आत्मा जेयः सदा राज्ञा ततो जेयाश्च शत्रवः ।
अजितात्मा नरपतिर्विजयेत कथं रिपून् ॥
- महाभारत, शान्ति
aatma jeyaH sadA rAjnA tato jeyashcha shatravaH ।
ajitAtmA narapatiH vijayeta katham ripUn ॥
- mahAbhArata, shAnti
One must defeat himself (senses) first. Then he can think about defeating his enemies. If one can not defeat his own senses how can he defeat external enemies?
- Mahabharata, Shanti
आश्रमांस्तुलया सर्वान् धृतानाहुर्मनीषिणः ।
एकतश्च त्रयो राजन् गृहस्थाश्रम एकतः ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार
aashramAms tulayaa sarvAn dhRutAn aahuH manIShiNaH ।
ekashcha trayo rAjan gRuhasthAshrama ekataH ॥
- subhAShitaratnabhANDAgAra
Oh! King, wise men have weighed the different phases of life in a balance. They have found one to be as heavy as the other three put together. Grihasthaashrama - the phase where one runs his household independently is equal to brahmacharya (student hood), vanaprastha (forest dwelling, retirement) and sanyasa (total renouncement) all put together.
- Subhashitaratnabhandagara
आरोग्यं विद्वत्ता सज्जनमैत्री महाकुले जन्म ।
स्वाधीनता च पुंसां महदैश्वर्यं विनाप्यर्थैः ॥
- महाभारत, शान्ति
aarogyam vidvattA sajjana maitri mahAkule janma ।
svadhInatA cha pumsAm mahadaishvaryam vinaapi arthaiH ॥
- mahabhArata, shAnti
Health, wisdom, friendship of virtuous people, birth in a noble family, personal freedom - these are the wealth that one can get even without any money.
- Mahabharata, Shanti
अर्थैरर्थाः निबध्यंते गजैर्वनगजा इव ।
न च कश्चित् कृते कार्ये कर्तारं समवेक्षते ॥
- महाभारत, शान्ति
arthaiH arthAH nibadhyante gajaiH vanagajaa iva ।
na cha kashchit kRute kArye kartAraM samavekShate ॥
- mahabhArata, shAnti
Wealth has to be used to get more wealth just like tame elephants are used to capture and tame the wild elephants. In this world, people will never remember the person they received help from after having benefited from them.
- Mahabharata, Shanti
अबलस्य बलं राजा बालस्य रुदितं बलम् ।
बलं मूर्खस्य मौनित्वं तस्करस्यानृतं बलम् ॥
- गरुडपुराण
abalasya balam rAjA bAlasya ruditam balam ।
balam mUrkhasya maunitvam taskarasya anRutam balam ॥
- garuDa purANa
A king must be the power of the weak. A child gets its power from crying. A fool must use silence as his poer and ability tell lies is the power of thieves.
- Garuda Purana
अभ्रच्छाया तृणाग्निश्च खले प्रीतिः स्थले जलम् ।
वेश्यासक्तिः कुमित्रं च षडेते बुद्बुदोपमाः ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार
abhrat ChAyA tRuNAgni khale prItiH sthale jalam ।
veshya aasaktiH kumitram cha ShaD ete budbuda upamAH ॥
- subhAShitaratnabhANDAgAra
The following six things as ephemeral as a water bubble - shade from a cloud, fire from grass, love shown by a rogue, water that is spilled over land, attention span of a prostitute and a bad friend.
- Subhashitaratnabhandagara
अहो साहजिकं प्रेम दूरादपि विराजते ।
चकोरनयनद्वन्द्वमाह्लादयति चन्द्रमाः ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार
aho sahajikam prema dUrAdapi virAjate ।
chakora nayana dvandvam aahlAdayati chandramaaH ॥
- subhAShitaratnabhANDAgAra
When love is natural, distance does not matter. The moon and the chakora bird enjoy just watching each other.
- Subhashitaratnabhandagara
अविदितपरमानन्दो वदति जनो विषयमेव रमणीयम् ।
तिलतैलमेव मृष्टं येन न दृष्टं घृतं क्वापि ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार
avidata paramAnando vadati jano viShayameva ramaNIyam ।
tila tailameva mRuShTam yena na dRuShTam ghRutam kvapi ॥
- subhAShitaratnabhANDAgAra
Those who have not experienced the unlimited supreme happiness will always be of the opinion that worldly pleasures give them more happiness. It is like the case of people who have never tasted ghee and hence consider sesame seed oil to be tasty.
- Subhashitaratnabhandagara
असारे खलु संसारे सारमेतच्चतुष्टयम् ।
काश्यां वासः सतां सङ्गो गंगांभः शंभुसेवनम् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार
asAre khalu samsAre sArametat chatuShTayam ।
kAshyAm vAsaH satAm sango gangAmbhaH shambhusevanam ॥
- subhAShitaratnabhANDAgAra
In this world without any real substance, there are only four things that matter - living in Kashi, befriending virtuous people, holy water of Ganga and worshiping Lord Shiva.
- Subhashitaratnabhandagara
असद्भिः शपथेनोक्तं जले लिखितमक्षरम् ।
सद्भिस्तु लीलया प्रोक्तं शिलालिखितमक्षरम् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार
asadbhiH shapathena uktam jale likhitam akSharam ।
sadbhiH tu lIlayA proktam shilA likhitamakSharam ॥
- subhAShitaratnabhANDAgAra
When rogues proclaim their vows, it is as if written in water - good for nothing. But when virtuous people even make a passing remark, it is as if written on stone - they will live up to it.
- Subhashitaratnabhandagara
अपूर्वः कोऽपि कोशोऽयं विद्यते तव भारति ।
व्ययतो वृद्धिमायाति क्षयमायाति संचयात् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार
apUrvaH ko api koshaH ayam vidyate tava bhArati ।
vyayato vRuddhim aayAti kShayam aayAti sanchayAt ॥
- subhAShitaratnabhANDAgAra
Oh Saraswathi, your treasure (wisdom) is great. It grows as you spend and depletes if you try to horde.
- Subhashitaratnabhandagara
अफलानि दुरंतानि समव्ययफलानि च ।
अशक्यानि च वस्तूनि नारभेत विचक्षणः ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार
aphalAni duraMtAni samavyayaphalAni cha।
॥
- subhAShitaratnabhANDAgAra
Wise men will not take up a task that will definitely fail, end in destruction, yields results that barely break-even or already known to be impossible.
- Subhashitaratnabhandagara
अपत्यदर्शनस्यार्थे प्राणानपि च या त्यजेत् ।
त्यजन्ति तामपि क्रूरा मातरं दारहेतवे ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार
apatya darshanasyArthe prANAnapi cha yA tyajet ।
tyajanti tAmapi krUrA mAtAram dArahetave ॥
- subhAShitaratnabhANDAgAra
Parents risk their own lives to bring an offspring to this world. But sons so brought to this world abandon them for the sake of their wives.
- Subhashitaratnabhandagara
असतां सङ्गदोषेण साधवो यान्ति विक्रियाम् ।
दुर्योधनप्रसंगेन भीष्मो गोहरणे गतः ॥
- पञ्चतंत्र
asatAm sangadoSheNa sAdhavo yAnti vikriyAm ।
duryodhana prasangena bhIShmo goharaNe gataH ॥
- panchatantra
If one is associated with rogues, they get corrupted even if they were virtuous by themselves. In the matter of Duryodhana, even Bheeshma participated in stealing cows from Virata's kingdom.
- Panchatantra
अर्थार्थी जीवलोकोऽयं श्मशानमपि सेवते ।
त्यक्त्वा जनयितारं स्वं निःस्वं गच्छति दूरतः ॥
- पञ्चतंत्र
arthArthI jIvaloko ayam shmashAnamapi sevate ।
tyaktvA janayitAram svaM niHsvam gacChati dUrataH ॥
- panchatantra
There are a few greedy sons (or daughters) in this world who choose to live (and earn) in a graveyard for the sake of money even if it means to abandon their poor and old parents.
- Panchatantra
अनेके फणिनः संति भेकभक्षणतत्पराः ।
एक एव हि शेषोऽयं धरणीधरणक्षमः ॥
- भोजप्रबंध
aneka phaNinaH santi bheka bhakShiNa tatparAH ।
eka eva hi sheShaH ayam dharaNI dharaNa kShamaH ॥
- bhoja prabandha
There are many snakes who are immersed in their usual activities of swallowing frogs. But there is only one - Shesha who is capable of holding the weight of the entire earth.
- Bhojaprabandha
अग्नौ दग्धं जले मग्नं हृतं तस्करपार्थिवैः ।
तत्सर्वं दानमित्याहुर्यदि क्लैब्यं न भाषते ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार
agnau dagdham jale magnam hRutam taskara pArthivaiH ।
tat sarvam dAnam iti aahuH yadi klaibyam na bhAShate ॥
- subhAShitaratnabhANDAgAra
What is lost to fire, water, thieves or kings will be accounted as 'donated' if we do not grieve over the lost items.
- Subhashitaratnabhandagara
अंजनस्य क्षयं दृष्ट्वा वल्मीकस्य च संचयं ।
अवंध्यं दिवसं कुर्यात् दानाध्ययनकर्मसु ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार
anjanasya kShayam dRuShTvA valmIkasya cha sanchayam ।
avandhyam divasam kuryAt dAna adhyayana karmasu ॥
- subhAShitaratnabhANDAgAra
A person should learn about impermanence from these two. Collyrium applied to the eyelashes get washed away easily. Ants build the anthill only to let a snake live in it. After having seen this, one should not waste his time every day. He must engage in charity (giving) and introspective study.
- Subhashitaratnabhandagara
अनादायी व्ययं कुर्यादसहायी रणप्रियः ।
आतुरः सर्वभक्षी च नरः शीघ्रं विनश्यति ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार
anAdAyI vyayam kuryAd asahAyI raNapriyaH ।
AturaH sarvabhakShI cha naraH shIghram vinashyati ॥
- subhAShitaratnabhANDAgAra
These people are going to get destroyed soon - one who spends more than he earns, one who goes to war without support, a patient who does not watch his diet.
- Subhashitaratnabhandagara
अनर्घ्यमपि माणिक्यं हेमाश्रयमपेक्षते ।
अनाश्रयान शोभन्ते पण्डिता वनिता लताः ॥
anarghyamapi mANIkyam hemAshrayam apekShate ।
anAshrayaa na shobante panDitA vanitA latAH ॥
Even a very precious gem needs the support of gold to be made into a wearable ornament. Just like that the following things are weak without proper support - scholars, women and creepers.
सुकृतेन कुले जन्म सुकृतेन सुभाषितम् ।
सुकृतेन सती भार्या सुकृतेन कृती सुतः ॥
- हरिहर सुभाषित
sukRutena kule janma sukRutena subhAShitam ।
sukRutena satI bhAryA sukRutena kRutI sutaH ॥
- harihara subhAShita
It is only by good fortune (as a result of good karma in previous lives) that one gets to be born in a good family, collect good subhashitas, get married to a lady of good character and get a son who will achieve something substantial.
- Harihara Subhashita
स्त्रीणामार्यस्वभावानां परमं दैवतं पतिः ।
नातो विशिष्टं पश्यामि बांधवं विमृशंत्यहम् ॥
- रामायण, अयोध्या
strINAm aaryasvabhAvAnAm paramam daivatam patiH ।
nAto vishiShTam pashyAmi bAndhavam vimRushanti aham ॥
- ramAyaNa, ayodhyA
A wife with good culture will treat her husband no less than God. I have analyzed in many ways. There is no one more intimate to a wife than her husband - not even God.
- Ramayana, Ayodhya
हृदयं सदयं यस्य भाषितं सत्यभूषितम् ।
कायः परहितोपायः कलिः कुर्वीत तस्य किम् ॥
- पद्मनंदनस्य वैराग्य शतक
hRudayam sadayam yasya bhAShitam satyabhUShitam ।
kAyaH parahitopAyaH kaliH kurvIta tasya kim ॥
- padmanandana's vairAgya shataka
Kali (who can corrupt anyone) will not be able to do anything to a person who has compassion in his heart, truth in his words and uses his body to help others.
- Padmanandana's Vairagya Shataka
कुसुमशयनं पाषाणो वा प्रियं भवनं वनं
प्रतनुमसृणस्पर्शं वासस्त्वगप्यथ तारवी ।
सरसमशनं कुल्माषो वा धनानि तृणानि वा
शमसुखसुधापानक्षैभ्ये समं हि महात्मनाम् ॥
- मुनिमतमीमांस
kusuma shayanam pAShANaH vA priyam bhavanam vanam
pratanumasRuNasparsham vAsaH tvagapi atha tAravI ।
sarasama ashanam kulmASho vaa dhanAni tRuNAni vA
shama sukha sudhA pAna kShaibhye samam hi mahAtmanAm ॥
- munimatamImaamsa
For an ascetic who derives his satisfaction from killing desires, it does not matter if he sleeps on flowery bed or hard stone, lives in a palace or forest, smooth silky clothes or rags, sumptuous food or gruel, wealth or blades of grass.
- Munimatamimamsa
अत्युच्चपदाध्यासः पतानायेत्यर्थशालिनां शंसत् ।
आपांडुपततिपत्रं तरोरिदं बंधनग्रंथेः ॥
ati uccha padAdhyAsaH patAnAyeti arthashAlinAm shamsat ।
ApAnDu patati patram taroH idam bandhana grantheH ॥
It is the same fate that awaits people reach the top using wealth. When a leaf turns white (pale), it loses the connection to the tree and falls off.
छिंत्ते मोहं चित्प्रकर्षं प्रयुंक्ते
सूते सूक्तिं सूयते या पुमर्थान् ।
प्रीतिं कीर्तिं प्राप्तुकामेन सैषा
शाब्दी शुद्धिः शारदेवास्तु सेव्या ॥
- गोपेंद्रतिप्पभूपाल
Chinte moham chit prakarSham prayukte
sUte sUktim sUyate yA pumArthAn ।
prItim kIrtim prAptukAmena sa iShA
shAbdI shuddhiH shAradaa eva astu sevyA ॥
- gopendra tippa bhUpAla
Good language can change lives. It let's you lose any attachment to worldly possessions. It illuminates your mind. It makes you tell good things. It helps you achieve your goal. It will help you get love and fame. using good language is equal to worshiping Goddess Sharada herself.
- Gopendra Tippa Bhupala
वर्णप्रकर्षे सति कर्णिकारं
दुनोति निर्गंधतया स्म चेतः ।
प्रायेण सामग्र्यविधौ गुणानां
पराङ्मुखी विश्व सृजः प्रवृत्तिः ॥
- कुमारसंभव
varNa prakarShe sati karNikaaram
dunoti nirgandhatayA sma chetaH ।
prAyena sAmagryavidhau guNAnAm
parAnmukhI vishvasRujaH pravRuttiH ॥
- kumArasambhava
The flowers of golden shower tree are bright in color, but disappoint due to the lack of fragrance. It is the nature of this Creator that he does not put in effort to make one thing good in all respects. He intentionally leaves out a few qualities in anything he makes.
- Kumarasambhava
दिवाकराद्रक्षतियो गुहासु
लीनं दिवाभीतमिवांधकारं ।
क्षुद्रेऽपि नूनं शरणं प्रपन्ने
ममत्वमुच्चैःशिरसामतीव॥
- कुमारसंभव
divAkara aadrakShatiyo guhAsu
lInam divAbhItam ivAndhakAram ।
kShudro api nUnam sharaNam prapanne
mamatvam ucchaiH shirasAm atIva ॥
- kumArasambhava
In the Himalayas, there are caves where Sun rays have never entered. Inside, those afraid of sunlight - darkness and owls are safe. It is the noble quality of the virtuous people that protect even the weak (and lowly) when they ask for refuge.
- Kumarasambhava
अनंतरत्नप्रभवस्य यस्य
हिमं न सौभाग्यविलोपि जातं ।
एको हि दोषो गुणसन्निपाते
निमज्जतींदोः किरणेष्वांकः ॥
- कुमारसंभव
ananta ratna prabhAvasya yasya
himam na saubhAgya vilopi jAtam ।
eko hi doSho guNasannipAte
nimajjati indoH kiraNeShu aankaH ॥
- kumArasambhava
The Himalaya has numerous virtuous qualities each one like a gem. His greatness is not concealed in spite of having snow all over him. His virtuous qualities are so many that it is not possible to see any vice that may exist. His glory is clearly evident in the moon light.
- Kumarasambhava
हित्वा धर्मं तथार्थं च कामं यस्तु निषेवते ।
स वृक्षाग्रे यथा सुप्तः पतितः प्रतिबुध्यते ॥
- रामायण, किष्किंधा
hitvA dharmam tathA artham cha kAmam yastu niShevate ।
sa vRukSHagre yathA suptaH patitaH pratibuddhyate ॥
- rAmAyaNa, kiShkindhA
He who indulges in Kama having forgotten about dharma (morality) and even artha(wealth) will realize his mistake only after he is hurt. Just like a person who is sleeping on a branch of the tree. He will be woken up only when he falls.
- Ramayana, Kishkindha
हालाहलं खलु पिपासति कौतुकेन
कालानलं परिचुचुंबिषति प्रकामम् ।
व्यालाधिपं च यतते परितब्धुमद्धा
यो दुर्जनं वशयितुं तनुते मनीषाम् ॥
- भामिनीविलास
hAlAhalam khalu pipAsati kautukena
kAlAnalam pari chuchumbiShati prakAmam ।
vyAlaadhipaM cha yatate paritabdhum addhA
yo durjanaM vashayitum tanute manIShAm ॥
- bhAminIvilAsa
A person who wants to get a rogue under his control (or befriend him) is taking a huge risk. Just like, curiosity to drink poison, playing with fire, hugging the king of snakes (takShaka).
- Bhaminivilasa
हालाहलो नैव विषं विषं रमा
जनाः परं व्यत्ययमत्र मन्वते ।
निपीय जागर्ति सुखेन तं शिवः
स्मृशन्निमां मुह्यति निद्रया हरिः ॥
- कुवलयानंद
hAlAhalo naiva viSham viSham ramA
janAH param vyatyayam atra manvate ।
nipIya jAgarti sukhena tam shivaH
smRushann imAm muhyati nidrayA hariH ॥
- kuvalayAnanda
It is not halahala that is the poison, it is Lakshmi that is poison. People have understood it the other way around. Shiva is still able to live peacefully after having consumed halahala. But after touching Lakshmi, Hari was mesmerized into a sleep.
- Kuvalayananda
हस्तस्पर्शादिवांधेन विषमे पथि दावता ।
अनुमानप्रधानेन विनिपातो न दुर्लभः ॥
- वाक्यपदीय
hasta sparshAd iva andhaH viShame pathi dAvatA ।
anumAna pradhAnena vinipAto na durlabhaH ॥
- vAkyapadIya
A blind man finds his way by touching and feeling. Imagine him running on a treacherous course. He will often stumble and fall. It is a similar fate that awaits someone who undertakes a project based solely on a mere guess.
- Vakyapadiya
सौवर्णानि सरोजानि निर्मातुं संति शिल्पिनः ।
तत्र सौरभनिर्माणे चतुरश्चतुराननः ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नसमुच्चय
sauvarNAni sarojAni nirmAtum santi shilpinaH ।
tatra saurabha nirmANe chaturaH chaturAnanaH ॥
- subhAShitaratnasamucchaya
Sculptors make easily make a golden lotus. But only the Creator (God) can put fragrance into it.
- Subhashitaratnasamucchaya
सोऽर्थो यो हस्ते तन्मित्रं यन्निरंतरं व्यसने ।
तद्रूपं यत्र गुणाः तद्विज्ञानं यत्र धर्मः ॥
- हालसप्तशती
sa artho yo haste tat mitram yat nirantaram vyasane ।
tat rUpam yatra guNAH tat vijnAnam yatra dharmaH ॥
- hAla sapta shatI
It is called wealth only when it is in your hands (liquid). He is a friend who stands by you always when you are in trouble. Beauty is complete only when there are good qualities in the person. It is knowledge only when it makes you follow the moral code of life (Dharma).
- Halasaptashati
स्नेहाद्वा यदि वा लोभात् भयाद्ज्ञानतोऽपि वा ।
कुर्वन्यनुग्रहं ये तु तत्पापं तेषु गच्छति ॥
- लघुशंखस्मृति
snehAd vA yadi vA lobhAt bhayAd ajnAnato api vA ।
kurvanti anugraham ye tu tat pApam teShu gacChati ॥
- laghu shankha smRiti
If one give a donation (helps someone) out of friendship, fear, greed or ignorance - then the sins of the taker will be attributed to the giver. This is perhaps due to the encouragement given in the form of donation to commit the sin.
- Laghushankhasmriti
सेवितव्यो महावृक्षः फलछायासमन्वितः ।
यदि दैवात्फलं नास्ति छाया केन निवार्यते ॥
- हितोपदेश, विग्रह
sevitavyo mahAvRukShaH phalaChAyA samanvitaH ।
yadi daivAt phalam nAsti ChAyA kena nivAryate ॥
- hitopadesha, vigraha
One must always take shelter of a big tree with lots of fruits and shade. Just in case due to bad luck, there are no fruits - still you will have the shade. Who can take that way from you?
- Hitopadesha, Vigraha
सुलभाः पुरुषा राजन् सततं प्रियवादिनः ।
अप्रियस्य तु पथ्यस्य वक्ता श्रोता च दुर्लभः ॥
- रामायण, युद्ध
sulabhAH puruShA rAjan satatam priyavAdinaH ।
apriyasya tu pathyasya vaktA shrotA cha durlabhaH ॥
- rAmAyaNa, yuddha
Oh King! it is very easy to find people who will talk sweetly always. But It is very hard to find people who can talk hard and right at the same time. It is also hard to find people who can listen to such talk.
- Ramayana, Yuddha
सुभिक्षं कृषके नित्यं नित्यं सुखमरोगिणि ।
भार्या भर्तुः प्रिया यस्य तस्य नित्योत्सवं गृहम् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार
subhikSham kRuShake nityam nityam sukham arogiNi ।
bhAryA bhartuH priyA yasya tasya nityotsavam gRuham ॥
- subhAShitaratnabhANDAgAra
A farmer's house always has abundance. To be healthy is to be happy. If the husband and wife are loving, then there are festivities every day at home.
- Subhashitaratnabhandagara
सुखदुःखे समे स्यातां जंतूनां कर्महेतुके ।
मूर्ध्नि स्थितानां केशानां भवेतां स्नेहछेदने ॥
- दृष्टान्तकलिका
sukha duHkhe same syAtAm jantUnAm karmahetuke ।
mUrdhni sthitAnAm keshAnAm bhavetAm sneha Chedane ॥
- dRuShTAnta kalikA
There will be happiness and sadness according to our actions. We should not expect only one kind of emotions always. The hair on our head will get the nourishment of oil on one day and get mercilessly cut on another day.
- Drushtantakalika
सुक्षेत्रं तव जन्मभूरिति पुनः पर्वानुबंधादियं
मेध्या मूर्तिरिति प्रभूतगरिमग्रामा न के के गुणाः ।
माधुर्यं परपीडितोऽपि धरसि क्रांतो गुरुग्रंथिभिः
सांगं सज्जनचेष्टितं क्व भवता संप्राप्तमिक्षो वद ॥
- अन्योक्तिस्तबक
sukShetram tava janmabhUriti punaH parva anubandhaadiyam
medhyA mUrtiriti prabhUta garimagrAmA na ke ke guNAH ।
mAdhuryam parapIDito api sharasi krAnto guru granthibhiH
sAngam sajjana cheShTitam kva bhavatA samprAptam ikSho vada ॥
- anyokti stabaka
Your home land is the ground. From there you grow upwards as if there are chapters and chapters. Your presence is auspicious. You have so many great qualities. You give out sweetness even when crushed. You body is stiff and yet you possess all the virtuous qualities. Tell me Sugar cane, how did you come to be like this?
- Anyoktistabaka
स्त्रियो नरपतिर्वह्निर्विषं युक्त्या विषेवितम् ।
स्वार्थाय यदि वा दुःखसंभारायैव केवलम् ॥
- लोचन
striyo narapatiH vahniH viSham yuktyA viShevitam ।
svArthAya yadi vA duHkha sambhArAya eva kevalam ॥
- lochana
Women, king, fire and poison - all must be used in moderation. If not, they will be cause for pain and misery.
- Locahana
स्त्रियो रत्नान्यथो विद्या धर्मं शौचं सुभाषितम् ।
विविधानि च शिल्पानि समादेयानि सर्वतः ॥
- मनुस्मृति
striyo ratnAni atho vidyA dharma shaucham subhAShitam ।
vividhAni cha shilpAni samAdeyAni sarvataH ॥
- manu smRuti
One can collect these items from all places, any time - women (as brides), gems, knowledge, dharma, righteousness, cleanliness, a good saying and a good sculpture.
- Manu Smriti
स्तिमितोन्नतसंचारा जनसंतापहारिणः ।
जायन्ते विरला लोके जलदा इव सज्जनाः ॥
- पञ्चतंत्र, मित्रभेद
stimita unnata sanchAraa jana santApa hAriNaH ।
jAyante viralA loke jaladA iva sajjanAH ॥
- panchatantra, mitrabheda
Virtuous people are like clouds. They live very high up (morally), help others and very rare. A cloud floats in the the sky and showers water on earth for the needy.
- Panchatantra, Mitrabheda
स्थितासनस्था शयिता पराङ्मुखी
स्वलंकृता वाप्य नलंकृता वा ।
निरीक्ष्यमाणा प्रमादा सुदुर्बलं
मनुष्यमालेख्यगताऽपि कर्षति ॥
sthitAsanastha shayitA parAnmukhi
svalamkRutA vA api ya nalamkRutA vA ।
nirIkShyamANA pramAdA sudurbalam
manuShyam alekhya gatA api karShati ॥
A lady may be sitting, standing, or sleeping on a bed with her face away from you, well decorated or not, while she is waiting for someone, or lost her mind, or even in a picture - she can attract a man if he is weak.
स्थित्यतिक्रांतिभीरूणि स्वच्छान्याकुलितान्यपि ।
तोयानि तोयराशीनां मनांसि च मनस्विनाम् ॥
- किरातार्जुनीय
sthiti atikrAnti bhIrUNi svacChaani akulitAni api ।
tOyAni tOyarAshInAm manaamsi cha manasvinAm ॥
- kirAtArjunIya
Minds of great people are like water in the sea. Even under tumultuous conditions it does not breach its limits and does not get muddy when shaken.
- Kiratarjuniya
स्थानेष्टेव नियोक्तव्या भृत्याश्चाभरणानि च ।
न हि चूडामणिः पादे प्रभावामीति बध्यते ॥
- पञ्चतंत्र, मित्रभेद
sthAneShTeva niyoktavyaa bhRutyAH cha abharaNAni cha ।
na hi chUDAmaNiH pAde prabhAvAmi iti badhyate ॥
- panchatantra, mitrabheda
Servants and ornaments have to be placed at their appropriate positions. Will any one wear a precious gem (choodamani) on the foot.
- Panchatantra, Mitrabheda
सर्वो दण्डजितो लोके दुर्लभो हि शुचिर्नरः ।
दण्डस्य हि भयात्सर्वं जगत्भोगाय कल्पते ॥
- मनुस्मृति
sarvo danDajito loke durlabho hi shuchiH naraH ।
danDasya hi bhayAtsarvam jagat bhogAya kalpate ॥
- manu smRuti
Order is preserved in this world by punishment. It is very rare to find people who are clean by themselves. Punishment preserves the order so that we can enjoy fearlessly in this world.
- Manu Smriti
सर्वेषामपि जन्तूनामिह स्वात्मैव वल्लभः ।
इतरेऽपत्यवित्ताद्यास्तद्वल्लभतयैव हि ॥
- भागवत
sarveShAmapi jantUnAm iha sva Atmaiva vallabhaH ।
itare apatya vittaadyaH tad vallabhatayaiva hi ॥
- bhAgavata
All the beings of this world love themselves the most. All other attachments - children, wealth and others have their root in loving themselves.
- Bhagavata
सर्वहिंसानिवृत्ता ये नराः सर्वंसहाश्च ये ।
सर्वस्याश्रयभूताश्च ते नराः स्वर्गगामिनः ॥
- हितोपदेश, मित्रलाभ
sarva himsaa nivRuttA ye narAH sarvaM sahAshcha ye ।
sarvaashraya bhUtAshcha te narAH svargagAminaH ॥
- hitopadesha, mitralAbha
Those who renounce every form of violence, face all miseries with courage and patience and give shelter to all who seek refuge - will go to heaven.
- Hitopadesha, Mitralabha
स्वल्पापि साधुसंपद् भोज्य
महतां न पृथ्व्यपि खलश्रीः ।
सारसमेव पयस्तृषमपनयति
न यदसां पत्युः ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि
svalpa api sAdhu sampad bhojya
mahatAm na pRuthvi api khalashrIH ।
sArasameva payaH tRuSham apanayati
na yadasAm patyuH ॥
- subhAShitasudhAnidhi
Even if the virtuous people have very less wealth, they deserve much more. A wicked person on the other hand may own the entire earth, but they don't deserve it. Just like water from a small pond can quench thirst but the whole ocean cannot.
- Subhashitasudhanidhi
स्वयमाहृत्य भुञ्जानाः बलिनोऽपि स्वभावतः ।
गजेन्द्रश्च नरेन्द्रश्च प्रायः सीदन्ति दुःखिताः ॥
- मुद्राराक्षस
svayam aahRutya bhunjAnAH balino api svabhAvataH ।
gajendrashcha narendraashcha prAyaH sIdanti duHkhitAH ॥
- mudraarAkShasa
Elephants and Kings have some qualities in common. They are very strong and self made. They both lose weight (become weak) when they are unhappy (in trouble).
- Mudrarakshasa
समाश्रयबलादेव गरुडं यान्तमध्वनि ।
पिनाकपाणिस्थः कुशलं पृष्टवानहिः ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि
samAshraya balAt eva garuDaM yAntamadhvani ।
pinAkapAnisthaH kushalam pRuShTavAnahiH ॥
- subhAShitasudhAnidhi
It is the power of the host that a refugee inherits. Otherwise how can a snake say hello to an eagle and have a chit-chat? The snake in context is the one held by Lord Shiva as decoration around his neck and the eagle is Garuda.
- Subhashitasudhanidhi
समाजेभ्यः सुमनसां सुभाषितमयं मधु ।
यावज्जीवं विचिन्वंति साधवो मधुपा इव ॥
- हरिहर सुभाषित
samAjebhyaH sumanasAm subhAShitamayam madhu ।
yAvajjIvaM vichinvanti sAdhavo madhupA iva ॥
- harihara subhAShita
A wise man must accumulate good sayings from other wise men as long as he lives. Subhashitas as sweet as honey. And we must be as tireless as bee to collect them.
- Harihara Subhashita
संमार्जनोपांजनेन सेकेलोल्लेखनेन च ।
गवां च परिवासेन भूमिः शुध्यति पंचभिः ॥
- मनुस्मृति
sammArjana upaanjanena sekenollekhena cha ।
gavAm cha parivAsena bhUmiH shudhyati panchabhiH ॥
- manu smRuti
There are five ways you can keep the ground clean - by sweeping dirt off it, by smearing it with cow-dung, by sprinkling water over it, by scraping the top layer and by letting cows stand there.
- Manu Smriti
संभोजनं संकथनं संप्रश्नोऽथ समागमाः ।
ज्ञातिभिः सह कार्याणि न विरोधः कदाचन ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार
sambhojanam samkathanam samprashnaH atha samAgamAH ।
jnAtibhiH saha kAryANi na virodhaH kadAchana ॥
- subhAShitaratnabhANDAgAra
One should always welcome interactions with wise men - having food together, listening to them, asking thought provoking questions, visiting their home. One should never harbor any enmity towards them.
- Subhashitaratnabhandagara
स्वभावसुंदरं वस्तु न संस्कारमपेक्षते ।
मुक्तारत्नस्य शाणाश्मघर्षणं नोपयुज्यते ॥
- दृष्टांतकलिका
svabhAva sundaram vastu na samskAram apekShate ।
muktA ratnasya shANAshma gharShaNam na upayujyate ॥
- dRuShTAntakalikA
That which is inherently beautiful does not expect to be polished by customs and propriety. A pearl does not need scrubbing against a stone to make it shine.
- Drushtantakalika
स बन्धुर्यो विपन्नानां आपदुद्धरणक्षमः ।
न तु दुर्विहितातीतवस्तूपालंभपण्डितः ॥
- हितोपदेश, मित्रलाभ
sa bandhuH yaH vipannanAm Apat uddhAraNa kShamaH ।
na tu durvihita atIta vastu upAlambha panDitaH ॥
- hitopadesha, mitralAbha
He is a real friend (or relative) who can get people out of trouble. A person can not be a friend who can not manage other people's troubles or keep reminding them about past failures.
- Hitopadesha, Mitralabha
संपन्नतरमेवान्नं दरिद्रा भुंजते सदा ।
क्षुत् स्वादुतां जनयति सा चाढ्येषु सुदुर्लभा ॥
- महाभारत, उद्योग
sampannataram eva annam daridrA bhujante sadA ।
kShut svAdutAm janayati sA cha ADhyeShu sudurlabhA ॥
- mahAbhArata, udyoga
Poor people always eat tasty food. Their hunger puts taste in what ever they eat. This taste is elusive for the rich.
- Mahabharata, Udyoga
सध्रीचीनो ह्ययं लोके पंथाः क्षेमोऽकुतोभयः ।
सुशीलाः साधवो यत्र नारायणपरायणाः ॥
- भागवत
sadhrIchIno hi ayam loke panthAH kShemaH akuto bhayaH ।
sushIlaaH sAdhavo yatra nArAyaNa parAyaNAH ॥
- bhAgavata
It is safe to follow the path that noble, virtuous devotees of Narayana follow. That path will lead us to God and is causes no fear.
- Bhagavata
सद्भावेन जयेन्मित्रं सद्भावेन च बांधवान् ।
स्त्रीभृत्यान् दानमानाभ्यां दाक्षिण्येनेतरं जनम् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार
sadbhAvena jayat mitram sadbhavena cha bAndhavAn ।
strI bhRutyAn dAna mAnaabhyAm dAkShiNyena itaram janam ॥
- subhAShitaratnabhANDAgAra
Friends and relatives should be won over by righteous conduct. Women and servants by gifts and respect. Propriety should used to win over the rest of the people.
- Subhashitaratnabhandagara
संतुष्यत्युत्तमः स्तुत्या धनेन महताऽधमः ।
प्रसीदंति जपैर्देवा बलिर्भूतविग्रहाः ॥
- दृष्टांतकलिका
santuShyati uttamaH stutyA dhanena mahatA adhamaH ।
prasIdanti japaiH devA baliH bhUta vigrahaaH ॥
- dRuShTAntakalikA
The Virtuous people are pleased by mere good words. A lowly person is mighty pleased with money. Gods are pleased with penance, while the demons are pleased by offering sacrifices.
- Drushtantakalika
संति ह्यसाधवो लोके दुर्मैत्राश्छद्मवेषिणः ।
तेषामुदेत्यघं काले रोगः पातकिनामिव ॥
- भागवत
santi hi asAdhavaH loke durmaitrAH ChadmaveShiNaH ।
teShAm udetyagham kAle rogaH pAtakinAm iva ॥
- bhAgavata
There are rogues in this world who become bad friends and who are roaming in disguise (of noble men). Their sin will catch up with them at appropriate time - like how disease catches up with other sinners.
- Bhagavata
सत्यवंतो जितक्रोधाः बलवंतो रणप्रियाः ।
क्षांतिशीलगुणोपेताः संधेयाः पुरुषोत्तमाः ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि
satyavaMto jitakrodhAH balavanto raNapriyAH ।
kShAnti shIla guNopetAH saMdheyAH puruShottamAH ॥
- subhAShitasudhAnidhi
One must befriend the virtuous whose qualities are: always truthful, never angry, strong, courageous at war, have patience, righteous.
- Subhashitasudhanidhi
सत्यधर्मविहीनेन न संदध्यात्कथंचन ।
सुसंधितोऽप्यसाधुत्वादचिराद्याति विक्रियाम् ॥
- पञ्चतंत्र, काकोलूकीय
satya dharma vihInena sandadhyAt kathamchana ।
susandhito api asAdhutvaad achiraadyAti vikriyaam ॥
- panchatantra, kAkolUkIya
One must not enter into a treaty with a rogue - who does not believe in truth and dharma. You may think you have designed the treaty very well, but him being a rogue will rescind it very soon and become an enemy again.
- Panchatantra, Kakolukiya
सतामदैन्यं वदनस्य शोभा
निर्लोभतांतर्वचसामयाञ्चा ।
कायस्य सत्सेव्यमसेवकत्वं
पाणेरुनुत्तानतलत्वमेव ॥
- चतुर्वर्गसंग्रह
satAm adainyam vadanasya shobhA
nirlobhatAm antaH vachasAm ayAnchA ।
kAyasya satsevyam asevakatvam
pANEH anuttAna talattvameva ॥
- chaturvargasangraha
A virtuous man should never show (self) pity on his face. Mind is its best when it is free from greed. Words are best used when they are not used for begging. The body is best used when serving virtuous people or being free from servitude. The palm is best used when it is never looking upwards (begging). It must always look down (giving).
- Chaturvargasangraha
सत्यश्चाद्य प्रवादोऽयं लौकिकः प्रतिभाति मा ।
पितृन् समनुजायन्ते नरा मातारमङ्गनाः ॥
- रामायण, अयोध्या
satyaH cha adya pravAdaH ayam laukikaH pratibhAti maa ।
pitRun sama anujAyante narA mAtAram anganAH ॥
- rAmAyaNa, ayodhyA
It is not seeming to be true what people say - Sons will inherit the qualities of the father and daughters that of the mother. (As told by Sumantra to Kaikeyi)
- Ramayana, Ayodhya
स जीवति गुणा यस्य धर्मो यस्य स जीवति ।
गुणधर्मविहीनो यो निष्फलं तस्य जीवितम् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार
sa jIvati guNA yasya dharma yasya sa jIvati ।
guNadharma vihIno yo niShphalam tasya jIvitam ॥
- subhAShitaratnabhANDAgAra
One must have righteous qualities and follow dharma. Only then he can be said to have lived. If one is devoid of both righteousness and dharma, his life is wasted.
- Subhashitaratnabhandagara
स जातो येन जातेन याति वंशः समुन्नतिं ।
परिवर्तनि संसारे मृतः को वा न जायते ॥
- हितोपदेश
sa jato yena jAtena yAti vamshaH samunnatim ।
parivartani samsAre mRutaH ko vA na jAyate ॥
- hitopadesha
He is remembered to be born if by his birth the family benefits and prospers. In this eternal world, what is so great is being re-born? Everyone does.
- Hitopadesha
स्वच्छंदवनजातेन शाकेनापि प्रपूर्यते ।
अस्य दग्धोदरस्यार्थे कः कुर्यात्पातकं महत् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार
svacchanda vanajAtena shAkenApi prapUryate ।
asya dagdha udarasyArthe kaH kuryAt pAtakam mahat ॥
- subhAShitaratnabhANDAgAra
Hunger can be satiated by tubes and fruits that grow freely in the forests. Then why does one commit horrible sins just to satiate this burnt stomach?
- Subhashitaratnabhandagara
स किंसखा साधु न शास्ति योऽधिपं
हितान्न यः संशृणुते स किंप्रभुः ।
सदानुकूलेषु हि कुर्वते रतिं
नृपेष्वमात्येषु च सर्वसंपदः ॥
- किरातार्जुनीय
sa kimsakhA sAdhu na shAsti yodhipam
hitAnna yaH samshruNute sa kimprabhuH ।
sadAnukUleShu hi kurvate ratim
nRupeShu amAtyeShu cha sarva sampadaH ॥
- kirAtArjunIya
His is a bad friend who does not give good advice to the king. He is a bad king when he does not listen to the good advice. Only when the king and the minister have a very good relationship, does the kingdom prosper.
- Kiratarjuniya
षडेते ह्यवमन्यंते नित्यं पूर्वोपकारिणं
आचार्यं शिक्षिताः शिष्याः कृतदाराश्च मातरम् ।
नारीं विगतकामास्तु कृतार्थश्च प्रयोजकम्
नावं निस्तीर्णकांतारा आतुराश्च चिकित्सकम् ॥
- महाभारत, उद्योग
Shad ete hi avamanyante nityam pUrvopakAriNam
aachAryam shikShitAH shiShyAH kRutadArAH cha mAtaram ।
nArIm vigata kAmAH tu kRutArthashcha prayojakam
nAvam nistIrNakAMtArA aaturAshcha chikitsakam ॥
- mahAbhArata, udyoga
The following six people are known to forget those who helped them before - students forgetting their teachers, daughters forgetting about mothers after marrying, a mendicant who has no interest in sensual pleasures forgetting the ladies who gave him pleasures, any beneficiary of help forgetting the benefactor, people forgetting the boatman after crossing the river and patients forgetting about the doctor after being treated.
- Mahabharata, Udyoga
शोको नाशयते धैर्यं शोको नाशयते श्रुतम् ।
शोको नाशयते सर्वं नास्तिं शोकसमो रिपुः ॥
- रामायण, अयोध्या
shoko nAshayate dhairyam shoko nAshayate shrutam ।
shoko nAshayate sarvam nAstim shokasamo ripuH ॥
- rAmAyaNa, ayodhyA
Grief makes you lose courage. It makes you forget what you have learnt. It destroys everything you have. There is no greater enemy than grief.
- Ramayana, Ayodhya
श्वैत्यं कल्पय कज्जले कपिकुलेष्वारोपयाचापलं
कोदण्डे जनयार्जवं विरचय ग्राव्णां गणे मार्दवम् ।
निंबे साधय माधुरीं सुरभितामादौ रसोने कुरु
प्रेमाणं गणिकाजनेऽपि चतुरः पश्चात् सखे द्रक्ष्यसि ॥
- मुग्धोपदेश
shvaityam kalpaya kajjale kapi kuleShu aaropaya achApalam
kodanDam janaya aarjavam virachaya grAvNaam gaNe mArdavam ।
nimbe saadhaya mAdhurIm surabhitAm aadau rasone kuru
premANam gaNikAjana api chaturaH pashchAt sakhe drakShyasi ॥
- mughDhopadesha
Dear friend, if you are very smart then try changing these - make kajal white, bring order and calmness to a group of monkeys, make the bow straight, make a hard rock soft, bring sweetness to neem, bring fragrance to garlic. At this point you will realize that all these may be possible, but it is not possible to find love in the heart of a prostitute.
- Mughdhopadesha
शैले शैले न माणिक्यं मौक्तिकं न गजे गजे ।
साधवो न हि सर्वत्र चंदनं न वने वने ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि
shaile shaile na mANikyam mauktikam na gaje gaje ।
sAdhavo na hi sarvatra chandanam na vane vane ॥
- subhAShitasudhAnidhi
Greatness cannot be found in all places. Every stone is not a gem. Every elephant will not have a gem on its head. Noble men cannot be found everywhere. Not every forest will have sandalwood.
- Subhashitasudhanidhi
शुकवद् भाषणम् कुर्याद् बकवद्ध्यानमाचरेत् ।
अजवच्चवर्णं कुर्याद् गजवत् स्नानमाचरेत् ॥
- समयोचितपद्यमालिका
shukavad bhAShaNam kuryAd bakavad dhyAnam aacharet ।
ajavat chavarNam kuryAd gajavat snAnam aachareyt ॥
- samayochitapadyamAlikA
A wise must emulate good qualities from everywhere - speech of a parrot, concentration of a crane, chewing (deliberation) of a goat and relaxed bathing of an elephant.
- Samayochitapadyamalika
शत्रोरपि गुणा वाच्या दोषा वाच्या गुरोरपि ।
सर्वदा सर्वयत्नेन पुत्रे शिष्यवदाचरेत् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार
shatrorapi guNA vAchyaa doShA vAchyA gurorapi ।
sarvadaa sarva yatnena putre shishyavat aacharet ॥
- subhAShitaratnabhANDAgAra
A good quality has to be highlighted even if it is found in an enemy. If a vice is found in your teacher, that should be called out also. At all times, every effort must be made to treat a son like a student.
- Subhashitaratnabhandagara
श्रद्धधानाय भक्ताया विनीतायाननूयवे ।
भूतेषु कृतमैत्राय शुश्रूषाभिरताया च ॥
- भागवत
shraddhadhAnAya bhaktAyA vinItAya anasUyave ।
bhUteShu kRutamaitrAya shushrUShAbhiratAya cha ॥
- bhAgavata
The elixir of knowledge has to be bestowed on someone who shows dedication, devotion, humility, free from jealousy, has compassion towards all beings, willing to serve and willing to listen.
- Bhagavata
शत्रौ सांत्वं प्रतीकारः सर्वरोगेषु भेषजम् ।
मृत्योर्मृत्युंजयध्यानं दारिद्र्ये तु न किंचन ॥
- कलिविडंबन
shatrau sAntvam pratIkAraH sarvarogeShu bheShajam ।
mRutyoH mRutyunjaya dhyAnam dAridrye tu na kinchana ॥
- kalividambana
Even the enemy can be made to drop the hatred by adept diplomacy. Every disease has a medicine. Even death can be put away (temporarily) by chanting the Mrityunjaya mantra. But poverty has no solution.
- Kalividambana
वैकल्यं धरणीपातमयथोचितजल्पनम् ।
संनिपातस्य चिह्नानि मद्यं सर्वाणि दर्शयेत् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नसमुच्चय
vaikalyam dharaNIpAtam ayathochita jalpanam ।
sannipAtasya chihnAni madyam sarvANi darshayet ॥
- subhAShitasamucchaya
Extreme anxiety, falling on the ground often, talking meaninglessly are all the signs of one losing his mind. Consuming alcohol also displays same symptoms.
- Subhashitasamucchaya
वीणेव श्रोत्रहीनस्य लोलाक्षीव विचक्षुषः ।
व्यसोः कुसुममालेव श्रीः कदर्यस्य निष्फला ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार
veenA iva shrotra heenasya lolAkShi iva vichakShuShaH ।
vyasoH kusuma mAlA iva shrIH kadaryasya niShphalaa ॥
- subhAShitaratnabhANDAgAra
Just like melody of veena is lost on someone who can't hear, a beauty of a damsel is lost on a blind person and garlands of flower is lost on a dead body - wealth loses its purpose when it accumulates with a miser.
- Subhashitaratnabhandagara
विषादयमृतं ग्राह्यं बालादपि सुभाषितम् ।
अमित्रादपि सद्वृत्तं अमेध्यादपि कांचनम् ॥
- मनुस्मृति
viShAd amRutam grAhyam bAlAdapi subhAShitam ।
amitrAdapi sadvRuttam amedhyaadapi kAnchanam ॥
- manu smRiti
Elixir should be extracted even from poison. A good saying must be learnt even from a small child. Good character must be emulated even from enemies. Gold must be extracted even from garbage.
- Manu Smriti
विषं विषेण व्यथते वज्रं वज्रेण भिद्यते ।
गजेन्द्रो दृष्टसारेण गजेन्द्रेणैव बध्यते ॥
- नीतिसार
viSham viSheNa vyathate vajram vajreNa bhidyate ।
gajendro dRuShTasAreNa gajendreNa eva badhyate ॥
- neetisAra
Poison can be neutralised by another kind of poison. Diamond can be cut only by diamond. Only a stronger elephant can catch an elephant. Such is the nature of innate character.
- Neetisara
विवेकालंकृतं चेतो रूपं गुणविवर्धितम् ।
सुहृद्बंधुवृता लक्ष्मीर्लक्षणं पुण्यकर्मणाम् ॥
- भारतमञ्जरी, उद्योग
viveka alamkRuta cheto rUpam guNa vivardhitam ।
suhRud bandhu vRuttA lakShmIH lakShaNam puNyakarmaNAm ॥
- bhAratamanjarI, udyoga
These are qualities found in a fortunate person - mind is bestowed with wisdom, beauty is augmented with good character and wealth is to be spent when well wishing relatives and friends.
- Bharatamanjari, Udyoga
विवाहकाले रतिसंप्रयोगे
प्राणात्यये सर्वधनापहारे ।
विप्रस्य चार्थे ह्यनृतं वदेत
पंचानृतान्याहुरपातकानि ॥
- महाभारत, कर्ण
vivAhakAle rati samprayoge
prAnAtyaye sarva dhana apahAre।
viprasya cha arthe hi anRutam vadeta
panchAni anRutAni AhuH apAtakAni ॥
- mahAbhArata, karNa
There are five instances when uttering a lie does not attract sin - during a wedding (to make it happen), romantic banter, when one's life is threatened, when you have lost all money and to help a (poor) brahmin.
- Mahabharata, Karna
[translator's note: http://wordsofwisdom.in/subhashitani/2010/07/28/]
विरूपो यावदादर्शे नात्मनः पश्यते मुखम् ।
मन्यते तावदात्मानमन्येभ्यो रूपवत्तरम् ॥
- महाभारत, आदि
virUpo yavat aadarshe na aatmanaH pashyate mukham ।
manyate tAvat aatmanam anyebhyo rUpavattaram ॥
- mahabhaarata, aadi
Even an ugly looking person believes he is more beautiful than everyone else until he looks at the mirror.
- Mahabharata, Adi
विभूतिस्त्यागहीनेव सत्यहीनेव भारति ।
विद्या प्रशमहीनेव न भाति स्त्री पतिं विना ॥
- रामायणमञ्जरी, अयोध्या
vibhUtiH tyAgahIna iva satya hIna iva bhArati ।
vidyA prashamahIna iva na bhAti strI patim vinA ॥
- rAmAyaNa manjarI, ayodhyA
Wealth is incomplete if one does not have a charitable mind. Speech is incomplete and useless if it is not truthful. Education is incomplete unless it helps you subdue your emotion. A lady without her husband is similarly incomplete.
- Ramayana Manjari, Ayodhya
विना शीलेन वनिता वाग्मिता विद्यया विना ।
विनियोगैर्विना वित्तं मास्तु कस्यापि जीवनः ॥
- हरिहरसुभाषित
vinA shIlena vanitA vAgmitA vudyayA vinA।
viniyogairvinA vittam mAstu kasyApi jIvanaH ॥
- harihara subhAShita
Let nobody ever have these in their lives - a lady without character, an orator without education (wisdom) and wealth that is not used properly.
- Harihara Subhashita
विदैवज्ञं ग्रामं विबुधविधुरां भूपतिसभां
मुखं श्रुत्या जीनं मनुजपतिशून्यं च विषयम् ।
अनाचारन् दारानपहरिकथं काव्यमपि च
प्रवक्तृत्वापेतं गुरुमपि सुबुद्धिः परिहरेत् ॥
- विश्वगुणादर्श
vidaivajnam grAmam vibudha vidhurAM bhUpati sabhAm
mukham shrutyA hInam manujapatishUnyam cha viShayam ।
anAcArAn dArAn apaharikatham kAvyamapi cha
pravaktRutvApetam gurumapi subuddhiH pariharet ॥
- vishvaguNAdarsha
A wise man will avoid these: a village without a person who understands God (to approach when troubled), a kings court that does not have wise advisors, face of someone who has not studied scriptures, a kingdom that does not have any king, a wife who does not follow Dharma and a poem that is not a story of God (in someway or other) and a teacher who does not teach well.
- Vishvagunadarsha
विदुषां वदनाद्वचः सहसा यांति नो बहिः ।
याताश्चेन्न परांचंति द्विरदानां रदा इव ॥
- भामिनीविलास
viduSHAm vadanAt vachaH sahasA yAnti no bahiH ।
yAtAshchet parAnchanti dviradAnAm radaa iva ॥
- bhAminIvilAsa
Scholars rarely utter words because they think too much before uttering any word. But once they utter, they will not take it back. Elephants grow tusks very late. But once they do, they look magnificent.
- Bhaminivilasa
विद्यातपोऽधिकानां च प्रथमासनमुच्यते ।
पंक्तौ सह स्थितानां तु भोजनादि समं स्मृतम् ॥
- हारीत
vidyA tapo adhikAnAm cha prathama aasanam uchyate ।
panktau saha sthitAnAm tu bhojanAdi samam smRutam ॥
- hArita
People who have attained greatness by having excess of education and penance must be seated ahead of every one. But once, people are all seated in the same row, they must all be served equally (in terms of food, respect etc...)
- Harita
विद्वत्सु विमलज्ञाना विरक्ता यतिषु स्थिताः ।
स्वीयेषु च गरोद्गारा नानाकाराः क्षितौ खलाः ॥
- रसगंगाधर
vidvatsu vimala jnAnaa viraktA yatiShu sthitAH ।
svIyeShu cha garodgArA nAnA aakAraaH kShitau khalAH ॥
- rasagangAdhara
Wicked people in this world come in various forms. When they are in company of scholars, they are in the form of a realised soul (with clear mind). When in company of saints they look like ascetics. When they are among others of their own kind, they become very vicious and spit poison.
- Rasagangadhara
विज्ञानगुणमहार्घे पुरुषे द्वेष्यत्वमपि रमणीयम् ।
जननिंदिते पुनर्जने प्रियत्वेनापि लज्जामहे ॥
- हालनसप्तशती
vijnAna guNa mahArghe puruShe dveShyatvam api ramaNIyam ।
jana nindane punarjane priyatvenApi lajjAmahe ॥
- hAlanasaptashatI
If person is well learned and possesses good qualities, then being his enemy is also acceptable. But I would be ashamed to be a friend of a rogue who is hated by everyone.
- Halanasaptashati
वायुर्यथा घनानीकं तृणं तूलं रजांसि च ।
संयोज्याक्षिपते भूयस्तथा भूतानि भूतकृत् ॥
- भागवत
vAyuryathA ghanAnIkam tRuNam tUlam rajAmsi cha।
samyojya akShipate bhUyAstathA bhUtAni bhUtakRut ॥
- bhAgavata
A strong wind can scatter clouds, grass, cotton and sand together to different directions. The creator can do the same with all the beings (his creations)
- Bhagavata
व्याधेरनिष्टसंस्पर्शात् श्रमादिष्टविवर्जनात् ।
दुःख चतुर्भिः शारीरं कारणैः संप्रवर्तते ॥
- महाभारत, अरण्य
vyAdhiH aniShTa samsparshAt shramAt iShta vivarjanAt ।
duHkham chaturbhiH shArIram kAraNaiH sampravartate ॥
- mahAbhArata, aranya
Physical pain is caused by four stimuli - disease, bad luck, exhaustion (over working) or by separation from something you love.
- Mahabharata, Aranya
वाणी रसवती यस्य भार्या प्रेमवती सती ।
लक्ष्मीर्दानवती यस्य सफलं तस्य जीवितम् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नसमुच्चय
vANI rasavatI yasya bhAryA premavatI satI।
lakShmIH dAnavatI yasya saphalam tasya jIvitam ॥
- subhAShitaratnasamucchaya
He is lucky whose speech is always uttered in good taste, whose loving wife is chastely and whose wealth is used for charity.
- Subhashitaratnasamucchaya
व्यसने क्लिश्यमानं हि यो मित्रं नाभिपद्यते ।
अनुनीय यथाशक्ति तं नृशंसं विदुर्बुधाः ॥
- महाभारत, उद्योग
vyasane klishyamAnam hi yo mitram na abhipadyate ।
anunIya yathAshakti tam nRushamsam vidurbudhAH ॥
- mahAbhArata, udyoga
If a friend is in trouble, it is one's duty to say a few consoling words and help him as much as possible. One who does not do that is considered as cruel by wise men.
- Mahabharata, Udyoga
वंशभवो गुणवानपि
संगविशेषेण पूज्यते पुरुषः ।
न हि तुंबीफलविकलो
वीणादंडः प्रयाति महिमानम् ॥
- रसगंगाधर
vamshabhavo guNavAn api
sangavisheSheNa pUjyate puruShaH।
na hi tumbIphalavikalo
vINAdanDaH prayAti mahimAnam ॥
- rasagangadhara
It is not enough to be born in a good family or have unique qualities. One gets respected only when he is in company of noble people. The stick (made of bamboo) of the veena does not get any respect even with the strings(unique qualities) if it is not attached to the acoustic drum.
- Rasagangadhara
वनेऽपि सिंहा मृगमांसभक्ष्या
बुभुक्षिता नैव तृणं चरंति ।
एवं कुलीना व्यसनाभिभूता
न नीतिमार्गं परिलंघयंति ॥
- पञ्चतंत्र, लब्धप्रणाश
vane api simhA mRuga mAmsabhakshyA
bubhikShitA naiva tRuNam charanti।
evaM kulInA vyasanAbhibhUtA
na nItimArgaM parilanghayanti ॥
- panchatantra, labdhapraNAsha
A lion that is used to eating meat after hunting deer and other creatures will not eat grass even when it is hungry. Just like that, even when troubled by miseries, a person of noble birth (and intentions) will never stray from the path of morality.
- Panchatantra, Labdhapranasha
वर्धत्यधर्मेण नरस्ततो भद्राणि पश्यति ।
ततः सपत्नान् जयति समूलस्तु विनश्यति ॥
- महाभारत, वन
vardhati adharmeNa naraH tato bhadrANi pashyati ।
tataH saptnAn jayati samUlAstu vinashyati ॥
- mahAbhArata
By leaving the path of morality, one can prosper, find himself safe and secured, triumph over all his enemies. But one day, he shall be destroyed completely - from root to tip.
- Mahabharata
वचस्तत्र प्रयोक्तव्यं यत्रोक्तं लभते फलम् ।
स्थायीभवति चात्यंतं रागः शुक्लपटे यथा ॥
- पञ्चतंत्र, मित्रभेद
vachastatra prayoktavyam yatra labhate phalam ।
sthAyI bhavati cha atyantam rAgah shuklapaTe yathA ॥
- panchatantra, mitrbheda
One must talk only when there will be some good use out of it. He must speak only when his words will stick and some action will follow. Just like color sticks better only on white cloth.
- Panchatantra, Mitrbheda
लोके प्रकृतिभिन्नेऽस्मिन्न कश्चित् कस्यचित् प्रियः ।
कार्यकारणसंबद्धं वालुकामुष्टिवज्जगत् ॥
- सौंदरनंद
loke prakRuti bhinne asmin na kashchit kasyachit priyaH ।
kArya kAraNa saMbaddhaM vAlukA muShTivat jagat ॥
- saundarananda
In this world, different people will have different tastes. Nobody actually likes any other. They are all together just because they depend on each other for survival. They are all together just like grains of sand in a fist. If the fist loosens, they all go their own way.
- Saundarananda
लक्ष्मीर्वसति जिह्वाग्रे जिह्वाग्रे मित्रबांधवाः ।
जिह्वाग्रे बंधनं प्राप्तं जिह्वाग्रे मरणं ध्रुवम् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार
lakShmIH vasati jihvAgre jihvAgre mitrabAndhavAH।
jihvAgre bandhanam prAptaM jihvAgre maraNam dhruvam ॥
- subhAShitaratnabhANDAgAra
Speech is a powerful tool. It can earn you money. It can get you friends and relatives. it can also cause equal harm if not used properly. It can get you arrested. It can even get you killed.
- Subhashitaratnabhandagara
रोहते सायकैर्विद्धं वनं परशुना हतम् ।
वाचा दुरुक्तं भीभत्सं न संरोहति वाक्क्षतम् ॥
- महाभारत, उद्योग
rohate sAyakaiH viddhaM vanaM parashunA hatam ।
vAchA duruktam bhIbhatsam na samrohati vAk kShatam ॥
- mahABhArata, udyoga
if a person is hit by an arrow, the wound will heal. Forests regrow after being razed with an axe. But if a person is hurt by the scary bad words, then the wound can not be healed.
- Mahabharata, Udyoga
रायः कलत्रं पशवः सुतादयो
गृहा मही कुंजरकोशभूतयः ।
सर्वेऽर्थकामाः क्षणभंगुरायुषः
कुर्वन्ति मर्त्यस्य कियत्प्रियं चलाः ॥
- भागवत
rAyaH kalatraM pashavaH sutAdayo
gRuhA mahI kunjarakoshabhUtayaH ।
sarve artha kAmAH kShaNa bhangura AyuShaH
kurvanti martyasya kiyat priyam chalAH ॥
- bhAgavata
How much can all the material pleasures like money, wife, animals, children, house, land, elephants, wealth and other such things that can be bought with money? Life itself is ephemeral, lasting for less than a second. What can these impermanent things do to make us happy?
- Bhagavata
राजा तुष्टो हि भृत्यानामर्थमात्रं प्रयच्छति ।
ते तु संमानमात्रेण प्राणैरप्युपकुर्वते ॥
- पञ्चतंत्र, मित्रभेद
rAjA tuShTo hi bhRutyAnAm arthamAtraM prayacChati ।
te tu sanmAna mAtreNa prANAiH api upakurvate ॥
- panchatantra, mitrabheda
When a King likes the work of a servant, he just parts with money in the form of rewards. But, the servants on the other hand will be willing to lay down their lives in return of just the honor of being of service to the King. Isn't it an irony?
- Panchatantra, Mitrabheda
रजोभिः समसंख्याकाः पार्थिवैरिह जंतवः ।
तेषां ये केचनेहंते श्रेयो वै मनुजादयः ॥
- भागवत
rajobhiH samam sankhyaakAH pArthivaiH iha jantavaH ।
teShAm ye kechana ihante shreyo vai manujAdayaH ॥
- bhAgavata
In this world there are as many beings as particles of dust. Among them only a handful of them are capable of thinking about their own welfare. Mankind is one among them.
- Bhagavata
यो हि दत्वा गजश्रेष्टं कक्ष्यायां कुरुते मनः ।
रज्जुस्नेहेन किं तस्य त्यजतः कुंजरोत्तमम् ॥
- रामायण, अयोध्या
yo hi datvA gaja shrEShTam kashyAyAm kurute manaH ।
rajju snehena kim tasya tyajataH kunjarottamam ॥
- rAmAyana, ayodhyA
It is an irony that people set their eyes on the girdle after having let the elephant go. What good is the rope that ties the elephant after giving up on the great elephant has gone?
- Ramayana, Ayodhya
यो ध्रुवाणि परित्यज्य अध्रुवाणि निषेवते।
ध्रुवाणि तस्य नश्यन्ति अध्रुवं नष्टमेव च ॥
- पञ्चतन्त्र, मित्रसंप्राप्ति
yo dhruvANi parityajya adhruvANi niShevate।
dhruvANi tasya nashyanti adhruvaM naShTameva ca ॥
- panchatantra, mitrasamprApti
If one leaves the 'permanent' and runs behind the 'temporary' - he will end up losing both. The permanent is lost and the temporary would never have lasted anyway.
- Panchatantra, Mitrasamprapti
येनास्य पितरो याता येन याता पितामहाः ।
तेन यायात्सतां मार्गं तेन गच्छन् न रिष्यते ॥
- मनुस्मृति
yenAsya pitaro yAtA yena yAtA pitAmahAH।
tena yAyAtsatAM mArgaM tena gacchan na riShyate ॥
- manu smRiti
If one follows the footsteps of their fathers and forefathers then there will be no fear of straying from the path of Dharma - moral code of conduct.
- Manu Smriti
येन केन प्रकारेण यस्य कस्यापिदेहिनः ।
संतोषं जनयेत् प्राज्ञस्तदेवेश्वरपूजनम् ॥
- समयोचितपद्यमालिका
yena kena prakAreNa yasya kasyApi dehinaH ।
santoShaM janayet prAgnaH tadeva Ishvara pUjanam ॥
-samayochitapadyamAlikA
By what ever means one should make someone happy. Wise men believe that making other people happy is worship of God.
- Samayochitapadyamalika
यावद् भ्रियेत जठरं तावत् स्वत्वं हि देहिनाम्।
अधिकं योऽभिमन्येत स स्तेनो दंडमर्हति ॥
- भागवत
yAvat bhriyate jaTharam tAvat svatvam hi dEhinAM।
adhikam yaH abhimanyeta saH stEnO danDamarhati ॥
- bhagavata
One must accumulate wealth as much needed to fill his stomach. If one accumulates more than that, he is stealing; and should be punished.
- Bhagavata
यावत्स्वस्थमिदं देहं यावन्मृत्युश्च दूरतः ।
तावदात्महितं कुर्यात् प्राणाते किं करिष्यसि॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभान्डागार
yAvat svAsthyam idam deham yAvat mRutyuH cha dUrataH ।
tAvat Atmahitam kuryAt prANAnte kim kariShyasi ॥
- SubhAshita ratnabhAnDAgAra
When you are in good health and death is still far away, you must ensure that you act in your best interest. What can one do at the end of his life?
- Subhashitaratnabhandagara
यस्मिन् देशे न संमानो न मित्राणि न बांधवाः ।
न च विद्यागमः कश्चित्तं देशं परिवर्जयेत् ॥
- हितोपदेश, मित्रलाभ
yasmin deshe na sammAno na mitrANi na baandhavAH ।
na cha vidyAgamaH kashchittam desham parivarjayet ॥
- hitopadesha, mitralAbha
One must never live in a country where he does not have respect, no friends, no relatives, no opportunities to study. He must leave such a state immediately.
- Hitopadesha, Mitralabha
यस्यास्ति सर्वत्र गतिः स कस्मात्
स्वदेशरागेण हि याति नाशम् ।
तातस्य कूपोऽयमिति ब्रुवाणाः
क्षारं जलं कापुरुषाः पिबंति ॥
- पञ्चतंत्र, मित्रभेद
yasya asti sarvatra gatiH sa kasmAt
svadesharAgeNa hi yAti nAsham ।
tAtasya kUpaH ayam iti bruvANAH
kShAram jalam kApuruShAH pibanti ॥
- panchatantra, mitrabheda
If a person has talents that are valued at all places then why would he stick to his own country out attachment? It would certain failure. Only those who do not have talent will drink hard water from the well jest because their father dug it for them.
- Panchatantra, Mitrabheda
यस्य वाङ्मनसी शुद्धे सम्यग्गुप्ते च सर्वदा ।
स वै सर्वमवाप्नोति वेदान्तोपगतं फलम् ॥
- मनुस्मृति
yasya vAk manasi shuddhe samyak gupte cha sarvadA ।
sa vai sarvAm avApnoti vedAnta upagatam phalam ॥
- manu smriti
If you have your mind and speech clean and under control, then you will get all the fruits that are possible by the knowledge of vedantas (extracts of Vedas).
- Manu Smriti
यस्य न विपदि विषादः संपदि हर्षो रणे न भीरुत्वम् ।
तं भुवनत्रयतिलकं जनयति जननी सुतं विरलम् ॥
- पञ्चतंत्र, मित्रभेद
yasya na vipadi viShAdaH sampadi harSho raNe na bhIrutvam ।
tam bhuvana traya tilakam janayati jananI sutam viralam ॥
- panchatantra, mitrabheda
It is very rare that a mother gives birth to a son who is not sad when faced with trouble, not overly joyous when prosperous and not a coward in battlefield.
- Panchatantra, Mitrabheda
यमाजीवंति पुरुषं सर्वभूतानु संजय ।
पक्वं द्रुममिवासाद्य तस्य जीवितमर्थवत् ॥
- महाभारत, उद्योग
yam ajIvanti puruSham sarvabhUtAnu sanjaya ।
pakvaM drumam ivAsAdya tasya jIvitam arthavat ॥
- mahAbhArata, udyoga
Sanjaya, Only his life is worth living who helps all other beings just like a tree with lot of fruits. (as told by Vidula to her son Sanjaya)
- Mahabharata, Udyoga
यं मातापितरौ क्लेशं सहेते संभवे नृणाम् ।
न तस्य निष्कृतिः शक्या कर्तुं वर्षशतैरपि ॥
- मनुस्मृति
yaM mAtA pitarau klesham sahete sambhave nRuNAm ।
na tasya niShkRutiH shakyA kartum varShashatairapi ॥
- manusmRuti
One must never forget the pains that parents take to bring us to this world. One can not repay the debt even by working for a hundred years.
- Manu Smriti
यदृच्छयोपलब्धेन संतुष्टो मितभुञ् मुनिः ।
विविक्तशरणः शांतो मैत्रः करुण आत्मवान् ॥
- भागवत
yadRucChayaH upalabdhena santuShTo mitabuk muniH ।
vivikta sharaNaH shAnto maitraH karuNa AtmavAn ॥
- bhAgavata
He is considered to have known his self if he can - be satisfied by windfall that happens once in a while (not greedy), eats less, lives a life of a hermit, likes to live by himself, peaceful, greets everyone friendly and shows compassion towards everyone.
- Bhagavata
यद्युच्चैरपि न परानुपकुरुषे तन्मृषैव ते जन्म ।
यदि नैष जनितवर्षः को नाम पयोधरोत्कर्षः ॥
- हरिहरसुभाषित
yadi ucchairapi na parAn upakuruShe tat mRuShaiva te janma ।
yadi naiSha janitavarShaH ko nAma payodharotkarShaH ॥
- harihara subhAShita
If you do not help people in spite of being highly placed, then your whole life is a grand waste. What is the use of cloud going so high in the sky if it does not rain?
- Harihara Subhashita
यदीच्छसि वशीकर्तुं जगदेकेन कर्मणा ।
परापवादसस्येभ्यो गां चरन्तीं निवारय ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार
yadi icChasi vashIkartum jagat ekEna karmaNA।
para apavAda sasyebhyo gAm charantIm nivAraya ॥
- subhAShitaratnabhANDAgAra
If you intend to conquer the entire world with one action, that action should be to control the cow that is tempted to eat the grass of slander. Control your mind for giving in to the temptation to tall ill about others.
- Subhashitaratnabhandagara
यदि सत्संगनिरतो भविष्यसि भविष्यसि ।
तथाऽसज्जनगोष्ठीषु पतिष्यसि पतिष्यसि ॥
- हितोपदेश, मित्रलाभ
yadi satsanga nirato bhaviShyasi bhaviShyasi ।
tathA asajjana goShThIShu patiShyasi patiShyasi ॥
- hitopadesha, mitralAbha
If you always stay in the company of virtuous people, you will live and prosper. If you fall into bad company, you will definitely fall.
- Hitopadesha, Mitralabha
यदि न क्वापि विद्यायां सर्वथा क्रमते मतिः ।
मांत्रिकास्तु भविष्यामो योगिनो यतयोपि वा ॥
- कलिविडंबन
yadi na kvApi vidyAyaam sarvathA kramate matiH ।
mAntrikAstu bhaviShyAmo yogino yatayo api vA ॥
- kaliviDambana
We could not learn any of the education streams since we could not understand them. But we will show off as the most knowledgeable people - magicians, saints or religious heads. That is when you know that you are living in the epoch of Kali (present times).
- Kalividambana
यदि स्याद् गृहे माता पत्नी वा पतिदेवता ।
व्यंगे रथ इव प्राज्ञः को नामासीत दीनवत् ॥
- भागवत
yadi na syAd gRuhe mAtA patnI vA patidevataa ।
vyange ratha iva prAjnaH ko nAma AsIta dInavat ॥
- bHAgavata
A household without a mother or a chaste wife is crippled like a broken chariot. It makes one truly miserable. Who in their right mind would continue to live in that?
- Bhagavata
यद्वांछति दिवा मर्त्यो वीक्षते वा करोति वा ।
तत्स्वप्नेऽपि तदभ्यासाद्ब्रूते वाथ करोति वा ॥
- पञ्चतंत्र, मित्रभेद
yad vAnChati divA martyo vIkShate vA karoti vA ।
tat svapne api tad abhyAsAd brUte vA atha karoti vA ॥
- panchatantra, mitrabheda
What one sees or does during the day is repeated by him at night during sleep in his dreams.
- Panchatantra, Mitrabheda
