Subhashitam Archive
Search every Sanskrit subhashitam in the collection
वत्सराजोऽपि तं प्राप्तं प्रदत्तोपायनं नृपम्। प्रीत्या सम्मानयामास शूरा हि प्रणतिप्रियाः॥
vatsarājo 'pi taṃ prāptaṃ pradattopāyanaṃ nṛpam । prītyā sammānayāmāsa śūrā hi praṇatipriyāḥ ॥
Vatsaraja honours a king who comes with gifts, illustrating the brave person's regard for respectful homage.
भस्मीकृतस्वार्थसौख्यपरिचर्चितविग्रहाः। स्वराज्ययोगनिर्मग्ना धन्यास्ते वीरयोगिनः॥
bhasmīkṛtasvārthasaukhyaparicarcitavigrahāḥ । svarājyayoganirmagnā dhanyās te vīrayoginaḥ ॥
The verse praises heroic practitioners who renounce personal comforts and devote themselves fully to self-rule.
नित्यं परिचरेच्चैव तद्वै सुकृतमुत्तमम्। कीर्तिं पुण्यं यशो लोकान् प्राप्स्यसे राजसत्तम॥
nityaṃ paricareccaiva tadvai sukṛtamuttamam । kīrtiṃ puṇyaṃ yaśo lokān prāpsyase rājasattama ॥
Daily service is praised as an excellent deed that brings merit, renown and higher realms.
ज्ञानवांश्च तथा वाग्मी कर्मस्वपि च निष्ठितः। एवं युक्तोऽपि न श्रेयान् यदि शीलविवर्जितः॥
jñānavāṃśca tathā vāgmī karmasvapi ca niṣṭhitaḥ । evaṃ yukto'pi na śreyān yadi śīlavivarjitaḥ ॥
Knowledge, eloquence, and skill in work do not make a person worthy of esteem if good character is absent.
शुचित्वं त्यागिता शौर्यं सामान्यं सुखदुःखयोः। दाक्षिण्यं चानुरक्तिश्च सत्यता च सुहृद्गुणाः॥
śucitvaṃ tyāgitā śauryaṃ sāmānyaṃ sukhaduḥkhayoḥ । dākṣiṇyaṃ cānuraktiśca satyatā ca suhṛdguṇāḥ ॥
Purity, generosity, courage, steadiness in joy and sorrow, courtesy, affection, and truthfulness are the qualities of a true friend.
अद्वेष्टा सर्वभूतानां मैत्रः करुण एव च। निर्ममो निरहङ्कारः समदुःखसुखः क्षमी॥
adveṣṭā sarvabhūtānāṃ maitraḥ karuṇa eva ca । nirmamo nirahaṅkāraḥ samaduḥkhasukhaḥ kṣamī ॥
The Bhagavad Gita describes a character free from hatred and ego, friendly to all beings and steady in joy and sorrow.
रत्नैर्महाब्धेस्तुतुषुर्न देवा न भेजिरे भीमविषेण भीतिम्। सुधां विना न प्रययुर्विरामं न निश्चितार्थाद्विरमन्ति धीराः॥
ratnair mahābdhes tutuṣur na devā na bhejire bhīmaviṣeṇa bhītim । sudhāṃ vinā na prayayur virāmaṃ na niścitārthād viramanti dhīrāḥ ॥
Bhartrhari recalls the churning of the ocean to show that resolute people neither settle for partial gains nor abandon their aim when danger appears.
स्वे स्वे कर्मण्यभिरतः संसिद्धिं लभते नरः। स्वकर्मनिरतः सिद्धिं यथा विन्दति तच्छृणु॥
sve sve karmaṇyabhirataḥ saṁsiddhiṁ labhate naraḥ । svakarmanirataḥ siddhiṁ yathā vindati tacchṛṇu ॥
The Bhagavad Gita teaches that devotion to one's own work is a path to perfection.
उद्यमः साहसं धैर्यं बुद्धिः शक्तिः पराक्रमः। षडेते यत्र वर्तन्ते तत्र दैवं सहायकृत्॥
udyamaḥ sāhasaṃ dhairyaṃ buddhiḥ śaktiḥ parākramaḥ । ṣaḍete yatra vartante tatra daivaṃ sahāyakṛt ॥
Effort, courage, patience, intelligence, strength, and valor prepare a person to receive the help of providence.
सुखोपविष्टास्ते तत्र पुण्यां चक्रुः कथामिमाम्। धर्मार्थकाममोक्षाणामारोग्यं मूलमुत्तमम्॥
sukhopaviṣṭās te tatra puṇyāṃ cakruḥ kathām imām । dharmārthakāmamokṣāṇām ārogyaṃ mūlam uttamam ॥
Charaka Samhita presents good health as the foremost foundation for pursuing dharma, prosperity, desire and liberation.
यथा यथा प्रयत्नः स्याद्भवेदाशु फलं तथा। इति पौरुषमेवास्ति दैवमस्तु तदेव च॥
yathā yathā prayatnaḥ syād bhaved āśu phalaṃ tathā । iti pauruṣam evāsti daivam astu tad eva ca ॥
A Yoga Vasistha verse that links the fruit of an undertaking to human effort and identifies such effort with what people call destiny.
अनुद्वेगकरं वाक्यं सत्यं प्रियहितं च यत्। स्वाध्यायाभ्यसनं चैव वाङ्मयं तप उच्यते॥
anudvegakaraṁ vākyaṁ satyaṁ priyahitaṁ ca yat । svādhyāyābhyasanaṁ caiva vāṅmayaṁ tapa ucyate ॥
The Bhagavad Gita describes truthful, pleasant, beneficial, and non-agitating words, together with regular study, as austerity of speech.
हिताहितं सुखं दुःखमायुस्तस्य हिताहितम्। मानं च तच्च यत्रोक्तमायुर्वेदः स उच्यते॥
hitāhitaṃ sukhaṃ duḥkham āyus tasya hitāhitam । mānaṃ ca tac ca yatroktam āyurvedaḥ sa ucyate ॥
Charaka Samhita defines Ayurveda through beneficial and harmful, happy and unhappy forms of life and the measure of lifespan.
सुत्रामाणं पृथिवीं द्यामनेहसं सुशर्माणमदितिं सुप्रणीतिम् । दैवीं नावं स्वरित्रामनागसो अस्रवन्तीमा रुहेमा स्वस्तये॥
sutrāmāṇaṃ pṛthivīṃ dyām anehasaṃ suśarmāṇam aditiṃ supraṇītim । daivīṃ nāvaṃ svaritrām anāgaso asravantīm ā ruhemā svastaye ॥
An Atharvaveda mantra envisions earth, heaven and Aditi as a secure divine boat that carries people toward well-being.
एको धर्मः परं श्रेयः क्षमैका शान्तिरुत्तमा। विद्यैका परमा तृप्तिरहिंसैका सुखावहा॥
eko dharmaḥ paraṁ śreyaḥ kṣamaikā śāntir uttamā । vidyaikā paramā tṛptir ahiṁsaikā sukhāvahā ॥
A verse from Vidura Niti in the Mahabharata that pairs four virtues with what each one alone can give: dharma brings the highest good, forgiveness the finest peace, knowledge true contentment, and non-violence lasting happiness.
स्वाधीनैव समृद्धिर्जनोपजीव्यत्वमुच्छ्रयश्छाया। सत्पुंसो मरुभूरिव जीवनमात्रं समाशास्यम्॥
svādhīnaiva samṛddhir janopajīvyatvam ucchrayaś chāyā । satpuṃso marubhūr iva jīvanamātraṁ samāśāsyam ॥
For a good person, as for a tree standing in the desert, self-reliant abundance, support for others, height and shade come naturally, so only that life itself need be wished for.
अनादिरप्रमेयश्च अरूपश्च जयाजयः। लोकरूपो जगन्नाथः विश्वकर्मन्नमो नमः॥
anādir aprameyaś ca arūpaś ca jayājayaḥ । lokarūpo jagannāthaḥ viśvakarman namo namaḥ ॥
A verse from the Vishwakarma Ashtakam bows to the beginningless, immeasurable and formless Lord who appears as the world itself.
अद्वैधमनसं युक्तं शूरं धीरं विपश्चितम्। न श्रीः सन्त्यजते नित्यमादित्यमिव रश्मयः॥
advaidhamanasaṃ yuktaṃ śūraṃ dhīraṃ vipaścitam । na śrīḥ santyajate nityam ādityamiva raśmayaḥ ॥
The Mahabharata likens lasting prosperity to the sun's inseparable rays: it remains with one who is focused, courageous, steadfast and discerning.
सहृदयं सांमनस्यमविद्वेषं कृणोमि वः। अन्यो अन्यमभि हर्यत वत्सं जातमिवाघ्न्या॥
sahṛdayaṁ sāṃmanasyam avidveṣaṁ kṛṇomi vaḥ । anyo anyam abhi haryata vatsaṁ jātam ivāghnyā ॥
An Atharvaveda mantra calls people to shared feeling, concord and freedom from hatred, with a cow's tenderness for her newborn calf as its model.
मुदाकरात्तमोदकं सदा विमुक्तिसाधकं कलाधरावतंसकं विलासिलोकरक्षकम्। अनायकैकनायकं विनाशितेभदैत्यकं नताशुभाशुनाशकं नमामि तं विनायकम्॥
mudākarāttamodakaṁ sadā vimuktisādhakaṁ kalādharāvataṁsakaṁ vilāsilokarakṣakam । anāyakaikanāyakaṁ vināśitebhadaityakaṁ natāśubhāśunāśakaṁ namāmi taṁ vināyakam ॥
A devotional verse praising Vinayaka as the giver of liberation, protector of the world, and swift destroyer of misfortune.
सद्भिरेव सहासीत सद्भिः कुर्वीत सङ्गतिम्। सद्भिर्विवादं मैत्रीं च नासद्भिः किञ्चिदाचरेत्॥
sadbhir eva sahāsīta sadbhiḥ kurvīta saṅgatim । sadbhir vivādaṃ maitrīṃ ca nāsadbhiḥ kiṃcid ācaret ॥
A Garuda Purana verse counsels living, conversing and forming friendships with people of good character.
स्वस्ति न इन्द्रो वृद्धश्रवाः स्वस्ति नः पूषा विश्ववेदाः। स्वस्ति नस्तार्क्ष्यो अरिष्टनेमिः स्वस्ति नो बृहस्पतिर्दधातु॥
svasti na indro vṛddhaśravāḥ svasti naḥ pūṣā viśvavedāḥ । svasti nas tārkṣyo ariṣṭanemiḥ svasti no bṛhaspatir dadhātu ॥
A Rigveda svasti mantra in which Indra, Pushan, Tarkshya and Brihaspati are each asked to bestow well-being upon us.
उपदिशति लोकवृत्तं वितरति वित्तं विनोदयति चित्तम्। उत्तम्भयति महत्त्वं विद्या हृद्या सुराजसेवेव॥
upadiśati lokavṛttaṁ vitarati vittaṁ vinodayati cittam । uttambhayati mahattvaṁ vidyā hṛdyā surājaseveva ॥
Harihara presents learning as a guide to social conduct, prosperity, joy and distinction.
अणुभ्यश्च महद्भ्यश्च शास्त्रेभ्यः कुशलो नरः। सर्वतः सारमादद्यात् पुष्पेभ्य इव षट्पदः॥
aṇubhyaśca mahadbhyaśca śāstrebhyaḥ kuśalo naraḥ । sarvataḥ sāramādadyāt puṣpebhya iva ṣaṭpadaḥ ॥
A Bhagavata Purana verse: a skilled person draws the essence out of every text, small or great, the way a bee gathers nectar from many flowers.
शं नो वातः पवतां शं नस्तपतु सूर्यः। शं नः कनिक्रदद् देवः पर्जन्योऽभिवर्षतु॥
śaṃ no vātaḥ pavatāṃ śaṃ nas tapatu sūryaḥ । śaṃ naḥ kanikradad devaḥ parjanyo 'bhivarṣatu ॥
A Shukla Yajurveda mantra asks that the wind, sun and rain-bearing Parjanya bring well-being.
वसुदेवसुतं देवं कंसचाणूरमर्दनम्। देवकीपरमानन्दं कृष्णं वन्दे जगद्गुरुम्॥
vasudevasutaṁ devaṁ kaṁsacāṇūramardanam । devakīparamānandaṁ kṛṣṇaṁ vande jagadgurum ॥
A reverent salutation to Krishna as Vasudeva's son, the destroyer of Kansa and Chanura, Devaki's supreme joy, and the teacher of the world.
पात्रविशेषे न्यस्तं गुणान्तरं व्रजति शिल्पमाधातुः। जलमिव समुद्रशुक्तौ मुक्ताफलतां पयोदस्य॥
pātraviśeṣe nyastaṃ guṇāntaraṃ vrajati śilpam ādhātuḥ । jalam iva samudraśuktau muktāphalatāṃ payodasya ॥
Kalidasa's verse compares skill nurtured in a worthy recipient to rainwater becoming a pearl within an oyster shell.
अभयस्यैव यो दाता तस्यैव सुमहत्फलम् । न हि प्राणसमं दानं त्रिषु लोकेषु विद्यते ॥
abhayasyaiva yo dātā tasyaiva sumahatphalam । na hi prāṇasamaṃ dānaṃ triṣu lokeṣu vidyate ॥
A Mahabharata verse praises the giver of fearlessness and declares that no gift in the three worlds equals the gift of life.
यस्य कृत्यं न जानन्ति मन्त्रं वा मन्त्रितं परे। कृतमेवास्य जानन्ति स वै पण्डित उच्यते॥
yasya kṛtyaṃ na jānanti mantraṃ vā mantritaṃ pare । kṛtam evāsya jānanti sa vai paṇḍita ucyate ॥
A Mahabharata verse calls one wise whose deliberations remain unknown to others until the intended work has been accomplished.
यद् यदेव प्रसक्तं हि वितर्कयति मानवः। अभ्यासात् तेन तेनास्य नतिर्भवति चेतसः॥
yad yad eva prasaktaṃ hi vitarkayati mānavaḥ । abhyāsāt tena tenāsya natir bhavati cetasaḥ ॥
Whatever a person repeatedly dwells upon becomes the direction in which the mind inclines.
एष प्रभावो रक्षायाः कथितस्ते युधिष्ठिर। जयदः सुखदश्चैव पुत्रारोग्यधनप्रदः॥
eṣa prabhāvo rakṣāyāḥ kathitas te yudhiṣṭhira । jayadaḥ sukhadaś caiva putrārogyadhanapradaḥ ॥
A Bhavishya Mahapurana verse describes the protective thread as a giver of victory, happiness, children, health and prosperity.
तन्तुं तन्वन्रजसो भानुमन्विहि ज्योतिष्मतः पथो रक्ष धिया कृतान्। अनुल्बणं वयत जोगुवामपो मनुर्भव जनया दैव्यं जनम्॥
tantuṃ tanvan rajaso bhānum anv ihi jyotiṣmataḥ patho rakṣa dhiyā kṛtān । anulbaṇaṃ vayata joguvām apo manur bhava janayā daivyaṃ janam ॥
A Rigveda mantra invokes luminous paths shaped by insight and culminates in the call to become truly human and bring forth divine qualities.
ज्ञानवृद्धान्प्रशंसन्तः शुश्रूषन्तः परस्परम्। विनिवृत्ताभिसन्धानाः सुखमेधन्ति सर्वशः॥
jñānavṛddhān praśaṃsantaḥ śuśrūṣantaḥ parasparam । vinivṛttābhisandhānāḥ sukhamedhanti sarvaśaḥ ॥
A Mahabharata verse teaches that honouring the wise, serving one another and relinquishing ulterior designs allow a community to prosper happily.
उत्तमैः सह साङ्गत्यं पण्डितैः सह सत्कथाम्। अलुब्धैः सह मित्रत्वं कुर्वाणो नावसीदति॥
uttamaiḥ saha sāṅgatyaṃ paṇḍitaiḥ saha satkathām । alubdhaiḥ saha mitratvaṃ kurvāṇo nāvasīdati ॥
A Garuda Purana verse praises noble company, worthwhile conversation with the learned and friendship with those free from greed.
कारुण्येनात्मनो मानं तृष्णां च परितोषतः। उत्थानेन जयेत्तन्द्रीं वितर्कं निश्चयाज्जयेत्॥
kāruṇyenātmano mānaṃ tṛṣṇāṃ ca paritoṣataḥ । utthānena jayettandrīṃ vitarkaṃ niścayājjayet ॥
A Mahabharata teaching on overcoming pride through compassion, craving through contentment, lethargy through effort and doubt through resolve.
जीवनं स्वं परार्थाय नित्यं यच्छत मानवाः। इति सन्देशमाख्यातुं समुद्रं यान्ति निम्नगाः॥
jīvanaṃ svaṃ parārthāya nityaṃ yacchata mānavāḥ । iti sandeśamākhyātuṃ samudraṃ yānti nimnagāḥ ॥
A Sanskrit subhashita urging people to dedicate their lives to others, with rivers flowing to the ocean as its enduring example.
आपत्काले च कष्टेऽपि नोत्साहस्त्यज्यते बुधैः। इति प्रबोधितस्तेन कथञ्चिद् दृढबुद्धिना॥
āpatkāle ca kaṣṭe’pi notsāhas tyajyate budhaiḥ । iti prabodhitastena kathañcid dṛḍhabuddhinā ॥
A Kathasaritsagara passage teaches that the wise do not abandon their spirit even amid adversity and hardship.
एतावज्जन्मसाफल्यं देहिनामिह देहिषु। प्राणैरर्थैर्धिया वाचा श्रेय एवाचरेत् सदा॥
etāvaj janmasāphalyaṁ dehinām iha dehiṣu । prāṇair arthair dhiyā vācā śreya evācaret sadā ॥
A Bhagavata Purana verse teaching that a birth is fulfilled when one always does good for other living beings with life, wealth, intellect and speech.
उद्यच्छेदेव न नमेदुद्यमो ह्येव पौरुषम्। अप्यपर्वणि भज्येत न नमेदिह कस्यचित्॥
udyacched eva na named udyamo hy eva pauruṣam । apy aparvaṇi bhajyeta na named iha kasyacit ॥
A Mahabharata verse declaring that exertion itself is valour: one should keep striving and never bow, even if one must break rather than bend.
समानी व आकूतिः समाना हृदयानि वः। समानमस्तु वो मनो यथा वः सुसहासति॥
samānī va ākūtiḥ samānā hṛdayāni vaḥ । samānam astu vo mano yathā vaḥ susahāsati ॥
The closing verse of the Rigveda prays for united intention, united hearts and united minds, so that people may dwell together in good fellowship.
उद्यमस्य प्रसादेन दृश्यन्ते विविधाः कलाः। कातरा एव जल्पन्ति यद् भाव्यं तद् भविष्यति॥
udyamasya prasādena dṛśyante vividhāḥ kalāḥ । kātarā eva jalpanti yad bhāvyaṁ tad bhaviṣyati ॥
Mahāsubhāṣitasaṃgraha teaches that diverse skills are revealed through enterprise, while the timid merely leave everything to what will happen.
दैवं पुरुषकारेण यः समर्थः प्रबाधितुम्। न दैवेन विपन्नार्थः पुरुषः सोऽवसीदति॥
daivaṁ puruṣakāreṇa yaḥ samarthaḥ prabādhitum । na daivena vipannārthaḥ puruṣaḥ so’vasīdati ॥
A Valmiki Ramayana verse teaches that a person capable of confronting destiny through human effort does not lose heart when faced with adversity.
चक्षुषा मनसा वाचा कर्मणा च चतुर्विधम्। प्रसादयति यो लोकं तं लोकोऽनुप्रसीदति॥
cakṣuṣā manasā vācā karmaṇā ca caturvidham । prasādayati yo lokaṁ taṁ loko'nuprasīdati ॥
Vidura Niti teaches that one who wins people’s goodwill through sight, thought, speech and action receives their goodwill in return.
अष्टौ गुणाः पुरुषं दीपयन्ति प्रज्ञा सुशीलत्वदमौ श्रुतं च। पराक्रमश्च बहुभाषिता च दानं यथाशक्ति कृतज्ञता च॥
aṣṭau guṇāḥ puruṣaṁ dīpayanti prajñā suśīlatva-damau śrutaṁ ca । parākramaś ca bahubhāṣitā ca dānaṁ yathāśakti kṛtajñatā ca ॥
This Vidura Niti verse praises wisdom, good character, self-restraint, learning, courage, giving, gratitude and—in its established reading—restraint in speech.
भद्रं कर्णेभिः शृणुयाम देवा भद्रं पश्येमाक्षभिर्यजत्राः। स्थिरैरङ्गैस्तुष्टुवांसस्तनूभिर्व्यशेम देवहितं यदायुः॥
bhadraṃ karṇebhiḥ śṛṇuyāma devā bhadraṃ paśyemākṣabhir yajatrāḥ । sthirair aṅgais tuṣṭuvāṃsas tanūbhir vyaśema devahitaṃ yad āyuḥ ॥
A Rigvedic prayer to hear and see what is auspicious, live with steadfast limbs, and complete the divinely allotted span of life in praise.
किं चन्द्रमाः प्रत्युपकारलिप्सया करोति गोभिः कुमुदावबोधनम्। स्वभाव एवोन्नतचेतसां सतां परोपकारव्यसनं हि जीवितम्॥
kiṃ candramāḥ pratyupakāralipsayā karoti gobhiḥ kumudāvabodhanam । svabhāva evonnatacetasāṃ satāṃ paropakāravyasanaṃ hi jīvitam ॥
The moon awakens the water-lily without seeking return; so, for noble people, working for others is a natural way of life.
विश्वस्वं मातरमोषधीनां ध्रुवां भूमिं पृथिवीं धर्मणा धृताम्। शिवां स्योनामनु चरेम विश्वहा॥
viśvasvaṃ mātaram oṣadhīnāṃ dhruvāṃ bhūmiṃ pṛthivīṃ dharmaṇā dhṛtām । śivāṃ syonām anu carema viśvahā ॥
A Vedic prayer to dwell always upon the steadfast, auspicious Earth—the mother of plants, upheld by dharma.
आत्मोदयः परज्यानिर्द्वयं नीतिरितीयती। तदूरीकृत्य कृतिभिर्वाचस्पत्यं प्रतायते॥
ātmodayaḥ parajānir dvayaṁ nītir itīyatī । tadūrīkṛtya kṛtibhir vācaspatyaṁ pratāyate ॥
Magha's Shishupalavadha defines statecraft through two aims: one’s own advancement and the adversary’s decline.
न हि ज्ञानेन सदृशं पवित्रमिह विद्यते। तत्स्वयं योगसंसिद्धः कालेनात्मनि विन्दति॥
na hi jñānena sadṛśaṁ pavitram iha vidyate । tat svayaṁ yogasaṁsiddhaḥ kālenātmani vindati ॥
Nothing is as purifying as knowledge; one perfected through yoga discovers it within oneself in due course.
त्याज्यं न धैर्यं विधुरेऽपि दैवे धैर्यात्कदाचित्स्थितिमाप्नुयात्सः। याते समुद्रेऽपि च पोतभङ्गे सांयात्रिको वाञ्छति कर्म एव॥
tyājyaṁ na dhairyaṁ vidhure'pi daive dhairyāt kadācit sthitim āpnuyāt saḥ । yāte samudre'pi ca potabhaṅge sāṁyātriko vāñchati karma eva ॥
Even when fortune turns adverse, patience and continued action can restore one's position, just as a shipwrecked voyager still strives at sea.
न जातु शौर्यं पुरुषस्य भानुरस्तं गतो भवति कदापि शश्वत्। यथा पुनस्तपति दिवाकरोऽयं तथा पुनर्विक्रमते स वीरः॥
na jātu śauryaṁ puruṣasya bhānurastaṁ gato bhavati kadāpi śaśvat । yathā punastapati divākaro'yaṁ tathā punarvikramate sa vīraḥ ॥
A brave person's valor may pass temporarily from sight, but like the returning sun, it rises and acts with renewed courage.
शं नो द्यावापृथिवी पूर्वहूतौ शमन्तरिक्षं दृशये नो अस्तु। शं न ओषधीर्वनिनो भवन्तु शं नो रजसस्पतिरस्तु जिष्णुः॥
śaṁ no dyāvāpṛthivī pūrvahūtau śam antarikṣaṁ dṛśaye no astu । śaṁ na oṣadhīr vanino bhavantu śaṁ no rajasas patir astu jiṣṇuḥ ॥
A Rigvedic prayer asks heaven, earth, the atmosphere, healing herbs, trees, and the victorious lord of the midspace to bring abiding well-being.
प्रेरकः सूचकश्चैव वाचको दर्शकस्तथा। शिक्षकः बोधकश्चैव षडेते गुरवः स्मृताः॥
prerakaḥ sūcakaścaiva vācako darśakastathā । śikṣakaḥ bodhakaścaiva ṣaḍete guravaḥ smṛtāḥ ॥
The Kularnava Tantra describes a guru through six roles: one who inspires, indicates, explains, demonstrates, teaches, and awakens understanding.
लोकपालाश्च ते सर्वे वासवप्रमुखास्तथा। ऋतवः षट् च ते सर्वे मासाः संवत्सराः क्षपाः॥ दिनानि च मुहूर्ताश्च स्वस्ति कुर्वन्तु ते सदा। श्रुतिः स्मृतिश्च धर्मश्च पातु त्वां पुत्र सर्वतः॥
lokapālāśca te sarve vāsavapramukhāstathā । ṛtavaḥ ṣaṭ ca te sarve māsāḥ saṁvatsarāḥ kṣapāḥ ॥ dināni ca muhūrtāśca svasti kurvantu te sadā । śrutiḥ smṛtiśca dharmaśca pātu tvāṁ putra sarvataḥ ॥
In this blessing from the Ayodhya Kanda, the guardians of the world, the cycles of time, sacred tradition, and dharma are invoked for abiding well-being and protection.
शीलवान् पूजितो लोके शीलवान् साधुसम्मतः। शीलवान् सर्वकर्मार्हः शीलवान् प्रियदर्शनः॥
śīlavān pūjito loke śīlavān sādhusammataḥ । śīlavān sarvakarmārhaḥ śīlavān priyadarśanaḥ ॥
A verse from Bhojadeva's Samarangana-sutradhara teaches that a person of character earns respect, is esteemed by the virtuous, proves fit for every task, and becomes pleasing to others.
कर्मणा मनसा वाचा यदभीक्ष्णं निषेवते। तदेवापहरत्येनं तस्मात्कल्याणमाचरेत्॥
karmaṇā manasā vācā yadabhīkṣṇaṃ niṣevate । tadevāpaharatyenaṃ tasmātkalyāṇamācaret ॥
Vidura Niti teaches that whatever we repeatedly cultivate through action, thought, and speech draws us in its direction; therefore, we should practise what is beneficial.
यश्चायमस्मिन्नाकाशे तेजोमयोऽमृतमयः पुरुषः सर्वानुभूः। यश्चायमस्मिन्नात्मनि तेजोमयोऽमृतमयः पुरुषः सर्वानुभूः॥
yaścāyamasminnākāśe tejomayo'mṛtamayaḥ puruṣaḥ sarvānubhūḥ । yaścāyamasminnātmani tejomayo'mṛtamayaḥ puruṣaḥ sarvānubhūḥ ॥
A composite drawn from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad identifies the luminous, immortal presence in cosmic space with the same reality experienced within the self.
परकार्येषु युक्तात्मा स्वकार्यं क्षिप्रसाधनम्। सुहृत्कार्येषु निर्वृत्तौ राजकार्येषु विक्रमः॥
parakāryeṣu yuktātmā svakāryaṁ kṣiprasādhanam । suhṛtkāryeṣu nirvṛttau rājakāryeṣu vikramaḥ ॥
A Chanakya-sara-samgraha verse describes excellence as dedication to others' work, efficiency in one's own, reliability toward friends, and courage in public duty.
एकाग्रताथ सङ्कल्पः स्नायुवद् वर्द्धनक्षमौ। नित्याभ्यासप्रयोगाभ्याम् अधिकाधिकमृध्यतः॥
ekāgratātha saṅkalpaḥ snāyuvad varddhanakṣamau । nityābhyāsaprayogābhyām adhikādhikamṛdhyataḥ ॥
Focus and resolve are capacities that grow stronger through regular practice and purposeful application, much like muscles developed through exercise.
प्राप्यापदं न व्यथते कदाचिदुद्योगमन्विच्छति चाप्रमत्तः। दुःखं च काले सहते महात्मा धुरन्धरस्तस्य जिताः सपत्नाः॥
prāpyāpadaṁ na vyathate kadācidudyogamanvicchati cāpramattaḥ । duḥkhaṁ ca kāle sahate mahātmā dhurandharastasya jitāḥ sapatnāḥ ॥
A Vidura Niti verse on meeting adversity without distress, pursuing effort vigilantly, and enduring hardship until obstacles are overcome.
प्रभूतं कार्यमल्पं वा यन्नरः कर्तुमिच्छति। सर्वारम्भेण तत्कार्यं सिंहादेकं प्रचक्षते॥
prabhūtaṁ kāryamalpaṁ vā yannaraḥ kartumicchati । sarvārambheṇa tatkāryaṁ siṁhādekaṁ pracakṣate ॥
A Chanakya Niti verse teaching that every task, great or small, should be undertaken with complete dedication, like the focused effort of a lion.
देवदेव जगन्नाथ सुरासुरनमस्कृत। पुण्यश्लोकाव्ययानन्त परमात्मन्नमोऽस्तु ते॥
devadeva jagannātha surāsuranamaskṛta । puṇyaślokāvyayānanta paramātman namo’stu te ॥
A devotional salutation to Lord Jagannath as the Lord of the universe, worshipped by divine beings and present as the Supreme Soul in all hearts.
धन्यानामुत्तमं दाक्ष्यं धनानामुत्तमं श्रुतम्। लाभानां श्रेय आरोग्यं सुखानां तुष्टिरुत्तमा॥
dhanyānām uttamaṃ dākṣyaṃ dhanānām uttamaṃ śrutam । lābhānāṃ śreya ārogyaṃ sukhānāṃ tuṣṭir uttamā ॥
A Mahabharata verse from the Yaksha-Prashna teaching that skill, learning, health, and contentment are among life's highest forms of fortune.
प्रभया हि विनायद्वद्भानुरेष न विद्यते। प्रभा च भानुना तेन सुतरां तदुपाश्रया॥
prabhayā hi vināyadvadbhānureṣa na vidyate । prabhā ca bhānunā tena sutarāṃ tadupāśrayā ॥
A Sanskrit subhashita uses the sun and its light to show how existence, power, and manifestation can depend deeply on each other.
कन्यानां सम्प्रदानञ्च कुमाराणाञ्च रक्षणम्। राष्ट्रस्य सङ्ग्रहे नित्यं विधानमिदमाचरेत्॥
kanyānāṃ sampradānañca kumārāṇāñca rakṣaṇam । rāṣṭrasya saṅgrahe nityaṃ vidhānam idam ācaret ॥
A Manusmriti-based teaching on public duty: care for girls, protection of the young, and constant arrangements for the nation’s stability and prosperity.
हितं यत्सर्वभूतानामात्मानश्च सुखावहम्। तत्कुर्यादीश्वरे ह्येतन्मूलं सर्वार्थसिद्धये॥
hitaṃ yat sarvabhūtānām ātmānaśca sukhāvaham । tat kuryād īśvare hy etan mūlaṃ sarvārthasiddhaye ॥
A Mahabharata verse teaching that the right action is one that benefits all beings, brings inner peace, and is rooted in surrender to the divine.
अनिर्वेदः श्रियो मूलमनिर्वेदः परं सुखम्। अनिर्वेदो हि सततं सर्वार्थेषु प्रवर्तकः॥
anirvedaḥ śriyo mūlam anirvedaḥ paraṁ sukham । anirvedo hi satataṁ sarvārtheṣu pravartakaḥ ॥
A Sundara Kanda verse from the Valmiki Ramayana teaching that non-despondency, steady effort, and faith are the roots of progress and happiness.
चलन्ति गिरयः कामं युगान्तपवनाहताः। कृच्छ्रेऽपि न चलत्येव धीराणां निश्चलं मनः॥
calanti girayaḥ kāmaṃ yugāntapavanāhatāḥ । kṛcchre'pi na calatyeva dhīrāṇāṃ niścalaṃ manaḥ ॥
A verse on steadfastness, comparing mountains shaken by cosmic winds with the unwavering mind of the patient and brave.
भवन्ति नम्रास्तरवः फलोद्गमैर्नवाम्बुभिर्दूरविलम्बिनो घनाः। अनुद्धताः सत्पुरुषाः समृद्धिभिः स्वभाव एवैष परोपकारिणाम्॥
bhavanti namrāstaravaḥ phalodgamair navāmbubhir dūravilambino ghanāḥ । anuddhatāḥ satpuruṣāḥ samṛddhibhiḥ svabhāva evaiṣa paropakāriṇām ॥
A Nitishatakam verse comparing fruit-laden trees and rain-filled clouds to noble people who become humbler in prosperity.
जयन्ति ते सुकृतिनो रससिद्धाः कवीश्वराः। नास्ति येषां यशःकाये जरामरणजं भयम्॥
jayanti te sukṛtino rasasiddhāḥ kavīśvarāḥ । nāsti yeṣāṃ yaśaḥkāye jarāmaraṇajaṃ bhayam ॥
A verse from Bhartrhari's Nitishatakam on master poets whose body of fame is untouched by old age and death.
वाग्बुद्धिचित्तकरणैश्च तपोभिरुग्रैः शक्यं समाकलयितुं न यदीयरूपम्। तं भक्तिभावसुलभं शरणं नतानां नित्यं भजाम्यमरनाथमहं दयालुम्॥
vāgbuddhicittakaraṇaiś ca tapobhir ugraiḥ śakyaṃ samākalayituṃ na yadīyarūpam । taṃ bhaktibhāvasulabhaṃ śaraṇaṃ natānāṃ nityaṃ bhajāmy amaranātham ahaṃ dayālum ॥
A devotional verse to Lord Amarnath, who is beyond speech, intellect, mind, senses, and austerity, yet easily reached through devotion.
नानाश्रान्ताय श्रीरस्तीति रोहित शुश्रुम। पापो नृषद्वरो जन इन्द्र इच्चरतः सखा चरैवेति॥
nānāśrāntāya śrīr astīti rohita śuśruma । pāpo nṛṣadvaro jana indra ic carataḥ sakhā caraiveti ॥
An Aitareya Brahmana verse from the Charaiveti sequence teaching that prosperity comes to those who keep striving and moving forward.
विज्ञानसारथिर्यस्तु मनः प्रग्रहवान्नरः। सोऽध्वनः पारमाप्नोति तद्विष्णोः परमं पदम्॥
vijñānasārathir yastu manaḥ pragrahavān naraḥ । so'dhvanaḥ pāram āpnoti tad viṣṇoḥ paramaṁ padam ॥
A Katha Upanishad mantra where discriminating knowledge guides the mind like a charioteer, helping the seeker cross life's path and reach the highest goal.
समानो मन्त्रः समितिः समानी समानं मनः सह चित्तमेषाम्। समानं मन्त्रमभि मन्त्रये वः समानेन वो हविषा जुहोमि॥
samāno mantraḥ samitiḥ samānī samānaṁ manaḥ saha cittameṣām । samānaṁ mantram abhi mantraye vaḥ samānena vo haviṣā juhomi ॥
A Rigvedic mantra praying for shared resolve, harmonious assembly, united minds, and collective effort toward a common purpose.
देशाचारान् समयाञ्जातिधर्मान् बुभूषते यस्तु परावरज्ञः। स तत्र तत्राधिगतः सदैव महाजनस्याधिपत्यं करोति॥
deśācārān samayāñ jātidharmān bubhūṣate yastu parāvarajñaḥ । sa tatra tatrādhigataḥ sadaiva mahājanasyādhipatyaṁ karoti ॥
A Vidura Niti verse on how understanding local customs, social norms, and communities earns trust, respect, and influence.
सं गच्छध्वं सं वदध्वं सं वो मनांसि जानताम्। देवा भागं यथा पूर्वे संजानाना उपासते॥
saṃ gacchadhvaṃ saṃ vadadhvaṃ saṃ vo manāṃsi jānatām । devā bhāgaṃ yathā pūrve saṃjānānā upāsate ॥
A Rigvedic mantra calling people to walk together, speak together, and act with shared minds in unity and mutual harmony.
स्वातन्त्र्यात् सुखमाप्नोति स्वातन्त्र्याल्लभते परम्। स्वातन्त्र्यान्निर्वृतिं गच्छेत् स्वातन्त्र्यात् परमं पदम्॥
svātantryāt sukham āpnoti svātantryāl labhate param । svātantryān nirvṛtiṃ gacchet svātantryāt paramaṃ padam ॥
The Ashtavakra Gita presents freedom as the path to happiness, tranquillity, self-realization, and the supreme state.
यत्रोत्साहसमारम्भो यत्रालस्यविहीनता। नयविक्रमसंयोगस्तत्र श्रीरचला ध्रुवम्॥
yatrotsāhasamārambho yatrālasyavihīnatā । nayavikramasaṃyogas tatra śrīr acalā dhruvam ॥
The Panchatantra teaches that enthusiasm, freedom from idleness, prudent judgment, and courage make prosperity steady and enduring.
न कर्मणा न प्रजया धनेन त्यागेनैके अमृतत्वमानशुः। परेण नाकं निहितं गुहायां विभ्राजते यद् यतयो विशन्ति॥
na karmaṇā na prajayā dhanena tyāgenaike amṛtatvam ānaśuḥ । pareṇa nākaṃ nihitaṃ guhāyāṃ vibhrājate yad yatayo viśanti ॥
The Kaivalya Upanishad teaches that immortality is attained through renunciation, selfless dedication, and fidelity to noble ideals.
चित्तप्रशमनोपायो योग इत्यभिधीयते। प्राणस्पन्दनिरोधो वा द्वेधा योगस्य धारणा॥
cittapraśamanopāyo yoga ity abhidhīyate । prāṇaspandanirodho vā dvedhā yogasya dhāraṇā ॥
Yoga is presented as a twofold discipline: calming the mind and regulating the movement of breath.
शास्त्रे प्रतिष्ठा सहजश्च बोधः प्रागल्भ्यमभ्यस्तगुणा च वाणी। कालानुरोधः प्रतिभानवत्त्वमेते गुणाः कामदुघाः क्रियासु॥
śāstre pratiṣṭhā sahajaśca bodhaḥ prāgalbhyam abhyastaguṇā ca vāṇī । kālānurodhaḥ pratibhānavattvam ete guṇāḥ kāmadughāḥ kriyāsu ॥
A verse from Bhavabhuti's Malatimadhava on six qualities that make human effort fruitful and capable of achieving its goal.
सत्यानुसारिणी लक्ष्मीः कीर्तिस्त्यागानुसारिणी। अभ्याससारिणी विद्या बुद्धिः कर्मानुसारिणी॥
satyānusāriṇī lakṣmīḥ kīrtis tyāgānusāriṇī । abhyāsasāriṇī vidyā buddhiḥ karmānusāriṇī ॥
A Sanskrit subhashita linking wealth with truthfulness, fame with generosity, knowledge with practice, and intellect with action.
त्वत्सम्भावितमात्मानं बहु मन्यामहे वयम्। प्रायः प्रत्ययमाधत्ते स्वगुणेषूत्तमादरः॥
tvatsambhāvitam ātmānaṃ bahu manyāmahe vayam । prāyaḥ pratyayam ādhatte svaguṇeṣūttamādaraḥ ॥
A Sanskrit verse on how respectful recognition from noble people strengthens confidence in one's own qualities.
सहसा विदधीत न क्रियामविवेकः परमापदां पदम्। वृणते हि विमृश्यकारिणं गुणलुब्धाः स्वयमेव सम्पदः॥
sahasā vidadhīta na kriyām avivekaḥ paramāpadāṃ padam । vṛṇate hi vimṛśyakāriṇaṃ guṇalubdhāḥ svayameva sampadaḥ ॥
A verse from Bharavi's Kiratarjuniya on avoiding rash action and choosing thoughtful decisions that attract success and prosperity.
पिण्डे पिण्डे मतिर्भिन्ना कुण्डे कुण्डे नवं पयः। जातौ जातौ नवाचाराः नवा वाणी मुखे मुखे॥
piṇḍe piṇḍe matir bhinnā kuṇḍe kuṇḍe navaṃ payaḥ । jātau jātau navācārāḥ navā vāṇī mukhe mukhe ॥
A Sanskrit proverb on the distinct character of every mind, community, custom, and voice within a diverse society.
नारी त्रैलोक्यजननी नारी त्रैलोक्यरूपिणी। नारी त्रिभुवनाधारा नारी शक्तिस्वरूपिणी॥
nārī trailokyajananī nārī trailokyarūpiṇī । nārī tribhuvanādhārā nārī śaktisvarūpiṇī ॥
A tribute to woman as mother, expression, foundation, and living embodiment of Shakti across the three worlds.
ते कृषिं च सस्यं च मनुष्या उप जीवन्ति। कृष्टराधिरुपजीवनीयो भवति य एवं वेद॥
te kṛṣiṃ ca sasyaṃ ca manuṣyā upa jīvanti । kṛṣṭarādhir upajīvanīyo bhavati ya evaṃ veda ॥
An Atharvaveda mantra recognizing agriculture and crops as the foundation on which human life and society are sustained.
सदानुरक्तप्रकृतिः प्रजापालनतत्परः। विनीतात्मा हि नृपतिर्भूयसी श्रियमश्नुते॥
sadānuraktaprakṛtiḥ prajāpālanatatparaḥ । vinītātmā hi nṛpatir bhūyasī śriyam aśnute ॥
A subhashita on public leadership, humility, and the prosperity earned by a ruler devoted to the welfare and protection of the people.
आर्यकर्मणि रज्यन्ते भूतिकर्माणि कुर्वते। हितं च नाभ्यसूयन्ति स वै पण्डित उच्यते॥
āryakarmaṇi rajyante bhūtikarmāṇi kurvate । hitaṃ ca nābhyasūyanti sa vai paṇḍita ucyate ॥
A Vidura Niti verse defining true wisdom as delight in noble action, dedication to public welfare, and freedom from envy toward good work.
यावच्चतस्रः प्रदिशश्चक्षुर्यावत् समश्नुते। तावत् समैत्विन्द्रियं मयि तद्धस्तिवर्चसम्॥
yāvac catasraḥ pradiśaś cakṣur yāvat samaśnute । tāvat samaitv indriyaṃ mayi tad dhastivarcasam ॥
A Vedic prayer from the Atharvaveda seeking expansive prosperity, alert vision, and radiant strength in harmony with nature.
मधु वाता ऋतायते मधु क्षरन्ति सिन्धवः। माध्वीर्नः सन्त्वोषधीः॥
madhu vātā ṛtāyate madhu kṣaranti sindhavaḥ । mādhvīr naḥ santv oṣadhīḥ ॥
A Rigvedic prayer that sees the winds, rivers, herbs, and plants as sources of sweetness, nourishment, health, and harmony.
योगेन चित्तस्य पदेन वाचां मलं शरीरस्य च वैद्यकेन। योऽपाकरोत् तं प्रवरं मुनीनां पतञ्जलिं प्राञ्जलिरानतोऽस्मि॥
yogena cittasya padena vācāṃ malaṃ śarīrasya ca vaidyakena । yo'pākarot taṃ pravaraṃ munīnāṃ patañjaliṃ prāñjalir ānato'smi ॥
A traditional invocation to Sage Patanjali, honoring yoga for the mind, grammar for speech, and medicine for the body.
धूमायन्ते व्यपेतानि ज्वलन्ति सहितानि च। धृतराष्ट्रोल्मुकानीव ज्ञातयो भरतर्षभ॥
dhūmāyante vyapetāni jvalanti sahitāni ca । dhṛtarāṣṭrolmukānīva jñātayo bharatarṣabha ॥
Vidura Niti uses the image of scattered and united firebrands to show how collective strength turns latent energy into visible power.
निश्चित्य यः प्रक्रमते नान्तर्वसति कर्मणः। अवन्ध्यकालो वश्यात्मा स वै पण्डित उच्यते॥
niścitya yaḥ prakramate nāntarvasati karmaṇaḥ । avandhyakālo vaśyātmā sa vai paṇḍita ucyate ॥
Vidura Niti defines the truly wise person as one who begins after careful thought, completes the work, uses time fruitfully, and remains self-controlled.
श्लिष्टा क्रिया कस्यचिदात्मसंस्था सङ्क्रान्तिरन्यस्य विशेषयुक्ता। यस्योभयं साधु स शिक्षकाणां धुरि प्रतिष्ठापयितव्य एव॥
śliṣṭā kriyā kasyacid ātmasaṃsthā saṅkrāntir anyasya viśeṣayuktā । yasyobhayaṃ sādhu sa śikṣakāṇāṃ dhuri pratiṣṭhāpayitavya eva ॥
A verse on the rare teacher who combines personal mastery with the ability to transmit knowledge and skill clearly to others.
तेजः क्षमा धृतिः शौचमद्रोहो नातिमानिता। भवन्ति सम्पदं दैवीमभिजातस्य भारत॥
tejaḥ kṣamā dhṛtiḥ śaucam adroho nātimānitā । bhavanti sampadaṃ daivīm abhijātasya bhārata ॥
A Bhagavad Gita verse describing the six divine qualities of radiance, forgiveness, fortitude, purity, absence of malice, and humility.
अनन्तोद्भूतभूतौघसङ्कुले भूतलेऽखिले। शस्त्रे शास्त्रे त्रिचतुराश्चतुरा यदि मादृशाः॥
anantodbhūtabhūtaughasaṅkule bhūtale'khile । śastre śāstre tricaturāś caturā yadi mādṛśāḥ ॥
A verse praising the rare personality accomplished in both śastra, arms and valor, and śāstra, knowledge and disciplined thought.
यो यमर्थं प्रार्थयते तदर्थं चेहते क्रमात्। अवश्यं स तमाप्नोति न चेदर्धान्निवर्तते॥
yo yam arthaṃ prārthayate tadarthaṃ cehate kramāt । avaśyaṃ sa tam āpnoti na ced ardhān nivartate ॥
A powerful verse from the Yoga Vasistha teaching how sincere aspiration, systematic effort, and refusal to turn back midway lead a person toward the chosen goal.
आत्मा शुद्धः सदा नित्यः सुखरूपः स्वयम्प्रभः। अज्ञानान्मलिनो भाति ज्ञानाच्छुद्धो भवत्ययम्॥
ātmā śuddhaḥ sadā nityaḥ sukharūpaḥ svayaṃprabhaḥ । ajñānān malino bhāti jñānāc chuddho bhavaty ayam ॥
A foundational teaching from the Darshana Upanishad on the ever-pure, self-luminous nature of the Atman and the power of knowledge to dissolve temporary ignorance.
शं नो देवः सविता त्रायमाणः शं नो भवन्तूषसो विभातीः। शं नः पर्जन्यो भवतु प्रजाभ्यः शं नः क्षेत्रस्य पतिरस्तु शम्भुः॥
śaṃ no devaḥ savitā trāyamāṇaḥ śaṃ no bhavantūṣaso vibhātīḥ । śaṃ naḥ parjanyo bhavatu prajābhyaḥ śaṃ naḥ kṣetrasya patir astu śambhuḥ ॥
A Rigvedic prayer invoking Savita, the radiant dawns, Parjanya, and the lord of the field for collective happiness, rain, fertility, and prosperity.
वनस्पते शतवल्शो वि रोह सहस्रवल्शा वि वयं रुहेम। यं त्वामयं स्वधितिस्तेजमानः प्रणिनाय महते सौभगाय॥
vanaspate śatavalśo vi roha sahasravalśā vi vayaṁ ruhema । yaṁ tvāmayaṁ svadhitistejamānaḥ praṇināya mahate saubhagāya ॥
A Rigvedic prayer to the lord of plant life, invoking shared growth and mutual flourishing between the natural world and humanity.
यस्यां पूर्वे पूर्वजना विचक्रिरे यस्यां देवा असुरानभ्यवर्तयन्। गवामश्वानां वयसश्च विष्ठा भगं वर्चः पृथिवी नो दधातु॥
yasyāṁ pūrve pūrvajanā vicakrire yasyāṁ devā asurān abhyavartayan । gavāmaśvānāṁ vayasaś ca viṣṭhā bhagaṁ varcaḥ pṛthivī no dadhātu ॥
A powerful mantra from the Bhumi Sukta invoking the land of ancestral achievements and divine victories to bless the nation with vitality, strength, and prosperity.
तस्माच्छास्त्रं प्रमाणं ते कार्याकार्यव्यवस्थितौ। ज्ञात्वा शास्त्रविधानोक्तं कर्म कर्तुमिहार्हसि॥
tasmācchāstraṁ pramāṇaṁ te kāryākāryavyavasthitau । jñātvā śāstravidhānoktaṁ karma kartum ihārhasi ॥
A seminal verse from the Bhagavad Gita establishing that ethical conduct and duty must be guided by objective, well-ordered standards rather than personal impulse.
जनं बिभ्रती बहुधा विवाचसं नानाधर्माणं पृथिवी यथौकसम्। सहस्रं धारा द्रविणस्य मे दुहां ध्रुवेव धेनुरनपस्फुरन्ती॥
janaṁ bibhratī bahudhā vivācasaṁ nānādharmāṇaṁ pṛthivī yathaukasam । sahasraṁ dhārā draviṇasya me duhāṁ dhruveva dhenuranapasphurantī ॥
A verse from the Bhumi Sukta that honors Mother Earth as the shared home of diverse peoples and prays for her abundant prosperity.
जलबिन्दुनिपातेन क्रमशः पूर्यते घटः। स हेतुः सर्वविद्यानां धर्मस्य च धनस्य च॥
jalabindunipātena kramaśaḥ pūryate ghaṭaḥ । sa hetuḥ sarvavidyānāṁ dharmasya ca dhanasya ca ॥
A classic nīti verse on steady accumulation: small, regular efforts gradually build knowledge, dharma, and prosperity just as a pot fills one drop at a time.
यथाशक्ति चिकीर्षन्ति यथाशक्ति च कुर्वते। न किञ्चिदवमन्यन्ते नराः पण्डितबुद्धयः॥
yathāśakti cikīrṣanti yathāśakti ca kurvate । na kiñcidavamanyante narāḥ paṇḍitabuddhayaḥ ॥
This verse from Vidura Niti defines practical wisdom as setting attainable aims, acting with discipline, and neglecting nothing as insignificant.
विद्वान् प्रशस्यते लोके विद्वान् सर्वत्र गौरवम्। विद्यया लभते सर्वं विद्या सर्वत्र पूज्यते॥
vidvān praśasyate loke vidvān sarvatra gauravam । vidyayā labhate sarvaṃ vidyā sarvatra pūjyate ॥
A verse extolling the universal honor that knowledge brings. The learned are praised everywhere, and through knowledge one can attain all of life's goals.
एवं परस्परापेक्षा शक्तिशक्तिमतोः स्थिता। न शिवेन विना शक्तिर्न शक्त्या विना शिवः॥
evaṁ parasparāpekṣā śaktiśaktimatoḥ sthitā । na śivena vinā śaktirna śaktyā vinā śivaḥ ॥
Power and capability are mutually dependent — just as Shiva and Shakti cannot exist without each other, strength and ability together make creation, progress, and success possible.
यथा खात्वा खनित्रेण भूतले वारि विन्दति। तथा गुरुगतां विद्यां शुश्रूषुरधिगच्छति॥
yathā khātvā khanitreṇa bhūtale vāri vindati । tathā gurugatāṃ vidyāṃ śuśrūṣuradhigacchati ॥
Just as water is found only by digging deep into the earth, true knowledge can only be drawn from the Guru through Shushrusha — devoted service and wholehearted attentiveness.
अग्निर्मूर्धा दिवः ककुत्पतिः पृथिव्या अयम्। अपां रेतांसि जिन्वति॥
agnirmūrdhā divaḥ kakutpatiḥ pṛthivyā ayam । apāṁ retāṁsi jinvati ॥
A Vedic mantra describing Agni as the supreme head of the heavens and the vital force that awakens energy within matter.
स्वधर्ममपि चावेक्ष्य न विकम्पितुमर्हसि। धर्म्याद्धि युद्धाच्छ्रेयोऽन्यत्क्षत्रियस्य न विद्यते॥
svadharmamapi cāvekṣya na vikampitumarhasi । dharmyāddhi yuddhācchreyo'nyatkṣatriyasya na vidyate ॥
Sri Krishna's profound advice to Arjuna, explaining that for a warrior, there is no path more glorious than fighting a righteous war.
उदीर्णमनसो योधा वाहनानि च भारत। यस्यां भवन्ति सेनायां ध्रुवं तस्यां जयं वदेत्॥
udīrṇamanaso yodhā vāhanāni ca bhārata । yasyāṁ bhavanti senāyāṁ dhruvaṁ tasyāṁ jayaṁ vadet ॥
A powerful verse from the Mahabharata highlighting that motivated soldiers and superior resources are the true guarantors of victory.
अद्रोहः सर्वभूतेषु कर्मणा मनसा गिरा। अनुग्रहश्च दानं च शीलमेतत्प्रशस्यते॥
adrohaḥ sarvabhūteṣu karmaṇā manasā girā । anugrahaśca dānaṁ ca śīlametatpraśasyate ॥
A guiding principle on true humanity and ethical conduct, emphasizing non-malice, compassion, and generosity towards all living beings.
न तथा बलवीर्याभ्यां जयन्ति विजिगीषवः। यथा सत्यानृशंस्याभ्यां धर्मेणैवोद्यमेन च॥
na tathā balavīryābhyāṁ jayanti vijigīṣavaḥ । yathā satyānṛśaṁsyābhyāṁ dharmeṇaivodyamena ca ॥
A profound verse from the Mahabharata explaining that lasting victory is won not by sheer force, but through truth, compassion, righteousness, and continuous effort.
को हि भारः समर्थानां किं दूरं व्यवसायिनाम्। को विदेशः सुविद्यानां कः परः प्रियवादिनाम्॥
ko hi bhāraḥ samarthānāṁ kiṁ dūraṁ vyavasāyinām । ko videśaḥ suvidyānāṁ kaḥ paraḥ priyavādinām ॥
A timeless verse highlighting how skill, hard work, education, and soft speech dissolve all barriers to success and belonging.
नान्तर्बहिश्च लोकेषु त्वात्मानं दृष्टवान् क्वचित्। आष्टाङ्गिकेन मार्गेण परमां शान्तिमाययौ॥
nāntar bahiśca lokeṣu tvātmānaṁ dṛṣṭavān kvacit । āṣṭāṅgikena mārgeṇa paramāṁ śāntim āyayau ॥
A Buddhist-oriented Sanskrit verse links insight into the absence of a permanent self with the Eightfold Path and the attainment of supreme peace.
अनिर्वेदो हि सततं सर्वार्थेषु प्रवर्तकः। करोति सफलं जन्तोः कर्म यच्च करोति सः॥
anirvedo hi satataṁ sarvārtheṣu pravartakaḥ । karoti saphalaṁ jantoḥ karma yacca karoti saḥ ॥
A powerful verse from the Valmiki Ramayana emphasizing that enthusiasm and positive energy are the driving forces behind all successful endeavors.
राज्ञो हि व्रतमुत्थानं यज्ञः कार्यानुशासनम्। दक्षिणा वृत्तिसाम्यं च दीक्षितस्याभिषेचनम्॥
rājño hi vratamutthānaṁ yajñaḥ kāryānuśāsanam । dakṣiṇā vṛttisāmyaṁ ca dīkṣitasyābhiṣecanam ॥
A profound verse from Kautilya's Arthashastra describing the true duties and sacred resolve of a king or public representative.
उत्थानं संयमो दाक्ष्यमप्रमादो धृतिः स्मृतिः। समीक्ष्य च समारम्भो विद्धिमूलं भवस्य तु॥
utthānaṁ saṁyamo dākṣyam apramādo dhṛtiḥ smṛtiḥ । samīkṣya ca samārambho viddhi mūlaṁ bhavasya tu ॥
A strategic teaching from Vidura Niti identifying the seven essential qualities, from focused effort to careful planning, that form the foundation of success.
छायामन्यस्य कुर्वन्ति तिष्ठन्ति स्वयमातपे। फलान्यपि परार्थाय वृक्षाः सत्पुरुषा इव॥
chāyāmanyasya kurvanti tiṣṭhanti svayamātape । phalānyapi parārthāya vṛkṣāḥ satpuruṣā iva ॥
A verse comparing generous trees with noble people, highlighting selfless service and concern for others.
प्रजासुखे सुखं राज्ञः प्रजानां च हिते हितम्। नात्मप्रियं प्रियं राज्ञः प्रजानां तु प्रियं प्रियम्॥
prajāsukhe sukhaṁ rājñaḥ prajānāṁ ca hite hitam । nātmapriyaṁ priyaṁ rājñaḥ prajānāṁ tu priyaṁ priyam ॥
A foundational principle of governance from Kautilya's Arthashastra, stating that a leader's true happiness is found in the welfare of the people.
पद्माकरं दिनकरो विकचीकरोति चन्द्रो विकासयति कैरवचक्रवालम्। नाभ्यर्थितो जलधरोऽपि जलं ददाति सन्तः स्वयं परहितेषु कृताभियोगाः॥
padmākaraṁ dinakaro vikacīkaroti candro vikāsayati kairavacakravālam । nābhyarthito jaladharo’pi jalaṁ dadāti santaḥ svayaṁ parahiteṣu kṛtābhiyogāḥ ॥
A classic verse comparing the spontaneous actions of the sun, moon, and clouds to the innate benevolence of noble people who do good to others without being asked.
यस्यां वृक्षा वानस्पत्या ध्रुवास्तिष्ठन्ति विश्वहा। पृथिवीं धेनुं प्रदुहां न उदिच्छन्तु नमोऽस्तु पृथिव्यै॥
yasyāṃ vṛkṣā vānaspatyā dhruvāstiṣṭhanti viśvahā । pṛthivīṃ dhenuṃ praduhāṃ na udicchantu namo’stu pṛthivyai ॥
A Vedic prayer from the Bhumi Sukta honoring Mother Earth as the provider of all resources and the sustainer of all life.
शीलं परहितासक्तिः अनुत्सेकः क्षमा धृतिः। अलोभश्चेति विद्यायाः परिपाकोज्ज्वलं फलम्॥
śīlaṁ parahitāsaktiḥ anutsekaḥ kṣamā dhṛtiḥ । alobhaśceti vidyāyāḥ paripākojjvalaṁ phalam ॥
What are the true fruits of knowledge? This verse identifies modesty, benevolence, humility, forgiveness, patience, and non-greed as the ultimate indicators of wisdom.
कृषिर्धन्या कृषिर्मेध्या जन्तूनां जीवनं कृषिः। अन्नदः सर्वदश्चैव तस्माच्छ्रेष्ठतरो हि सः॥
kṛṣirdhanyā kṛṣirmedhyā jantūnāṁ jīvanaṁ kṛṣiḥ । annadaḥ sarvadaścaiva tasmācchreṣṭhataro hi saḥ ॥
A profound verse describing agriculture as a source of wealth, purity, and the very life-force of all living beings.
देव्या यया ततमिदं जगदात्मशक्त्या निश्शेषदेवगणशक्तिसमूहमूर्त्या। तामम्बिकामखिलदेवमहर्षिपूज्यां भक्त्या नताः स्म विदधातु शुभानि सा नः॥
devyā yayā tatam idaṁ jagad ātmaśaktyā niśśeṣa-devagaṇa-śakti-samūha-mūrtyā । tām ambikām akhila-deva-maharṣi-pūjyāṁ bhaktyā natāḥ sma vidadhātu śubhāni sā naḥ ॥
A powerful invocation from the Devi Mahatmyam saluting the Divine Mother who pervades the universe and embodies the collective strength of all creative forces.
व्युच्छन्ती हि रश्मिभिर्विश्वमाभासि रोचनम्। ता त्वामुषर्वसूयवो गीर्भिः कण्वा अहूषत॥
vyucchantī hi raśmibhir viśvam ābhāsi rocanam । tā tvām uṣar vasūyavo gīrbhiḥ kaṇvā ahūṣata ॥
A Vedic tribute to the Dawn (Usha), representing the power of women whose knowledge and virtues illuminate the world and dispel the darkness of ignorance.
इत्थं फलति शुद्धेन सिक्तं सङ्कल्पवारिणा। पुण्यबीजमपि स्वल्पं पुंसां कृषिकृतामिव॥
itthaṁ phalati śuddhena siktaṁ saṅkalpavāriṇā । puṇyabījamapi svalpaṁ puṁsāṁ kṛṣikṛtāmiva ॥
Just as a farmer reaps a harvest from a small seed, a person achieves great success from even a small effort when nurtured with pure determination.
अयं निजः परो वेति गणना लघुचेतसाम्। उदारचरितानां तु वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्॥
ayaṁ nijaḥ paro veti gaṇanā laghucetasām । udāracaritānāṁ tu vasudhaiva kuṭumbakam ॥
Small minds divide people into their own and others, while the generous-hearted regard the whole world as one family.
इन्द्रं वर्धन्तो अप्तुरः कृण्वन्तो विश्वमार्यम्। अपघ्नन्तो अराव्णः॥
indraṁ vardhanto apturaḥ kṛṇvanto viśvamāryam । apaghnanto arāvṇaḥ ॥
A powerful Vedic call from the Rigveda to nurture divine forces, make the whole world noble, and resist destructive elements within society.
व्यसने वाऽर्थकृच्छ्रे वा भये वा जीवनान्तके। विमृशन् वै स्वया बुद्ध्या धृतिमान् नावसीदति॥
vyasane vā’rthakṛcchre vā bhaye vā jīvanāntake । vimṛśan vai svayā buddhyā dhṛtimān nāvasīdati ॥
A timeless lesson from the Valmiki Ramayana on maintaining resilience and using one’s own intellect to navigate financial crisis, tragedy, and mortal danger.
अन्तःस्थमेव यज्ज्ञानं ज्ञानादपि च यत्परम्। तदेव सर्वसंसारसारं सद्भिरुपास्यते॥
antaḥsthameva yajjñānaṁ jñānādapi ca yatparam । tadeva sarvasaṁsārasāraṁ sadbhirupāsyate ॥
Deep within stays the knowledge that is even higher than knowledge, that is the essence of the world, that is what is worshipped by saints.
आत्मज्ञानं समारम्भस्तितिक्षा धर्मनित्यता। यमर्था नापकर्षन्ति स वै पण्डित उच्यते॥
ātmajñānaṁ samārambhas titikṣā dharmanityatā । yam arthā nāpakarṣanti sa vai paṇḍita ucyate ॥
A profound insight from Vidura Niti defining a wise person as one who possesses self-knowledge, maintains steady action, and remains unswayed by greed or hardship.
लाघवं कर्मसामर्थ्यं दीप्तोऽग्निर्मेदसः क्षयः। विभक्तघनगात्रत्वं व्यायामादुपजायते॥
lāghavaṁ karmasāmarthyaṁ dīpto’gnir medasaḥ kṣayaḥ । vibhaktaghanagātratvaṁ vyāyāmādupajāyate ॥
An Ayurvedic insight from the Ashtanga Hridayam on how regular exercise transforms the body’s efficiency, metabolic fire, and structural strength for total well-being.
सिद्धिः साध्ये सतामस्तु प्रसादात्तस्य धूर्जटेः। जाह्नवीफेनलेखेव यन्मूर्ध्नि शशिनः कला॥
siddhiḥ sādhye satām astu prasādāt tasya dhūrjaṭeḥ । jāhnavī-phena-lekheva yan-mūrdhni śaśinaḥ kalā ॥
May the undertakings of the virtuous reach fulfillment through the grace of Lord Shiva, on whose head the crescent moon shines like the foam of the Ganga.
श्रियः प्रदुग्धे विपदो रुणद्धि यशांसि सूते मलिनं प्रमार्ष्टि। संस्कारशौचेन परं पुनीते शुद्धा हि बुद्धिः किल कामधेनुः॥
śriyaḥ pradugdhe vipado ruṇaddhi yaśāṃsi sūte malinaṃ pramārṣṭi । saṃskāraśauchena paraṃ punīte śuddhā hi buddhiḥ kila kāmadhenuḥ ॥
This subhashita extols the power of a refined and pure intellect, comparing it to the mythical Kamadhenu that fulfills all desires and destroys all difficulties.
मनोजवं मारुततुल्यवेगं जितेन्द्रियं बुद्धिमतां वरिष्ठम्। वातात्मजं वानरयूथमुख्यं श्रीरामदूतं शिरसा नमामि॥
manojavaṁ mārutatulyavegaṁ jitendriyaṁ buddhimatāṁ variṣṭham । vātātmajaṁ vānarayūthamukhyaṁ śrīrāmadūtaṁ śirasā namāmi ॥
A powerful prayer to Hanuman, the messenger of Lord Rama, praising his speed, wisdom, and mastery over senses.
पिबन्ति नद्यः स्वयमेव नाम्भः स्वयं न खादन्ति फलानि वृक्षाः। नादन्ति सस्यं खलु वारिवाहाः परोपकाराय सतां विभूतयः॥
pibanti nadyaḥ svayameva nāmbhaḥ svayaṃ na khādanti phalāni vṛkṣāḥ । nādanti sasyaṃ khalu vārivāhāḥ paropakārāya satāṃ vibhūtayaḥ ॥
A beautiful subhashita illustrating the essence of selfless living through nature: rivers, trees, and clouds exist for the welfare of others.
श्रूयतां धर्मसर्वस्वं श्रुत्वा चैवावधार्यताम्। आत्मनः प्रतिकूलानि परेषां न समाचरेत्॥
śrūyatāṃ dharmasarvasvaṃ śrutvā caivāvadhāryatām । ātmanaḥ pratikūlāni pareṣāṃ na samācaret ॥
A timeless ethical teaching that distills the essence of dharma into one golden rule: never do unto others what you would not wish for yourself.
विचित्रचरितोल्लेखचमत्कारितचेतनम्। प्राप्यते किं यशः शुभ्रमनङ्गीकृत्य साहसम्॥
vicitracaritollekhacamatkāritacetanam । prāpyate kiṃ yaśaḥ śubhramanaṅgīkṛtya sāhasam ॥
A reflection on how glorious fame and extraordinary achievements are only possible through the embrace of courage.
सिद्धगन्धर्वयक्षाद्यैरसुरैरमरैरपि। सेव्यमाना सदा भूयात् सिद्धिदा सिद्धिदायिनी॥
siddhagandharvayakṣādyairasurairamarairapi । sevyamānā sadā bhūyāt siddhidā siddhidāyinī ॥
A prayer to Goddess Siddhidatri, the ninth form of Navadurga, who bestows all spiritual powers and perfections.
श्वेते वृषे समारूढा श्वेताम्बरधरा शुचिः। महागौरी शुभं दद्यान्महादेवप्रमोददा॥
śvete vṛṣe samārūḍhā śvetāmbaradharā śuciḥ । mahāgaurī śubhaṁ dadyān mahādevapramodadā ॥
A prayer to Goddess Mahagauri, the eighth form of Navadurga, who embodies purity and serenity.
वामपादोल्लसल्लोहलताकण्टकभूषणा। वर्धन्मूर्धध्वजा कृष्णा कालरात्रिर्भयङ्करी॥
vāmapādollasallohalatākaṇṭakabhūṣaṇā । vardhanmūrdhadhvajā kṛṣṇā kālarātrirbhayaṅkarī ॥
A powerful verse from the Navadurga Stotram describing the fierce and magnificent form of Maa Kalaratri, the destroyer of darkness and fear.
चन्द्रहासोज्ज्वलकरा शार्दूलवरवाहना। कात्यायनी शुभं दद्याद् देवी दानवघातिनी॥
candrahāsojjvalakarā śārdūlavaravāhanā । kātyāyanī śubhaṁ dadyād devī dānavaghātinī ॥
A prayer to Goddess Katyayani, who shines with the divine sword Chandrahāsa, seeking her blessings for auspiciousness and victory over obstacles.
सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रितकरद्वया। शुभदाऽस्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥
siṁhāsanagatā nityaṁ padmāśritakaradvayā । śubhadā’stu sadā devī skandamātā yaśasvinī ॥
A prayer to Goddess Skandamata, the fifth form of Durga worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri, who symbolizes maternal love and protection.
सुरासम्पूर्णकलशं रुधिराप्लुतमेव च। दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदाऽस्तु मे॥
surāsampūrṇakalaśaṃ rudhirāplutameva ca । dadhānā hastapadmābhyāṃ kūṣmāṇḍā śubhadā'stu me ॥
A prayer to Goddess Kushmanda, the creative energy of the universe, who holds the nectar of life and blesses her devotees with well-being.
पिण्डजप्रवरारूढा चण्डकोपास्त्रकैर्युता। प्रसादं तनुते मह्यं चन्द्रघण्टेति विश्रुता॥
piṇḍajapravarārūḍhā caṇḍakopāstrakairyutā । prasādaṁ tanute mahyaṁ candraghaṇṭeti viśrutā ॥
A prayer to Maa Chandraghanta, the third form of Goddess Durga, who rides a lion and brings peace and serenity.
दधाना करपद्माभ्यामक्षमालाकमण्डलू। देवी प्रसीदतु मयि ब्रह्मचारिण्यनुत्तमा॥
dadhānā karapadmābhyām akṣamālā-kamaṇḍalū । devī prasīdatu mayi brahmacāriṇy-anuttamā ॥
A deep prayer to Brahmacharini, the second form of Goddess Durga worshipped on the second day of Navratri, who symbolizes penance, purity, and spiritual discipline.
वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्। वृषारूढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्॥
vande vāñchitalābhāya candrārdhakṛtaśekharām । vṛṣārūḍhāṃ śūladharāṃ śailaputrīṃ yaśasvinīm ॥
This verse is a devotional salutation to Goddess Shailaputri, the first of the nine forms of Durga worshipped during Navratri, who fulfills wishes, bears the crescent moon, rides a bull, and wields a trident.
एकेनापि हि शूरेण पादाक्रान्तं महीतलम्। क्रियते भास्करेणेव स्फारस्फुरिततेजसा॥
ekenāpi hi śūreṇa pādākrāntaṃ mahītalam । kriyate bhāskareṇeva sphārasphuritetejasā ॥
A single brave person can conquer the entire earth by the force of their valor, just as the sun alone illuminates the whole world with its brilliant radiance.
एकोऽपि सिंहः साहस्रं यूथं मथ्नाति दन्तिनाम्। तस्मात् सिंहमिवोदारमात्मानं वीक्ष्य सम्पतेत्॥
eko'pi siṁhaḥ sāhasraṁ yūthaṁ mathnāti dantinām । tasmāt siṁham ivodāram ātmānaṁ vīkṣya sampatet ॥
Just as a single lion can overcome a thousand elephants, inner strength and determination can overcome any obstacle.
व्यायामाल्लभते स्वास्थ्यं दीर्घायुष्यं बलं सुखम्। आरोग्यं परमं भाग्यं स्वास्थ्यं सर्वार्थसाधनम्॥
vyāyāmāl labhate svāsthyaṁ dīrghāyuṣyaṁ balaṁ sukham । ārogyaṁ paramaṁ bhāgyaṁ svāsthyaṁ sarvārthasādhanam ॥
Regular exercise supports health, strength, longevity, and the physical capacity needed to carry one’s responsibilities effectively.
आ नो भद्राः क्रतवो यन्तु विश्वतोऽदब्धासो अपरीतास उद्भिदः। देवा नो यथा सदमिद् वृधे असन्नप्रायुवो रक्षितारो दिवे दिवे॥
ā no bhadrāḥ kratavo yantu viśvato'dabdhāso aparītāsa udbhidhaḥ । devā no yathā sadamid vṛdhe asann aprāyuvo rakṣitāro dive dive ॥
A universal Vedic prayer from the Rigveda inviting auspicious and noble thoughts from every direction to foster growth and protection.
सत्यमेव जयति नानृतं सत्येन पन्था विततो देवयानः। येनाक्रमन्त्यृषयो ह्याप्तकामा यत्र तत्सत्यस्य परमं निधानम्॥
satyameva jayati nānṛtaṃ satyena panthā vitato devayānaḥ । yenākramantyṛṣayo hyāptakāmā yatra tatsatyasya paramaṃ nidhānam ॥
The Mundaka Upanishad declares that truth alone triumphs and opens the divine path by which fulfilled sages reach the supreme reality.
स्वस्ति पन्थामनुचरेम सूर्याचन्द्रमसाविव। पुनर्ददाताघ्नता जानता सङ्गमेमहि॥
svasti panthām anucarema sūryācandramasāviva । punardadatāghnatā jānatā saṅgamemahi ॥
A Rigvedic prayer for moving forward together with wisdom, harmony, and non-violence, following the eternal example of the sun and moon.
यार्णवेऽधि सलिलमग्र आसीद्यां मायाभिरन्वचरन्मनीषिणः। यस्या हृदयं परमे व्योमन्त्सत्येनावृतममृतं पृथिव्याः। सा नो भूमिस्त्विषिं बलं राष्ट्रे दधातूत्तमे॥
yārṇave’dhi salilam agra āsīd yāṁ māyābhir anvacaran manīṣiṇaḥ । yasyā hṛdayaṁ parame vyoman tsatyenāvṛtam amṛtaṁ pṛthivyāḥ । sā no bhūmis tviṣiṁ balaṁ rāṣṭre dadhātūttame ॥
A profound Vedic prayer from the Prithvi Sukta, invoking the Earth’s blessings for the strength, energy, and prosperity of the nation.
अभीप्सां स्वात्मनो रक्षाऽविरतं सुस्थिरं तया। यत्नमातिष्ठ धैर्येण ततः सिद्धिर्भवेद् ध्रुवम्॥
abhīpsāṁ svātmano rakṣā’virataṃ susthiraṁ tayā । yatnam ātiṣṭha dhairyeṇa tataḥ siddhir bhaved dhruvam ॥
Unwavering resolve, patient effort, and self-command protect a worthy ambition and carry it steadily toward success.
यद् दूरं यद् दुराराध्यं यच्च दूरे व्यवस्थितम्। तत् सर्वं तपसा साध्यं तपो हि दुरतिक्रमम्॥
yad dūraṃ yad durārādhyaṃ yacca dūre vyavasthitam । tat sarvaṃ tapasā sādhyaṃ tapo hi duratikramam ॥
No goal is too distant or difficult when met with "Tapas"—the fire of determined effort. This verse from Chanakya Niti emphasizes that everything is attainable through perseverance.
उत्साहो बलवानार्य नास्त्युत्साहात् परं बलम्। सोत्साहस्यास्ति लोकेऽस्मिन् न किञ्चिदपि दुर्लभम्॥
utsāho balavān ārya nāsty utsāhāt paraṃ balam । sotsāhasyāsti loke’smin na kiñcid api durlabham ॥
Enthusiasm is the ultimate strength. This verse from the Ramayana reminds us that for an energetic person, no goal is unattainable.
उद्भिन्नस्तबकावतंससुभगाः प्रेङ्खन्मरुन्नर्तिताः पुष्पोद्गीर्णपरागपांशुललसत्पत्रप्रकाण्डत्विषः। गम्भीरक्रमपञ्चमोन्मदपिकध्वानोच्छलद्गीतयः प्रत्युज्जीवितमन्मथोत्सव इव क्रीडन्त्यमू भूरुहाः॥
udbhinnastabakāvataṃsasubhagāḥ preṅkhanmarunnartitāḥ puṣpodgīrṇaparāgapāṃśulalasatpatraprakāṇḍatviṣaḥ । gambhīrakramapañcamonmadapikadhvānocchaladgītayaḥ pratyujjīvitamanmathotsava iva krīḍantyamū bhūruhaḥ ॥
A beautiful poetic description of trees in spring from Subhashitaratnakosha, celebrating the vibrant energy and colors of the Holi season.
निर्वनो वध्यते व्याघ्रो निर्व्याघ्रं छिद्यते वनम्। तस्माद् व्याघ्रो वनं रक्षेद् वनं व्याघ्रं च पालयेत्॥
nirvano vadhyate vyāghro nirvyāghraṃ chidyate vanam । tasmād vyāghro vanaṃ rakṣed vanaṃ vyāghraṃ ca pālayet ॥
A profound verse from the Mahabharata illustrating the interdependent relationship between the tiger and the forest, emphasizing the need for wildlife conservation.
न वा उ मां वृजने वारयन्ते न पर्वतासो यदहं मनस्ये। मम स्वनात् कृधुकर्णो भयात एवेदनु द्यून्किरणः समेजात्॥
na vā u māṃ vṛjane vārayante na parvatāso yad ahaṃ manasye । mama svanāt kṛdhukarṇo bhayāta eved anu dyūn kiraṇaḥ samejāt ॥
A Vedic declaration of indomitable will. This verse from the Rigveda illustrates that no mountain or obstacle can stop a person of firm determination.
न हि शौर्यात्परं किञ्चित् त्रिषु लोकेषु विद्यते। शूरः सर्वं पालयति सर्वं शूरे प्रतिष्ठितम्॥
na hi śauryāt paraṃ kiñcit triṣu lokeṣu vidyate । śūraḥ sarvaṃ pālayati sarvaṃ śūre pratiṣṭhitam ॥
This verse emphasizes that bravery is the most transcendent element in the three worlds, serving as the fundamental force that protects and sustains all worldly dignity and duty.
धीराः शोकं तरिष्यन्ति लभन्ते सिद्धिमुत्तमाम्। धीरैः सम्प्राप्यते लक्ष्मीर्धैर्यं सर्वत्र साधनम्॥
dhīrāḥ śokaṃ tariṣyanti labhante siddhimuttamām । dhīraiḥ samprāpyate lakṣmīrdhairyaṃ sarvatra sādhanam ॥
Steadfast people cross grief through fortitude, endure hardship with patience, and continue toward their purpose without surrendering to despair.
विप्रो वृक्षस्तस्य मूलं च सन्ध्या वेदाः शाखा धर्मकर्माणि पत्रम्। तस्मान्मूलं यत्नतो रक्षणीयं छिन्ने मूले नैव शाखा न पत्रम्॥
vipro vṛkṣas tasya mūlaṃ ca sandhyā vedāḥ śākhā dharmakarmāṇi patram । tasmāt mūlaṃ yatnato rakṣaṇīyaṃ chinne mūle naiva śākhā na patram ॥
A metaphor comparing a wise person to a tree, emphasizing the importance of daily worship as the root that sustains knowledge and deeds.
यथैकेन न हस्तेन तालिका सम्प्रपद्यते। तथोद्यमपरित्यक्तं न फलं कर्मणः स्मृतम्॥
yathaikena na hastena tālikā samprapadyate । tathodyamaparityaktaṃ na phalaṃ karmaṇaḥ smṛtam ॥
A subhashita highlighting that just as one hand cannot clap, success is impossible without personal effort and hard work.
अविज्ञातस्य विज्ञानं विज्ञातस्य च निश्चयः। आरम्भः कर्मणां शश्वदारब्धस्यान्तदर्शनम्॥
avijñātasya vijñānaṃ vijñātasya ca niścayaḥ । ārambhaḥ karmaṇāṃ śaśvadārabdhasyāntadarśanam ॥
Intelligence is shown through discovering the unknown, confirming what is known, beginning work decisively, and carrying it to completion.
पूर्णमदः पूर्णमिदं पूर्णात् पूर्णमुदच्यते। पूर्णस्य पूर्णमादाय पूर्णमेवावशिष्यते॥
pūrṇam adaḥ pūrṇam idaṃ pūrṇāt pūrṇam udacyate । pūrṇasya pūrṇam ādāya pūrṇam evāvaśiṣyate ॥
This profound verse from the Isha Upanishad describes the nature of wholeness. In a modern context, it beautifully mirrors how knowledge can be shared and expanded without ever diminishing the source.
गोपायितारं दातारं धर्मनित्यमतन्द्रितम्। अकामद्वेषसंयुक्तमनुरज्यन्ति मानवाः॥
gopāyitāraṁ dātāraṁ dharmanityamatandritam । akāmadveṣasaṁyuktam anurajyanti mānavāḥ ॥
An ideal ruler protects and provides, remains constant in duty, and governs the people with fairness and restraint.
ज्ञानं तेऽहं सविज्ञानमिदं वक्ष्याम्यशेषतः। यज्ज्ञात्वा नेह भूयोऽन्यज्ज्ञातव्यमवशिष्यते॥
jñānaṃ te'haṃ savijñānam idaṃ vakṣyāmyaśeṣataḥ । yajjñātvā neha bhūyo'nyajjñātavyamavaśiṣyate ॥
Krishna promises knowledge joined with realized understanding, through which the seeker sees that nothing essential remains unknown.
शुश्रूषा श्रवणं चैव ग्रहणं धारणां तथा। ऊहापोहोऽर्थविज्ञानं तत्त्वज्ञानं च धीगुणाः॥
śuśrūṣā śravaṇaṃ caiva grahaṇaṃ dhāraṇāṃ tathā । ūhāpoho’rthavijñānaṃ tattvajñānaṃ ca dhīguṇāḥ ॥
A mature intellect listens eagerly, understands and retains what it hears, reasons carefully, rejects error, and recognizes truth.
दाने तपसि शौर्ये च विज्ञाने विनये नये। विस्मयो न हि कर्तव्यो बहुरत्ना वसुन्धरा॥
dāne tapasi śaurye ca vijñāne vinaye naye । vismayo na hi kartavyo bahuratnā vasundharā ॥
The world is vast enough that no one should boast of unmatched generosity, austerity, courage, learning, humility, or moral excellence.
चरन् वै मधु विन्दति चरन् स्वादुमुदुम्बरम्। सूर्यस्य पश्य श्रेमाणं यो न तन्द्रयते चरंश्चरैवेति॥
caran vai madhu vindati caran svādum udumbaram । sūryasya paśya śremāṇaṃ yo na tandrayate caraṃś caraiveti ॥
An exhortation to stay active and keep moving forward, as success comes to those who are diligent and dynamic.
ऊर्ध्वमूलमधःशाखमश्वत्थं प्राहुरव्ययम्। छन्दांसि यस्य पर्णानि यस्तं वेद स वेदवित्॥
ūrdhvamūlam adhaḥśākham aśvatthaṃ prāhur avyayam । chandāṃsi yasya parṇāni yas taṃ veda sa vedavit ॥
The Bhagavad Gita's profound comparison of the world to an eternal Peepal tree with its roots above and branches below.
यस्येमे हिमवन्तो महित्वा यस्य समुद्रं रसया सहाहुः। यस्येमाः प्रदिशो यस्य बाहू कस्मै देवाय हविषा विधेम॥
yasyeme himavanto mahitvā yasya samudraṃ rasayā sahāhuḥ । yasyemāḥ pradiśo yasya bāhū kasmai devāya haviṣā vidhema ॥
A hymn from the Rigveda celebrating the greatness of the nation, from the Himalayas to the oceans.
अस्मे वोऽअस्त्विन्द्रियमस्मे नृम्णमुत क्रतुरस्मे वर्चांसि सन्तु वः। नमो मात्रे पृथिव्यै नमो मात्रै पृथिव्याऽ इयन्ते राड् यन्तासि यमनो ध्रुवोसि धरुणः कृष्यै त्वा क्षेमाय त्वा रय्यै त्वा पोषाय त्वा॥
asme vo'stvindriyam asme nṛmṇam uta kratur asme varcāṃsi santu vaḥ । namo mātre pṛthivyai namo mātre pṛthivyā iyante rāḍ yantāsi yamano dhruvo'si dharuṇaḥ kṛṣyai tvā kṣemāya tvā rayyai tvā poṣāya tvā ॥
A Vedic prayer bows to Mother Earth as the steady source of agriculture, material prosperity, nourishment, and the resources that sustain life.
विद्या वितर्को विज्ञानं स्मृतिस्तत्परता क्रिया। यस्यैते षड्गुणास्तस्य नासाध्यमतिवर्तते॥
vidyā vitarko vijñānaṃ smṛtis tatparatā kriyā । yasyaite ṣaḍguṇās tasya nāsādhyam ativartate ॥
Knowledge, reasoning, discernment, memory, readiness, and active effort together give a person the practical capability to accomplish difficult work.
उपस्थास्ते अनमीवा अयक्ष्मा अस्मभ्यं सन्तु पृथिवि प्रसूताः। दीर्घं न आयुः प्रतिबुध्यमाना वयं तुभ्यं बलिहृतः स्याम॥
upasthāste anamīvā ayakṣmā asmabhyaṃ santu pṛthivi prasūtāḥ । dīrghaṃ na āyuḥ pratibudhyamānā vayaṃ tubhyaṃ balihṛtaḥ syāma ॥
A Vedic prayer to Mother Earth (Bhumi Sukta) asking for health, longevity, and clear vision to serve the nation.
विकल्पमात्रावस्थाने वैरूप्यं मनसो भवेत्। पश्चान्मूलक्रियारम्भगम्भीरावर्तदुस्तरः॥
vikalpamātrāvasthāne vairūpyaṃ manaso bhavet । paścānmūlakriyārambhagambhīrāvartadustaraḥ ॥
This profound verse from the Matsya Purana warns that even the slightest doubt can distort the mind and create insurmountable hurdles for any task.
औषधेष्वपि सर्वेषु हास्यं श्रेष्ठं वदन्ति ह। स्वाधीनं सुलभं चैवारोग्यानन्दविवर्धनम्॥
auṣadheṣv api sarveṣu hāsyaṃ śreṣṭhaṃ vadanti ha । svādhīnaṃ sulabhaṃ caivārogyānandavivardhanam ॥
This subhashita beautifully describes why laughter is the supreme remedy among all medicines for holistic well-being.
श्रीर्मङ्गलात् प्रभवति प्रागल्भ्यात् सम्प्रवर्धते। दाक्ष्यात् तु कुरुते मूलं संयमात् प्रतितिष्ठति॥
śrīrmaṅgalāt prabhavati prāgalbhyāt sampravardhate । dākṣyāt tu kurute mūlaṃ saṃyamāt pratitiṣṭhati ॥
A deep insight from Vidura Niti on how wealth and prosperity are born, grown, rooted, and established through virtue and discipline.
नाम्भोधिरर्थितामेति सदाम्भोभिश्च पूर्यते। आत्मा तु पात्रतां नेयः पात्रमायान्ति सम्पदः॥
nāmbhodhir arthitām eti sadāmbhobhiśca pūryate । ātmā tu pātratāṁ neyaḥ pātramāyānti sampadaḥ ॥
This profound verse teaches that true prosperity is drawn to internal capability and merit, rather than external seeking.
अहिंसा परमो धर्मस्तथाऽहिंसा परन्तपः। अहिंसा परमं सत्यं यतो धर्मः प्रवर्तते॥
ahiṃsā paramo dharmastathā’hiṃsā parantapaḥ । ahiṃsā paramaṃ satyaṃ yato dharmaḥ pravartate ॥
Ahimsa is presented as the highest dharma and austerity, a discipline rooted in truth and the refusal to harm.
एको बहूनामसि मन्य ईडिता विशं विशं युद्धाय सं शिशाधि। अकृत्तरुक्त्वया युजा वयं द्युमन्तं घोषं विजयाय कृण्मसि॥
eko bahūnāmasi manya īḍitā viśaṃ viśaṃ yuddhāya saṃ śiśādhi । akṛttaruk tvayā yujā vayaṃ dyumantaṃ ghoṣaṃ vijayāya kṛṇmasi ॥
An invocation from the Manyu Sukta calls for disciplined martial energy, collective courage, and honorable victory under wise direction.
सत्यं बृहदृतमुग्रं दीक्षा तपो ब्रह्म यज्ञः पृथिवीं धारयन्ति। सा नो भूतस्य भव्यस्य पत्न्युरुं लोकं पृथिवी नः कृणोतु॥
satyaṁ bṛhad ṛtam ugraṁ dīkṣā tapo brahma yajñaḥ pṛthivīṁ dhārayanti । sā no bhūtasya bhavyasya patny uruṁ lokaṁ pṛthivī naḥ kṛṇotu ॥
From the sacred Bhumi Sukta, this verse describes the eternal forces of truth, discipline, and wisdom that sustain our world.
शान्तितुल्यं तपो नास्ति न सन्तोषात् परं सुखम्। न तृष्णायाः परो व्याधिर्न च धर्मो दयापरः॥
śāntitulyaṁ tapo nāsti na santoṣāt paraṁ sukham । na tṛṣṇāyāḥ paro vyādhir na ca dharmo dayāparaḥ ॥
Peace is the highest austerity, contentment the deepest happiness, greed the gravest disease, and compassion the greatest dharma.
एतदेव परं शौर्यं यत् परप्राणरक्षणम्। नहि प्राणहरः शूरः शूरः प्राणप्रदोऽर्थिनाम्॥
etadeva paraṁ śauryaṁ yat paraprāṇarakṣaṇam । nahi prāṇaharaḥ śūraḥ śūraḥ prāṇaprado'rthinām ॥
True bravery lies not in taking lives, but in protecting them. This verse defines a true hero as one who gives life to those in distress.
दशपुत्रसमा कन्या दशपुत्रान् प्रवर्धयन्। यत् फलम् लभते मर्त्यस्तल्लभ्यं कन्ययैकया॥
daśaputrasamā kanyā daśaputrān pravardhayan । yat phalam labhate martyastal labhyaṁ kanyayaikayā ॥
A daughter is equal to ten sons, this verse explains the merit of raising a daughter.
चरैवेति चरैवेति चरन्वै मधु विन्दति। सूर्यास्य पश्य श्रेमाणं न मामार न जीर्यति॥
caraiveti caraiveti caranvai madhu vindati । sūryāsya paśya śremāṇaṃ na māmāra na jīryati ॥
The Vedic refrain Charaiveti—keep moving—presents sustained action as the path to growth, drawing inspiration from the sun’s ceaseless journey.
अनन्तशास्त्रं बहुलाश्च विद्याः अल्पश्च कालो बहुविघ्नता च। यत्सारभूतं तदुपासनीयं हंसो यथा क्षीरमिवाम्बुमध्यात्॥
anantaśāstraṃ bahulāśca vidyāḥ alpaśca kālo bahuvighnatā ca । yatsārabhūtaṃ tadupāsanīyaṃ haṃso yathā kṣīramivāmbumadhyāt ॥
Because knowledge is vast and life is brief, the discerning seek its essence as a swan is said to separate milk from water.
अनुत्थाने ध्रुवो नाशः प्राप्तस्यानागतस्य च। प्राप्यते फलमुत्थानाल्लभते चार्थसम्पदम्॥
anutthāne dhruvo nāśaḥ prāptasyānāgatasya ca । prāpyate phalam utthānāl labhate cārthasampadam ॥
Inaction leads inevitably to decline, while energetic and diligent effort is the means by which prosperity and worthwhile results are attained.
दुर्लभान्यपि कार्याणि सिद्ध्यन्ति प्रोद्यमेन हि। शिलाऽपि तनुतां याति प्रपातेनार्णसो मुहुः॥
durlabhāny api kāryāṇi siddhyanti prodyamena hi । śilā'pi tanutāṁ yāti prapātenārṇaso muhuḥ ॥
Persistent effort can accomplish even difficult tasks, just as repeated drops of water gradually wear away stone.
अस्माकमिन्द्रः समृतेषु ध्वजेष्वस्माकं या इषवस्ता जयन्तु। अस्माकं वीरा उत्तरे भवन्त्वस्माँ उ देवा अवता हवेषु॥
asmākam indraḥ samṛteṣu dhvajeṣv asmākaṁ yā iṣavas tā jayantu । asmākaṁ vīrā uttare bhavantv asmā̃ u devā avatā haveṣu ॥
A Vedic prayer invokes Indra for courage in conflict, protection of the community, and victory beneath its uplifted banners.
सूर्यो देवो दिवं गच्छेत् मकरस्थो रविः प्रभुः। उत्तरायणे महापुण्यं सर्वपापप्रणाशनम्॥
sūryo devo divaṃ gacchet makarastho raviḥ prabhuḥ । uttarāyaṇe mahāpuṇyaṃ sarvapāpapraṇāśanam ॥
A devotional verse honors Surya’s northward journey as an auspicious movement associated with light, purification, generosity, and spiritual merit.
उत्तिष्ठत जाग्रत प्राप्य वरान्निबोधत। क्षुरस्य धारा निशिता दुरत्यया दुर्गं पथस्तत्कवयो वदन्ति॥
uttiṣṭhata jāgrata prāpya varān nibodhata । kṣurasya dhārā niśitā duratyayā durgaṁ pathas tat kavayo vadanti ॥
The Katha Upanishad calls seekers to arise, awaken, approach wise teachers, and walk the subtle, demanding path toward realization.
अङ्गणवेदी वसुधा कुल्या जलधिः स्थली च पातालम्। वल्मीकश्च सुमेरुः कृतप्रतिज्ञस्य वीरस्य॥
aṅgaṇavedī vasudhā kulyā jaladhiḥ sthalī ca pātālam । valmīkaśca sumeruḥ kṛtapratijñasya vīrasya ॥
For the brave and strong-willed, no obstacle is too great. This verse illustrates how a determined hero perceives the vast earth as a courtyard and the deep ocean as a small pond.
आदिनाथेन शर्वेण सर्वप्राणिहिताय वै। आद्यतत्त्वान्यथानीयं क्षेत्रमेतन्महाप्रभम्। प्रभासितं महादेवि यत्र सिद्ध्यन्ति मानवाः॥
ādināthena śarveṇa sarvaprāṇihitāya vai । ādyatattvānyathānīyaṁ kṣetrametanmahāprabham । prabhāsitaṁ mahādevi yatra siddhyanti mānavāḥ ॥
Lord Shiva manifested the sacred Prabhas region for the welfare of all beings. This holy place is a source of divine energy where humans attain spiritual perfection.
सौराष्ट्रदेशे विशदेऽतिरम्ये ज्योतिर्मयं चन्द्रकलावतंसम्। भक्तिप्रदानाय कृपावतीर्णं तं सोमनाथं शरणं प्रपद्ये॥
saurāṣṭradeśe viśade'tiramye jyotirmayaṁ candrakalāvataṁsam । bhaktipradānāya kṛpāvatīrṇaṁ taṁ somanāthaṁ śaraṇaṁ prapadye ॥
A beautiful prayer seeking refuge in Lord Somnath, the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas, located in the sacred land of Saurashtra.
गुणो भूषयते रूपं शीलं भूषयते कुलम्। सिद्धिर्भूषयते विद्यां भोगो भूषयते धनम्॥
guṇo bhūṣayate rūpaṁ śīlaṁ bhūṣayate kulam । siddhir bhūṣayate vidyāṁ bhogo bhūṣayate dhanam ॥
Virtues enhance beauty, conduct honors heritage, accomplishments crown knowledge, and wise spending gives value to wealth.
प्रियवाक्यप्रदानेन सर्वे तुष्यन्ति जन्तवः। तस्मात् तदेव वक्तव्यं वचने का दरिद्रता॥
priyavākyapradānena sarve tuṣyanti jantavaḥ । tasmāt tadeva vaktavyaṁ vacane kā daridratā ॥
Sweet words bring joy to all living beings. This verse encourages us to speak kindly and generously, as pleasant speech costs nothing but earns immense goodwill.
वनानि दहतो वह्नेः सखा भवति मारुतः। स एव दीपनाशाय कृशे कस्यास्ति सौहृदम्॥
vanāni dahato vahneḥ sakhā bhavati mārutaḥ । sa eva dīpanāśāya kṛśe kasyāsti sauhṛdam ॥
Winds aid a forest fire but extinguish a small lamp. A powerful metaphor on how the world respects strength and unity, while the weak are often left unsupported.
उत्थातव्यं जागृतव्यं योक्तव्यं भूतिकर्मसु। भविष्यतीत्येव मनः कृत्वा सततमव्यथैः॥
utthātavyaṃ jāgṛtavyaṃ yoktavyaṃ bhūtikarmasu । bhaviṣyatītyeva manaḥ kṛtvā satatam avyathaiḥ ॥
Rise, remain alert, abandon despondency, and apply yourself steadily to work with confidence that purposeful effort can bear fruit.
ज्ञानं विरक्तिरैश्वर्यं शौर्यं तेजो बलं स्मृतिः। स्वातन्त्र्यं कौशलं कान्तिर्धैर्यं मार्दवमेव च॥
jñānaṁ viraktiḥ aiśvaryam śauryaṁ tejo balaṁ smṛtiḥ । svātantryaṁ kauśalaṁ kāntiḥ dhairyaṁ mārdavaṁ eva ca ॥
Knowledge, detachment, strength, courage, radiance, patience, and gentleness are gathered as complementary qualities of a well-formed character.
यथा यथा हि पुरुषः कल्याणे कुरुते मनः। तथा तथाऽस्य सर्वार्थाः सिद्ध्यन्ते नात्र संशयः॥
yathā yathā hi puruṣaḥ kalyāṇe kurute manaḥ । tathā tatha'sya sarvārthāḥ siddhyante nātra saṁśayaḥ ॥
As a person repeatedly turns the mind toward what is good, conduct and consequences gradually align with that wholesome intention.
सामर्थ्यमूलं स्वातन्त्र्यं श्रममूलं च वैभवम्। न्यायमूलं सुराज्यं स्यात् सङ्घमूलं महाबलम्॥
sāmarthyamūlaṁ svātantryaṁ śramamūlaṁ ca vaibhavam । nyāyamūlaṁ surājyaṁ syāt saṅghamūlaṁ mahābalaṁ ॥
Strength supports independence, effort creates prosperity, justice sustains good governance, and organized unity becomes collective power.
नात्युच्चशिखरो मेरुर्नातिनीचं रसातलम्। व्यवसायद्वितीयानां नात्यपारो महोदधिः॥
na aty ucca śikharaḥ meru na atīnīcaṁ rasātalam । vyavasāya-dvitīyānāṁ na aty-apāro mahodadhiḥ ॥
For a determined person, no summit is too high, no ocean too vast, and no undertaking beyond the reach of sustained effort.
बन्धनं मरणं वापि जयो वापि पराजयः। उभयत्र समो वीरः वीरभावो हि वीरता॥
bandhanaṁ maraṇaṁ vāpi jayo vāpi parājayaḥ । ubhayatra samo vīraḥ vīrabhāvo hi vīratā ॥
True heroism is the courage to remain inwardly steady through bondage or death, victory or defeat.
यद्यदाचरति श्रेष्ठस्तत्तदेवेतरो जनः। स यत्प्रमाणं कुरुते लोकस्तदनुवर्तते॥
yad yad ācarati śreṣṭhas tat tad evetaro janaḥ । sa yat pramāṇaṃ kurute lokas tad anuvartate ॥
The conduct and standards of exemplary people shape society because others naturally take their actions as a model.
यस्य कृत्यं न विघ्नन्ति शीतमुष्णं भयं रतिः। समृद्धिरसमृद्धिर्वा स वै पण्डित उच्यते॥
yasya kṛtyaṁ na vighnanti śītamuṣṇaṁ bhayaṁ ratiḥ । samṛddhir asamṛddhir vā sa vai paṇḍita ucyate ॥
A wise person remains committed to duty despite heat and cold, fear and desire, prosperity and adversity.
सुवर्ण-रौप्य-माणिक्य-वसनैरपि पूरिताः। तथापि प्रार्थयन्त्येव कृषकान् भक्ततृष्णया॥
suvarṇa-raupya-māṇikya-vasanair api pūritāḥ । tathāpi prārthayanti eva kṛṣakān bhaktatṛṣṇayā ॥
Gold, silver, jewels, and fine clothes cannot replace food; even the wealthy ultimately depend on the farmer for sustenance.
गते शोको न कर्तव्यो भविष्यं नैव चिन्तयेत्। वर्तमानेन कालेन वर्तयन्ति विचक्षणाः॥
gate śokaḥ na kartavyo bhaviṣyaṁ naiva cintayet । vartamānena kālena vartayanti vicakṣaṇāḥ ॥
The wise neither grieve over what has passed nor become anxious about what is yet to come; they attend to the present.
पुष्पिताः फलवन्तश्च तर्पयन्तीह मानवान्। वृक्षदं पुत्रवत् वृक्षास्तारयन्ति परत्र च॥
puṣpitāḥ phalavantaś ca tarpayantīha mānavān । vṛkṣadaṁ putravat vṛkṣās tarayanti paratra ca ॥
Flowering and fruit-bearing trees continue to benefit others long after they are planted, making tree planting an enduring act of service.
धर्मो यशो नयो दाक्ष्यम् मनोहारि सुभाषितम्। इत्यादिगुणरत्नानां संग्रहीनावसीदति॥
dharmaḥ yaśo nayaḥ dākṣyam manohāri subhāṣitam । ityādi guṇaratnānāṁ saṅgrahīnāvasīdati ॥
Dharma, good repute, sound judgment, competence, and gracious speech together form a character capable of meeting adversity without despair.
अल्पानामपि वस्तूनां संहतिः कार्यसाधिका। तृणैर्गुणत्वमापन्नैर्बध्यन्ते मत्तदन्तिनः॥
alpanām api vastūnāṁ saṃhatiḥ kārya-sādhikā । tṛṇair guṇatvam āpannair badhyante mattadantinaḥ ॥
Small and fragile things, when carefully joined, can accomplish great work—just as a rope of grass can restrain an elephant.
न मर्षयन्ति चात्मानं सम्भावयितुमात्मना। अदर्शयित्वा शूरास्तु कर्म कुर्वन्ति दुष्करम्॥
na marśayanti cātmānaṁ sambhāvayitum ātmana । adarśayitvā śūrāstu karma kurvanti duṣkaraṁ ॥
True heroes do not proclaim their own greatness; they allow demanding deeds and quiet courage to reveal their worth.
सर्वं परवशं दुःखं सर्वमात्मवशं सुखम्। एतद् विद्यात् समासेन लक्षणं सुखदुःखयोः॥
sarvaṁ paravaśaṁ duḥkhaṁ sarvam ātmavaśaṁ sukham । etad vidyāt samāsena lakṣaṇaṁ sukha-duḥkhayoḥ ॥
Dependence leaves happiness in another’s hands, while self-command creates the freedom and inner steadiness from which well-being grows.
क्रोधः प्राणहरः शत्रुः क्रोधो मित्रमुखो रिपुः। क्रोधो ह्यसिर्महातीक्ष्णः सर्वं क्रोधोऽपकर्षति॥
krodhaḥ prāṇaharaḥ śatruḥ krodho mitramukho ripuḥ । krodho hy asir mahātīkṣṇaḥ sarvaṃ krodho ’pakarṣati ॥
Anger is an enemy carried within: destructive, difficult to master, and capable of bringing ruin upon the person who harbors it.
सुदुर्बलं नावजानाति कञ्चिद् युक्तो रिपुं सेवते बुद्धिपूर्वम्। न विग्रहं रोचयते बलस्थैः काले च यो विक्रमते स धीरः॥
sudurbalaṃ nāvajānāti kañcid yukto ripuṃ sevate buddhipūrvam । na vigrahaṃ rocayate balasthaiḥ kāle ca yo vikramate sa dhīraḥ ॥
Sudurbalam Navajanati defines a true hero as one who acts with wisdom and restraint, showing bravery only at the right time and place.
आसनेन रुजो हन्ति प्राणायामेन पातकम्। विकारं मानसं योगी प्रत्याहारेण सर्वदा॥ धारणाभिर्मनोधैर्यं याति चैतन्यमद्भुतम्। समाधौ मोक्षमाप्नोति त्यक्त्वा कर्म शुभाशुभम्॥
āsanena rujo hanti prāṇāyāmena pātakam । vikāraṁ mānasaṁ yogī pratyāhāreṇa sarvadā ॥ dhāraṇābhir mano dhairyaṁ yāti caitanyam adbhutam । samādhau mokṣam āpnoti tyaktvā karma śubhāśubham ॥
Asana, pranayama, and disciplined yoga address bodily affliction and inner impurity, preparing the seeker for deeper freedom.