Subhaashitaani

ಸೋಲು-ಅವಮಾನ

2010-07-11T09:49:00.000-07:00

ಅಪಮಾನಂ ಪುರಸ್ಕೃತ ಮಾನಂ ಕೃತ್ವಾ ಚ ಫೃಷ್ಠತ:|
ಸ್ವಕಾರ್ಯಮುದ್ಧರೆ ತ್ರಾಜ್ಜ್: ಕಾರ್ಯದ್ವಂಸೋ ಹಿ ಮೂರ್ಖತಾ ||

ಈ ಕೆಲಸದಿಂದ ಅವಮಾನವಾಯಿತು,, ಮುಂದೆ ಹೀಗಾಗಬಹುದು ಹಾಗಾಗಬಹುದು ಎಂದು ಇಲ್ಲದ್ದನ್ನೆಲ್ಲಾ ಕಲ್ಪಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ಹೆದರಿ, ಕೈಗೊಂಡ ಕೆಲಸವನ್ನು ಕೈಬಿಟ್ಟರೆ, ಅಜೀರ್ಣವಾಗಬಹುದೆಂಬ ಭಯದಿಂದ ಊಟವನ್ನೇ ತ್ಯಜಿಸಿದಂತಹ ಮೂರ್ಖತನವಾಗುತ್ತದೆ.

ಆದ್ದರಿಂದ ಆದ ಸೋಲನ್ನು ಸವಾಲಾಗಿ ಸ್ವೀಕರಿಸಿ ಅದಕ್ಕ ಕಾರಣಗಳನ್ನು ಹುಡುಕಿಕೊಂಡು ಮುಂದೆ ಅದು ಆಗದಂತೆ ನಡೆಯಬೇಕು.ಕಾರಣಗಳು ನಮ್ಮಲ್ಲೇ ಇರಬಹುದು ಇಲ್ಲ ಹೊರಗಿನವು ಆಗಿರಬಹುದು.ಬೇರೆಯವರ ದುರ್ವರ್ತನೆ ಪಿತೂರಿ ಇತ್ಯಾದಿಗಳು.ಏನಾಗಲಿ ಮುಂದೆ ಸಾಗು ನೀ ಎಂದು ಜೀವನ ಮುಂದಕ್ಕೆ ಸಾಗುತ್ತಿರಬೇಕು.

ಸಂಪ್ರಾಪ್ತಮವಮಾನಂ ಯಸ್ತೇಜಸಾ ನ ಪ್ರಮಾರ್ಜತಿ|
ಕಸ್ತಸ್ಯ ಪುರುಷಾರ್ಥೋಸ್ತಿ ಪುರುಷ ಸ್ಯಾಲ್ಪತೇಜಸ್:

ಪ್ರಾಪ್ತವಾದ ಅವಮಾನವನ್ನು ಯಾರು ತನ್ನ ತೆಜಸ್ಸಿನಿಂದ ಅಂದರೆ ತನ್ನ ಸ್ವ ಶಕ್ತಿಯಿಂದ ಅಳಿಸಿ ಹಾಕಲಾರನೋ ಅಂತಹ ತೇಜೋಹೀನನಿಗೆ ಯಾವ ಪುರುಷರ್ಥವೂ ಕೈಗೂಡುವುದಿಲ್ಲ.

ನಮ್ಮ ಜೀವನ ಹೂವಿನ ಹಾಸಿಗೆಯಲ್ಲ. ಹೂವೌಗಳಲ್ಲೂ ಮುಳ್ಳುಗಳಿವೆ...
ಕಷ್ಟ ಸುಖ ನೋವು ನಲಿವು ಸರಸ ವಿರಸ ಇದ್ದಾಗಲೇ ಬಾಳು ಚೆನ್ನ. ನಮ್ಮ ನಿತ್ಯದ ಊಟದಲ್ಲಿ ಉಪ್ಪು, ಖಾರ, ಸಿಹಿ, ಕಹಿ, ಒಗರು ಇತ್ಯಾದಿ ಷಡ್ರಸಗಳಿದ್ದಾಗಲೇ ಊಟ ರುಚಿಕರ, ಆರೋಗ್ಯಕರವಾಗಿರುತ್ತದೆ.

ಕಹಿ ಇರುವುದರಿಂದ ಸಿಹಿಗೆ, ಅಪಜಯವಿರುವುದರಿಂದ ಜಯಕ್ಕೆ, ಅವಮಾನವಿರುವುದರಿಂದ ಸನ್ಮಾನಕ್ಕೆ ಬೆಲೆ ಬಂದಿದೆ.
"ಸುಖೇ ದು:ಖೇ ಸಮೇ ಕೃತ್ವ ಲಾಭಾಲಾಭೌ ಜಯಾಜಯೌ"
- ಶ್ರೀ ಕೃಷ್ಣ ಭಗವದ್ಗೀತೆಯಲ್ಲಿ.

ನಮ್ಮ ಬದುಕಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಕಲಿಯಲೇಬೇಕಾದ ಮುಖ್ಯ ಪಾಠವೆಂದರೆ ಕಷ್ಟ-ಸುಖ, ಅವಮಾನ-ಸನ್ಮಾನಗಳನ್ನು ಸಮಚಿತ್ತದಿಂದ ಸ್ವೀಕರಿಸುವ ಮನಸ್ಠಿತಿ.ಇವೆಲ್ಲ ಚಕ್ರದ ಮೇಲಿರುವ ಒಂದು ಬಿಂದುವಿನಂತೆ ಮೇಲೂ ಹೋಗುತ್ತದೆ ಕೆಳಗೂ ಬರುತ್ತದೆ.ಎರಡಕ್ಕೂ ನಾವು ಸಿದ್ಧರಾಗಿರಬೇಕು.

ಒಮ್ಮೆ ಅವಮಾನಕ್ಕೆ ಗುರಿಯಾದ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿ ಮತ್ತೊಮ್ಮೆ ಅಂತಹ ಅವಮಾನಕ್ಕೆ ಗುರಿಯಾಗಬಾರದೆಂದು ತನ್ನ ರೀತಿ ನೀತಿಗಳನ್ನು ತಿದ್ದಿಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಾನೆ.ಆದ್ದರಿಂದ ಅವಮಾನ ಆ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿಗೆ ಒಳಿತನ್ನೇ ಮಾಡುತ್ತದೆ ಎಂದಿದ್ದಾರೆ ಪುರಂದರದಾಸರು.

ಎಷ್ಟೋ ಜನ ನಿರಪರಾಧಿಗಳು ಶಿಕ್ಷೆ ಅನುಭವಿಸುತ್ತಿರುವುದುಂಟು.ಯಾರದೋ ತಪ್ಪಿಗೆ ಯಾರೋ ಶಿಕ್ಷೆ ಅನುಭವಿಸುವ ಪರಿಸ್ಥಿತಿ ಅದು.
ಒಬ್ಬ ಚಾಲಕನು ತಾನು ಸರಿಯಾದ ಮಾರ್ಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದರೂ ಯಾರದೋ ತಪ್ಪಿಂದ ಅಪಘಾತವಾಗಿ ತೊಂದರೆ ನುಭವಿಸಬಹುದು.ಇಂತಹ ಪರಿಸ್ಥಿತಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಯಾರನ್ನು ದೂರುವುದು. ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಕರ್ಮಫಲ.

The three states of money

2006-05-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

Daanam bhogo naashaha tistro
gatayo bhavanti vittasya |
Yo na dadaati na bhukte
tasya triteeya gatihi bhavati ||

There are three states in which money can occur: they are donation, enjoyment and destruction.
A person who neither donates nor spends it (for his enjoyment) will end up in the third state (death).

Money can feature as an object of one of the three deeds. The first among them and the noblest of them is charity. It could be in cash or kind, provided it is for some good cause.

The second is for fulfillment of basic needs of a person, for gratification of his desires. The third and the last one is simply wasting it, may be for useless things. With the economy booming, today people are getting attractive 5 digit salaries and do not know the value of money. So, most of them waste it. Consequently, they do not know the value of things, food for example. It’s needless to mention where they waste it.
They feel a pinch of it when they are short of money. And eventually, realize that there are many who do not even get their basic necessities met.

Probably then, they understand the value of money .

Goals

2006-04-15T09:57:00.000-07:00

Praarabhyate na khalu vighna bhayena neechaihi
Praarabhya vighna vihata viramanti madhyaaha |
Vighnaihi punaha punarapi pratihanyamaanaha
Praarabdham uttama jana na parityajanti ||

People of the lowest category never start anything for the fear of failure.
The mediocre people start off and discontinue when they encounter problems.
Noble people do not give up. They keep trying in spite of the problems they encounter.
They never give up.

As Swami Vivekananda says “Arise! Awake! Stop not till the goal is reached”, this is the gist of this subhaashita. Setting goals in life is a very important thing. The next step is to achieve it and to work towards it. Goals are of different kinds and are different for different people. Problems are sure to crop up on the way. Problems are like potholes on the way to our destination. At the most they can slow down the journey. Sometimes they may force us to take a deviation also. They evaluate our preparation to achieve the goal and may give cues to reach the destination.
Taking them positively is the key.

Paapa Punya

2006-04-02T07:46:00.000-07:00

Punyasya phalam ichchanti
Punyam nechchanti manvaaha |
Na papa phalam ichchanti
Paapam kurvanti yatnataha ||

People desire the fruits of their good deeds. But they seldom do those good deeds.
They do not desire the fruits of their sins but they commit sins with lot of efforts(knowingly).

Man is always result oriented. To be result oriented in this age is ok. But one cannot aspire to get something by giving nothing. As they say “There are no free lunches in this world”.
One has to pay a price for everything (not necessarily in terms of money).
So one when desires the fruits of good deeds (punya phala) he has to do good deeds. Also, he has to restrain himself from committing sins.
Of course, the noble exercise their right to do without aspiring for the results.

2006-03-27T07:13:00.000-08:00

Kaaka aahvyate kaakan
yachako na tu yaachakaan |
Kaaka yaachakyormadhye
varam kaako na yaachakaha ||

A crow calls other crows but a beggar does not call other beggars (whenever they find food).
So, a crow is much better compared to a beggar.

This explains the way the animals/birds share food. They are not greedy like man.
Especially, in matters of money and land humans are greedy to the core and are never satisfied with what they have. Whenever there is distribution of food/food packets after a natural calamity a stampede is bound to happen. This strikingly exemplifies the above subhaashita.

A friend and the foe

2006-03-22T07:42:00.000-08:00

Aalasyam hi manushyaanam
sharirastho mahaan ripuhu |
Naasti udyama samo bandhuhu
kurvaano na avasidati |

Lethargy is the greatest enemy that resides in the human body.
There is no relative equal to work. One who works does not encounter problems.

Lethargy makes man complacent and then he may not feel the need for improvement any more.
Once complacency sets in, he becomes egoistic. That’s why it’s considered as the enemy.
One who works, keeps him active, feels the need for improvement. It does not necessarily mean a job which pays. People may work just for their interest in something, as a service to the community or the oppressed etc. Many people work on an honorary basis in NGOs, educational institutions, old age homes etc. They find solace in their work and hence enjoy it in spite of their problems. Hence it is referred to as the relative. May be it would be better to put it as friend.

Accessibility

2006-03-17T07:00:00.001-08:00

Pustakasthaa tu ya vidya parahasta gatam dhanam |
Karyakaale samutpanne na sa vidya na tat dhanam ||

The knowledge that is there only in the book (the knowledge which has not been acquired) and the earned money given away to someone will never be useful when they are required. Because both are out of reach.

The poet talks about the timely application of knowledge and availability of money in this subhaashita. Though a person has a book about a particular subject he needs to know the subject to apply it practically.

He should be conversant with the subject at least to refer the book, say for a discussion or lecture. For example a lawyer may not know to which section of some particular act or law the present case comes but he should at least know under which law or act it comes.

About money, it’s always better to have it with one’s self. Money that has been given away may not be available when it’s needed the most. Also, it’s better for one to have liquidity for certain amount of money. Though he might have huge savings it may not be useful as it does not have liquidity.

Communication

2006-03-14T01:12:00.000-08:00

Priyavaakya pradaanena sarve tushyanti jantavaha |
Tasmaat tadeva vaktavyam vachane ka daridrata ||

All the living beings on earth feel happy when they are spoken to in a pleasing manner.
So, let people speak to others pleasingly as there is no dearth of good words.

This subhaashita speaks about the approach one should have while speaking to people in general. This is very relevant in today’s world especially when dealing with customers. In the beginning of the conversation, this is quite critical as he/she needs to gain the listener’s confidence. And then things will fall into place. Even some critics give their criticisms in a pleasing way though it’s a criticism!!

Pathato naasti murkhatvam

2006-03-09T06:52:00.000-08:00

Pathato naasti murkhatvam japato naasti paatakam |
Mauninaha kalaho naasti na bhayam cha asti jaagrtaha ||

One who studies will not have foolishness. One who meditates will not react sinfully.
One who is silent will not get into quarrel. One who is alert will not have fear.

This subhaashita speaks about general negative aspects and how one can get rid of them.
A person who studies, gains knowledge will grow inquisitive and so cannot be foolish. So, education is very important. A person who meditates, prays will be quite conscious about his deeds and abstains from committing sins. One who is silent and speaks judiciously will not get into tussles. One who is alert and has faith in himself need not fear anything or anyone.

Satsanga(Company of good people)

2006-03-07T07:57:00.001-08:00

Jaadyam dhiyo harati sinchati vaachi satyam
Maanonnatim dishati paapam apaakaroti |
Chetaha prasadayati dikshu tanoti keertim
Satsangatihi kathaya kim na karoti pumsaam ||

The company of good people takes away lethargy. It establishes truth in their speech. It enhances respect and wards off sins. It calms one’s mind. It pervades joy in all the directions. The company of virtuous people helps achieve everything.

The good people, the virtuous, it’s said transform the lesser mortals. It’s not just because what they are but what you are when you are with them. The zeal, the right attitude and truthful nature of the virtuous should be imbibed. They inspire and guide. Blessed are those who are in the company of such people. That is why the company of good people has been compared to amruta.

Satisfaction

2006-03-03T07:09:00.000-08:00

Sarpaaha pibanti pavanam na cha durbalaaste
Shushkaihi trunaihi vana gajaa balino bhavanti |

Kandaihi phalaihi munivaraaha kshapayanti kaalam
Santosha eva purushasya param nidhaanam ||

Though the snakes live by consuming air, they are not weak.
The wild elephants spend time eating dry grass and will be strong.
The ascetics live by eating roots and fruits. Satisfaction is a man’s greatest wealth.

Here the poet is emphasizing that satisfaction is the greatest wealth. We can learn from nature that animals consume whatever that is available to them and they exercise a limit in what they consume. They do not overeat and are not gluttons. But humans are. There are many who “live to eat and not eat to live”. In a broader perspective people are never satisfied with what they have. They are always on the look out for better things. And the energy, the enthusiasm is drawn from the search rather the final harvest or goal. So, the search for something new starts again. So what is the solution??

Our goals in life have to be value based and they govern rest of the things in life.

Help

2006-02-27T07:13:00.000-08:00

Pibanti nadyaha svayameva naambhaha
Svayam na khaadanti phalaani vrukshaaha |

Naadanti sasyam khalu vaarivaahaha
Paropakaaraya sataam vibhutayaha ||

The rivers do not drink the water themselves. The trees never eat the fruits (though borne by them).The clouds do not eat the crops (that they water). The wealth of the virtuous is for the benefit of others.

This subhaashita speaks about helping others. The poet here emphasizes that the cherished possession or the wealth of certain entities in nature are never for their benefit but for others.

Similarly the good, the virtuous will utilize their wealth for the benefit of others.
This does not necessarily mean about finances but could be any of their other abilities or strengths. For example there are people who lend their books to the poor and underprivileged students, guide them etc. Some people like Medha Patkar, fight for selfless causes like protection of environment etc. People like Mother Teresa who work for the orphaned, the spastics, the mentally challenged etc.

Helping others is a noble deed. One does not lose anything in the process.It’s said that we have to help or give someone who cannot repay us back. The apt example could be donating blood in a blood donation camp. Definitely the donor will not know to whom it goes. Another example could be helping victim(s) of a natural calamity in any way we can.

Also, it is said that one should not expect anything in return for the help. But,it definitely comes back but how and when, it is left to God. Even if it does not, the joy in the eyes of the recipient should suffice.

Money as a motivator

2006-02-23T07:02:00.000-08:00

Utsaahasampannam Adheerghasutram
Kriyavadhighnam Vysaneshu Asaktam |
Shuram Krutagnam Drudhasauhradham cha
Lakshmeehi svayam Yaati nivaasahetoho ||

It is said that Goddess Lakshmi comes by Herself to a person with the following qualities.
A person who is enthusiastic, who does not procrastinate and is systematic in approach. Also he should not be interested in any vices. He should be brave, friendly and grateful to those who have helped him.

The poet specifies the good qualities one has to have keeping money as the motivator. In general these are the qualities that are required for one to be successful. Enthusiasm, time-sense, gratitude, strength. etc. Above all he adds one more thing that people should not involve themselves in vices i.e. gambling, drinking, etc. It is because even if a person has all the other qualities that are mentioned they will be diminished by this deed of his. Also from the point of view of money, this can nullify in the sense, wipe out all his earnings.

Self-esteem

2006-02-18T07:13:00.000-08:00

Sthaanam utsrujya gachchanti
Simhaaha satpurusha gajaaha |

Tatra eva nidhanam yaanti
Kaakaha kapurusha mrugaaha ||

The lions, elephants and the virtuous people having high self-esteem quit from their positions once their esteem is hurt. But they do not sacrifice their self-esteem. Where as, the crows, cats and the vicious people without self-esteem never quit from their positions and attain death being in the same positions. They don’t safeguard their esteem.

This subhaashita is about self-esteem. Unless a person has a high self-esteem, he cannot be self confident. Both go hand in hand. The poet says that the virtuous people have high self-esteem and on no occasion will sacrifice it, even if it means quitting from their positions.

I think this is a quality of able administrators. It’s very hard to find such people today, especially in the administrative circles.

There is no dearth of the second category. Our politicians are the best example.

Also the bureaucrats by default fall into this category. No matter what inquiry is going on against them they never quit. In fact even if suspended they come back with greater vigour!!!.

Money

2006-02-16T09:09:00.000-08:00

Yasyaasti vittam sa naraha Kuleenaha
Sa Panditaha Sa shrutavaan Gunagnaha |

Sa eva vaktaa sa cha Darshneeyaha
Sarve Gunaaha kanchanam asshrayanti ||

A person who has money is regarded to be from a very good family.
He is a scholar, one who has mastered the vedas. He is virtuous. He is an orator and is handsome. Thus, all good qualities take refuge in money.

This is a subhaashita about money and the way world treats the rich.
They are bestowed with all the good qualities on earth. They are regarded as scholars, the learned, virtuous, handsome and what not.

Some of them are given doctorates and titles whether they deserve it or not. But history has taught us that nothing lasts forever. No, not even name or fame.

The moment a rich man loses his wealth and becomes bankrupt, he’s no more an icon.
Then his character takes over if at all he has a good one. Only then the world can continue to respect him.

Money is definitely a necessity. It’s a prerequisite to meet the basic necessities of a human being.
But it is not everything. The best and most valuable things cannot be bought with money.

The Growth

2006-02-13T07:26:00.000-08:00

Laalayet pancha varshaani
Dasha varshaani taadayet |

Praapte tu Shodashevarshe
Putram Mitravadaacharet ||

A child should be pampered till its five years old.
Then for the next ten years the parents should subdue the child.

From the sixteenth year the child should be treated as a friend.
This subhaashita speaks about bringing up a child.

The poet clearly tells us about the different phases of growth and the way parents should handle the child. Initially, for first five years during the tenderest part of it the child has to be pampered.

From the fifth year onwards, the child starts learning, discovering things in the world. It starts growing inquisitive. It should be repressed from this point or else at a point of time in future it may lose the sense to judge right and wrong.Also giving moral education to the child during this period is very important.
It is during this period (may be till 16/18 years) the attitude and character of the child gets moulded.

From the sixteenth year onwards the parents should treat the child as a friend. From this age the person starts developing his thinking and opinions. It’s very likely that he/she may not follow the things imposed. So suggestions and friendly advice would work.

Nature

2006-02-12T09:54:00.000-08:00

Paropi hitavaan Bandhuhu
Bandhuhu Api Ahitaha Paraha |

Ahito Dehajo vyadihi
Hitamaaranyam Aushadham ||

Though an enemy, if he wishes good he is as good as a relative.
Though a relative if he wishes bad he is as good as an enemy.
Though it’s born and then resides in the body the disease is harmful.
Though its there in the forest, the medicinal plants save lives.

The gist is that it does not matter whether the entity is inside or outside. But its nature matters the most.

The Gurukula System

2006-02-10T06:06:00.000-08:00

Yathaa Khanan Khanitrena
Naro Varyadhigachchati |

Evam Gurugataa Vidyaam
Shushrooshuhu Adhigachchati ||

A man gets water (accumulated in the ground) by digging the earth with a spade.
Similarly knowledge in the Guru can be attained by serving the Guru.

This applies to the Gurukula system that existed centuries ago.The student had to serve the Guru staying at the Guru's place for years.The Guru would impart all the knowledge that he had.Not like some Profs of today who finally put their names on their students' patents/papers.
Also, today, education has become very expensive. Only people who can afford it can have it!!.

Strength

2006-02-09T07:10:00.000-08:00

Ekaha Aham Ashayaha Aham
Krushaha Aham Aparichchadaha |

Svapnehe api evam vidhaa chintaa
Mrugendrasya Na Jaayate ||

“I am alone and helpless. I am weak and destitute”.—Even in its dreams the lion does not think like this.

Here the poet draws our attention to lion. In this subhaashita he is conveying the message that people have to be strong. They might be alone and/or homeless but should never lose faith and hope.

Gnanam

2006-02-08T08:36:00.000-08:00

Naasti Vidya samam Chakshuhu naasti Satyasamam Tapaha |
Naasti Raagasamam Dukham naasti Tyaagasamam Sukham ||

There's no eye equal to knowldege/education.There's no rite or penance equal to Truth.
There's no misery equal to sensual pleasure.There's no happiness equal to Sacrifice.

Here the poet gives lot of importance to education,being truthful and donating or sacrificing.
Knowledge or education should guide people and so it's compared to eye.Being truthful always,
in this age is definitely a penance.Sensual pleasure is momentary and ultimately leads to misery.The happiness that one gains in giving (without expecting anything in return) is of the highest kind.

Kshanashaha kanshashchaiva Vidyaam Artham Cha Saadhayet |
Kshana Tyaage kuto Vidya Kana Tyaage Kuto Dhanam ||

Knowledge has to be gained every second.Wealth has to be accumulated pai by pai.
How can one gain knowledge by whiling away time.How can one accumulate wealth by wasting money.

Here the poet stresses the importance of time and money.He says that time is important for gaining knowledge.
Wealth has to be accumulated by spending money judiciously.

A subhashita about subhashita

2006-02-06T05:57:00.000-08:00

Samsaara vishavrukshasya dve phale hyamrutopame|
Subhaashitarasasvaadaha sangatihi sujanaihi saha||

From the moment I started studying Samskruta, especially Subhashitas, I have loved them.
They are the best and tell you about everything on earth and are true forever.
I think they should be our guiding light.

Let me begin with a subhashita which speaks about its greatness.
This subhashita tells us about the nature of the world in general.
In this world which is like a poisonous tree, has two fruits as sweet as amruta.
They are the experience of good sayings and the company of good or noble people.