शीलवान् पूजितो लोके शीलवान् साधुसम्मतः। शीलवान् सर्वकर्मार्हः शीलवान् प्रियदर्शनः॥
śīlavān pūjito loke śīlavān sādhusammataḥ । śīlavān sarvakarmārhaḥ śīlavān priyadarśanaḥ ॥
Meaning of Śīlavān Pūjito Loke Śīlavān
A person of noble character earns respect in society and the esteem of the virtuous. Through integrity, humility and disciplined conduct, such an individual is regarded as worthy of every responsibility. Their personality is admirable, inspiring and worthy of emulation. In truth, noble character is the true foundation of lasting success, effective leadership, and enduring trust.
Word by word
- शीलवान्śīlavān
the person of character
शील
- पूजितःpūjitaḥ
is honoured
√पूज्
- लोकेloke
in the world
लोक
- साधुसम्मतःsādhusammataḥ
esteemed by the good
√साध् + सम् + √मन्
- सर्वकर्मार्हःsarvakarmārhaḥ
fit for every task
सर्व + √कृ + √अर्ह्
- प्रियदर्शनःpriyadarśanaḥ
pleasing to behold
प्रिय + √दृश्
Commentary
The verse builds each of its four statements around śīlavān, a person endowed with good character or settled conduct. Such a person is pūjitaḥ, respected in society, and sādhusammataḥ, approved or esteemed by people of virtue. Sarvakarmārhaḥ adds a practical consequence: character makes someone worthy of being entrusted with every kind of work, while priyadarśanaḥ suggests a presence that others regard with affection and approval. In its original chapter on the qualities of an architect, the maxim places character alongside professional competence rather than treating technical knowledge as sufficient by itself. Trust grows when ability is joined to dependable conduct, and social regard follows from that union. The verse therefore presents character not as private ornament, but as the basis on which respect and responsibility are conferred.
Sources and textual variants
Original Post
More from Samarangana-sutradhara
View source pageज्ञानवांश्च 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.
More subhashitams on Character
View topic pageवत्सराजोऽपि 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.
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.