Well-spoken verses — timeless aphorisms from Sanskrit literature on virtue, knowledge, and the art of living.
विद्या ददाति विनयं विनयाद् याति पात्रताम् । पात्रत्वात् धनमाप्नोति धनात् धर्मं ततः सुखम् ॥
Knowledge gives humility, from humility one attains character. From character one acquires wealth, from wealth good deeds follow, and then happiness.
अयं निजः परो वेति गणना लघुचेतसाम् । उदारचरितानां तु वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम् ॥
"This is mine, that is theirs" — such is the reckoning of the narrow-minded. For those of noble character, the entire world is one family.
न चौरहार्यं न च राजहार्यं न भ्रातृभाज्यं न च भारकारी । व्यये कृते वर्धते एव नित्यं विद्याधनं सर्वधनप्रधानम् ॥
It cannot be stolen by thieves, nor seized by kings, nor divided among brothers, nor is it a burden to carry. The wealth of knowledge only grows when spent — it is the greatest of all wealth.
ईशावास्यमिदं सर्वं यत्किञ्च जगत्यां जगत् । तेन त्यक्तेन भुञ्जीथा मा गृधः कस्यस्विद्धनम् ॥
All this — whatever moves in this moving world — is pervaded by the Lord. Enjoy what is given with detachment; do not covet what belongs to another.
क्लैब्यं मा स्म गमः पार्थ नैतत्त्वय्युपपद्यते । क्षुद्रं हृदयदौर्बल्यं त्यक्त्वोत्तिष्ठ परन्तप ॥
Yield not to feebleness, O Partha! It does not befit you. Cast off this petty faint-heartedness and arise, O vanquisher of foes!
उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत् । आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः ॥
Let a man raise himself by his own self; let him not debase himself. For the self alone is the friend of the self, and the self alone is the enemy of the self.
अज्ञः सुखमाराध्यः सुखतरमाराध्यते विशेषज्ञः । ज्ञानलवदुर्विदग्धं ब्रह्मापि नरं न रञ्जयति ॥
An ignorant person is easily convinced; an expert is even easier. But one possessing only a smattering of knowledge cannot be satisfied even by Brahma himself.
अग्निः शेषं ऋणः शेषं शत्रुशेषं तथैव च । पुनः पुनः प्रवर्धेत तस्मात् शेषं न कारयेत् ॥
A remnant of fire, a remnant of debt, and a remnant of an enemy — each grows back again and again. Therefore, never leave any remnant.
आलस्यं हि मनुष्याणां शरीरस्थो महान् रिपुः । नास्त्युद्यमसमो बन्धुः कृत्वा यं नावसीदति ॥
Laziness is the greatest enemy dwelling within the human body. There is no friend equal to diligent effort — one who pursues it never comes to grief.
आहारनिद्राभयमैथुनं च सामान्यमेतत् पशुभिर्नराणाम् । धर्मो हि तेषामधिको विशेषः धर्मेण हीनाः पशुभिः समानाः ॥
Eating, sleeping, fear, and procreation — these are common to both animals and humans. Dharma alone is the distinguishing quality of humans; without dharma, they are equal to animals.
उत्साहो बलवानार्य नास्त्युत्साहात्परं बलम् । सोत्साहस्य हि लोकेषु न किञ्चिदपि दुर्लभम् ॥
Enthusiasm is the true strength, O noble one! There is no power greater than enthusiasm. For one with enthusiasm, nothing in this world is unattainable.
उद्यमः साहसं धैर्यं बुद्धिः शक्तिः पराक्रमः । षडेते यत्र वर्तन्ते तत्र देवः सहायकृत् ॥
Enterprise, daring, courage, intelligence, strength, and valour — where these six exist, God himself lends his support.
यत्र नार्यस्तु पूज्यन्ते रमन्ते तत्र देवताः । यत्रैतास्तु न पूज्यन्ते सर्वास्तत्राफलाः क्रियाः ॥
Where women are honoured, there the gods rejoice. Where they are not honoured, all actions remain fruitless.
कामधेनुगुणा विद्या ह्यकाले फलदायिनी । प्रवासे मातृसदृशी विद्या गुप्तं धनं स्मृतम् ॥
Knowledge possesses the qualities of Kamadhenu and yields fruit even in unexpected times. In foreign lands, it protects like a mother — knowledge is said to be hidden treasure.
अमन्त्रमक्षरं नास्ति नास्ति मूलमनौषधम् । अयोग्यः पुरुषो नास्ति योजकस्तत्र दुर्लभः ॥
There is no syllable that is not a mantra, no root that is not a medicine, no person that is unworthy — what is rare is the one who can recognize and employ them.
यद्यदाचरति श्रेष्ठस्तत्तदेवेतरो जनः । स यत्प्रमाणं कुरुते लोकस्तदनुवर्तते ॥
Whatever a great person does, common people follow. Whatever standard he sets by exemplary acts, the world pursues.
को हि भारः समर्थानां किं दूरं व्यवसायिनाम् । को विदेशः सुविद्यानां कः परः प्रियवादिनाम् ॥
What is heavy for the capable? What is distant for the industrious? What is foreign for the learned? Who is a stranger to those who speak sweetly?
नरस्याभरणं रूपं रूपस्याभरणं गुणाः । गुणस्याभरणं ज्ञानं ज्ञानस्याभरणं क्षमा ॥
Beauty adorns a person, virtue adorns beauty, knowledge adorns virtue, and forgiveness adorns knowledge.
नाभिषेको न संस्कारः सिंहस्य क्रियते वने । विक्रमार्जितसत्त्वस्य स्वयमेव मृगेन्द्रता ॥
No coronation ceremony is performed for a lion in the forest. One whose sovereignty is earned through its own prowess is naturally the king of beasts.
सं गच्छध्वं सं वदध्वं सं वो मनांसि जानताम् । देवा भागं यथा पूर्वे सञ्जानाना उपासते ॥
Walk together, speak together, let your minds think in harmony — just as the gods of old, knowing one another's minds, performed their duties together.
विपदि धैर्यमथाभ्युदये क्षमा सदसि वाक्पटुता युधि विक्रमः । यशसि चाभिरुचिर्व्यसनं श्रुतौ प्रकृतिसिद्धमिदं हि महात्मनाम् ॥
Courage in adversity, forbearance in prosperity, eloquence in assembly, valour in battle, passion for fame, and devotion to learning — these are the natural endowments of great souls.
गौरवं प्राप्यते दानात् न तु वित्तस्य सञ्चयात् । स्थितिरुच्चैः पयोदानां पयोधीनामधः स्थितिः ॥
Glory is attained through giving, not through accumulation of wealth. The rain-giving clouds dwell on high; the oceans that merely collect water remain below.
मातृवत्परदारेषु परद्रव्येषु लोष्ठवत् । आत्मवत्सर्वभूतेषु यः पश्यति स पश्यति ॥
He who regards others' wives as mothers, others' wealth as clods of earth, and all beings as his own self — he alone truly sees.
धारणात् धर्म इत्याहुः धर्मो धारयति प्रजाः । यः स्यात् धारणसंयुक्तः स धर्म इति निश्चयः ॥
That which holds together is called dharma. Dharma sustains the people. Whatever has the power to unite — that is assuredly dharma.
युक्तियुक्तं प्रगृह्णीयात् बालादपि विचक्षणः । रवेरविषयं वस्तु किं न दीपः प्रकाशयेत् ॥
A wise person should accept a logical argument even from a child. Does not a small lamp illuminate what the sun cannot reach?
सन्तोषः परमो लाभः सत्सङ्गः परमा गतिः । विचारः परमं ज्ञानं शमः परमं सुखम् ॥
Contentment is the highest gain, virtuous company the highest path, inquiry the highest knowledge, and inner peace the highest bliss.
समानी व आकूतिः समाना हृदयानि वः । समानमस्तु वो मनो यथा वः सुसहासति ॥
Let your intentions be the same, let your hearts be united, let your minds think alike — so that your collective power may grow.
पुस्तकस्था तु या विद्या परहस्तगतं धनम् । कार्यकाले समुत्पन्ने न सा विद्या न तद्धनम् ॥
Knowledge that remains confined to books, and wealth that lies in others' hands — when the time of need arises, neither is of any use.
शनैः पन्थाः शनैः कन्था शनैः पर्वतमस्तके । शनैः विद्या शनैः वित्तं पञ्चैतानि शनैः शनैः ॥
Step by step the path is traversed, stitch by stitch the garment is woven, gradually the mountaintop is reached. Learning and wealth too — all five come slowly, slowly.
श्रोत्रं श्रुतेनैव न कुण्डलेन दानेन पाणिर्न तु कङ्कणेन । विभाति कायः करुणापराणां परोपकारैर्न तु चन्दनेन ॥
The ear is adorned by learning, not by earrings. The hand is beautified by giving, not by bangles. The body of the compassionate shines through selfless service, not through sandalwood paste.
अकस्मात्द्द्वेष्टि यो भक्तम् आजन्मपरिसेवितम् । न व्यञ्जने रुचिर्यस्य त्याज्यो नृप इवातुरः ॥
One who suddenly despises a devotee who has served since birth, just as a sick person loses taste for food — such a king should be abandoned like a hopeless patient.
अकारणं व्याकरणं तन्त्रीशब्दोऽप्यकारणम् । अकारणं त्रयो वेदास्तण्डुलास्तत्र कारणम् ॥
Grammar matters not, the sound of the lute matters not, the three Vedas matter not — rice alone is what truly matters to a hungry person.
अकिञ्चनत्वं राज्यं च तुलया समतोलयत् । अकिञ्चनत्वमधिकं राज्यादपि जितात्मनः ॥
When poverty and kingship were weighed on a balance, for one who has conquered the self, poverty outweighs even kingship.
अकृतप्रेमैव वरं न पुनः सञ्जातविघटितप्रेमा । उद्धृतनयनस्ताम्यति यथा हि न तथेह जातान्धः ॥
Better never to have loved than to have loved and lost — just as one born blind suffers less than one whose eyes have been gouged out.
अज्ञश्चाश्रद्दधानश्च संशयात्मा विनश्यति । नायं लोकोऽस्ति न परो न सुखं संशयात्मनः ॥
The ignorant, the faithless, and the doubting self perish. For the one full of doubt, there is neither this world, nor the next, nor happiness.
अधिष्ठानं तथा कर्ता करणं च पृथग्विधम् । विविधाश्च पृथक्चेष्टा दैवं चैवात्र पञ्चमम् ॥
The seat of action, the doer, the various instruments, the many kinds of effort, and the divine will as the fifth — these are the five factors of action.
अनारम्भस्तु कार्याणां प्रथमं बुद्धिलक्षणम् । आरब्धस्यान्तगमनं द्वितीयं बुद्धिलक्षणम् ॥
Not beginning a task without assessing one's capacity is the first sign of intelligence. Completing what has been started is the second.
अन्नदानं परं दानं विद्यादानमतः परम् । अन्नेन क्षणिका तृप्तिः यावज्जीवं च विद्यया ॥
Giving food is a great charity, but giving knowledge is even greater. Food satisfies only momentarily, but knowledge lasts a lifetime.
अमृतं चैव मृत्युश्च द्वयं देहे प्रतिष्ठितम् । मृत्युमापद्यते मोहात् सत्येनापद्यतेऽमृतम् ॥
Both immortality and death dwell within the body. Death comes through delusion; immortality is attained through truth.
अर्थी करोति दैन्यं लब्धार्थो गर्वमपरितोषं च । नष्टधनोऽस्ति सशोकः सुखमास्ते निःस्पृहः पुरुषः ॥
The seeker of wealth becomes degraded, the one who gains it turns proud and dissatisfied, the one who loses it grieves — only the desireless person lives in happiness.
अल्पानामपि वस्तूनां संहतिः कार्यसाधिका । तृणैर्गुणत्वमापन्नैर्बध्यन्ते मत्तदन्तिनः ॥
Even small things, when united, accomplish great tasks. Blades of grass woven into a rope can bind a mighty elephant.
आदानस्य प्रदानस्य कर्तव्यस्य च कर्मणः । क्षिप्रमक्रियमाणस्य कालः पिबति तद्रसम् ॥
Debts to be collected, gifts to be given, duties to be performed — if not done promptly, time itself drinks away their essence.
आरोप्यते शिला शैले यथा यत्नेन भूयसा । निपात्यते सुखेनाधस्तथात्मा गुणदोषयोः ॥
A rock is lifted to a hilltop only with immense effort, but falls down effortlessly. Similarly, the self ascends through virtues but falls swiftly through a single fault.
उत्थानेनामृतं लब्धमुत्थानेनासुरा हताः । उत्थानेन महेन्द्रेण श्रैष्ठ्यं प्राप्तं दिवीह च ॥
Through effort alone the gods obtained the nectar of immortality, through effort the demons were slain, and through effort Indra gained supremacy in heaven and on earth.
एकं विषरसं हन्ति शस्त्रेणैकश्च वध्यते । सराष्ट्रं सप्रजं हन्ति राजानं मन्त्रविप्लवः ॥
Poison kills but one person, a weapon slays one at a time. But wrong counsel destroys the king along with his entire nation and people.
कर्मणा रहितं ज्ञानं पङ्गुना सदृशं भवेत् । न तेन प्राप्यते किञ्चित् न च किञ्चित् प्रसाध्यते ॥
Knowledge devoid of action is like a lame person — nothing is attained by it, nothing is accomplished.
कर्मणैव हि संसिद्धिमास्थिता जनकादयः । लोकसंग्रहमेवापि सम्पश्यन्कर्तुमर्हसि ॥
Janaka and others attained perfection through action alone. Even for the guidance of the world, you should perform action.
काममय एवायं पुरुष इति । स यथाकामो भवति तत्क्रतुर्भवति । यत्क्रतुर्भवति तत्कर्म कुरुते । यत्कर्म कुरुते तदभिसम्पद्यते ॥
A person is made of desire. As is one's desire, so is one's will. As is one's will, so is one's deed. As is one's deed, so is one's destiny.
क्षुद्रं न किञ्चिदिह नानुपयोगि किञ्चित् सर्वं हि सङ्घटितमत्र भवेत्फलाय । इत्थं जनं विनयति स्म निरन्तरं यः तं केशवं मुहुरहम् मनसा स्मरामि ॥
Nothing in this world is trivial, nothing is without use — everything, when properly organized, bears fruit. I constantly remember Keshava who guided people with this teaching.
ज्येष्ठत्वं जन्मना नैव गुणैर्ज्येष्ठत्वमुच्यते । गुणात् गुरुत्वमायाति दुग्धं दधि घृतं क्रमात् ॥
Greatness is not by birth; it is said to come from qualities. Value increases progressively, just as milk transforms to curd and then to ghee.
दिनयामिन्यौ सायं प्रातः शिशिरवसन्तौ पुनरायातः । कालः क्रीडति गच्छत्यायुः तदपि न मुञ्चत्याशावायुः ॥
Day and night, dusk and dawn, winter and spring come and go. Time plays and life ebbs away — yet the storm of desire never ceases.
दुर्जनेन समं सख्यं प्रीतिं चापि न कारयेत् । उष्णो दहति चाङ्गारः शीतः कृष्णायते करम् ॥
Never befriend a wicked person or develop affection for them. A coal, when hot, burns; when cold, it blackens the hand.
धृतिः क्षमा दमोऽस्तेयं शौचमिन्द्रियनिग्रहः । धीर्विद्या सत्यमक्रोधो दशकं धर्मलक्षणम् ॥
Fortitude, forgiveness, self-control, non-stealing, purity, sense-restraint, wisdom, learning, truthfulness, and freedom from anger — these ten are the marks of dharma.
न त्वहं कामये राज्यं न स्वर्गं न पुनर्भवम् । कामये दुःखतप्तानां प्राणिनामार्तिनाशनम् ॥
I desire neither kingdom, nor heaven, nor rebirth. I desire only the end of suffering for all beings afflicted by sorrow.
पथ्यमौषधसेवा च क्रियते येन रोगिणा । आरोग्यसिद्धिर्दृष्टास्य नान्यानुष्ठितकर्मणा ॥
Recovery is achieved only by the patient who follows proper diet and takes medicine — not by actions performed by someone else on their behalf.
परैः परिभवे प्राप्ते वयं पञ्चोत्तरं शतम् । परस्परविरोधे तु वयं पञ्च शतं तु ते ॥
When facing insult from outsiders, we are one hundred and five together. But in mutual conflict, we are five and they are one hundred.
पिपीलिकार्जितं धान्यं मक्षिकासञ्चितं मधु । लुब्धेन सञ्चितं द्रव्यं समूलं हि विनश्यति ॥
Grain gathered by ants, honey collected by bees, and wealth hoarded by a greedy person — all are destroyed completely.
मुक्तसङ्गोऽनहंवादी धृत्युत्साहसमन्वितः । सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योर्निर्विकारः कर्ता सात्त्विक उच्यते ॥
Free from attachment, free from ego, endowed with steadfastness and enthusiasm, unmoved by success or failure — such a doer is called sattvic.
यज्ञार्थात्कर्मणोऽन्यत्र लोकोऽयं कर्मबन्धनः । तदर्थं कर्म कौन्तेय मुक्तसङ्गः समाचर ॥
The world is bound by actions other than those performed as sacrifice. Therefore, O son of Kunti, perform action for that purpose alone, free from attachment.
यथा चित्तं तथा वाचो यथा वाचस्तथा क्रियाः । चित्तं वाचि क्रियायां च साधूनामेकरूपता ॥
As the mind, so the speech; as the speech, so the actions. Alignment of mind, speech, and deed is the hallmark of the virtuous.
यथा ह्येकेन चक्रेण न रथस्य गतिर्भवेत् । एवं पुरुषकारेण विना दैवं न सिद्ध्यति ॥
Just as a chariot cannot move on a single wheel, so too fate does not yield results without personal effort.
यस्य चित्तं निर्विषयं हृदयं यस्य शीतलम् । तस्य मित्रं जगत्सर्वं तस्य मुक्तिः करस्थिता ॥
One whose mind is free from sense-objects and whose heart is cool — the entire world is their friend and liberation rests in their hand.
यस्य नास्ति स्वयं प्रज्ञा शास्त्रं तस्य करोति किम् । लोचनाभ्यां विहीनस्य दर्पणः किं करिष्यति ॥
What can scriptures do for one who lacks inherent wisdom? What use is a mirror to one without eyes?
येषां न विद्या न तपो न दानं ज्ञानं न शीलं न गुणो न धर्मः । ते मर्त्यलोके भुविभारभूता मनुष्यरूपेण मृगाश्चरन्ति ॥
Those who have no learning, no penance, no charity, no knowledge, no character, no virtue, no dharma — they roam the earth in human form as mere animals, a burden upon the world.
वनानि दहतो वह्नेः सखा भवति मारुतः । स एव दीपनाशाय कृशे कस्यास्ति सौहृदम् ॥
Wind becomes the friend of fire that burns forests, but the same wind destroys a small lamp. Who befriends the weak?
विद्वत्त्वं च नृपत्वं च नैव तुल्ये कदाचन । स्वदेशे पूज्यते राजा विद्वान् सर्वत्र पूज्यते ॥
Scholarship and kingship can never be compared. A king is honoured only in his own land; a learned person is honoured everywhere.
विना प्रीतिं विना नीतिं विना सत्कार्यपद्धतिम् । विना कर्तृत्वशक्तिं च संघो नैव विवर्धते ॥
Without affection, without ethics, without proper method, and without capacity for action — an organization cannot grow.
शोचन्ति जामयो यत्र विनश्यत्याशु तत्कुलम् । न शोचन्ति तु यत्रैता वर्धते तद्धि सर्वदा ॥
The family where women grieve soon meets its destruction. But the family where they do not grieve always prospers.
संघो ददाति सामर्थ्यं सामर्थ्यात् सर्वयोग्यता । योग्यत्वाद् यः समुत्कर्षो निरपायः स सर्वथा ॥
Organization gives capability, from capability comes all-round merit, and the progress born of merit is harmless and enduring in every way.
सूतो वा सूतपुत्रो वा यो वा को वा भवाम्यहम् । दैवायत्तं कुले जन्म मदायत्तं तु पौरुषम् ॥
Whether I am a charioteer or a charioteer's son or whoever I am — birth into a family is determined by fate, but my valour is in my own hands.
स्वकार्ये शिथिलो यः स्यात् किमन्येन भवेदिह । जागरूकः स्वकार्ये यः तत्सहायाश्च तत्समाः ॥
If one is lazy about one's own work, why would others help? But one who is vigilant about their own work finds helpers who match their dedication.
नाम्भोधिरर्थितामेति सदाम्भोभिश्च पूर्यते । आत्मा तु पात्रतां नेयः पात्रमायान्ति सम्पदः ॥
The ocean never begs, yet is always full of water. Make yourself worthy — wealth comes to those who deserve it.
परोपदेशवेलायां शिष्टाः सर्वे भवन्ति वै । विस्मरन्तीह शिष्टत्वं स्वकार्ये समुपस्थिते ॥
When it comes to advising others, everyone becomes wise. But when facing their own problems, they forget all that wisdom.
सम्प्राप्य भारते जन्म सत्कर्मसु पराङ्मुखः । पीयूषकलशं हित्वा विषभाण्डं स इच्छति ॥
One who obtains birth in Bharata yet turns away from righteous deeds is like one who discards a pot of nectar and chooses a vessel of poison.
आदौ संघटयेद् राष्ट्रं ततः कांक्षेत् समुन्नतिम् । संघशक्तिं विना राष्ट्रं कुतो वा कुत उन्नतिः ॥
First organize the nation, then aspire for progress. Without the strength of unity, where is the nation, and where is progress?
उत्साहसम्पन्नमदीर्घसूत्रं क्रियाविधिज्ञं व्यसनेष्वसक्तम् । शूरं कृतज्ञं दृढसौहृदं च लक्ष्मीः स्वयं याति निवासहेतोः ॥
Lakshmi (prosperity) comes of her own accord to dwell with one who possesses enthusiasm, diligence, knowledge of action, freedom from vice, courage, gratitude, and steadfast friendship.
पृथिव्यां त्रीणि रत्नानि जलम् अन्नं सुभाषितम् । मूढैः पाषाणखण्डेषु रत्नसंज्ञा प्रदीयते ॥
There are three true jewels on this earth: water, food, and subhāṣita! Fools, however, call pieces of rocks "jewels"!
न अभिषेको न संस्कारः सिंहस्य क्रियते वने । विक्रमार्जितसत्त्वस्य स्वयमेव मृगेन्द्रता ॥
There is no official coronation ceremony held to declare the lion king of the jungle. He becomes king by his own attributes and heroic actions.
विद्या विवादाय धनं मदाय शक्तिः परेषां परिपीडनाय । खलस्य साधोर् विपरीतम् एतत् ज्ञानाय दानाय च रक्षणाय ॥
A wicked person uses knowledge for arguments, wealth for arrogance, and power to torment others. The opposite is true of a saintly person — knowledge for good, wealth for charity, and power for protection.
दुर्बलस्य बलं राजा बालानां रोदनं बलम् । बलं मूर्खस्य मौनित्वं चौराणाम् अनृतं बलम् ॥
The king is the strength of the weak. Crying is the strength of a child. Silence is the strength of a fool. Lying is the strength of a thief.
अश्वं नैव गजं नैव व्याघ्रं नैव च नैव च । अजापुत्रं बलिं दद्यात् देवो दुर्बलघातकः ॥
Not a horse, not an elephant, not a tiger — but only the lamb is sacrificed. One must understand that not even God protects the weak.
अष्टादशपुराणानां सारं व्यासेन कीर्तितम् । परोपकारः पुण्याय पापाय परपीडनम् ॥
In all the eighteen Puranas, sage Vyasa emphasizes only two moral precepts: rendering service to people is merit (punya) and harassing them is evil.
हिमालयं समारभ्य यावत् इन्दु सरोवरम् । तं देवनिर्मितं देशं हिन्दुस्थानं प्रचक्षते ॥
Starting from Himalayas and extending up to the Indian Ocean is the nation which God created and which is known as Hindusthan.
एतद्देशप्रसूतस्य सकाशात् अग्रजन्मनः । स्वं स्वं चरित्रं शिक्षेरन् पृथिव्यां सर्वमानवाः ॥
All inhabitants of this earth should learn about living and building character from the ancient sages and seers who took birth in this land of India.
क्षणशः कणशश्चैव विद्याम् अर्थं च साधयेत् । क्षणो नष्टः कुतो विद्या कणो नष्टः कुतो धनम् ॥
One should learn every moment and earn from every bit. If you waste even a second, no knowledge can be gained; if you waste a bit, you lose wealth.
अश्वस्य भूषणं वेगो मत्तं स्यात् गजभूषणम् । चातुर्यं भूषणं नार्या उद्योगो नरभूषणम् ॥
Speed is the asset of the horse; majestic walk is the asset of the elephant. Wit is the asset of women and constantly remaining occupied is the asset of man.
क्षुत् तृट् आशाः कुटुम्बिन्यो मयि जीवति नान्यगाः । तासाम् आशा महासाध्वी कदाचित् मां न मुञ्चति ॥
Hunger, thirst, and desire are like man's three wives who will never leave him while he lives. Of the three, desire never leaves him even temporarily.
कुलस्यार्थे त्यजेदेकं ग्रामस्यार्थे कुलं त्यजेत् । ग्रामं जनपदस्यार्थे आत्मार्थे पृथिवीं त्यजेत् ॥
Sacrifice self-interest for the sake of your family, sacrifice family for the village, sacrifice the village for the nation, but sacrifice everything for the Self within.
नाक्षरं मन्त्ररहितं नामूलं नौषधिम् । अयोग्यः पुरुषो नास्ति योजकस्तत्र दुर्लभः ॥
There is no letter that cannot be used as a mantra; no root without medicinal value; no person who is absolutely useless. One who can identify their utility is, however, rare.
धारणाद् धर्म इत्याहुः धर्मो धारयते प्रजाः । यस्माद् धारणसंयुक्तं स धर्म इति निश्चयः ॥
The word "dharma" is derived from "dharana" (to hold). Dharma holds society together. Whatever holds people together is undoubtedly dharma.
न वा अरे मैत्रेयि पत्युः कामाय पतिः प्रियो भवति । आत्मनस्तु कामाय पतिः प्रियो भवति ॥
O Maitreyi! A man is not loved because he is husband, but because of the Atman (Self) in him.
सत्यस्य वचनं श्रेयः सत्यादपि हितं वदेत् । यद्भूतहितमत्यन्तम् एतत् सत्यं मतं मम ॥
Telling truth is recommended, but more than that, tell what is beneficial to all. According to Narada, truth is that which is beneficial to all beings.
न राज्यं न राजासीत् न दण्ड्यो न च दाण्डिकः । धर्मेणैव प्रजास्सर्वा रक्षन्ति स्म परस्परम् ॥
There is no kingdom nor any king; no criminal nor any judge. People protect each other by virtue of dharma.
सत्यं ब्रूयात् प्रियं ब्रूयात् न ब्रूयात् सत्यमप्रियम् । प्रियं च नानृतं ब्रूयात् एषः धर्मः सनातनः ॥
Speak truth; speak what is pleasant. Do not tell truth that is unpleasant. Similarly, do not speak untruth even though pleasant. This is the eternal dharma.
अपि स्वर्णमयी लङ्का न मे रोचते लक्ष्मण । जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गादपि गरीयसी ॥
O Lakshmana, this Golden Lanka does not allure me. Mother and Motherland are dearer to me even than heaven.
मरणान्तानि वैराणि निवृत्तं नः प्रयोजनम् । क्रियतामस्य संस्कारो ममाप्येष यथा तव ॥
Upon the death of Ravana, Shri Rama told Vibhishana: "Our enmity ended with his death. Now Ravana is as much mine as yours; perform his cremation properly."
काव्यशास्त्रविनोदेन कालो गच्छति धीमताम् । व्यसनेन च मूर्खाणां निद्रया कलहेन वा ॥
An intelligent person spends time in the pursuit of art, science, and philosophy. An unintelligent person wastes time in sleep, disputes, or bad habits.
तैलाद् रक्षेत् जलाद् रक्षेत् रक्षेत् शिथिल बन्धनात् । मूर्खहस्ते न दत्तव्यं एवं वदति पुस्तकम् ॥
A book pleads: Protect me from oil, from water, and from loose binding. And after all this, please do not hand me to a fool.
भाषासु मुख्या मधुरा दिव्या गीर्वाणभारती । तस्यां हि काव्यं मधुरं तस्मादपि सुभाषितम् ॥
Amongst languages, Sanskrit (the language of gods) is sweetest. In Sanskrit, poetry is sweeter, and better still are subhāṣitas.
उदारस्य तृणं वित्तं शूरस्य मरणं तृणम् । विरक्तस्य तृणं भार्या निस्पृहस्य तृणं जगत् ॥
For the generous, wealth is like grass. To the brave, death has no value. To the detached, family is beyond attachment. To one without desires, the world is worthless.
द्राक्षा म्लानमुखी जाता शर्करा चाश्मतां गता । सुभाषितरसस्याग्रे सुधा भीता दिवं गता ॥
The essence of subhāṣita is so sweet that grapes became crestfallen, sugar became hard (lost its fluidity), and nectar retreated back to heaven in fear.
चिन्तनीया हि विपदाम् आदावेव प्रतिक्रिया । न कूपखननं युक्तं प्रदीप्ते वह्निना गृहे ॥
One should think of remedies for calamities in advance. It is futile to start digging a well after the house has caught fire.
आदित्यस्य नमस्कारं ये कुर्वन्ति दिने दिने । जन्मान्तरसहस्रेषु दारिद्र्यं नोपजायते ॥
Those who salute the sun everyday will not inherit poverty over thousands of births. People who are punctual in their duties like the sun will never be poor.
उद्यमेन हि सिध्यन्ति कार्याणि न मनोरथैः । न हि सुप्तस्य सिंहस्य प्रविशन्ति मुखे मृगाः ॥
Results are obtained by hard work, not by daydreaming. Deer do not willingly fall into the mouth of a sleeping lion.
स्थानभ्रष्टाः न शोभन्ते दन्ताः केशाः नखा नरः । इति विज्ञाय मतिमान् स्वस्थानं न परित्यजेत् ॥
Teeth, hair, nails, and men do not shine when not in their proper places. Knowing this, the wise should not leave their place.
उदये सविता रक्तो रक्तश्चास्तमये तथा । सम्पत्तौ च विपत्तौ च महतामेकरूपता ॥
The sun looks red both at sunrise and sunset. Great men similarly retain their steadfastness through good and bad times.
शान्तितुल्यं तपो नास्ति तोषान्न परमं सुखम् । नास्ति तृष्णापरो व्याधिर्न च धर्मो दयापरः ॥
There is no penance like peace, no happiness greater than contentment, no disease like desire, and no dharma like mercy.
सर्वोपनिषदो गावो दोग्धा गोपालनन्दनः । पार्थो वत्सः सुधीर्भोक्ता दुग्धं गीतामृतं महत् ॥
Upanishads are like cows that Krishna milks and intelligent Arjuna feasts on the splendid nectar of the Gita like the calf enjoying the cow's milk.
हंसः श्वेतो बकः श्वेतो को भेदो बकहंसयोः । नीरक्षीरविवेके तु हंसः हंसो बको बकः ॥
The swan is white and so is the crane. What is the difference? The swan can separate milk from water — inner qualities define the difference.
काकः कृष्णः पिकः कृष्णः को भेदः काकपिकयोः । वसन्तसमये प्राप्ते काकः काकः पिकः पिकः ॥
The crow is black and so is the cuckoo. What is the difference? With the advent of spring, the cuckoo sings sweetly, revealing the difference.
अहं च त्वं च राजेन्द्र लोकनाथावुभावपि । बहुव्रीहिरहं राजन् षष्ठीतत्पुरुषो भवान् ॥
The beggar tells the king: "We are both Lokanatha. In my case, people are my masters (Bahuvrihi compound); while the king is the master of the people (Shashthi Tatpurusha)."
सुलभाः पुरुषाः राजन् सततं प्रियवादिनः । अप्रियस्य च पथ्यस्य वक्ता श्रोता च दुर्लभः ॥
O King, people who speak pleasantries are easily found. But one who speaks bitter truth and another who listens to it are both rare.
दुर्जनः प्रियवादीति नैतद् विश्वासकारणम् । मधु तिष्ठति जिह्वाग्रे हृदये तु हलाहलम् ॥
Never trust a wicked person even if speaking sweetly — there may be honey on his tongue but poison in his heart.
सर्पदुर्जनयोर्मध्ये वरं सर्पो न दुर्जनः । सर्पः दंशति कालेन दुर्जनस्तु पदे पदे ॥
Between a serpent and a wicked person, the serpent is better. The serpent bites only rarely while the wicked causes pain at every step.
वरमेको गुणी पुत्रो न च मूर्खशतान्यपि । एकश्चन्द्रस्तमो हन्ति न च तारागणोऽपि च ॥
It is better to have one virtuous son than a hundred fools. One moon removes darkness, which the multitude of stars cannot.
करग्रे वसते लक्ष्मीः करमध्ये सरस्वती । करमूले तु गोविन्दः प्रभाते करदर्शनम् ॥
Goddess Lakshmi dwells at the fingertips, Goddess Sarasvati at the palm, and Govinda at the wrist. Hence, one should look at one's hands first in the morning.
विदेशेषु धनं विद्या व्यसनेषु धनं मतिः । परलोके धनं धर्मः शीलं सर्वत्र वै धनम् ॥
Knowledge is wealth in a foreign land; intellect is wealth in tough times. Dharma is the wealth for the other world. Good conduct (sheela) is wealth everywhere.
न चोरहार्यं न च राजहार्यं न भ्रातृभाज्यं न च भारकारि । व्यये कृते वर्धत एव नित्यं विद्याधनं सर्वधनप्रधानम् ॥
Knowledge cannot be stolen by thieves, nor seized by kings. It cannot be divided among brothers, nor is it a burden. When spent, it grows. Wealth of knowledge is the supreme wealth.
यथा हि मलिनैः वस्त्रैः यत्र कुत्र उपविष्यते । वृत्तः चलितेनापि एवं शेषं वृत्तं न रक्षति ॥
Just as one who wears soiled garments does not hesitate to sit anywhere, so one whose character is spoiled will not hesitate to do unsavory deeds.
न देवा दण्डमादाय रक्षन्ति पशुपालवत् । यं तु रक्षितुमिच्छन्ति बुद्ध्या संविभजन्ति तम् ॥
God does not pick up a staff to protect us like a shepherd guarding his flock. He gives intelligence to the one He wishes to protect.
कार्यार्थी भजते लोकं यावत्कार्यं न सिद्ध्यति । उत्तीर्णे च परे पारे नौकायां किं प्रयोजनम् ॥
One who wants to get work done pampers others only till the work is done — just as you have no use for the boat once you cross the river.
अतिपरिचयादवज्ञा सन्ततगमनात् अनादरो भवति । मलये भिल्लपुरन्ध्री चन्दनतरुकाष्ठम् इन्धनं कुरुते ॥
Familiarity breeds contempt; repeated visits invite disrespect. The tribal women of Malaya Mountain use sandalwood as mere fuel.
ॐ सह नाववतु सहनौ भुनक्तु । सह वीर्यं करवावहै । तेजस्विनावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै । ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥
Om, may Brahman protect us both (teacher and disciple); may Brahman nourish us both; may we work in harmony with great vigor. May our study be illuminating; let us not hate each other. Om peace, peace, peace.
एकं सद् विप्रा बहुधा वदन्ति अग्निं यमं मातरिश्वानम् आहुः ॥
There is only one ultimate supreme reality (sat), which sages address by different names like Agni, Yama, Matarishvan, Vayu.
समानी वः आकूतिः समाना हृदयानि वः । समानमस्तु वो मनः यथा वः सुसहासति ॥
Let your intentions be one, let your hearts be alike, let your minds think alike. May all these factors make your organizational power impressive.
व्यायामात् लभते स्वास्थ्यं दीर्घायुष्यं बलं सुखम् । आरोग्यं परमं भाग्यं स्वास्थ्यं सर्वार्थसाधनम् ॥
From physical exercise one obtains health, longevity, strength, and happiness. Good health is the greatest blessing; health is the means of attaining everything.
असतो मा सद्गमय । तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय । मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय ॥
Lead me from the unreal to the real; lead me from darkness to light; lead me from death to immortality.
संगच्छध्वं संवदध्वं सं वो मनांसि जानताम् । देवा भागं यथा पूर्वे संजानाना उपासते ॥
Walk together, speak with each other in harmony, understand one another's minds. Just as gods from ancient times did their assigned tasks together.
धारणाद्धर्ममित्याहु र्धर्मो धारयति प्रजाः । यत्स्याद्धारणसंयुक्तं स धर्म इति निश्चयः ॥
One that sustains is called dharma. It sustains people. Whatever is characterized by the capacity to sustain, that is certainly Dharma.
श्रेयान् स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात् । स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः ॥
It is far better to perform one's natural prescribed duty, though tinged with faults, than to perform another's prescribed duty, though perfectly. In fact, it is preferable to die in the discharge of one's duty, than to follow the path of another, which is fraught with danger.
अश्वं नैव गजं नैव व्याघ्रं नैव च नैव च । अजापुत्रं बलिं दद्यात् देवो दुर्बलघातकः ॥
Not the horse, not the elephant, not the tiger — only the lamb is offered as sacrifice in a ritual. God too strikes down only the weak.
यस्मिन्यथा वर्तते यो मनुष्यः तस्मिंस्तथा वर्तितव्यं स धर्मः । मायाचारो मायया वर्तितव्यः साध्वाचारः साधुना प्रत्युदेयः ॥
One should behave toward another just as that person behaves toward them — this is considered true Dharma. A person who acts with deceit should be met with deceit, and a person who acts with goodness should be met with goodness.
शोको नाशयते धैर्यं शोको नाशयते श्रुतम् । शोको नाशयते सर्वं नास्ति शोकसमो रिपुः ॥
Grief destroys courage. Grief destroys the knowledge one has acquired. Grief destroys everything. There is no enemy equal to grief.
अमंत्रमक्षरं नास्ति नास्ति मूलमनौषधम् । अयोग्यः पुरुषो नास्ति योजकस्तत्र दुर्लभः ॥
There is no syllable that is not a mantra, no plant that is not medicinal. There is no unworthy person — what is rare is an enabler who can bring out the potential.
नरस्याभरणं रूपं रूपस्याभरणं गुणाः । गुणस्याभरणं ज्ञानं ज्ञानस्याभरणं क्षमा ॥
What adorns a person is beauty; what adorns beauty is good character. What adorns good character is wisdom; what adorns wisdom is forgiveness.
आचार्यात् पादमादत्ते पादं शिष्यः स्वमेधया । पादं सब्रह्मचारिभ्यः पादं कालक्रमेण च ॥
A quarter of knowledge is acquired from the teacher, a quarter from one's own intelligence, a quarter from fellow seekers, and the remaining quarter is taught by time in due course.
रूपयौवनसम्पन्ना विशालकुलसम्भवाः । विद्याहीना न शोभन्ते निर्गन्धाः किंशुका यथा ॥
Though endowed with beauty and youth, and born in noble families, those without knowledge do not shine — like the kiṃśuka flower, bright in appearance but devoid of fragrance.
दुर्जनेन समं सख्यं वैरञ्चापि न कारयेत् । उष्णो दहति चाङ्गारः शीतः कृष्णायते करम् ॥
One should cultivate neither friendship nor enmity with the wicked. Like a coal — when hot it burns the hand, and when cold it blackens it.
अन्नदानं परं दानं विद्यादानं अतः परम् । अन्नेन क्षणिका तृप्तिः यावज्जीवं च विद्यया ॥
Offering food is a great gift; offering education is even greater. Food satisfies only for a moment, while education satisfies for the entire course of life.
अङ्गेन गात्रं नयनेन वक्त्रं न्यायेन राज्यं लवणेन भोज्यं । धर्मेण हीनं खलु जीवितं च न राजते चन्द्रमसा विना निशा ॥
Body is graced by its limbs, face by the eyes, kingdom by justice, food by salt. Indeed, a life devoid of Dharma does not shine — just as a night does not shine without the moon.