Today's Subhashita.

अपूर्वरसना  व्यालाः   खलाननबिलेशयाः  |

कर्णमूले स्पृशन्त्यन्यं हरन्त्यन्यस्य जीवितम्  ||

अर्थ  = दुष्ट व्यक्तियों की जिह्वा ( वाणी )एक बिल में छुपे हुए  सर्प के समान होती है | जब् वह् किसी अन्य व्यक्ति के कर्णमूलों मे प्रविष्ट होती है सर्प दंश के समान उसके प्राण-हरण में भी सक्षम होती है.

    (  इस सुभाषित मे कटु वचन बोलने वाले नीच व्यक्तियों की जीभ की तुलना एक सर्प से और मुंह् की सर्प के बिल से की गयी है | कटु वचन सर्प दंश के तुल्य कहे गये हैं जो कि सुनने वाले का प्राणान्त करने में भी सक्षम होते है, विशेषतः जब  बात हद से आगे गुजर जाती है और आपस में मारपीट  हो जाती है  )   

Apoorvarasanaa vyalaah khanananabileshayaah.

karnamoole sprushantyanyam harantyanyasya jeevitam.

Apoorva = unique, novel.     Rasanaa = tongue.     Vyaalaah =snakes.    Khalaanana= khala+aanana.

Khala = wicked persons.  Aanan= mouth.  Bileshayaa = holes, openings. Karnamool = root of the ear.

sprushantyanyam +sprashanti +anyam.       Sprashanti = touches.        Anyam = others.

Harantyanyasya=   haranti+ anyasya.    Haranti = takes away.   Jeevitam =life.

i.e.    The tongue ( way of speaking) of wicked persons is unique like a snake living in a hole (likened to the mouth of the wicked  person) .  When ever it (the words spoken) touchs the ear drums of other persons, it  acts like a snake bite and can  take away even the life of such persons.

(In this Subhashita the author has used the simile of a snake living in a hole for the tongue of a foul
mouthed wicked person and his way of speaking to a snake bite, which can likewise even result in
the killing of other persons if the ensuing altercation goes beyond limits.)

Today's Subhashita.

अतिमलिने  कर्तव्ये भवति खलानामतीव निपुणा धीः |
तिमिरे   हि   कौशिकानां  रूपं   प्रतिपद्यते    दृष्टिः    ||

अर्थ -   अत्यन्त मलिन कार्यों को करने मे दुष्ट व्यक्तियों की बुद्धि और निपुणता उसी प्रकार  अतीव होती है  जैसे केवल अन्धकार में ही उल्लुओं की दृष्टि कार्य करती है और उन्हें स्पष्ट दिखाई देता है |

Atimaline kartavye bhavati khalaanaamateeva nipunaa dheeh.
Timire  hi kaushikaanaam roopm pratipadyate  Drushtih.

Ati = very.    Maline = dirty, foul.     Kartavye = duty, work.    Bhavati = happen.   Khalaanaamateeva =
Khalaanaam + ateeva.     Khalaanaam =wicked persons.    Ateeva = extremely.    Nipunaa = skilled.
Dheeh = intelligence.     Timire = in the darkness.    Hi = because, certainly.   Kaushikaanaam = owls'
Roopam = form, appearance,            Pratipadyate = happen, cause.          Drushtih =eyesight, vision .

i.e.    Lowly and wicked persons are extremely inclined and skilled  in wrong doings harmful to others, just like Owls, which are able to see  properly only in the darkness.

(In this Subhashita wicked and cunning persons have been  alluded to Owls, who can function only in darkness,  and darkness has been alluded to illegal and unethical activities.)   

Today's Subhashita.

उत्तमो   नातिवक्ता स्यात् अधमो   बहु  भाषते |
न कान्चेन ध्वनिस्तादृक यादृक् कांस्ये प्रजायते ||

अर्थ  -  श्रेष्ठ व्यक्ति बहुधा  वाचाल नहीं होते हैं  पर निम्न श्रेणी के व्यक्ति बहुत वाचाल होते हैं, उसी प्रकार जैसे सोना  (जो एक मूल्यवान धातु है) प्रहार किये जाने पर वैसी ध्वनि नहीं करता जैसी कम  मूल्यवान पीतल या कांसे पर प्रहार करने से होती है  |

Uttamo naativaktaa syaat adhamo bahu bhaashate.
Na kaanchena dhwanistaadruk yaadruk kaamsyo prajaayate.

Uttamo = great people.   Naativaaktaa = Na+ativaktaa.    Na= not.   Ativaktaa = talkative, garrulous.
Syaat = perhaps       Adhamo = inferior and vile people.    Bahu = too much.    Bhaashate = talk.
Kaanchena = gold's.    Dhwanistaadruk = dwhanih + taadruk.     Dhwanih = sound. Taadruk =in such a manner.   Yaadruk =like that of.    Kaansye = bronze , brass or bell metal.   Prajaayate = generates.

i.e.     Honorable persons are generally not talkative, whereas ordinary and lowly persons are very talkative, in the same manner as Gold (being a precious metal), on being hit produces a  muted sound as against a loud sound  produced by brass or gunmetal (which is cheaper);

(In this subhashita honorable and righteous persons are compared to Gold and ordinary persons to brass or gunmetal, taking a cue from the sound produced by these metals and their relative cost.)

Today's Subhashita.

अल्पकार्यकराः सन्ति ये नरा बहु भाषिणः |
शरत्कालिनमेघास्ते नूनं गर्जन्ति केवलम् ||

अर्थ -  बातूनी व्यक्ति बातें अधिक करते हैं और कार्य कम करते हैं ठीक उसी प्रकार जैसे शरद्  ऋतु में मेघ गर्जन तो करते है  पर जल वृष्टि नहीं करते हैं
      (इसी आशय का एक मुहावरा है कि -  "जो गरजते  हैं वे बरसते नहीं "  |

Alpakaaryakaraah santi ye naraah bahu bhashinah.
Sharatkaalinameghaaste noonam garjanti kevalam.

Alpakaaryakaraa = Alpa+kaarya+karah.       Alpa = very little      Karya = work     Kara = doing,
Santi = there are.     Ye  =those      Naraa= persons.    Bahubhaashinah= garrulous , talkative.
Sharatkaakinmeghaaste = sharatkaaleen +meghaah +te.     Sharatkaaleen =autumnal.   Meghaah = clouds
Te = they.    Noonam = indeed.     Garjanti = make rumbling sound.    Kevalam = only, merely.

i.e.     Those persons who are very talkative, do very little work and are just like the clouds during autumn season, which merely make  rumbling sound and do not produce any rain

Today's Subhashita.

अश्वस्य भूषणं वेगो मत्तं स्याद् गजभूषणम् |
चातुर्यं  भूषणं  नार्या  उद्द्योगो  नर   भूषणम्  ||

अर्थ -  घोडे की शोभा  (प्रशंसा ) उसके वेग के कारण होती है और हाथी की उसकी मदमस्त चाल से होती है |
           नारियों की शोभा उनकी विभिन्न कार्यों मे दक्षता के कारण और पुरुषों  की उनकी उद्द्योगशीलता  के
           कारण होती है |

Ashwasya bhooshanam vego mattam syaad sajbhooshanam.
Chaaturyam bhooshanam naaryaa uddyoo nara bhooshanam.

Ashvasya = a horse's    Bhooshanam = adornment.    Vego = speed.     Mattam =   a drunken person.      Syaad = motion.     Gaja = elephant.     Chaaturyam = skill.     Naaryaa = women.   Nara = men.
Uddogo =industriousness, perseverance.

i.e.    Adornment of a horse is in his speed and that of an elephant in his majestic gait like a drunken person.
Women are adorned  and appreciated for their skills and men for their industriousness and perseverance.

Today's Subhashita. (Discourse on 'Rajdharma' - continued).

पुरगुप्तिरविश्वासः         पौरसंघातभेदनम्  |

अरिमध्यस्थमित्राणां यथावच्छान्ववेक्षणम् ||

नीतिधर्मानुसरणं      नित्यमुत्थानमेव     च |

रिपूणामनवज्ञानं    नित्यं    चानार्यवर्जनम्  ||

अर्थ -   राज्य की रक्षा के साधनों का वर्णन करते हुए पितामह भीष्म आगे कहते हैं  :-

" नगर की रक्षा का पूरा प्रबन्ध् करना, इस विषय पर दूसरों के विश्वास पर न रहना , पुरवासियों ने 

अपने विरुद्ध कोइ गुटबन्दी की हो तो उसमें फूट डलवा देना , शत्रु, मित्र और मध्यस्थों  पर यथोचित

दृष्टि रखना, नीतिधर्म का अनुसरण करना, सदा उद्द्योगशील् बने रहना, शत्रुओं की ओर् से सावधान रहना और नीच कर्मों तथा दुष्ट पुरुषों को सदा के लिये त्याग देना  - ये सभी राज्य की रक्षा के साधन हैं |

Puraguptiravishvaasah paursamghaatabhedanam.

Arimadhyasthamitraanaam yathaavachaanvavekshanam'

Neetidharmaanusaranam nityamutthaanameva cha,

Ripoonaaamanavagyaanam nityam chaanaaryavarjanam.

Puraguptiraviravirshvaasah =pura +guptih+avishvasah|    Pura = city.   Guptih = protection.

Avishvaash =having  no reliance.  Paur = citizens.    Samghaat = conspiracy.   Bhedanam = foiling.

Ari = enemy.    Madhyastha = mediator.  Mitraanaam = friends.  Yathaavacchaanvavekshanam=

yathaavat +cha+anvekshanam .   Yathaavat = as deemed necessary, adequately.   cha = a;lso.

Anvekshanam = keep a close eye.     Neetidharma = morals,ethics.     Anusaran = follow, pursue.

Nitya = always.    Utthaan = progress.    Ripoonaam = enemies.   Anavagyaan = not being careless,remain alert.   Chaanaaryavarjanam = cha+anaarya+varjanam .   Anaary = not respectable and honourable.

Varjanam = avoided.

     Concluding his discourse about the means of protection of the Kingdom, Bheeshma further advises Yudhishthara as under:-

     "A king should ensure that (i) there is proper arrangement for the defence of the Capital and in this respect should not rely completely on others,   (ii) if the citizens conspire against him, he should foil it by creating dissension among them,  (iii) keep a close watch on the activities of his enemies, mediators and friends, (iv)  be moral and ethical in his behaviour,  (v) always strive for the progress of the Kingdom, 

(vi) always remain alert against his enemies and (vii) never keep the company of wicked and lowly persons."

(The entire discourse runs into hundreds of verses. I have selected only some of them, which are relevant at all times.   This discourse shows the vision of our ancestors on all aspects of governance.  During the discourse Bheeshma mentions that God Brahma created  a 'Neeti Shaastra' , which runs into 100,000 chapters on 'Dharma'  , 'Artha',  'Kaama' and 'Moksha' , 'Rajdharma'  just being a part of it..  I will conclude this series here.  I hope that it will be liked by every body.)

Today's Subhashita. (Discourse on 'Rajdharma' - continued )

1.  केतनानां च जीर्णानामवेक्षा  चैव सीदताम्  |
     द्विविधस्य च दण्डस्य प्रयोगः कालचोदितः ||
2.  साधूनामपरित्यागः कुलीनानां च धारणम्  |
     निचयश्च निचेयानां सेवा बुद्धिमतामपि    ||
3.  बलानां हर्षणं नित्यं प्रजानामन्ववेक्षणम् |
     कार्येष्वखेदः  कोशस्य तथैव च विवर्धनम् ||

अर्थ -  राजधर्म की व्याख्या करते हुए भीष्म पितामह आगे कहते हैं  कि  - "पुराने भवनों  की मरम्मत और मन्दिरों का  जीर्णोद्धार कराना , दीन दुखियों की देखभाल करना , समयानुसार शारीरिक और आर्थिक दोनों प्रकार के दण्ड का प्रयोग करना,  साधु पुरुषों का त्याग न करना, , कुलीन मनुष्यों को अपने पास रखना , संग्रह योग्य वस्तुओं का संग्रह करना, पुरस्कार आदि द्वारा सेना  का  हर्ष और उत्साह् बढाना , नित्य निरन्तर प्रजा की देखभाल करना, कार्य करने मे कष्ट का अनुभव न करना राजकोष की वृद्धि करना , ये सभी राज्य की रक्षा के साधन हैं |    (आगे भी जारी रहेगा )

1.  Ketakaanaam cha jeernaanaamavekshaa chaiva seedataam'
     dwividhasya cha dandasya prayogh kaalachoditah.
2...Saadhoonaamparityaagh kuleenanaam cha dhaaranam.
     nichayashcha nicheyaanaam seva buddhimataamapi.
3.  Balaanam harshanam nityam .prajaanaamanvavekshanam
     kaaryeshvakhedah koshasya tathaiva cha vivardhanam.

1. ketanaanam = buildings and temples.    Jeernaanaam = old and delapidated.    Aveksha = take care.
    Seedataam =weakened    Dwividhasya = of  two kinds.   Dandasya = punishments.
    Prayoga = use.    Kaalchoditah = depending upon the circumstances..
2. saadhoonaam = righteous persons.   Aparityaga = not to abandon or leave.   Kuleenaanaam = noble             persons.   Nichayashch = collection of.     Nicheyaanaam = objects worth collecting.   Seva =service
    Buddhimataam = wise and learned persons.
3. Balaanaam = Army's     Harshanam = encouragement, .Nitya = always.   Prajanaam = citizens'
    Anvavekshanam = looking after.     Kaaryeshvakhedah = Kaaryeshu +akhedah.  Akheda = no regret.
    Kaaryeshu = works, duties.    Koshasya =  of the State's Treasury.   Vivardhanam = augmenting.

Continuing his discourse Bheeshma says -   " O Yudhishthara ! these are also the  means of protecting a kingdom, which a King must adopt :-  (i)  Restoration of old and dilapidated buildings and temples of importance, (ii)  welfare measures for weak and poor people (iii)  enforcing both financial and/or  physical punishment to the  law breakers (iv) not to abandon noble persons  (v) keeping the company of noble and learned persons  (vi) collection and preservation of  objects worth collecting (vii) keeping the morale of the Army high by giving prizes and gallantry awards (viii) always keeping in mind the welfare of the citizens and
never feeling any sort of regret in doing so (ix) taking special care to augment the Treasury of the kingdom,
and.......... (to be continued in tomorrow's post)

 

Today's Subhashita (Discourse on 'Rajdharma' -continued.)

राजधर्म के अन्तर्गत विभिन्न रक्षात्मक साधनों का वर्णन करते हुए भीष्म पितामह  राजा युधिष्ठर से कहते हैं :-
(1)   चारश्च प्रणिधिश्चैव काले दानममत्सरात्  |
        युक्त्यादनं न चादानमयोगेन  युधिष्ठिर   ||
(
2)   सतां संग्रहणं शौर्यं दाक्ष्यं सत्यं प्रजाहितम् |
       अनार्जवैरार्जवैश्च    शत्रुपक्षस्य   भेदनम्   ||

अर्थ -  युधिष्ठिर !  गुप्तचर (जासूस) रखना,  दूसरे राष्ट्रों मे अपना प्रतिनिधि (राजदूत) नियुक्त करना,
           कर्मचारियों  को समय पर वेतन देना , युक्ति से कर लेना , अन्याय से प्रजा के धन को न हड्पना ,                  सत्पुरुषों का संग्रह  करना , शूरता , कार्यदक्षता , सत्यभाषण , प्रजा का हित-चिन्तन, सरल या कुटिल               उपायों से शत्रु में फूट डालना  ........ (शेष आगामी दिवस में )

Describing the various preventive and protective measures ,which a king must adopt while observing the  'Rajdharma',  Bheeshma addresses Yudhishthira as under:

(1).  Chaarashch pranidhishchaiva kaale daanamamatsaraat.
       Yuktyaadaanam na chaadaanamayogena Yudhishthara.

(2)   Sataam samgrahanam shauryam daakshyam satyam prajaahitam'
        Anaarjavairaarhavaishcha shatrupakshasya bhedanam.

(1)    Chaarashch = spies.     Pranidhi = ambassador, emissary.   Kaale = timely.   Daan = salary.
         Amatsaraat =unenviously.    Yuktyaa =reasonable grounds.   Aadaan = levying taxes.
         Ayogena = unreasonably.
(2)     Sataam + Noble and righteous persons.    Samgrahanam = acquisition.   Shaurya = bravery.
          Daakshyam = skill, cleaverness.    Satyam = truthfullness.    Prajaahitam = welfare of citizens.
          Anarjava = fairness, honsty.     Anarjava = crookedness.  Shatrupakshasy = enemy's.
          Bhedan =dividing, creating division.

" O Yudhishthara !  these are the preventive and protective measures a King must adopt, while
observing the 'Rajdharma' -  (i) appointing spies  (ii) appointing ambassadors in other countries (iii) timely disbursement of salaries to the employees without any malice towards them (iv) levy taxes rationally on reasonable grounds (v)  not to unjustly deprive the citizens of their wealth  (vi)  employ noble and righteous
persons in the service of the kingdom, (vii ) be brave  (vii)  be skilled and cleaver (viii) truthful  (ix) always
striving for the welfare of the citizens (x) create division and weakness in the enemies through fair or crooked
means, as the situation demands,  ....(to be continued in tomorrow's post)




,

Today's Subhashita. (Discourse on 'Rajdharma' - continued )

तद्राज्ये  राज्यकामानां नान्यो धर्मः सनातनः |
ऋते  रक्षां तु  विस्पष्टां रक्षा लोकस्य धारिणी ||

अर्थ -   राज्य चाहने वालॆ राजाओं के लिये राज्य में प्रजाओं की भली भांति रक्षा को छोड  कर और कोई
            सनातन धर्म नहीं है|  रक्षा ही जगत् को धारण करने वाली  है |

Tadraajye raajyakaamaanaam naanyo dharmh sanaatanah.
Rutey rakshaam vispashtaam rakshaa lokasya dhaarinee.

Tadraajye =tad +raajye.    Tad = in that.    Raajye = Kingdom.   Raajyakaamaanaam =Rajya=kaamaanaam.
Kaamaanaam = desirous of ...      Naanyo =na+anyo.     Na= not.     Anyo - another.    Dharmh= religion.
Sanaatasnah = eternal, permanent.,supreme         Rutey = excepting.        Rakshaam = protection.  
Vispashta = very clearly.       Lokasya = world's     Dharinee = maintainer.

Bheeshma further says to Yudhishthara -   "Those kings who wish to rule over their citizens,there is no
religion  more supreme other than protection of the citizens of the kingdom , because a protective environment from all sorts of dangers etc. is most conducive for continuance of this World."  .

Today's Subhashita. (Discourse on 'Rajdharma' - continued).

(1) न  च  शत्रुरवज्ञेयो   दुर्बलोऽपि   बलीयसा  |
     अल्पोऽपि हि दहत्यग्निर्विषमल्पं हिनस्ति च ||

(2) एकाङ्गेनापि सम्भूतः शत्रुर्दुर्गमुपाश्रितः  |
      सर्वं  तापयते  देशमपि  राज्ञः  समृद्धिनः ||

अर्थ -  (1)   बलवान पुरुष कभी दुर्बल शत्रु की भी अवहेलना न करे , अर्थात उसे  छोटा  समझ कर उस की ओर्  से लापरवाही न दिखावे ; क्योंकि आग थोडी सी भी हो तो भी जला डालती है और विष कम  मात्रा  में हो तो भी मार डालता है  |

          (2)   चतुरङ्गिणी सेना के एक अङ्ग से भी सम्पन्न हुआ शत्रु दुर्ग का आश्रय ले कर समृद्धिशाली  राजा के समूचे देश  को भी संतप्त कर डालता है |

(1)   Na cha shatruravayeyo durbalopi  baleeyasi.
        Alpopi hi dahatyaagnirvishamalpam hinasti cha.

(2)    Ekaangenaapi sambhootah shatrurdurgamupaashritah.
         Sarvm taapayate deshamapi raagyah samruddhinah .

1.    Shatruravagyeya = shatru+ avagyeya    Shatru = enemy.    Avagyeya = with disregard, ignore.
        Durbalopi =durbal +api.     Durbal = weak.    Api = even.    Baleeyasaa = more powerful.
        Alpopi = alpa+api.      Alpa= small, unimportant.    Dahatyaagnirvishmalpam = dahati+agni+visham+
        alpam .      Dahati = burns.    Agni = fire.     Visdham = poison .  Hinasti = kills.     Cha = also.
2.     Ekaangenaapi = eka+angena+api.    Eka =one.    Angena = one department or division.
        Sambhoota =equipped with, having.  Shatrurdurgamupaashritah =shatru+durgam+upaashritah.
        Shatgru = enemy.   Durga = Fort, castle.   Upaashrita = relying upon, having recourse to.
        Sarvam = all, entire.   Taapayate = causes distress..       Deshamapi = Desha+api.
        Desh = Country,kingdom      Raagyah = King     Samruddhinah = prosperous.

     Continuing his discourse on 'Rajdharma' , Bheeshma further advises Yudhishthara about the strategies to be adopted for dealing with the enemies of the kingdom, as under :-

(1)  A powerful king should not disregard even a weak enemy, and should not be careless towards him by considering him as insignificant, because even a small fire is capable of  spreading and causing much damage, and likewise even a small quantity of poison can kill.

(2)   Even an enemy having capability in only one department of warfare but having recourse to a fort, can cause distress to the entire affluent and powerful kingdom.

(In ancient times the Army was comprised of four departments, namely elephants, chariots,cavalry and infantry, and all of them combined  was called 'Chaturangini Sena' .  The advice of Bheeshma is still relevant, although the modes of warfare have changed altogether.  Here we can cite the example of the Kashmir problem being faced by India.. Pakistan's frequent skirmishes all along the 'line of actual control' (LOC) and support to terrorist activities in our country, are  envisaged in the above two Subhashitas)

Today's Subhashita. (Discourse on 'Rajdharma' - continued.)

उत्थानेनामृतं  लब्धमुत्थानेनासुरा   हताः |
उत्थानेन महेन्द्रेण श्रैष्ठ्यं प्राप्तं दिवीह च ||

उत्थानहीनो राजा हि बुद्धिमानापि नित्यशः |
प्रधर्षणीयः  शत्रूणां  भुजङ्ग  इव  निर्विषः   ||

अर्थ  -   (1) देवराज इन्द्र ने उद्द्योग से ही अमृत प्राप्त किया था , उद्द्योग से ही असुरों का संहार किया था  तथा उद्द्योग  से  ही इहलोक में श्रेष्ठता प्राप्त की थी |
            (2)  जो राजा उद्द्योगहीन होता है, वह् बुद्धिमान् होने पर भी विषहीन सर्प के  समान सदैव शत्रुओं द्वारा परास्त होता रहाता है |

Utthaanenaamrutam labdhmutthaanenaasura hataah.
Utthaanena mahendrena shreshthyam praaptadiveeha cha.

Utthaanheeno rajaa hi buddhimanaapi nityashah.
Pradharshaneeya shatroonaam bhujang iva nirvishah.

(1)Utthaaanenaamrutam = Utthaanena + amrutam.      Utthaan = entrepreneurship, industriousness..
Amrutam = A nectar having the properties of making immortal any body who drinks it. According to Hindu mythology Gods and Demons jointly churned the ocean to bring out this nectar as also many other valuable things from the depth of ocean. This episode is known as "Samudra Manthan'" in Hindu Mythology.
Labdhamutthanenaasuraa = Labdh +utthaanena+ asuraa.   Labdh = by getting.  Asuraa = Demons, the adversaries of Gods.     Mahendrena = by the Great Indra, king of Gods.    Shreshthyam = superiority,
preeminence among....   Diveeha = Diva + iha.        Diva =.Heaven, the abode of Gods.
Iha = this World.   (2)  Utthaanaheeno =  devoid of entrepreneurship.   Buddhimaan = Wise and learned.
Api = even.    Nityashah = always.      Pradharshaneeyah = open to being attacked and defeated.
Shatroonaam = by the enemies.    Bhujang = a snake.   Iva = like     Nirvishah = without any  poison.

     Extolling the virtues of entrepreneurship, Bheeshma further says to Yudhishthira as under :-,
(1) Only due to his entrepreneurship, Indra -the King of Gods, was able to acquire "Amruta' and kill Demons, their adversaries,  and also gain superiority in both the Heaven and the Earth.
(2)  A King, who is not enterprising, no matter how much wise and learned he  may be, is like a non-poisonous and harmless snake,and is always prone to be attacked and defeated by his enemies. 

Today's Subhashita. (Discourse on 'Raajdharma' - continued )

राज्यं  सर्वामिषं    नित्यमार्जवेनेह   धार्यते |
तस्मान्मिश्रेण सततं वर्तितव्यं युधिष्ठिर ||

अर्थ -  हे युधिष्ठिर  !  राज्य सब् के उपभोग की वस्तु है | अतः सदा सरल भाव से ही  उस की संभाल की जा               सकती है  |   इसलिये राजा में दृढता  और कोमलता दोनों भावों का संमिश्रण  होना चाहिये |

Raajyam sarvamisham nityamaarjaveneha dharyate.         (in continuation of yesterday's Shloka)
taamaan mishrena satatam varitavyam yudhishthara.

Raajym = Kingdom.   Sarvamisham =sarva +amisham.   Sarva = every one.    Amisham = means of enjoyment.     Nityamaarjaveneha =  nityam+arjaven+ iha.    Nitya= always, every day.
Arjavena = by honesty, sincerity, straightforwardness.    Iha = in this case.   Dhaaryate =  can be upheld.
Tasmaanmishrena=  tasmaat +mishrena,    Tasmat = hence, therefore.    Mishrena = blend of....
Satatam = continuously.   Vartitavyam = to be practised, dealt with accordingly.

Continuing his discourse Bheeshma says to Yudhishthara -

"O Yudhishthara !  The kingdom is a means of support and enjoyment for its citizens ,  Therefore, its sanctity and utility can always be upheld and maintained only through honesty, sincerity and  straightforwardness.
Hence the King's  attitude towards governance of the kingdom should be a  judicious blend of firmness and kindness, depending upon the prevailing situations.

(These principles of Governance enunciated by Bheeshma to Yudhishthara are of eternal value.  All the conflicts and strifes in this World  are  mainly due to non-observance of these principles, classified by the sage Vedavyaas as "Rajdharma" , and are still as valid  as they were thousands of years back.)

Today's Subhashita. (Discourse on 'Rajdharma' - continued)

राज्यं हि सुमहत् तन्त्रं धार्यते नाकृतात्मभिः |
न शक्यं मृदुना वोधुमायासस्थानमुत्तमम्   ||

अर्थ -  राज्य एक बहुत बडा तन्त्र है | जिन्होने अपने मन को वश में नहीं किया है , ऐसे क्रूर स्वाभाव  वाले और अकुशल राजा  उस विशाल तन्त्र को संभाल नहीं सकते हैं  | इसी प्रकार जो बहुत कोमल प्रकृति के होते हैं, वे भी इस का भार वहन नहीं कर सकते | उनके लिये राज्य बडा भारी जंजाल  हो जाता है |

Raajyam hi sumahat tantram dhaaryate naakrutaatmabhih.
Na shakym mrudunaa vodhumaayaasasthaanmuttamam.

Raajyam = kingdom.    hi = indeed, surely.    Sumahat = very great.     Tantram = administration system., Government.     Dhaaryate =manage the control, support.   Naakrutaatmabhih = na+akrutaatma+bhih.
Na = not.    Akrutaatma = incompetent .     bhi = terrifying, cruel .     Shakyam = capable of controling.
Mrudunaa = gentle persons.   Bodhumaayaassthaanmuttamam = Bodhum +ayaas+sthaan+uttmam.
Bodhu = bear the burden.     Ayaas = nimbly.     Sthaan = position, place.    Uttamam = best,  most.

Continuing his discourse Bheeshma further gives advice to Yudhishthara about governance of the kingdom in the following words -       " A kingdom is a very large administrative system, and those kings who are incompetent , cruel and have no control over their mind, can not control and administer this system.
Similarly those kings who are very kind  and noble are also unable to bear this burden and for them ruling the kingdom is a cumbersome task.

(In the next 'Shloka'  (to be posted tomorrow) Bheeshma further clarifies  that a King's attitude should be a well-balanced combination of sternness and kindness, depending upon the prevailing circumstances) 

Today's Subhashita. (Discourse on 'Rajdharma' -continued).

सर्वाभिशङ्की नृपतिर्यश्च सर्वहरो भवेत्  |
स  क्षिप्रमनृजुर्लुब्धः  स्वजनैव    बध्यते  ||

अर्थ -  जो राजा सब पर संदेह करता है और सबका सर्वस्व हर लेता है, वह् लोभी और कुटिल राजा एक दिन अपने ही लोगों के हाथ  से शीघ्र मारा जाता है

Sarvaabhishanjee nrupatryashch sarvaharo bhavet.
sakshripramanrjurlubdhh swajanaiva badhyate.

sarvaabhikhanki = Sarva+abhishankee.     Sarva = every one.     Abhishankee = suspecting, doubting.
Nrupatiryashch = Nrupati+yah +cha.    Nrupati = king.    Yah =  whosoever.    Cha = and.
Sarvaharo=sarva+haro.      Haro = forcibly taking away,     Bhavet = happens to be.   Sa = that.
Kshipramanrujurlubdhh = kshipram + anruju +lubdhh.     Kshpram = quickly, speedily.  Anruju= crooked.
Lubdhh = greedy.    Svajanenaiva = swajanena + iva.     Swajana = one's own men.    Iva = like, indeed.
Badhyate = killed.

      Warning Yudhishthara about the acts which a King should not indulge into,  Bheeshma further says -

       " A crooked and greedy king, who suspects everybody  and forcibly takes away  all the wealth of his citizens, sooner or later gets killed by his own subordinates

(History of mankind is replete with numerous instances of  tyrant kings meeting a gory end due to rebellion by their citizens, palace intrigues  or military coups. The above Shloka underlines this fact in clear terms.)

Today's Subhashita. ( Discourse on 'Rajdharma' - continued )

न विश्वसेच्च नृपतिर्न चात्यर्थं च विश्वसेत्  |
षाड्गुण्यगुणदोषांश्च नित्यं बुध्यावलोकयेत्  ||

अर्थ -   राजा किसी पर भी विश्वास न करे  |  विश्वसनीय व्यक्ति भी अत्यन्त विश्वास् न करे |
            राजनीति के छः गुण होते हैं - संधि , विग्रह ,यान,आसन ,  द्वैधीभाव और समाश्रय ** |  इन
            सब् के गुण-दोषों का अपनी बुद्धि द्वारा  सदा  निरीक्षण  करे |

(** यदि शत्रु पर चढाई की जाय और वह् अपने से बलवान्  हो तो उस से मेल कर लेना 'संधि' नाम का गुण है.|  यदि दोनों में समान बल हो तो लडाई  जारी रखना 'विग्रह' है | यदि शत्रु दुर्बल हो तो उस अवस्था में उसके दुर्गौपर आक्रमण किया जाय तो उसे 'यान' कहते हैं |  यदि अपने उपर शत्रु का अक्रमण  हो और शत्रु पक्ष प्रबल जान पडे तो उस समय अपने को दुर्ग आदि में छिपाये रख कर जो आत्मरक्षा की जाती है वह् 'आसन' कहलाता है.|  यदि चढाई करने वाला शत्रु मध्यंम  श्रेणी का हो तो 'द्वैधी  भाव' का सहारा लिया जाता है  यानी उसे उपर से    दूसरा भाव दिखाया जाता है और भीतर  से अन्य  भाव  रखा जाता है | जैसे आधी सेना दुर्ग में रख कर आत्मरक्षा करना और शेष सेना द्वारा शत्रु के अन्न आदि सामग्री पर कब्जा करना 'द्वैधी ' भाव के अन्तर्गत  है |   आक्रमणकारी से पीडित होने पर किसी मित्र राजा का सहारा लेकर लडाई  छेड्ना 'समाश्रय' कहलाता  है |

Na Vishwaseccha nrupatirna chaatyaartham cha vishwaset.
shaadgunyagunadoshaamshcha  nityam buddhyaavalokayet.

    Describing the diplomatic moves a king should take while defending  his kingdom during an attack by other kings, Bheeshma gives his advice to Yudhishthara as under :-

    " The King should not rely completely on any body.  He should not have complete faith even on his reliable Councillors. He should always weigh in his mind the pros and cons of the six important aspects of diplomacy **

( ** There are six departments of diplomacy, namely (i) a Treaty, if the enemy is more powerful, called a 'SANDHI', (ii) continuing the conflict if both the parties are well balanced ,called 'VIGRAH',  (iii) attacking
the enemy with full force, if the enemy is weak , called  a 'YAAN' , (iv) if the enemy is more powerful and attacks, then resorting to defensive and guerrilla  warfare by the use of forts etc.is  called 'AASAN',  (v) if the attacker is of medium strength,  then a dual policy of using half the army for defense and the other half of the army for capturing or cutting the supply line of the attacker, is called 'DWAIDHA' ,and if the help of some other King is taken to fight the enemy, it is called  'SAMAASHRYA' .)

Vishwaas - reliance, faith.   Shad = six.   Guna = merits.   Dosha = demerits, defects.   Nityam =always.
Buddhyaavalokayed = Buddhya+avalokayet.   Buddhya =  intellect.   Avalokayet =  observe, weigh.

Today's Subhashita. (Discourse on 'Rajdharma' - continued )

अभृतानां भवेद्  भर्ता भृतानामन्ववेक्षकः |
नृपतिः सुमुखश्च स्यात् स्मितपूर्वाभिभाषिता ||

अर्थ  -  जिनके भरण -पोषण  का प्रबन्ध न हो , उनका पोषण राजा स्वयं करे और जिन के  के द्वारा  भरण -              पोषण   हो, उन  सब  भी निगरानी  रखे |   राजा को  सदा प्रसन्नमुख  रहना और मुस्कुराते हुए                        वार्तालाप करना चाहिये ||

Abhrutaanaam bhaved bhartaa bhrutaanaamanvavekshakah.
Nrupatih sumukhashcha syaat smitapoorvaabhibhaashitaa.

Abhrutannam =  uncared and neglected poor persons.      Bhaved =  become.   Bhartaa = supporter.

Bhrutaanaananvavekshakah = Bhrutaanaam +anvavekshsah.    Bhrutaanaam = hired servants.

Anvavekshak = monitor .     Nrupati = the King.   Sumukhashcha = cheerful.    Syaat = should be.

Smitapoorvabhibhashitaa = Smita +poorva +abhibhaashitah.     Smita = smiling      Poorva = before.Abhibhaashitaa =speak, address.

Bheeshma further says to Yudhishthara -    

"O King !  those who are economically very poor and need support, should be taken care of by the King,  and those employees who are entrusted with this job should also be properly monitored.  

 The king should always be cheerful and talk to others smilingly."

( Now a days  a number of poverty eradication schemes have been initiated by the Government, but they hardly fulfill the desired objective due to rampant  corruption in the administration.  Bheeshma warns Yudhisthira of such a situation and instructs him to monitor implementation of such schemes personally

to ensure that the benefit reaches the target group.  So, we can conclude that 'Rajdharma' is not being observed by the Government of the day in India, as according to Government's own admission, only 15% of the aid reaches the target group and the rest 85% is siphoned out of the system through corrupt practices.)

Today's s\Subhashita. (Discourse on 'Rajdharma' - continued)

कोशस्योपार्जनरतिर्यंमवैश्रवणोपम  |
वेत्ता च दशवर्गस्य स्थानवृद्धिक्षयात्मनः ||

अर्थ -  राजा को उचित है कि वह् सदा अपने कोषागार को भरापूरा रखने का प्रयत्न करता रहे |
उसे न्याय करने मे  यमराज और धन-संग्रह करने में कुबेर के समान होना चाहिये |
वह् देश की वर्तमान स्थिति , आर्थिक  वृद्धि तथा किसी क्षेत्र मे अवनति  को रोकने के हेतु इन  दस वर्गों का सदा ज्ञान रखे.||

(दस वर्ग  - मन्त्री, राष्ट्र, दुर्ग (रक्षा के साधन) खजाना और दण्ड - ये पांच  'प्रकृति' कहे गये हैं.  ये ही अपने और शत्रु पक्ष के मिला कर 'दशवर्ग' कहलाते हैं.  यदि दोनों के मन्त्री आदि  समान हों तो दोनों की सामरिक  और आर्थिक स्थिति एक सी रहती है  परन्तु कम  होने पर देश की अवनति हो जाती है और वह् विपक्ष की तुलना में कमजोर हो जाता है | )

Koshasyopaarjanaratiryamavaishravanopama.
Vetta cha dashv argasya sthaanavruddhikshayaatmanah.

Koshasya+upaarjan+ rati+ yama+vaishravana + upam.   Koshasya = for the Treasury.   Upaarjan=earning,acquiring.    Rati = plreasure,  endeavour.    Yama =  the God of Death as per Hindu Mythology.       Vaishravana =  Kuber, the God of riches and Treasury.    Upama = like.
Vettaa =  one who understands thoroughly any subject.   Dashvargasya = dash +vargasys.
Dash = ten ( in numbers)     Vargas = parameters, groups.    Dash Varga = the group of ten. .
Sthaan = place.      Vriddhi = progress.Kshaya = deterioration.    Aatmanah =  self .
"Dash varga" -  In Sanskrit texts the  administration of a Country is classified into five parameters, namely various Ministries, Forts (means of protection from enemies in case of an attack on the country),
the Treasury, the citizens of the Country, and  rule of Law. These five combined with similar five parameters of the opponent  country, are called 'Dash Varga;  i.e.the group of 10. If the administration and and other parameters  of both the countries are equal , then their financial position and military preparedness also remains the same. But if  due to any reason it is less then the other country, then the country becomes
weak and vulnerable.
     Dealing further with various aspects of 'Rajdharma' , Bheeshma says to Yudhishthara -
 " It is obligatory for the King to ensure that the Treasury is always flush with money, and he should be impartial and strict  like the God Yama while dispensing Justice, and like the God Kuber while collecting revenues of the kingdom.  He should always keep in his mind the 10 departments of strict administration and have strict control over the prevailing situation, growth or deterioration over any of these departments."

(In this Subhashita, Bheeshma advises Yudhishthara to not only take care of his own Country but also to keep a close watch over  the developments in his neighbouring Country and ensure that the progress and strength of his country is maintained at a level more than that of the other Country.)

Today's Subhashita. (Discourse on 'Rajdharma' - continued )

( ). आत्मवांश्च जितक्रोध शास्त्रार्थकृतनिश्चयः |
      धर्मे  चार्थे  च  कामे  च  मोक्षे  च सततं  रतः ||

(2). त्रय्यां   संवृतमन्त्रश्च   राजा  भवितुमर्हति    |
       वृजिनं च नरेन्द्राणां नान्यश्चारक्षणात् परम्  ||

अर्थ   -जिसने अपने मन को वश में कर लिया है , क्रोध को जीत लिया है तथा शास्त्रों के सिद्धान्त  का
 निश्चयात्मक ज्ञान प्राप्त कर लिया है , जो धर्म, अर्थ, काम और मोक्ष के प्रयत्न में निरन्तर लगा
 रहता  है, जिसे तीनों वेदों का ज्ञान है तथा जो अपने गुप्त विचारों को दूसरों पर प्रकट नहीं होने देता है ,
 वही व्यक्ति  राजा होने योग्य है |  प्रजा की रक्षा न करने से बढ कर राजाओम् के लिये कोइ पाप नहीं है  |

1.    Aatmavaamshcha jitakrodha shashtraarthakrutanishchayah
       Dharme chaarthe cha kaame cha mooksho cha satatam ratah.

       Aatmavaamscha = one who has control over his mind.      Jitakrodha = one who has conquered his              anger.    Shashtraarth krutanishchaya = one who has learned all the scriptures and knows well how to            observe them.    Dharma = religion.   Artho = financial matters.   Kaam = desires.
       Moksha =salvation,emancipation.      Satatam = always.     Ratah = engaged, busy.

2.    Trayaam samvratamantrashcha raajaa bhavitumarhati.
        vrujinam cha narendraanaam naanyaashchaarakshnaat param.

        Trayaam = all the three.(reference to Vedas namely Rigveda, Yajurveda and Saamveda, the most
         ancient and revered treatises of Knowledge of Hindu Religion).    Samvrutamantra = one who keeps
         his counsels and plans secret.      Bhavitumarhati=  bhavitu +arhati.   =be worthy of.
         Vrujinam = distressed persons.   Narendraanaam = kings.   Naanyashchaarakshnaat = na +
          anyashcha +rakshnaat.   Anyashcha = others.    Rakshnaat = protection.   Param = foremost.

         In the above two shlokas, Bheeshma outlines the qualities of head and heart which a King must have to rule over his kingdom.    He says -  " Only a person who has full control over his mind ,conquered his anger, has learned all the scriptures and knows well as to how to implement the edicts enshrined in them, continually strives to uphold the Religion, commerce, aspirations and emancipation of people, is well versed in the three Vedas, and keeps his counsels and plans secret, is entitled to be a ruler of a Kingdom.
          There is no sin greater for a King than his inability to protect his distressed citizens. "

Today's Subhashita. (Discourse about Rajdharma -continued ).

न  हिंस्यात परवित्तानि  देयं काले  न  दापयेत् |
विक्रान्तः सत्यवाक् क्षान्तो नृपो न चलते पथः  ||  

अर्थ -    राजा दूसरों के धन का नाश न करे | जिसको जो कुछ  भी देना हो ,  उसे समय पर दिलाने की व्यवस्था
             करे |  पराक्रमी,सत्यवादी और क्षमाशील रहे |  ऐसा करने वाला राजा कभी पथभ्रष्ट  नहीं  होता है |

Na himsyaatparavittaani deyam kaale na daapayet.
Vikraanth satyavaak kshaanto nrupo na chalate pathh.

Na = not    .Himsyaat =destroy, kill.     Paravittaani = para +vittaani.        Para = others'    Vittani =wealth.
Deyam =  amount payable.  Kale = at the time of.    Daapayet = to be ready to bestow or give.
Vikraanth = victorious,valourous.     Satyavaak = truthful, speaking the truth.    Kshaant = forgiving.     Nrupo = King.    Chalate = go astray.    Pathah = path,  road.

      Advising Yudhishthara about the do's and don'ts for a King,  Bheeshma further says -

      " The King must not destroy the wealth of his citizens and whatever he has to give or dole out should not be delayed and given in time.  He should be valourous, truthful, and also forgiving.   A king, who acts like this never goes astray from the path of proper governance of his kingdom."

Todays' Subhashita. (Discourse on 'Rajdharma - continied )

चातुर्वर्णस्य धर्माश्च रक्षितव्या  महीक्षिता |
धर्मसंकररक्षा   च  राज्ञां  धर्मः  सनातनः   ||

अर्थ -  राजा को चारों वर्णों के धर्मों की रक्षा करनी  चाहिये |  प्रजा को धर्मसंकरता से बचाना राजाओं
           का सनातन धर्म है.

Chaaturvarnasya dharmaashcha raksihtavyaa maheekshitaa
Dharmasankarrakshaa cha raagyaam dharmah sanaatanah.

Chaaturvarnasya = of the four caste divisions of the Society as per Hindu religion, namely Brahmin,
Kshatriya , Vaishya and Shoodra.     Dharmaashch = of the Religion       Rakshitavyaa = protected.
Maheekshitaa = Ruler of the kingdom.     Dharmasankarrakshaa  = Dharmasankar + rakshaa.
Dharmasankar = defiling of religion.     Rakshaa = protection.     Raagyaa = of the Kings.
Sanaatana = unending,forevr.

Continuing his discourse Bheeshma further says to Yudhishthira - "  O ruler of the kingdom, you should protect the religions of all the four 'Varnas' , and  it is also the foremost duty of a King to protect the religions of the citizens from being defiled."

( The underlying idea in the above Shloka is that  a King should treat equally various religions being practised in his Kingdom, and should ensure that these religions are not defiled in any way. In other words people should have freedom to practise their own religion and respect the religion of others. This edict by Bheeshma to Yudhishthara is more relevant under the circumstances presently prevailing in India due to communal riots in different parts of the country on religious grounds.)

Today's Subhashita. (Discourse between Bheeshma and Yudhishthira on 'diplomacy' - (continured)

लोकरञ्जनमेवात्र  राज्ञां धर्मः सनातनः  |
सत्यस्य रक्षणं चैव व्यवहारस्य चार्जवम्  ||

अर्थ -    इस लोक में प्रजावर्ग को प्रसन्न रखना ही राजाओं का सनातन धर्म है | सत्य की रक्षा और व्यवहार की सरलता ही राजोचित कर्तव्य है  |

Lokaranjanmevaatra raagyam dharmh sanaatanh.
Satyasya rakshanam chaiva vyavahaarasya chaarjavam.

Lokaranjanmevaatra = Lokaranjanam + iva+atra.     Lokaranjan = gaining the confidence of the subjects and keep them happy.   Eva= really     Atra = here.    Raagyaam = for  the kings.    Dharmah = religious duty.
Sanaatanh = for ever , unending.  Sanaatan Dharma is the name of Hindu Religion propagated by Vedas and Smrities in which  various duties and rituals to be performed are detailed.     Satyasya = Truth's .
Raksjhanam = protection., to uphold.      Chaiva = cha + iva.    Cha = and.    Iva = in the same manner.
Vyavahaarasya = behaviour's     Chaarjavam = cha + aarjavam.     Aarjavam = honesty, sincerity.

       Outlining the intricacies of Diplomacy to Yudhishthara,  Bheeshma further says -

"It is the foremost religious duty (Sanaatan Dharma) of a King to keep his subjects happy and gain their confidence. In the same manner it is also his duty to  always uphold the Truth and maintain  honesty and sincerity in his behaviour.

Today's Subhashita. (discourse between Bheeshma and Yudhishthara about 'Rajdharma - (continued).

सप्ताङ्गस्य च राज्यस्य विपिरीतं च आचरेत्  |
गुरुर्वा    यदि  वा  मित्रं  प्रतिहन्तव्य एव  सः    ||

अर्थ -    राज्य के सात अङ्ग हैं  -  राजा, मन्त्री, मित्र, खजाना, देश, दुर्ग और सेना  |  जो इन सात अंगों  से
             युक्त राज्य के विपरीत आचारण  करे ,चाहे  वह् गुरु  या मित्र ही क्यों न हो  , मार डालने के ही योग्य है.

Saptaangasya cha raajyasya vipreetam cha aacharet.
Gururvaa yadi vaa mitram pratihantavya eva sah.

Saptaangasya = Sapta +angasya.    Savta = seven.    Angasya =departments.   Cha =and.
Raajyasya = of the Kingdom.    Vopareet =  contrary to, against the intersts of.     Aacjharet = acts.
Gururvaaa = Guru +vaa.    Guru = teacher.    Waa = be so.    Yadi = if, in case.   Mitram = friend.
Pratihantavya = Prati + hantavya.     Pratihantavya = to be resisted or even killed.    Eva = really.  Sh = he.

Continuing his discourse with Yudhishthara, Bheeshma says -

"There are seven departments of a Kingdom, namely  the  Ruler (King) , Ministers,  Associastes (friends),
Treassury, the Country,  Forts ( defence equipments), and the Army.   Any body who acts contrary to the
interests of these departments of governance must be resisted or if need be even killed, even if he may be
a respected  teacher or a friend ."

(Through this Subhashita it has been emphasised that when the safety and security of a Country is at stake, there is no room for any mercy or showing kindness. Bheeshma advises that the king should not hesitate to take sternest action even against his teachers and friends, as an integral part of diplomacy.)

Today's Subhashita. (Discourse between Bheeshma and Yudhishthara. - (continued).

(1)  द्वाविमौ ग्रसते भूमिः सर्पो बिलशयानिव  |
      राजानं चाविरोद्धारं ब्राह्मणं चाप्रवासिनम्  ||

(2)  तदेतन्नरशार्दूल    हृदि   त्वं    कर्तुमर्हसि    |
       संधेयानभिसंधत्स्व  विरोध्यांश्च  विरोधय ||

अर्थ-  (1)  जैसे सांप बिल में रहने वाले चूहों  को निगल जाता है, उसी प्रकार दूसरों से (आवश्यकता पडने  पर)
                 युद्ध न करने वाले राजा तथा विद्याध्ययन आदि के लिये घर छोड कर अन्यत्र न जाने वाले                              ब्राहमण  को पृथ्वी निगल जाती है (अर्थात् वे पुरुषार्थ किये बिना ही मर जाते हैं ) |

          (2)   अतः हे नरश्रेष्ठ !  तुम इस बात को अच्छी तरह अपने हृदय में धारण कर लो कि जो राजा संधि
                  करने योग्य हों  उनसे संधि करो और जो विरोध के पात्र हों उनका डट कर विरोध करो |

          (1)  Dvaavimau grasate bhoomih sarpo bilashayaaniva.
                 Raajaanam chaavirodhharam brahmanam chaapravaasinam.


           (2)  Tadetannarashaardoola hrudi tvam kartumarhasi.
                  Sandheyaanabhisandhatsva virodhyaanshcha virodhayah.

(1)  Dvavimou = both these two.     Grasate = swallows.      Bhoomih = the Earth.   Sarpo =snake.
       Bilashayaaniva = Bila +shayaan + iva.      Bila = hole.    Shayaan = a lizard, mouse.    Iva = like.
       Raajaanam = Kings.    Chaaviroddhaar = cha+ aviroddhar.     Cha = also.
       Aviroddhara = not opposing or defending.     Brahmanam = a person born in the first and foremost
       caste among the four castes namelyBrahmin,Kshtriya, Vaishya and Shoodra according to Hindu Reli
        Religion.  Brahmins are assigned the duty of teachers and repository of Knowledge and religion..
        Chaapravaasinam = Cha + apravaasinam.     Apravaasinam =immigrant.)

(2) .  Tadetam = tad +etam .   Tad= consequently.    Etad = this.    Narashaardula = imminent and illustrious          person, like a lion among animals.    Hrudi = heart.    Tvam = you.   Kartumaarhasi = Kartum +arhasi.
         Kartum = do.     Arhasi = a word used for addressing respectfully.. Sandhjeyanabhisandhastvam =
         Sandheyaan + abhisandhi +tvam.    Sandheyaan = fit for making peace or an alliance, truce
         ASbhisandhi = alliance or a pact.      Virodhyaamshch =  opponents.    Virodhaya = fight, oppose.

     Outlining various intricacies of diplomacy to Yudhishthira,  Bheeshma further says to Yudhishthira -

(1)       Just as a snake swallows rodents and lizards living inside a burrow or a hole, in the same manner  a
King who is hesitant to fight with another king attacking his kingdom and a Brahmin who avoids to immigrate
to other countries to acquire learning, both get annihilated by the Earth i.e. they die without any achievement and are forgotten.

(2)    Therefore, O illustrious King !   You should carefully learn this by heart that those Kings who are
friendly towards you and are suitable for making an alliance with them, you should do so. But if they are enemical towards you, then you should not hesitate to fight with them.

Today's Subhashita. (Discourse between Bheeshma and Yudhishthara about 'Rajdharma; (continued).

     From today onward,  I will post Shlokas dealing with Diplomacy, which is an integral part of"Rajdharma", detailed in Chapter 57 of  the 'Shanti Parva' of Mahabharata.

भीष्म उवाच :   नित्योद्द्युक्तेन  वै राज्ञा भवितव्यं युधिष्ठरः |
                       प्रशस्यते  न राजा हि  नारिवोद्द्यमवर्जितः    ||

भीष्म जी कहते हैं - युधिष्ठिर !   राजा को सदा ही उद्योगशील् होना चाहिये |जो उद्द्योग छोड  कर स्त्रियों  की भांति बेकार बैठा  रहता है, उस राजा की प्रशंसा नहीं होती है  |

Bheeshma says -  Nityoddyuktena vai Raajaa bhavitavyam yudhishthara.
                            Prashasyate na Raajaa hi naarivoddyamvarjitah.

Nityoddyuktena = Nitya +udyyktena.      Nitya = every day. always.    Udyuktena = industrious.  
Wai =  an  adverb placed after a word to lay stress on it.    Raagyaa = king.    Bhavitavyam = must be.
Prashsyate = praised, appreciated.    Na = not.     Hi = surely.   Naarivoddyamvarjitah = Naari + iva+ uddyam+ varjitah.      Naari = women    iva = like.     Uddyam = continuous and strenuous efforts.
Varjitah = without, excluded.

Bheeshma says to Yudhishthsara -  O Yudhishthara !  A king must always be industrious. A king, who is not so  and remains idle like women (who are not supposed to undertake strenuous jobs like men),  is not praised  and revered by his subjects.

                

Today's Subhashita.(Discourse between Bheeshma and Yudhishthara - continued).

तस्मान्नैव मृदुर्नित्यं तीक्ष्णो नैव भवेन्नृपः |
वासन्तार्क इव श्रीमान् न शीतो न च धर्मदः  ||

अर्थ  -  जैसे वसन्त ऋतु का सूर्य न तो अधिक ठंडक पहुंचाता है और न कडी धूप ही करता है , उसी प्रकार राजा को भी न तो बहुत नम्र होना चाहिये और न अधिक कठोर ||

Tasmaanneva mrudurnityam teekshno naiva bhavenrupahh.
Vaasantaark iva shreemaan na sheeto na cha dharmadah.

Tasmaanmaiva = Tasmaan + aiva       Tasmaan  iva  = like that.     Mrudurnityam = mrudu +nityam..
Mrudu = gentle, soft.     Nityam = always, daily.     Teekshno = harsh, rude.    Naiva =not.
Bhavennrupah = bhavet+ nrupah.     Bhavet = become.    Nrupah + a king.    Vasantark = Vasant +Arka.
Vasant = spring season.     Arka = the Sun.    Iva = like, similar to.    Shreman = vibrant.    Na = not.
Sheeto = cold.,apathethic    Cha = also.     Dharmadah = granting virtues,very kind hearted.

Continuing his discourse, Bheeshma says to Yudhishthara -

Just as the Sun during the Spring Season makes the climate temperate i,e, neither too cold  nor too scorching, likewise  a King's behaviour with his subordinates should also be neither very gentle nor very rude

Today's Subhaashita. (Discourse between Bheeshma and Yudhishthara on 'Rajdharma' (continued).

न संत्याज्यं च ते धैर्यं कदाचिदपि पाण्डव  |
धीरस्य स्पष्टदण्डस्य न भयं विद्द्यते क्वचित् ||

अर्थ  -   हे पाण्डुनन्दन !तुम्हें कभी भी धैर्य का त्याग नाही करना चाहिये |  जो अपराधियों को दण्ड देने में संकोच नहीं करता और सदा धैर्य रखता है, उस राजा को कभी भय नहीं होता है |

Na santyaajyam cha te dhairryam kadaachidapi paandava.
Dheerasya spashtadandasya na bhayam viddyate kvachit.

Na = not.    Santyajya = give up.     Te = they.     Dhairyam = patience
kadaachidapi = Kadachit + api.     Kadaachit =some times          Api - even.
Paandava =  son of Pandu.  (reference to Yudhishthara)    Dheerasya = a strong minded person's.
Spashtadandasya=  Spashta+dandasya.     Spashta = clear perception.   Dandasya = about punishment.
Bhayam = fear.    Vidyate = exists.    Kvachit = somewhat.

      Continuing his discourse about the 'Raajdharma', Bheeshma further says -

" O illustrious son of Pandu ! You should never be impatient.   A king who does not hesitate in giving punishment to criminals and wrong doers and is always clear in his perception, is immune to fear of all kinds.

(If we view the indecision of the Indian Government in not implementing the order of death sentence by our Supreme Court to the perpetrators of terror attack on our Parliament for so many years,  we can conclude that the Government of the day did not observe the 'Rajdharma', resulting in yet another attack by the terrorists on Mumbai, in which hundreds of people were ruthlessly killed by the terrorists.)

Today's Subhashita.(in both praise and criticism of Goddess Lakshmi)

     In Sanskrit literature a popular theme is comparison between  the Goddesses Saraswati and Lakshmi, the former representing learning and the latter riches.It is generally believed that those who are learned do not become rich. and those who are rich are seldom learned. These persons are respectively called 'Saraswati Putra' aand 'Lakshmi Putra' . (Putra = son).

     On the auspicious occasion of Mahalakshmi Pooja here are two Shlokas depicting the virtues of Goddess Lakshmi as also criticising her.

यत्राSभ्यागतदानमानचरणप्रक्षालनं  भोजनं
सत्सेवापितृदेवताSर्चनविधिः सत्यं गवां पालनं ||
धान्यानामपि संग्रहो न कलहश्चित्ताSनुरूपा प्रिया
हृष्टा पराः हरिं वसामि  कमला तस्मिन् गृहे निश्चला.

Yatraabhyaagatadaanmaancharanprakshlaanam bhojanam.
Satsevaapitrudevataarchanvidhih satyam gavaam palanam;
Dhaanyaanaamapi samgraho na kalahshchittaanurupaa priyaa.
Hrushtaa praah harim vasaami kamalaa tasmin gruhe nishchalaa.

i.e.    In a household where guests are greeted by washing their feet (a ritual in olden times) and provided with meals and gifts, where elders are worshipped like Gods, members  of the houshold are truthful and cows are reared, foodgrains are properly stored, there is no quarrelling, the wife is healthy,loving and obedient, in such a household Goddess Lakshmi resides permanently.

     Now, here is another Subhashita  condemning the attitude of Goddess Lakshmi in not favouring the  devotees of Goddess Saraswati i.e. learned, religious and righteous persons :-

हे लक्ष्मि  क्षणिके स्वभावचपले मूढे च पापोधमे
न त्वं चोत्तमपात्रमिच्छसि खले  प्रायेण दुष्चारिणी |
ये देवार्चनसत्यशौचनिरता ये चाSपि  धर्मे रता
स्तेभ्यो लज्जसि निर्दये गतमतिर्नीचो जनो बल्लभ: ||

He Lakshmi kshinike swaabhavachapale moodhe cha paapodhame.
Na tvm chottamapaatramicchasi khale praayena dushchaarinee.
Ye devarchansatyashauchnirataa ye chaapi dharme rataa
Stebhyo lajjasi nirdaye gatamatirneecho jano ballabhh.

i.e.    O Lakshmi !  you are most fickle minded, swift, stupid and wicked.  You do not like righteous and honourable persons  but  instead generally patronise wicked and immoral persons. On the other hand you very cruelly belittle those persons, who are engaged in worshipping Gods , are truthful, religious and lead a chaste life.

Today's Subhashita. (Discourse between Bheeshma and Yudhishthara about 'Rajdharma' -(continued)

यथा हि रश्मियोSश्वस्य द्विरदस्याङ्कुशो यथा |
नरेन्द्रधर्मो   लोकस्य तथा  प्रग्रहणं   स्मृतम्   ||

अर्थ - जैसे घोडों को काबू में रखने के लिये लगाम और हाथी को वश में करने के लिये अङ्कुश है, उसी प्रकार समस्त संसार को मर्यादा के भीतर रखने के लिये  राजधर्म आवश्यक है |  यह  उसके लिये प्रग्रह अर्थात उसको नियन्त्रित करने में समर्थ् मान गया है.|

Yathaa he rashmiyoshvasya dviradasyaankusho yathaa .
Narendradharmo lokasya tathaa pragrahanam smrutam.

Yathaa = for instance.      Hi = surely.       Rasshmiyoshvasya = Rashmiyo +ashwasya.
Rashmiyo= reins (thin leather strips attached to a horse's bridle).   Ashwasya = a horse's.
Dwiradasyaankusho = Dviradasya +ankusho.        Dviradasya = an elephant's.
Ankusha = a hand held hook with a sharp end, used by the trainer (Mahaut) of an elephant
to control it.      Narendradharmo = Narendra + dharmo.    Narendra = a King, a Raajaa.
Dharma= duty and propriety of conduct,  religion.     Lokasya = for this world.
Tathaa = thus, so.     Pragrahanam = means of controlling.     Smrutam = termed as.

i.e.      Just as for taming and controlling horses reins attached to a bridle are required,and for controlling  elephants an 'ankush' is required, similarly to control the world and maintain propriety of conduct by its inhabitants, observance of 'Rajdharma'  is considered essential for the King, because only it is considered to be capable of doing so.

To day's Subhashita. (Discourse between Bheeshma and Yudhishthara about 'Rajdharma" (continued).

दुर्गेषु च महाराज षट्सु ये शास्त्रनिश्चिता  |
सर्वदुर्गेषु  मन्यन्ते  नरदुर्गं  सुदुस्तरम्     ||

अर्थ  - महाराज !  मरु (जल रहित भूमि), जल, पृथ्वी, वन,पर्वत और मनुष्य - इन छ: प्रकार के दुर्गों में
          मानव दुर्ग ही प्रधान है |शाश्त्रों को जानने वाले विद्वान् उन स्वभॆ दुर्गों में मानव दुर्ग को ही अत्यन्त                   दुर्लङ्घ्य  मानते हैं |

Durgeshu cha maharaaj shatsu ye shaashtranishchitaa.
Sarvadurgeshu manyante naradurgam sudustaram.

Durgeshu = forts, castles.     Cha = and, are.    Mahaaraaj =  O great King ! . Shatsu - six in number.
Ye = these.   Shastranishchitaa = Shaastra + nishchitaa.   Shashtra = religious or scientific tretises.
Nishchitaa =ordained by.    Sarvadurgeshu =among all types of forts    Sarva = every.
Manyante = supposed to be, considered.      Nardurg = strategic formation of men for protection
from enemies like a fort, a trained army.       Sudustaram = su+dustaram.    Su =  most.(a prefix (known as 'upsarg' in Sanskrit language) added before a word to increase its value as an adjective)
Dustar = insurmountable, invincible.

(In ancient Sanskrit treatises six types of fortifications - means of protection from enemies-  are described,namely terrain without water (desert), water (forts surrounded by water channels as is commonly done in forts), difficult terrain, forests, mountains and lastly soldiers. Among all these means of protection from enemies a strong and trained army of soldiers is considered as  most invincible.)

Discussing the 'Rajdharma'  with Yudhishthara,  Bheeshma further says -  " O great King !  among the six types of fortifications for protection from enemy,which are described in our 'Shaastraas' ,namely a desert, water body, difficult terrain, forests, mountains and an army of well trained soldiers, all experts in warfare consider the army as most invincible."