, hurting people with harsh words - these are the eight vices that accompany anger.

- Manu Smriti

सुभाषितसुधानिधि - क्रोध

पुत्रो भृत्यः सुहृन्मित्रं भार्या धर्मश्च सत्यता |
तस्यैतान्यपयास्यन्ति क्रोधशीलस्य निश्चितम् ||

- सुभाषितसुधानिधि

All of these will leave a person who under the grasp of anger at all times - son, servant, well-wishers, friends, wife, dharma and truth. None of these can peacefully co-exist with anger.

- Subhashitasudhanidhi, Anger

बोधिचर्यावतार - शान्तः

प्रासादिकत्वमारोग्यं प्रामोद्यं चिरजीवितम् |
चक्रवर्तिसुखं स्फीतं शान्तः प्राप्नोति संसरन् ||

- बोधिचर्यावतार

One who can find peace within himself will enjoy the following even while living in this world (of misery) - satisfaction, good health, happiness, longevity, great pleasures worthy of an emperor.

- Bodhicharyavatara

मनुस्मृति - वाक् - पापानि

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पारुष्यमनृतं चैव पैशुन्यं चापि सर्वशः |
असंबद्धप्रलापश्च वाज्ञ्मयं स्याच्चतुर्विधम् ||

- मनुस्मृति

Harsh words (hurting some one with words), dishonesty, calumny, banter - these are the four sins that can be committed by speech.

- Manu Smriti

गरुड पुराण - स्वभाव

परावाताः शिलाहाराः कदाचिदपि चातकाः |
न पिबन्ति महितोयं व्रतनस्ते भवन्ति किम् ||

- गरुड पुराण

A pigeon eats (survives on ) just the stalks of corn. The chataka bird does never drink water from the ground. It only drinks water directly from the clouds when it rains. The above birds are only following their nature. Can we say they are penancing?

- Garuda purana

भोजप्रबन्ध - तृष्णा

प्रायो धनमतामेव धने तृष्णा गरीयसी |
पश्य कोटिद्वयासक्तं लक्षाय प्रवणं धनुः ||

- भोजप्रबन्ध

Normally those who have a lot of wealth are the ones greedy for more. Look at the person who has two crores, he still wants a lakh more. This verse is a play on words. The two ends of a bow is also known as koti (a crore). The target is known as laksha (a lakh).

- Bhojaprabandha

प्रबंधचिन्तामणि - कोप - उपदेश

प्रायः संप्रति कोपाय सन्मार्गस्योपदेशनम् |
विलूननासिकस्येव यद्वदादर्शदर्शनम् ||

- प्रबंधचिन्तामणि

When one is in anger any advice (to do the right thing) will only increase it. It is just like showing a mirror to a person who has just now cut his nose.

- Prabandha Chintamani

हितोपदेश - मित्रलाभ

पानं दुर्जनसंसर्गः पत्या च विरहोऽटनम् |
स्वप्नमन्यगृहे वासः नारीणां दूषणानि षट् ||

- हितोपदेश, मित्रलाभ

Habitual drinking (of alcohol), friendship with bad people, living away from her husband, wandering aimlessly, sleeping or living in some one else's home - these are the six bad habits that are forbidden for women.

- Hitopadesha, Mitralabha

पञ्चतंत्र - मित्रभेद - पिशुनः

पदाहतोऽपि दृढदण्डसमाहतोऽपि
    यं दंष्ट्रया स्पृशति तं किल हन्ति सर्पः |
कोप्येष एव पिशुनोग्रमनुष्यधर्मः
    कर्णे परं स्पृशति हन्ति परं समूलम् ||

- पञ्चतंत्र, मित्रभेद

A snake bites those who stamp over it, or beat it with a stick. Only the person who gets bitten by a snake dies. But the behavior of a rumor monger is strange. He bites one person's ears (with a rumor) and some one else gets destroyed all together.

- Panchatantra, Mitrabhedha

शिशुपालवध - प्रतिकार

पादाहतं यदुत्थाय मूर्धानमधिरोहति |
स्वस्थादेवापमानेऽपि देहिनस्तद्वरं रजः ||

- शिशुपालवध

When kicked with foot, even dust fights back and ultimately sits on top of your head. Such is its power of revenge. A person who does nothing when insulted is worse than dust.

- Shishupala Vadha,

अविमारक - राज - मंत्रि

प्रसिद्धौ कार्याणां प्रवदति जनः पार्थिवबलं
    विपत्तौ विस्पष्टं सचिवमतिदोषं जनयति |
अमात्या इत्युक्ताः श्रुतिसुखमुदारं नृपतिभिः
    सुसूक्ष्मं दण्ड्यंते मतिबलविदग्धाः कुपुरुषाः ||

- अविमारक

When things work out for good, people give credit to the king (telling that it was his benevolence that got the work done). When things go wrong, the subjects usually blame the minister for bad administration. Even though the kings call the ministers as "amaatya" (meaning: a dear one), they punish the ministers in a subtle way. In fact a very learned and wise minister is also treated like a rogue.

- Avimaraka, King, Minister

मालविकाग्निमित्र - गुरु

पात्रविशेषे न्यस्तं गुणांतरं व्रजति शिल्पमाधातुः |
जलमिव समुद्रशुक्तौ मुक्ताफलतां पयोदस्य ||

- मालविकाग्निमित्र

Under the able guidance of a teacher (who understands your strengths) even a stone can attain greatness. Just like a drop of pure water from the rain into a sea will be transformed into a pearl if it is nutured in an oyster.

- Malavikagnimitra, Pearl, Teacher

परिशिष्टपर्व - अहंकार

पश्यस्यद्रौ ज्वलमग्निं न पुनः पादयोरधः |
यत्परं शिक्षयस्येवं न स्वं शिक्षयसि स्वयम् ||

- परिशिष्टपर्व

You can see the fire on top of a far off mountain, but can not see the fire right under your feet. You are eager in disciplining others. But you are not self disciplined. Such is the human nature - we only see faults in others.

- Parishishtaparva

याज्ञवल्क्य - तरुहानि दमः

प्ररोहिशाखिनां शाखास्कन्दसर्वविदारणे |
उपजीव्यद्रुमाणां च विंशतेर्द्विगुणो दमः ||

- याज्ञवल्क्य

One must be punished severely if he cuts the branches and trunk of a tree that was growing well (freely and happily). The punishment must be doubled if the tree was being useful to people.

- Yajnavalkya

शिशुपालवध - ईर्षा

परितप्यत एव नोत्तमः परितप्तोऽप्यपरः सुसंवृतिः |
परवृद्धिभिराहितव्यथः स्फुटनिर्भिन्नदुराशयोधमः ||

- शिशुपालवध

A noble man will never feel envious about other people's success. A common man will feel jealous, but may not show it. He will also not let it affect him. But a rogue can not stop thinking about it,. He will attract a lot of grief due to other people's success and can not even hide it

- Shishupalavadha

मनुस्मृति - धर्मपालन

परित्यजेदर्थकामौ यौ स्यातां धर्मवर्जितौ |
धर्मं चाप्यशुभोदर्कं लोकविक्रुष्टमेव च ||

- मनुस्मृति

One must avoid all means of wealth and pleasures that are against the moral code of life - Dharma. Even Dharma (of older times) has to be given up if it now becomes irrelevant, against the collective morality of all people or is found to yield bad results in future.

- Manu Smriti

किरातार्जुनीय - अविधेयन्द्रियः

परवानर्थसंसिद्धौ नीचवृत्तिरपत्रपः |
अविधेयन्द्रियः पुंसां गौरिवैति विधेयताम् ||

- किरातार्जुनीय

One who does surrender himself for money, one who does take up immoral occupation for money, one who does not control his senses will finally end up losing his freedom and be domesticated like a cow.

- Kiratarjuniya

नारद स्मृति - सत्य

परं कूपशताद्वापि परं वापीशतात्कृतुः |
परं कृतुशतात् पुत्रः सत्यं पुत्रशतात् परम् ||

- नारद स्मृति

A lake is more useful than a hundred wells. If we do not have the right apparatus to get the water out, a well is useless. Doing a Yajna (rituals) is more useful than finding hundred lakes. By performing Yajna one can get pure water in the form of rain. Having a son is better than performing hundred Yajnas. He shall perform many more Yajnas for you and help you accumulate good Karma. Always acting truthfully is better than all of them since it will eliminate the need for any of them.

- Narada Smriti

मनु स्मृति - मनः पापः

परद्रव्येष्वभिध्यानं मनसानिष्टचिंतनम् |
वितथाभिनिवेशश्च त्रिविधं कर्म मानसम् ||

- मनु स्मृति

The following three are the sins committed by our mind (not our actions) - Longing for other people's treasures, thinking ill of others and having firm belief in the untruth.

- Manu Smriti

पंचतंत्र - काकोलूकीय - पण्डितः - सभा

परपरिवादः परिषदि न कथंचित्पण्डितेन वक्तव्यः |
सत्यमपि तन्न वाच्यं यदुक्तमसुखावहं भवति ||

- पंचतंत्र - काकोलूकीय

A wise man knows how to behave in a gathering. He knows well that he must not ridicule/talk harshly to any one (even when they are his opponents). Some times, even the truth must not be told. Especially when it is sure to hurt some one.

- Panchatantra - Kakolukiya

सुभाषितसुधानिधि - आपदः

परनिंदासु पाण्डित्यं स्वेषु कार्येष्वनुद्यमः |
प्रद्वेषश्च गुणज्ञेषु पंथानो ह्यापदां त्रयः ||

सुभाषितसुधानिधि

There are three ways one can invite trouble - by attaining mastery in criticizing others, by being lethargic in one's own work and by being an enemy of the virtuous.

- Subhashitasudhanidhi

हितोपदेश - मूर्ख - उपदेश

पायपानं भुजङ्गानां केवलं विषवर्धनम् |
उपदेशो हि मूर्खाणां प्रकोपाय न शान्तये ||

- हितोपदेश

If you give milk to a snake it will only result in more venom. Just like that advice given to a fool (in anger) will only increase his

- Hitopadesha

गरुडपुराण - परं तत्त्वं

पठन्ति वेदशास्त्राणि बोधयन्ति परस्परम् |
न जानन्ति परं तत्त्वं दर्वी पाकरसं यथा ||

- गरुडपुराण

They study the Vedas. Exchange notes and teach each other. Still they do not know the ultimate truth that is being discussed in the Vedas. Just like the serving spoon that never knows the taste of the dish.

- Garuda Purana

याज्ञवल्क्य - राजधर्म

प्रजापीडनसंतापात्समुद्भूतो हुताशनः |
राज्ञः कुलं श्रियं प्राणान् चादग्ध्वा न निवर्तते ||

- याज्ञवल्क्य

The heat from the hatred felt by the subjects will not relent until it burns down the king, his dynasty and his wealth. Such is the hatred that is caused by a king who builds his treasure by hurting his subjects.

- Yajnavalkya

अन्योक्तिस्तबक - कमल

पङ्कोद्भवं न च विमर्दसहं सदैव
    शैवालजालसहवासविडंबितं च |
इन्दीवरं दिनकरेण महाशयेन
    संभावितं भवति भाजनमिन्दिरायाः ||

- अन्योक्तिस्तबक

A lotus has its origin in slush. It is very gentle. It is easily hurt even by small force. It is subject to ridicule since it accompanies dirty algae all the time. But it is blessed by the Sun God. A lotus blooms when his rays fall over it. It becomes so beautiful and strong that Goddess Lakshmi sits on it. If you have blessings from a virtuous man, then it does help a lot.

- Anyoktistabaka

भामिनीविलास - गुणगौरव

नैर्गुण्यमेव साधीयो दिगस्तु गुणगौरवम् |
शाखिनोऽन्ये विराजन्ते खण्ड्यन्ते चन्दनद्रुमः ||

- भामिनीविलास

It is better not to have any virtues than dealing with lot of respect that virtue attracts. Look at the other trees in the forest that grow without any hindrances. It is only the sandalwood tree that gets cut down due to its superior quality

- Bhaminivilasa

मनु स्मृति - नित्य धर्म - सूर्य

नेक्षेतोद्यंतमादित्यं नास्तंयंतं कदाचन |
नोपसृष्टं न वारिस्थं न मध्यं नभसो गतम् ||

- मनु स्मृति

One must not look at the sun directly just when it is rising, or setting, or at noon (directly above one's head), or its reflection in the water. Each of these have their own reasons not to be watched with naked eyes.

- Manu Smriti

चंपूरामायण बालकाण्ड - महता

नूनं जनेन पुरुषे महति प्रयुक्तं
    अगः परं तदनुरूपफलं प्रसूते |
कृत्वा रघूद्वहगतेः क्षणमंतारायं
    यद्भार्गवः परगतेर्विहतिं प्रपेदे ||

- चंपूरामायण, बालकाण्ड

When a common man's actions impede the great undertakings of a noble man, then the common man will meet with befitting fate (as punishment). Look at what happened to Parashurama (one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu who will be in that form ever without salvation) for having impeded Rama's mission on earth although it was only for a second. Parashurama is destined to be in this world (earth) for ever without ever returning to his original self (as Vishnu).

- Champuramayana, Balakanda

सुभाषित सुधानिधि - तृष्णा

निरानन्दा दारा व्यसनविमुखो बांधवजनो
  जडीभूतो मित्रं धनविरहशीर्णः परिजनः |
असन्तुष्टं चेतः कुलिशकठिनं जीवितमिदं
  विधिर्वामारंभस्तदपि च मनो वाञ्छति सुखम् ||

- सुभाषित सुधानिधि

This verse describes the state of a utterly hopeless situation of a man. Wife is not happy. Relatives have opted to look the other way (to escape the awkward situation of being forced to help him). Friends are not responding. Those well-wishers around him are all penniless. Mind is unsatisfied. Life is as hard as it gets. Fate is against him. Still the mind is still wanting all the pleasures of life. Even when faced with such great misery, a man does not understand that the root cause of all misery is greed and desire.

- Subhashitasudhanidhi

अभिज्ञानशाकुन्तला - राजधर्म

नियमयसि विमार्गप्रस्थितानात्तदंडः
    प्रशमयसि विवादं कल्पसे रक्षणाय |
अतनषु विभवेषु ज्ञातयः सन्तु नाम
    त्वयि तु परिसमाप्तं बन्धुकृत्यं प्रजानाम् ||

- अभिज्ञान शाकुन्तला

This verse describes how must a noble king behave. He must bring those who wander astray by punishing them. He must settle disputes among his subjects fairly. He must understand that many people will be willing to be his relatives/well-wishers when he has all the money. But he himself must behave as if all his subjects are his relatives. One must not favor any one subject more than the other.

- Abhijnana Shakuntala

सुभाषित सुधानिधि - मूर्ख

निर्धनश्चापि कामार्थी दरिद्रः कलहप्रियः |
मंदशास्त्रो विवादार्थी त्रिविधं मूर्खलक्षणम् ||

- सुभाषित सुधानिधि

There are three kinds of fools - one who has lot of desires in spite of being penniless, one who gets into fights (quarrels) in spite of being poor (and hence at a disadvantage), one who gets into a debate without having enough knowledge about the subject matter.

- Subhashitasudhanidhi

बृहत् पराशर स्मृति - सुशील

निर्धनत्वमसत्यत्वं विद्यायुक्तस्य कर्हिचित् |
अस्थानित्वमभाग्यत्वं न सुशीलस्य कर्हिचित् ||

- बृहत् पराशर स्मृति सुशील

You may find an educated person being poor or corrupt. But you will never see a man with great character suffering from either poverty or misfortune. This shows that education alone can not make a man rich or upright. It is one's character that determines his fortunes.

- Bruhat Parashara Smriti

महाभारत - वन

नित्यं क्रोधात्तपो रक्षेत् धर्मं रक्षेच्च मत्सरात् |
विद्यां मानापमानाभ्यामात्मानं तु प्रमादतः ||

- महाभारत, वन

At all times, one must protect his penance from anger, morality from jealousy, knowledge from emotions (reactions to praise or ridicule), one self from madness.

- Mahabharata, Vana

भामिनीविलास - कूप

नितरां नीचोस्मीति त्वं खेदं कूप मा कदापि कृथाः |
अत्यन्तसरसहृदयो यतः परेषां गुणग्रहिताऽसि ||

- भामिनीविलास

Oh dear well! Just because you are physically so low, don't feel bad. You are not without virtues. You are very soft/kind (moist) hearted and receive people well. A well gives out water to any one who drops down a rope.

- Bhaminivilasa

मनु स्मृति - नित्य धर्म

नास्तिक्यं वेदनिंदां च देवतानां च कुत्सनम् |
द्वेषं दंभं च मानं च क्रोधं तैक्ष्ण्यं च वर्जयेत् ||

- मनु स्मृति

One must stay away from atheism, slandering the Vedas, speaking ill of the Gods, enmity with any one, pride, displaying self-importance, anger and caustic nature.

- Manu Smriti

मनु स्मृति - नित्य धर्म

नारुंतुदः स्यादार्तोऽपि न परद्रोहकर्मधीः |
यथाऽस्योद्विजते वाचा नालोक्यां तामुदीरयेत् ||

- मनु स्मृति

One must not speak harshly to any one even when he is in misery himself. Even in one's mind he must not think about hurting others. One must not speak in a way that will be perceived by most as inappropriate (or against prevailing norms).

- Manu Smriti

मनु स्मृति - नित्य धर्म

नान्नमद्यादेकवासाः न नग्नः स्नानमाचरेत् |
न मूत्रं पथि कुर्वीत न भस्मनि न गोव्रजे ||

- मनु स्मृति

One must cover both his upper and lower body while eating. One must not take bath entirely naked. One must not urinate by the side of a path, or over ashes, or in a cattle shed. It is obvious why one must not urinate by the side of the path. Ashes and Cow-dung (cow-urine) are known to have other good uses. It should not be contaminated by human urine.

- Manu Smriti

अत्रि संहिता - माता

नास्ति वेदात् परं शास्रं नास्ति मातुः परो गुरुः |
नास्ति दानात् परं मित्रं इहलोके परत्र च ||

- अत्रि संहिता

There is no scripture better than the Vedas. One who studies them need not study anything else. There is no better teacher than one's own mother. There is no better friend than (the fruits of) charity. All these hold true in this world as well as in the other world (after life).

- Atri Samhita

विश्वगुणादर्श - दुर्जन

नाधीतेऽत्र जनो यदि कश्चिधीते शते सहस्रे वा |
दुस्तर्केषु श्राम्यति दूरीकुरुते श्रुतिस्मृतिसुतर्कान् ||

- विश्वगुणादर्श

In a place where people do not study (vedas and other scriptures), even if there exists one rogue among hundreds (at least thousands) then he will lead all of them away from dharma (the moral code of life) as depicted in the scriptures. He will use his contorted logic and convince everybody else that his way of adharma (against dharma) is right.

- Vishvagunadarsha

मनु स्मृति - वासः

नाधार्मिके वसेद्ग्रामे न व्याधिबहुले भृशं |
नैकः प्रपद्येताध्वानं न चिरं पर्वते वसेत् ||

- मनु स्मृति

One must not live in a village where people do not follow dharma. One must not live in a place where disease is wide spread. One must not undertake a long journey alone. One must not live for long on a mountain. Living on mountain can take a toll on one's health

-Manu Smriti

मनुस्मृति - धर्म

नाऽधर्मश्चरितो लोके सद्यः फलति गौरिव ।
शनैरावर्तमानस्तु कर्तुर्मूलानि कृंतति ॥

- मनुस्मृति

The results of the deeds of cruelty (against dharma the code of life) are not immediately apparent unlike the benefits of domesticating a cow (you get milk on day one). Slowly the effects of mis-deeds surround the doer and cut the very roots of the source. Perpetrating cruelty will always end in the destruction of the culprit.

- Manu Smriti

====
Update: Thanks Gayathri for pointing out the typo.

बृहत् पराशर स्मृति - वर

नातिदूरे न चासन्ने अत्याढ्ये चातिदुर्बले ।
वृत्तिहीने च मूर्खे च षट्सु कन्या न दीयते ॥

- बृहत् पराशर स्मृति

One must not give his daughter in marriage to a person who live in far off land, or very near you, or very strong (cause he could become oppressive soon), or very weak, or does not want to work or is an idiot.

- Bruhat Parashara Smriti

चारुचर्या - स्वामि धर्म

नात्यर्थमर्थार्थनया धीमानुद्वेजयेज्जनम् ।
अब्धिर्दत्ताश्वरत्नश्रीर्मथ्यमानोऽसृजद्विषम् ॥

- चारुचर्या

A wise man will not press his employees too much in order to earn a lot of profits. He will do just enough to keep them motivated. When the Gods and Demons churned the ocean, the ocean first gave the divine horse (ucchaishravas), the lot of gems, then Goddess Lakshmi. Still they continued to churn. Hence the ocean gave them poison (halaahala).

- Charucharya

PS: The real order of what the ocean offered during the churning is not accurate in the verse above. But it is only indicative of how a servant's response will be if he is demanded to work beyond reasonable times.

मनुस्मृति - नित्य धर्म

नाग्निं मुखेनोपधमेत् नग्नां नेक्षेत च स्त्रियम् ।
नामेध्यं प्रक्षिपेदग्नौ न च पादौ प्रतापयेत् ॥

- मनुस्मृति

This verse explains how to deal with fire. One must not blow at the fire directly from his mouth. There is always a risk of fire snarling back at you. Use a pipe to blow at fire. One must not look at naked ladies. One must not throw trash in the fire. It could cause various other chemical hazards. One must not stretch his legs towards the fire (to warm them). There is a danger of clothes catching fire. It is notable that the sages have talked about women along side fire.

- Manu Smriti

मनुस्मृति - नित्य धर्म

नाक्षैः क्रीडेत् कदाचित्तु स्वयं नोपानहौ हरेत् ।
शयनस्थो न भुंजीतेन न पाणिस्थं न चासने ॥

- मनुस्मृति

One must never play at the wheels (roulette). One must never hold his own foot wear in his hands - always wear it. Do not eat while on the bed. Do not eat holding the plate in one hand. Do not eat while sitting on a chair. Most of these may not be relevant to the way we live now. But, it only goes to show how Manu Smriti detailed out the way to live in that age.

- Manu Smriti

सुभाषितसुधानिधि - लोभ

न हि पूरयितुं शक्यः लोभः प्रीत्या कथंचन ।
नित्यगंभीरतोयाभिरापगाभिरिवाम्बुधिः ॥

- सुभाषितसुधानिधि

It is not possible to satiate desire by indulgence. All those big rivers may feed water into the ocean all year long - But can never fill up the ocean.

- Subhashitasudhanidhi

मनुस्मृति - धर्म - अधर्म

न सीदन्नपि धर्मेण मनोऽधर्मे निवेशयेत् ।
अधार्मिकाणां पापानं आशुपश्यन् विपर्ययम् ॥

- मनुस्मृति

One must not employ his mind in immoral activities even after he sees virtuous people having to suffer (shed tears) and rogues enjoying all the riches (and leading a luxurious life).

- Manu Smriti

दक्षस्मृति - मनस्

न स्थिरं क्षणमप्येकं उदकं तु यथोर्मिभिः ।
वाताहतं तथा चित्तं तस्मात्तस्य न विश्वसेत् ॥

- दक्षस्मृति

When there wind blowing the water does not stay still even for a second. Our mind is just like that. It will keep changing every second. Never trust it.

- Daksha Smriti

मनुस्मृति - नित्य धर्म

न स्नानमाचरेद्भुक्त्वा नातुरो न महानिशि ।
न वासोभिः सहाजस्रं ना विज्ञाते जलाशये ॥

- मनुस्मृति

This is a verse about when a person can take bath. Not after having food, not in a hurry, not at mid night, not with the clothes on, not in a unknown lake (pond or well).

- Manu Smriti

हितोपदेश - विग्रह - नय शौर्य

न साहसैकान्तरसानुवर्तिना
    न चायुपायोपहतान्तरात्मना ।
विभूतयः शक्यमवाप्तुमूर्जिताः
    नये च शौर्ये च वसन्ति संपदः ॥

- हितोपदेश, विग्रह

It is not possible to accomplish great things by people who rely on courage alone, or intellect alone. Prosperity will be attained by those who can exhibit both these traits.

- Hitopadesha, Vigraha

मनु स्मृति - अतिथि सत्कार

न वै स्वयं तदश्नीयात् अतिथिं यन्न भोजयेत् ।
धन्यं यशस्यमायुष्यं स्वर्ग्यं वातिथिपूजनम् ॥

- मनु स्मृति

One must never eat food before the guest has eaten. Serving the guest will lead to great wealth, fame and one can attain heaven-like happiness.

- Manu Smriti

भामिनीविलास - दर्प

न वारयामो भवतीं विशंतीं
    वर्षानदी स्रोतसि जह्नुजायाः ।
न युक्तमेतत्तु पुरो यदस्याः
    तरङ्गभङ्गान् प्रकटीकरोषि ॥

- भामिनीविलास

Oh rain-fed-river, you are going to join the mighty river Ganga. Good for you. But we definitely do not like the way you are creating rapids in your little water while Ganga herself is so calm. Empty vessels make more noise.

- Bhaminivilasa

मनु स्मृति - नित्य धर्म

न लङ्घयेद्वत्सतन्त्रीं प्रधावेच्च वर्षति ।
न चोदके निरीक्षेत स्वं रूपमिति धारणा ॥

- मनु स्मृति

You must not cross the rope used to tie a calf. (because the calf may be scared and try running away. This may hurt the calf. You may trip over the rope). You must not run when it is raining for obviuous danger of slippery landscapes. One must not see his own reflection in water (deep water. One of the common effects of doing so is 'vertigo').

- Manu Smriti

हितोपदेश, मित्रलाभ - तृष्णा

न योजनशतं दूरं वाह्यमानस्य तृष्णया ।
संतुष्टस्य करप्राप्तेऽप्यर्थे भवति नादरः ॥

- हितोपदेश, मित्रलाभ

A person who is interested in accumulating wealth will not find it hard to travel thousands of miles powered by greed. For a person who is satisfied with what he has, even money at hand will not interest him.

- Hitopadesha, Mitralabha

भागवतमाहात्म्य - कलि

न योगि नैव सिद्धो वा न ज्ञानी सत्क्रियो नरः ।
कलिदावानलेनाद्य साधनं भस्मतां गतम् ॥

- भागवतमाहात्म्य

In the age of Kali (present time), his evil influence will burn everything like a wild fire. There are no people who are connected with the universe (God), no one who has accomplished, no one who has the knowledge, no one who is virtuous - no such people left. All the necessary infrastructure enabling people to achieve greatness is also burnt to ashes.

- Bhagavatamahatmya

मनु स्मृति - पाप पुण्य

न मांसभक्षणे दोषो न मद्ये न च मैथुने ।
प्रवृत्तिरेषा भूतानां निवृत्तिस्तु महाफला ॥

- मनु स्मृति

It is not a sin to eat non-veg food, not a sin to drink alcohol and not a sin to make love. These are only natural to all beings. If one can abstain from all these, then one can achieve great results.

- Manu Smriti

मनु स्मृति - नित्य धर्म

न भुंजीतोद्धृतस्नेहं नातिसौहित्यमाचरेत् ।
नातिप्रगे नातिसायं न सायं प्रातराशितः ॥

- मनु स्मृति

One must not eat too oily stuff. One should not indulge in too many pleasures. One should not eat at sunrise or at sunset. If you eat more in the morning, then you must skip dinner.

- Manu Smriti

नारदस्मृति - तमस्युग्रे निमज्जतः

न बान्धवा न सुहृदो न धनानि महान्त्यपि ।
अलं धारयितुं शक्ताः तमस्युग्रे निमज्जतः ॥

- नारदस्मृति

When one is really deep trouble, nobody can save him - not relatives, not well wishers, not even loads of money. This is apparent when one is stung by a scorpion.

- Narada Smriti

सुभाषितसुधानिधि - क्रोध

न पूतो न तपस्वि च न यज्वा न च धर्मभाक् ।
क्रोधस्य यो वशं गच्छेत्तस्य लोकद्वयं न हि ॥

- सुभाषितसुधानिधि

A person who gets angry easily is neither pure, not a saint, nor a virtuous person. He shall not find happiness in either of the words (present and after life).

- Subhashitasudhanidhi

मनु स्मृति - पापानि

न पाणिपादचपलो न नेत्रचपलोऽनृजुः ।
न स्याद्वाक्चपलश्चैव न परद्रोहकर्मधीः ॥

- मनु स्मृति

One must stay clear of the following sins both in action and thought - picking up useless things (stealing), loafing around aimlessly, ogling, lying, loose talk (slander), hurting others.

- Manu Smriti

आप्तस्तंबस्मृति - क्रोध

न तथासिस्तथा तीक्ष्ण सर्पो वा दुरधिष्ठितः ।
यथा क्रोधो हि जन्तूनां शरीरस्थो विनाशकः ॥

- आप्तस्तंबस्मृति

Every body knows that when you step on knife or snake in the dark, it will hurt you much. But it is not very apparent how anger with in will hurt a person.

- Aptastamba Smriti

भागवत - काम

न जातु कामः कामानामुपभोगेन शाम्यति ।
हविषा कृष्णवर्त्मेव भूय एवाभिवर्तते ॥

- भागवत

Desire does not get mitigated by yielding to it. Instead, it only grows just like the fire when added more fuel.

- Bhagavata

श्लोकवार्तिक - दोषदृष्टिपरं मनः

न चात्रातीव कर्तव्यं दोषदृष्टिपरं मनः ।
दोषो ह्यविद्यमानोऽपि तच्चित्तानां प्रकाशते ॥

- श्लोकवार्तिक

One must not pay too much attention to negative feelings surrounding one self. If one concentrates too much on them, he will see negativity even when none such exist.

- Shlokavartika

मनु स्मृति - कन्याशुल्क

न कन्यायाः पिता विद्वान् गृह्णीयात् शुल्कमण्वपि ।
गृह्णन् शुल्कं हि लोभेन स्यान्नरोऽपत्यविक्रयी ॥

- मनु स्मृति

Long ago the dowry custom in India was reverse of what exists today. The groom paid the bride's father a fee before asking for his daughter's hand. But this shloka advises the father not to accept even a small fee. The father of the bride is warned that if he accepts even a small amount as fee, it would tantamount to selling his own child.

- Manu Smriti

अत्रिस्मृति - ध्यान

ध्यानमेव परो धर्मो ध्यनमेव परं तपः ।
ध्यानमेव परं शैचं तस्माद्ध्यानपरो भवेत् ॥

- अत्रिस्मृति

Meditation is the greatest code of life. It is the best penance. It is the best cleansing. Hence learn to (and do)meditate.

- Atri Smriti

बृहत् पराशर स्मृति - कलौ तपस्विनः

धर्मश्च लोकदंभार्थं पाषाण्डार्थं तपस्विनः ।
विविधा वाग्वंचनार्थं कलौ सत्यानुसारिणी ॥

- बृहत् पराशर स्मृति

In the time of kali (present age) the Rishis will claim to follow dharma only to show off. Their words will be very convinsing like truth. But they are only meant to cheat you. All these are so unrighteous in nature.

- Bruahat Parashara Smriti, Epoch of Kali

सुभाषितसुधानिधि - द्यूतासक्तः

धनक्षयः शिष्टगर्हा सदाचरविवर्जनम् ।
शतृभिः पीडनं चैव द्यूतासक्तधियां नृणाम् ॥

- सुभाषितसुधानिधि

Being addicted to gambling will definitely have these effects on a person - loss of wealth, censure by virtuous people, shunning any virtuous conduct and even wrath from enemies.

- Subhashitasudhanidhi

सुभाषितसुधानिधि - द्यूत

द्यूतादनर्थः संरम्भो द्यूतात् स्नेहक्षयो महान् ।
पक्षाणां चापि महतां द्यूताद्भेदः प्रवर्तते ॥

- सुभाषितसुधानिधि

Gambling is the start of many bad habits leading to miserable times. It strains good friendships. It is known to cause rift even in otherwise strong cohesive groups (of friends).

- Subhashitasudhanidhi

मनु स्मृति - द्यूत

द्यूतमेतत्पुरा कल्पे दृष्टं वैरकरं महत् ।
तस्मात् द्यूतं न सेवेत हास्यार्थमपि बुद्धिमान् ॥

- मनु स्मृति

From history we have learnt that gambling begets enmity of great proportions. Hence a wise man will not indulge in gambling - not even for fun.

- Manu Smriti

मनु स्मृति - दुराचारः

दुराचारो हि पुरुषः लोके भवति निंदितः ।
दुःखभागी च सततं व्याधितोऽल्पायुरेव च ॥

- मनु स्मृति, दुराचारः

A wicked person will definitely reap the results of his actions. He will always be scorned up on by virtuous people. He will always languish in misery. He will fall sick. He will definitely die early.

- Manu Smriti

बृहत् पराशर स्मृति - कन्यादान

दूरस्थानामविद्यानां मोक्षधर्मानुयायिनाम् ।
शूराणां निर्धनानां च न देय कन्यका बुधैः ॥

- बृहत् पराशर स्मृति

A wise man will not give his daughter in marriage to these people - some living very far away, an uneducated person, a man who is only interested in seeking salvation, a madly courageous person or a poor person. While they may not have any glaring shortcomings the chances of long lasting happy married life is less with each of the above grooms.

- Brahat Parashara Smriti

सुभाषितसुधानिधि - आत्मशुद्धि

द्विजेन्द्रो वा कलाढ्यो वा कामाचारी भवेद्यदि ।
नित्यं निमज्जन्नप्यब्धौ नांतश्युद्धो भवत्यलम् ॥

- सुभाषितसुधानिधि, आत्मशुद्धि

No one can clean his inner self by taking bath in the ocean every day. It does not matter even if he is a brahmin, or an accomplished artist or a lustful person.

- Subhashitasudhanidhi

बृहत्कथा - दातृयाचकयोर्भेदः

दातृयाचकयोर्भेदः कराभ्यामेव दर्शितः ।
एकस्य गच्छताधस्तादुपर्यन्यस्य तिष्ठता ॥

- बृहत्कथा

The difference between the donor and the beggar can be known by looking at the position of their hands. The donor's hand point downwards and that of the beggar extends upwards. This is sometimes used as an idiom to describe a person. (Ex: Charudatta was such a good person that his palms always point downwards)

- Bruhatkatha

भामिनीविलास - दर्प

दवदहनजटालज्वालाहतानां
    परिगलितलतानां म्लायतां भूरुहाणाम् ।
अयि जलधर शैलश्रेणिशृङ्गेषु तोयं
    वितरसि बहु कोऽयं श्रीमदस्तावकीनः ॥

- भामिनीविलास

The high and indiscreet flames of the forest fire have burnt down many trees. The creepers that were clinging on to those trees are lying on the ground. It is these places that are in need of rain. But still, oh rain!! you pour water only over the cold mountains that are very high. Is this not an example of your arrogance? (misusing your power)

- Bhaminivilasa

हितोपदेश, मित्रलाभ - तृष्णा

तेनाधीतं श्रुतं तेन तेन सर्वमनुष्ठितम् ।
येनाशाः पृष्ठतःकृत्वा नैराश्यमवलंबितम् ॥

- हितोपदेश, मित्रलाभ

There is nothing more to hear (listen and learn), nothing more to implement for a man who has given up on greed and completely dependant on his lack of desire. (This is not to be confused with pessimism or lack of hope). The only aim of all learning and rituals is to overcome greed.

- Hitopadesha, Mitralabha

पञ्चतंत्र - अपरीक्षितकारक - तृष्णा

तृष्णे देवि नमस्तुभ्यं याया वित्तान्विता अपि ।
अकृत्येषु नियोज्यन्ते भ्राम्यन्ते दुर्गमेष्वपि ॥

- पञ्चतंत्र, अपरीक्षितकारक

Oh Goddess of greed!! I salute with respect. The reason I do that is because I think you are very powerful. Under your influence even wealthy people (whose needs are satisfied) will wander in desolate areas - forts and hills (searching for money).

- Panchatantra, Aparikhitakaraka

सुभाषितसुधानिधि - तृष्णा

तृष्णे त्वमसि रागान्धा त्रिषु स्थानेषु रज्यसि ।
व्याधितेष्वनपत्येषु जरापरिणितेषु च ॥

- सुभाषितसुधानिधि

Oh greed!! you are usually found in people who are blinded by passion. In the fore most are - the sick people, the childless and the old. These people can go to unbelievable heights to get their wish fulfilled (to get better, to conceive and to live longer)

- Subhashitasudhanidhi

हितोपदेश, मित्रलाभ - तृष्णा

तृष्णया चेत्परित्यक्तो को दरिद्रः कः ईश्वरः ।
तस्याश्चेत्प्रसरो दत्तो दास्यं च शिरसि स्थितम् ॥

- हितोपदेश, मित्रलाभ

If one does give up greed, it does not matter (to him) if he is poor or rich. On the other hand, if one lets greed thrive, then it is certain that he will end up being its slave.

- Hitopadesha, Mitralabha

गरुडपुराण - तपस्वि

तृणपर्णोदकाहाराः सततं वनवासिनः ।
जंबूकाखुमृगाद्यश्च तापसास्ते भवन्ति किम् ॥

- गरुडपुराण

If everybody who live in the forest and eat only grass and leaves were to attain sainthood - are all the foxes, mice and deer saints?

- Garudapurana

शिशुपालवध - म्रदिमन्

तुल्येऽपराधे स्वर्भानुर्भानुमंतं चिरेण यत् ।
हिमांशुमाशुग्रासते तन्म्रदिम्नःस्फुटं फलम् ॥

- शिशुपालवध

Mythology believes eclipses are means of punishing the sun and the moon for some sins they committed long ago. Both committed the same sin. But, solar eclipses are much rarer than lunar eclipse. It clearly shows what people get if they are soft.

- Shishupalavadha

याज्ञ्वल्क्य - दण्डार्हः

तुलाशासनमानानां कूटकृन्नाणकस्य च ।
एभिश्च व्यवहर्ता यः स दाप्यो दममुत्तमम् ॥

- याज्ञ्वल्क्य

People who cheat when dealing with balances, documents, other measuring devices, people who counterfeit money all must be punished harshly. Such punishment must be meted out to people who deal with them also.

- Yajnavalkya

शिशुपाल वध - मनस्वि

तुङ्गत्वमितरा नाद्रौ नेदं सिंढावगाधता ।
अलङ्घनीयताहेतुरुभयं तन्मनस्विनि ॥

- शिशुपालवध

A mountain is very high, but is not deep. An ocean is very deep, but not high. Even if you have one such quality (high or deep), it becomes very difficult for people to overcome you. People who are mentally strong have both of them. They thoughts can be very high (in ideals) at the same time being deep (in sensitivity).

- Shishupalavadha

सुभाशितसुधानिधि - क्रोधान्धाः

तिरस्कुर्वन्ति कृतिनस्तापयन्ति तपस्व्नः ।
आत्मानमपि हिंसन्ति क्रोधान्धाः किमतःपरम् ॥

- सुभाशितसुधानिधि

They will dismiss (ridicule) the people who accomplish goals. They will hurt the people who lead a life as if it were a penance. They some times evern hurt themselves. These are the people who are blinded by anger - what else can it be?

- Subhashitasudhanidhi

पञ्चरात्र - योध

ताडितस्य हि योधस्य श्लाघनीय कर्मणा ।
अकालांतरिता पूजा नाशयत्येव वेदनाम् ॥

- पञ्चरात्र

When a soldier comes home after being wounded in battle, all his pain will go away if you decorate him with praises (and medals) without delay.

- Pancharatra

पञ्चतंत्र, मित्रभेद - धैर्यं

त्याज्यं धैर्यं विधुरेऽपि काले
    धैर्यात्कदाचिद्गतिमाप्नुयात्सः ।
यथा समुद्रेऽपि च पोतभङ्गे
    सांयात्रिको वांछति तर्तुमेव ॥

- पञ्चतंत्र, मित्रभेद

Even when one is faced with adversity, he must not abandon courage. If one has courage, he will one day meet a good end. Even when a ship is sinking, the sailors still look forward to being saved (or swim to the shore).

- Panchatantra, Mitrabheda

भागवत माहात्म्य - कलिः

तरुणीप्रभुता गेहे श्यालको बुद्धिदायकः ।
कन्याविक्रयिणो लोभाद्दंपतीनां च कल्कनम् ॥

- भागवत माहात्म्य

In the time of Kali (the present age) the following sins will be prevalent: women will have control of the family, the wife will listen to husband's brother more than her husband, girls will be sold for money, husband and wife will fight with each other a lot due to greed.

- Bhagavata Mahatmya

मनुस्मृति - तपः

तयोर्नित्यं प्रियं कुर्यात् आचार्यस्य च सर्वदा ।
तेष्वेव त्रिषु तुष्टेषु तपः सर्वं समाप्यते ॥

- मनुस्मृति

One must do all he can to keep his parents and teacher happy. If they are satisfied it is equivalent to any (all) penance.

- Manu Smriti

महावीरचरित - सकृत्संवादेऽपि

तमांसि ध्वंसन्ते परिणमति भूयानुपशमः
    सकृत्संवादेऽपि प्रथत इह चामुत्र च शुभम् ।
अथ प्रत्यासङ्गः कमपि महिमानं वितरति
    प्रसन्नानां वाचः फलमपरिमेयं प्रसुवते ॥

- महावीरचरित

The benefits of association with virtuous people is immense. It destroys all your bad habits. They have a calming effect on your mind. Even if they speak to you once, it will help you in this world and after life too. Their association will spread greatness to every body involved. If they happily talk to you, it will bear lot of sweet fruits.

- Mahaveera Charita

पराशर स्मृति - दान

तपः परं कृतयुगे त्रेतायां ज्ञानमुच्यते ।
द्वापरे यज्ञमित्यूचुः दानमेकं कलौ युगे ॥

- पराशर स्मृति

Religious austerity is the way to attain salvation in Kruta yuga. Knowledge is the key in Treta yuga. Rituals is the convenient way in Dwapara yuga. In Kali yuga (present), charity is the only way to attain inner peace.

- Parashara Smriti

भागवत - कलिः

ततोऽनृतं मदं कामं रजो वैरं च पंचमम् ।
अमूनि पंचस्थानानि ह्यधर्मप्रभवः कलिः ॥

- भागवत

Kali's influence is usually wicked. His wickedness is usually expressed in five ways - dishonesty, intoxication, lust, impurity (of thought and action), enemity.

- Bhagavata

बृहत् पराशर स्मृति - साहसं किमतः

ज्यौतिषं व्यवहारं च प्रायश्चित्तं चिकित्सितं ।
अजानन् यो नरो ब्रूयात् साहसं किमतः परम् ॥

- बृहत् पराशर स्मृति

There is no felony greater than pretending to know astrology, be a judge, suggesting ways of redemption and practicing medicine without having enough knowledge in the matter.

- Bruhatparashara Smriti

समयोचितपद्यमालिका - मिथ्या

ज्यौतिषं जलदे मिथ्या मिथ्या श्वासिनि वैद्यकं ।
योगो बह्वशने मिथ्या मिथ्या ज्ञानं च मद्यपे ॥

- समयोचितपद्यमालिका

Astrology is irrelevant when one tries to predict the movement of clouds (and there by the rains). The entire field of medicine is irrlevant when it comes to gastic problems. Yoga can not do any good if a person routinely over eats. Knowledge is useless for a drunkard.

- Samayocitapadyamalika

महाभारत - तृष्णा

जीर्यन्ति जीर्यतः केशा दन्ता जीर्यन्ति जीर्यतः ।
चक्षुःश्रोत्रे च जीर्येते तृष्णैका तु न जीर्यते ॥

- महाभारत, अनु

The hair, the teeth, the eyes and the ears show signs of aging by getting weaker and weaker. It is only greed in a man that just does not get weaker (older).

- Mahabharatha, Anu

बृहत्पराशरश्मृति - वरे गुणाः

जातिवुद्यावयःशक्तिरारोग्यं बहुपक्षता ।
अर्थित्वं वित्तसंपत्तिरष्टावेते वरे गुणाः ॥

- बृहत्पराशरश्मृति

The following are the eight characteristics one must look for in a bridegroom - he must belong to a virtuous family, well educated, young (youthful), strength, healthy, liked by many (not hated by majority), willingness to start a family and wealth (at least a drive to earn money)

- Bruhat Parashara Smriti

अभिज्ञान शाकुन्तला - कोपात् महिमानं

ज्वलति चलितेन्धनोग्निः विप्रकृतः पन्नगः फणां
                                          कुरुते ।
प्रायः स्वं महिमानं कोपात् प्रतिपद्यते जन्तुः ॥

- अभिज्ञान शाकुन्तला

If one moves the wood in the ritual fire, it burns with greater vigor. If you provoke a serpent it will get agitated and open its hood. A little bit of anger becomes a catalyst for people to exhibit their power to the fullest extent.

- Abhijnana Shakuntala

मृच्छकटिक - न्यायाधीश

छन्नं दोषमुदाहरन्ति कुपिता न्यायेन दूरीकृताः
स्वान् दोषान् कथयन्ति नाधिकरणे सन्तोऽपि नष्टा
                                                ध्रुवम् ।
ये पक्षापरपक्षदोषसहिताः पापानि संकुर्वते
संक्षेपादपवाद एव सुलभो द्रष्टुर्गुणो दूरतः ॥

- मृच्छकटिक

When people are angry they hide their shortcomings (the truth). This often misleads the judge. More over, even a noble man will come up to the judge and admit his mistakes since they are certain that it will only cause harm. In many cases, both the defendant and the plaintiff are guilty (to some extent). The job of the judge is really thankless. It can only attract slander but never total praise. There is atleast one party that accuses the judge of partiality.

- Mrucchakatika

Garuda Purana

जटाभाराजिनैर्युक्ता दांभिका वेषधारिणः ।
भ्रमन्ति ज्ञानिवल्लोके भ्रामयन्ति जनानपि ॥

jataabhaaraajinairyuktaa daambhikaa veshadhaarinah |
bhramanti jnaanivalloke bhraamayanti janaanapi ||

Zottelhaar tragend, in Gazellenhaut steckend irren verkleidete Lügner
durchs Land als hätten sie Ahnung, doch wollen sie nur das Volk verwirren.

गरुड पुराण - जटाभाराजिनैर्युक्ता

जटाभाराजिनैर्युक्ता दांभिका वेषधारिणः ।
भ्रमन्ति ज्ञानिवल्लोके भ्रामयन्ति जनानपि ॥

- गरुड पुराण

There are people in this world with matted hair, wearing only deer skin and acting pompously as if they are the enlightened. Not only are they themselves ignorant, but also fool everybody else.

- Garuda Purana

मुद्रराक्षस - कृषिः

चीयते बालिशस्यापि सत्क्षेत्रप्रतिता कृषिः ।
न शालेः स्तंबकरिता वप्तुर्गुणमपेक्षते ॥

- मुद्रराक्षस

If an idiot sows seed in a fertile land, the crop will still be excellent. For the crop to grow well and give good yeild does not depend on the character (or intelligence) of the sower.

- Mudrarakshasa

गंगादितीर्थेषु

गंगादितीर्थेषु वसन्ति मत्स्याः
    देवालये पक्षिगणाश्च नित्यम् ।
ते ज्ञानहीना न फलं लभन्ते
    तीर्थानि देवायतनानि भावः ॥

Fishes and other beings live in river Ganga. Many birds make nests and live in temples. That does not mean that they are all enlightened. They continue to be ignorant. Holiness (river or temples) must in essence (mind) and not be attached to material things (water and buildings).

प्रतिमानाटक - गोपहीन

गोपहीन यथा गावः विलयं यान्त्यपालिताः ।
एवं नृपतिहीना हि विलयं यान्ति वै प्रजाः ॥

- प्रतिमानाटक

Without the shepherd, the cows all get dispersed. Their life is in danger because lone cows are eaten up by predators. Just like that, citizens' lives will be put in danger if there is no king.

- Pratimanataka

दक्ष स्मृति - गृहवासः

गृहवासः सुखार्थाय पत्नीमूलं गृहे सुखम् ।
सा पत्नी या विनीता स्याच्चित्तज्ञा वशवर्तिनी ॥

- दक्ष स्मृति

People make homes (families) to be happy. At the root of such happiness is the wife. She is a good wife who is obedient and understands the mind of the man by herself.

- Daksha Smriti

मनुस्मृति - गुरौ यत्र

गुरौ यत्र परीवादो निंदा वापि प्रवर्तते ।
कर्णौ तत्र पिधातव्यौ गंतव्यं वा ततोऽन्यतः ॥

- मनुस्मृति

If one finds irresponsible people slandering his teacher, he must immediately close his ears. It is better if he moves away from such a place. This is important because listening to such slander will cause doubt in one's mind regarding his master. He will not be able to follow the teacher completely if such doubt exists.

- Manu Smriti

रामायण - अयोध्या

गुरुलाघवमर्थानामारंभे कर्माणां फलम् ।
दोषं वा यो न जानाति स बाल इति होच्यते ॥

- रामायण, अयोध्या

Before starting on an endeavor if one does not analyze the outcome of his actions in terms of profit-loss, good-bad then he can only be branded as foolish (or naive).

- Ramayana, Ayodhya

मृच्छकटिक - गुणेषु यत्नः

गुणेषु यत्नः पुरुषेण कार्यः
    न किंचिदप्राप्यतमं गुणानाम् ।
गुणप्रकर्षादुडुपेन शंभोः
    अलंघ्यमुल्लंघितमुत्तमाङ्गम् ॥

- मृच्छकटिक

One must strive to collect as many good qualities as possible. This is not easy and will involve lot of effort. But one must persevere. Look what the moon has achieved. By the virtue of all his good qualities, he is able to secure a place on top of the head of Lord Shiva (who by himself is insurmountable).

- Mrucchakatika

प्रसन्नराघव - गुणग्रामाभिसंवादि

गुणग्रामाभिसंवादि नामापि हि महात्मनाम् ।
यथा सुवर्णश्रीखण्ड रत्नाकर सुधाकरः ।।

- प्रसन्नराघव

Even the names of great men describe their great characters. They are all very aptly named. Gold is called Suvarna (meaning: the one with lustrous color). Sandalwood is called Srikhanda (meaning: wood filled with wealth). Ocean is called Ratnakara (meaning: he who has gems). Moon is called Sudhakara (meaning: he who has the elixir)

Prasanna Raghava