Immortal Sayings E-Book

Dr. B.R. Suhas

• Herausgeber: V&S Publishers
• Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2018

Seitenzahl: 208

Beschreibung

Sayings you can use on many ocassions to influence people

Leseprobe

Immortal

Sayings

From Indian Scriptures and Classics

Completed and annotated by

Dr B.R. Suhas

Published by:

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© Copyright: ISBN 978-935-05725-7-3

DISCLAIMER

While every attempt has been made to provide accurate and timely information in this book, neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for errors, unintended omissions or commissions detected therein. The author and publisher make no representation or warranty with respect to the comprehensiveness or completeness of the contents provided.

All matters included have been simplified under professional guidance for general information only without any warranty for applicability on an individual. Any mention of an organization or a website in the book by way of citation or as a source of additional information doesn't imply the endorsement of the content either by the author or the publisher. It is possible that websites cited may have changed or removed between the time of editing and publishing the book.

Results from using the expert opinion in this book will be totally dependent on individual circumstances and factors beyond the control of the author and the publisher.

It makes sense to elicit advice from well informed sources before implementing the ideas given in the book. The reader assumes full responsibility for the consequences arising out from reading this book. For proper guidance, it is advisable to read the book under the watchful eyes of parents/guardian. The purchaser of this book assumes all responsibility for the use of given materials and information. The copyright of the entire content of this book rests with the author/publisher. Any infringement/ transmission of the cover design, text or illustrations, in any form, by any means, by any entity will invite legal action and be responsible for consequences thereon.

 

Dedicated to my Father,

Er. B.G. RAMESH.

A great writer and an

inspiration for my writing.

Contents

Preface

Invocation

Appraisal of Good Words

Appraisal of Poets and Poetry

Knowledge and. Education

Learning and Earning

Useless Knowledge and. Money

Money

Miser

Generosity and Charity

Useless Charity

Rich and Poor

Arts

Occupation

Endeavour

Enthusiasm

Laziness

Action and Divinity

Evils of Men and Women

Merits and Demerits

Heaven and Hell

Righteousness

Truth

Non-violence

Service

The Art of Speaking

The Intelligent and the Foolish

The Noble and the Wicked

Appraisal of Good Character

Modesty

Friendship

Relatives

Courage

Weakness

Self-respect

Mind

Happiness and Sorrow

Beauty

Desire

Anger

Contentment

Sacrifice

Fame

Foresight

Duty

Precious Jewels

Unity

Kings and Rulers

Master and Servant

Women

Teacher

Rarities

Always Wonderful

Elevation and Downfall

Death

Questions and Answers

Poison

Penance and Renouncement

God and the Soul

Devotion

Words of Wisdom

Preface

Sanskrit is one of the oldest languages of the world. Its rich heritage includes epics, religious and devotional scriptures, poetic works, dramas and other literary works. Subhashitas form a special feature of Sanskrit literature. Subhashitas are equivalent to proverbs and sayings found in other languages.

Subhashitas means “words of wisdom”. Subhashitas are short verses or shlokas that convey thoughtful messages through elegant examples. As dry preaching does not hit the mark, Subhashitas preach through interesting examples in rhythmic poems. Such preaching is appreciated just as a sugar-coated bitter medicine is liked. The matter dealt in these Subhashitas is variegated and include such topics like appraisal of scholars, value of knowledge, money, good and bad, fools and the intelligent, moral lessons, courage, fear, self-respect, endeavour, enthusiasm, love, happiness and sorrow, laziness, truth, righteousness, friendship, sense control, God, devotion and many more. These Subhashitas consist of day-to-day experiences that everyone enjoys.

Subhashitas are present in large numbers throughout. Sanskrit literary works The Vedas, Upanishads, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Puranas, Panchatantra and the celebrated works of poets such as Kalidasa, Bhavabhuti, Kalhana, Bhartrihari etc are full of Subhashitas. Besides, there are individual works dedicated to a collection of Subhashitas like Suktimuktavali, Subhashita Sudhanidhi, Subhashita Ratnabandagara, Samayochita Padyamalika, Narabharana and many more Scholars are collecting Subhashitas even today and many such collections like Subhashita Manjari, Subhashita Ratnavali, Subhashita Samputa, Nitya Neeti etc are in Kannada and English translations.

In this compilation of Sanskrit Subhashitas, I have made a sincere effort to convey the meaning of these Subhashitas. The translations are free and not literal. Short explanations have been added to each verse to appreciate the meaning and message of the Subhashita. I owe my thanks to many different sources. I have referred to in preparing this compilation. I hope readers enjoy this book. I would like to receive feedback from readers via e-mail at: brs_doc@yahoo co in.

—Dr B.R. Suhas

Invocation

Obeisance unto the Lord, who is not bound by space and time, who is Infnite, whose form is knowledge personifed, who is effulgent, peaceful, and who can be realised only by one’s own experience.

—Neeti Shataka - 1

It is always customary to start any work with a prayer to the Almighty Lord. This shloka appears in a composition called Neetishataka, a collection of 100 moral sayings composed by King Bhartrihari. In his prayer, he also describes the nature of God, saying that He is not bound by time and space. All of us have a limited body that is bound by space and time. The body is subject to time, and it has a beginning and an end. But God is Eternal; so also the Atma, but for the illusion. Thus, the body limits the Jiva. But God is Omnipresent. He is called Vishnu, which means all-pervading. Therefore, He is unlimited.

God is Omniscient. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says, “From all the Vedas, I am to be known.” He is Sat (Truth), Chit (Knowledge) and Ananda (Bliss). He is self-effulgent, like the sun. He is peaceful and never gets afficted by any situation. God can be realised only by one’s own experience, through devotion and perseverance. It is not possible for anyone to ‘show’ Him. It is often said that the taste of sugar can be realised only by tasting it!

Obeisance to the Lord.

Appraisal of Good Words

Among all the languages, Sanskrit is the sweetest, most important and divine. And in this Sanskrit literature, poetry is sweeter, and among poetry, ‘Subhashita’ or ‘good word’ is the sweetest.

—Subhashita Ratna Bhandagara

It is said that Sanskrit is the mother of all languages. It is the most ancient language. Historians say that the ancient Aryans transacted in this language, and tradition maintains that it is the language of Gods. The words Geervani Bharati in verse refers to this. The works composed in Sanskrit are all beautiful and many of the religious and literary works of India, like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas, Vedas, and Upanishads, are composed in Sanskrit. Many great poets like Kalidasa, Magha, Bhavabhuti, Dandi et al wrote in Sanskrit and enriched our cultural heritage. These books bring out the scope of emotional joy.

Again, the verse form is an easier way of remembering the text and can also be sung in tunes. The poems contain words framed in a rhythmic manner that are pleasing to the ear. Among these poetic works, it is said that the Subhashitas are the sweetest, as they are very close to one’s life, and have evolved from experiences of the great.

In the presence of nectarian Subhashita, grapes withered, sugar turned into stone, and even the nectar was afraid and ran up to heaven!

—Subhashita Manjari

Here, the poet humorously glorifes the greatness of good works. All the sweet substances in the world fail to become great in the presence of Subhashitas or good sayings. The grapes that were very sweet to taste bent their heads down, and sugar turned into stone! And even nectar, which bestows immortality on one who drinks it, could not stand before such good sayings and fed to heaven!

The poet has made use of simile and metaphor to describe the greatness of divine thoughts.

There are three jewels on this earth, namely water, food, and good sayings. Only fools call stone pieces jewels.

—Subhashita Manjari - 1.5

Here, the poet says that Subhashitas, noble thoughts, are like invaluable treasures, just as food and water are invaluable jewels, for without them no living being could exist on earth. These sayings protect a person when in difficulty, and if one lives according to such sayings of the great, his life blooms like a flower. Unfortunately, says the poet, fools are only interested in calling stone pieces jewels (wealth), which merely give temporary and external happiness.

In the poisonous tree of life, there are two nectarean fruits. One of them is the tasty noble saying and the other is the company of noble people.

—Subhashita Manjari - 1.8

Herein, the poet compares life to a.poisonous tree. Everyone defnitely experiences that life is miserable. One has to pass through a lot of hurdles to reach a goal and attain happiness, which is momentary. Though none of us like it, we are subject to failures, illness, old age, death, and many other difficulties. Thus, life is like a poisonous tree. But this thought should not make us quit. Even in such a poisonous tree there are two nectarean fruits.–.noble sayings and great people. Noble sayings can guide a person to lead a peaceful life. And if one befriends great people, who set an example for others by their hard work and achievements, one’s life will be filled with harmony and happiness.

Appraisal of Poets and Poetry

The great poets, who have renowned themselves in poetry, never have to fear old age and death for they are immortal bodies of fame, and they are indeed victorious!

—Neeti Shataka - 22

Poets are great people. They develop intimacy with nature and draw inspiration to live in harmony with the surroundings, which they communicate to others. These poets may grow old, or die, but it is their body that perishes, as they remain immortal through their memorable works. This brings to mind the story of Valmiki, the first poet of the world, who is hence called Adikavi. Lord Brahma granted him a boon that as long as the sun, the moon, lakes and mountains existed, so long would humans read his book, Ramayana. This statement holds true to this day, as the book has been translated into several languages, and has also been telecast in serial form.

Thus, poets are victorious.

In the vast world of literature, the poet alone is the creator. As he feels, so this world gets changed!

—Dhvanya Loka - 3

In the world of literature, the poet is a creator in the sense that he can infuence the direction of his created world. If he wishes rainfall, there is rainfall and if he wishes sunshine, there is sunshine. The poet creates different moods and converts his world into an attractive realm.

One can appreciate the greatness of poetry, even if he is not a poet. It is just like a person who can enjoy the taste of cooked food, even if he does not know cooking.

—Yashastilaka - 1.29

It is not necessary for a person to be a poet to appreciate the beauty of poetry. Although appreciating poetry is inherent in human nature, this sense of appreciation has to be developed. A person living in an environment of cruelty and wickedness may not be able to do so, for his nature would be different. On the other hand, a person who has trained his mind with noble thoughts would appreciate poetry even though he is not a poet. The poet compares this to a person who can appreciate the taste of good food, despite being unable to cook.

The matter present in scriptures, though very difficult to understand, becomes easily understandable when presented in poetic verses. This is like a jewel that appears terrifying when it is on the head of a serpent.

—Sabharanjana Shataka - 14

Great scriptures like the Vedas and the Upanishads teach man how he can lead a useful, productive, content and happy life. But for a common man, and even for the learned, their contents are difficult to understand. So, many poets, philosophers and saints appear on earth to teach us the same truth, which is compared to a jewel on a serpent’s head that no one dares touch although everyone wishes to procure it.

Knowledge and Education

Knowledge is a special beauty for man. It is a hidden treasure. It gives one happiness, enjoyment and fame. It is the teacher of great teachers. It is one’s relative when he is in a foreign land. It is the God divine. It is knowledge that is worshipped by kings, and not money. One who is bereft of knowledge is a beast.

—Neeti Shataka - 18

The poet Bhartrihari herein glorifes the various attributes of knowledge and learning. It imparts beauty to a man, he says. One can always compare an uneducated and an educated man and know the difference. The way of talking, behaviour and thoughts are all refned in an educated person. Reading and gaining knowledge is like a hidden treasure that helps one. If a person thus knows the language, ways and culture of different places, he can always communicate easily. Knowledge is Divine God, and it also helps one to know God.

The Lord has therefore said in the Gita, “There is nothing equal to knowledge.” It is well known that in the past, kings would felicitate great poets and scholars, and not rich people. Thus, one who does not have knowledge is like a beast. Hence, everyone must read and learn more.

Education (knowledge) imparts modesty. And from modesty one gains a good position. From a good position, one earns money, and from money one can execute righteous deeds. From such deeds, one gets happiness.

—Hitopadesha - 1.5

Herein, the poet describes very beautifully how one is benefited in stages by knowledge. Knowledge (education) imparts modesty to a person. A man who is knowledgeable develops modesty, whereas a man with half-baked knowledge becomes puffed with pride. Thus, through qualities like modesty, a man gains a good position, from which he earns well. From such money, he can serve the needy and perform good deeds. From this, he gains happiness.

Kingship and knowledge are never equal to each other. A king is respected only in his own country, whereas a scholar is respected wherever he goes.

—Subhashita Manjari - 11.104

Kingship or ruling power and knowledge are compared here. A person can be the ruler of a small village, a state, or even a big country. But only people under his direct control respect him as a ruler. When he goes to another country or region, he is not respected in the same manner. On the other hand, a person who is very knowledgeable acquires respect wherever he goes, for knowledge is recognised everywhere.

Only a scholar can understand the nature of the efforts put in by another scholar. A childless woman cannot know the pains of delivering a child.

—Subhashita Manjari - 11.05

The efforts put in by a scholar to become one can be appreciated only by another scholar, because he also would have put in such efforts to become a scholar. This is compared to the labour pain a woman undergoes when she gives birth to a baby. The nature of such pain remains unknown to a childless woman. Only another woman who has experienced such pains can realise it.

One who frequently asks questions, listens carefully, who always recapitulates what he has learnt and makes it perfect, blooms like a lotus as the flower blooms when it comes in contact with the rays of the sun.

—Panchatantra - 4.87

Different ways to enrich one’s knowledge are described here. The process starts with asking questions and listening. One should not hesitate to ask his teacher questions, though they may seem simple or silly. In English, it is said that there are five friends of a person – the four Ws and one H, namely, What, When, Why, Where and How. If one makes use of these friends, he can learn everything about a topic. The next step will be to listen carefully to what the teacher says. One should be attentive and listen. One should analyse, recollect frequently and remember the facts. Sanskrit has three terms for this: shravana (hearing), mañana (thinking), and nidhidhyasana (constant musing).

A student gains a quarter portion of knowledge from his teacher, a quarter of it from one’s own intelligence, a quarter from fellow students, and a quarter from time (experience).

—Subhashita Manjari - 11.18

This verse describes how a student can gain knowledge. He has to gain some of it from his teacher. But it is not possible to learn everything from the teacher alone. Some of it has to be learnt by oneself. Some from discussions with other students and some from the passage of time, i e., by observation and experience.

Even though a person has beauty, youth and has been born in a high family, he will not earn respect unless he has education and knowledge, just as a flower without fragrance is not admired.

—Subhashita Ratnavali - 2.68

One may be very beautiful or handsome, or full of youth, vigour and strength or may be wealthy or belong to a good family and possess other qualities, but without education and knowledge all such qualities are meaningless. The poet compares this to a flower without fragrance, which though beautiful to look at, is not appreciated if devoid of fragrance.

Where is the question of knowledge for one who is interested in pleasure? And where is the question of pleasure for a knowledge-seeking student? If one wants pleasure, he must sacrifice knowledge, and if one wants knowledge, he must sacrifice pleasure.

—Subhashita Ratnavali - 11.122

Herein, there is a warning that a student interested in knowledge must forgo pleasure. For one who is lazy and a pleasure-seeker, gaining knowledge is difficult. This implies that one must desist from excessive pleasurable activities and other frivolous diversions. Recreation and entertainment should just be a part of life, not the main goal.

Life without education and knowledge is waste, like the tail of a dog that is neither useful to conceal its private organs, nor useful in driving away disturbing files.

—Nitya Neeti - Pg. 46

Human life is most precious and one must use this in learning. The ability to think and analyse is present only in humans, not in animals. Therefore, when one is born as a human, he must acquire knowledge. Education destroys ignorance and lights the lamp of knowledge in a person. A person without education not only misuses the opportunity of human life but also wastes his energy in foolish activities that benefit neither him nor society. If he is rich, he may waste money over friends and bad habits. The poet compares such a life to a dog’s curved tail, which can neither conceal its private organs, nor drive files away. Other animals have straight tails that serve both purposes.

Learning and Earning

Knowledge and money should be gained using every second and every ounce of money. Where is the gain in knowledge if one loses every second of time, and where is the question of raising money if one loses an ounce of that money?

—Subhashita Ratnavali - 2.68

In this verse, the poet reveals how one must build up knowledge and save money. In other words, he is trying to convey the importance of time and money. Many students do not give importance to their leisure period. They think it is not possible to learn much in a short span of time and thus waste it. But this should not be done. Every second is precious. Even a second of leisure time can be utilised effectively for learning. Such precious time, if lost, cannot be regained. Hence it is said: “Time and tide wait for none.”

Similarly, many of us think that small amounts of money are of no use. But even small saving go to make a big sum. It is well said: “Every drop of water in an ocean counts.” Thus, every second of time and every ounce of money should be well utilised.

One must gain knowledge and earn money thinking that he will never die or grow old. Simultaneously, one must perform righteous deeds thinking that death is holding his hair.

—Subhashita Manjari - 10.3

The poet beautifully describes how one must always keep learning and earning money, while simultaneously performing righteous deeds. Prophet Muhammad says, “Seek knowledge from cradle to grave.” One must learn from birth right up to death. Generally, people learn up to a certain stage in life. For example, until they graduate or get a good job and then they forget learning. Others are satisfied when they earn enough to lead a simple life. That should not be the case. One should keep learning and earning irrespective of age. Knowledge is useful at any age. Likewise, one should earn money by rightful means and always seek the right means to earn more money. And one should not rest just because he gets older but always work to earn his own keep.

At the same time, one should keep doing righteous deeds, like helping the poor and needy, donating money to orphanages, reading sacred books etc, as if on the verge of death. People think that righteous or religious activities should be performed in old age so that when they die they reach heaven! The poet says that one should always think death is behind him and do good deeds. Death always comes unexpectedly. So, one should learn and earn thinking he is immortal, and do righteous deeds thinking death is always at hand.

A pot is gradually filled with water, as water falls into it, drop by drop. This is the way to gain all kinds of knowledge, virtue and money.

—Hitopadesha - 2.115

The poet describes how to gain knowledge, virtue and money. It should be gradual. No man can become a millionaire or scholar overnight. It takes a couple of decades just to become a graduate! So, one must be patient with whatever he learns or earns, and be sincere in his efforts. The poet compares this to a pot filled with water. When the pot is placed under a tap, it does not get filled immediately. The water flls the pot drop by drop. The English equivalents of this verse are: “Every drop in the ocean counts” and “Rome was not built in a day”. Forbearance and patience are important.

The road gets trodden little by little. The cloth is woven little by little. The mountain is climbed little by little. Knowledge and money are also gained little by little. All these five are attained little by little.

—Nitya Neeti - Pg. 93

This verse is identical to the previous one. The poet gives us more examples to say that knowledge and money are acquired gradually. As the saying goes: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.”

A famous Jataka tale supports this. There was once a poor man who did not have any means of sustenance. One day, as he was going to town, he noticed a dead rat. The cashier of that town, who also saw the dead rat, told his friend that a person could make his livelihood just by that rat. The poor man overheard their conversation and picked up the rat. After a while, another man passed by with a pet cat, which looked at the rat eagerly. This man gave the poor man an anna in exchange for the rat. With that the poor man bought some jaggery and a pot of water, which he shared amongst a few flower gatherers. Pleased by this, they gave him fowers. Selling these, he bought more jaggery and water. He thus earned eight annas.