Wednesday 30 October 2013

Today's Subhashita.(Discourse between Bheeshma and yudhishthara about "Raajdharma" (continued).



1.  आर्जवं सर्वकार्येषु श्रयेथाः कुरुनन्दन  |            1.  Aarjavam sarvakaaryeshshreyathaakurunandanah.
     पुनर्नयविचारेण त्रयीसंवरणेन  च      ||                 Punarnayavichaarena trayeesamvarena cha.

2.  मृदुर्हि   राजा  सततं लङ्घयो भवति सर्वशः |     2.   Mrudurhi Raajaa satatam langhyo bhavati sarvashh.
     तीक्ष्णाच्चोद्विजते  लोकस्तस्मादुभयमाश्रय ||       Teekshnaachodvijatelokastasmaadubhayamaashraya.

अर्थ
 :-  1.  कुरुनन्दन ! तुम सभी कार्यों मे सरलता एवं कोमलता का अवलंबन करना | परन्तु नीतिशास्त्र की आलोचना से यह्  ज्ञात होता है कि अपने छिद्र , अपनी मन्त्रणा तथा अपने कार्य-कौशल इन तीन बातों को गुप्त रखने में सरलता का अवलंबन करना उचित नहीं है |

           2.  जो राजा सदा सब  प्रकार से कोमल्रता बर्ताव करने वाला होता  है, उसकी आज्ञा का लोग उल्लङ्घन्
कर जाते हैं और केवल कठोर बर्ताव करने से भी लोग उद्विग्न हो उठते  हैं | अतः तुम आवश्यकतानुसार कठोरता और कोमलता दोनों का अवलंबन करो  |

1.   Aarjavam = sincerity and kindness.   Sarvakaaryeshu = in all matters.   Shreyathaah =desirable
      Kurunandan = reference to Yudhishthar as the scion of Kuru dynasty..   Punarnayavichaarena =
      Punah + Naya +vichaarena.           Punahh= again.     Naya = principles of diplomacy.
      Vichaarena = considering, thinking.        Trayeesamvarena = Trayee + samvarena.
      Trayee = these three aspects ( one's own shortcomings,strategy and expertise in execution of               the strategies.    Samvarena = keeping as secret, concealment.     Cha  - and.

2,   Mrudurhi = Mrudu + hi.      Mrudu =gentle.   Hi= surely, because.   Satatam = continuously,in all         matters.     Langhyo = disobeyed.    Bhavati = becomes, happens.   Sarvashh = wholly.
      Teekshnaachodvijate = Teekshna +chod+vijate.    Teekshnat = rude   chod = agitated.
      Vijate = turn into.   Lokastasmaadubhayamaashraya = Loka +tasmaad +ubhaya+ aashryaya.
      Loka = people.    Tasmaad = for that reason, therefore.   ubhaya =  both.   ashraya =shelter,
      have recourse to.

Continuing his discourse about "Rajdharma" Bheeshma further says -

1.    O scion of Kuru dynasty ! you should generally behave with kindness on all matters.  But the principles of diplomacy also require that in three matters, namely about the loop holes and shortcomings of the Kingdom, various strategies  of governance and means of executing them must always be kept secret and it is not advisable to be kind hearted in these matters.

2.   A king who is always kind in his dealings, people tend to ignore him and disobey his commands. But only resorting to rude behaviour  makes people scary and agitated.  So, depending upon the circumstances you should behave both kindly and firmly.
     

Tuesday 29 October 2013

Today'a Subhashita.(Discourse between Bheeshma and yudhishthara about "Rajdharma" continued)



निन्दन्ते स्वानधीकारान् संत्यजन्ते च भारत |
न  वृत्त्या  परितुष्तन्ति  राजदेयं  हरन्ति  च. ||

अर्थ -   हे भारत ! उन सेवकों के अधिकार मे जो काम सोंपा जाता है उसको वे बुरा बताते और छोड् देते हैं |
           उन्हें जो वेतन दिया जाता है वे उससे संतुष्ट नहीं होते हैं और राजकीय धन को हड्पते रहते हैं |

Nindante swaanadheekaaraan santyajyate cha Bhaarata
Na vruttyaa paritushtanti raajadeyam haranti cha.

Nindanti = deride,despise.    Swaanadhikaaraan    Swaam +adhikaaraan.     Swaam = one's own.
Adhikaaraan = authority, administration.   Santyajante = abandon.   Cha= also.   Bhaarata = reference to Yudhishthara as King of Bharatavarsh.    Na = not.     Vruttyaa  = salary.    Paritushtanti = are satisfied.
Raajadeyam = Kingdom's revenue (through various taxes etc.).    Haranti =embezzle.

Continuing his discourse about the consequences of a King being too lenient towards his subordinates, Bheeshma further says to Yudhishthara -

O Bhaarat !   Whatever work is entrusted to these arrogant servants, they despise it and abandon it unfinished. .   They are not satisfied with the amount of salary paid to them and embezzle the revenue of the Kingdom.

(The problem of unscrupulous and dishonest employees was present even in ancient times when the standard of morality and honesty was very high.  Even then Bheeshma warns Yudhishthara against such persons.  The corruption in administration and in all walks of life, which we see now, is mainly due to laxity in governance (not observing the 'Rajdharma' - the rules of governance) by our democratic/socialistic or other forms of Governments, who have now taken the role of the  King.)

Monday 28 October 2013

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



जर्जरं  चास्य विषयं  कुर्वन्ति प्रतिरूपकैः  |
स्त्रीरक्षिभिश्च सज्जस्ते तुल्यवेषा भवन्ति च ||

Jarjaram chaasya vishayam kurvanti pratiroopakaih.
Streerakshibhishcha sajjaste tulyaveshaa bhavanti cha.

अर्थ -    वे राजा के सेवक जाली आज्ञापत्र जारी कर के राजा के राज्य को जर्जर कर देते हैं |
 रनिवास के रक्षकों से मिल जाते हैं अथवा उनके समान ही वेषभूषा धारण कर के वहां घूमते फिरते हैं |

Jarjaram = decrepit, weak and decayed.  Chaasya= cha + asya.     Cha = also.    Asya = this.
Vishayam = various departments of administration     Kurvanti = do.      Pratiroopakaih = forgeries.
Streerakshibhisccha = Stree+rakshibhih +cha.     Stree = women.    Rakshibhih = guards.  cha = and.
Streerakshibhih = guards of queen's residence.    Sajjaste = dress themselves.  Tulyaveshaa =  like the guards.     Bhavanti =  they are (become).

Continuing his discourse Bheeshma says to Yudhishthara -

These arrogant servants of the King make his kingdom  weak and decrepit by issuing forges Royal Decrees.   They also connive with the guards of queen's residence and even dress like them and roam freely here and there.

(In medieval times a King's residence was  considered as the seat of power and the Kingdom was controlled from there. So, utmost security and secrecy was maintained there.The guards were also required to be faithful to the King.  If the King is weak and has no control over his servants, then the servants tend to neglect or overrule his commands and even issue forged orders in King's name.
We can see a parallel  situation like this in our Country in the shape of the 2G scam and Coalgate
scandal.)

Sunday 27 October 2013

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

Discourse between Bheeshma and Yudhishthara about "Rajdharma" (continued)

(1) प्रेष्यमाणा विकल्पन्ते गुह्यं चाप्यनुयुञ्जते |
      अवाच्यं चैव याचन्ते भोज्यान्याहारयन्ति च ||

(2 ) क्रुश्यन्ति  परिदीप्यन्ति भूमिपायाधितिष्ठते  |
       उत्कोचैर्वचनाभिश्च कार्याण्यनुविहन्ति  च   ||

अर्थ  (1)वे  सेवक जब किसी कार्य के लिये भेजे जाते हैं तो उसकी सिद्धि मे संदेह उत्पन्न कर देते हैं | राजा की गोपनीय त्रुटियों को भी सबके सामने ला देते हैं| जो वस्तु नहीं मांगनी चाहिये उसे भी मांग बैठते हैं तथा राजा  के लिये रखे हुए भोज्य पदार्थों को स्वयम् खा लेते हैं
        (2) राज्य के अधिपति भूपाल को कोसते हैं, उनके प्रति क्रोधित हो उठते  हैं| घूस ले कर और धोखा दे कर राजा के कार्य मे विघ्न डालते हैं|

(1)  Preshyamaana vikalpante guhyam chaapyanuyunjate.
       Avaachyam chaiva yaachante bhojyaanyaahaarayanti cha.

(2)   Krushyanti parideepyanti bhoomipaayaadhitishthate.
       Utkochairvachanaabhishcha kaaryanyanuvihanti cha.

(1) Preshyamaanaa = On being assigned for some job.     Vikalpante = create a doubt, are indecisive.
Guhyam = secrets.   chaapyanuyunjate = Cha +api+anuyunjate,    Cha =also.    Api = even.
Anuyunjate = reveal.     Avaachya = improper not to be uttered.    Chaiva= cha + iva.
Chaiva = as also.    Yaachante = solicit, demand, beg.    Bhojyaanyaahaarayanti = Bhojyaan +aahaarayanti.    Bhojyaan = food items.     Aaharanti =  eat, enjoy.

(2) Krushyanti = yell at, criticise.   Parideepyanti = flare up with rage.    Bhoomipaayaadhitishthte =
Bhoomipaaya +adhitishthate.     Bhoomipaya = Ruler of the State, king.  Adhitishthate = dominate.
Utkochairvachanaabhishcha = Utkochaih+ vachan +abhi+cha.      Utkocha = taking bribes.
Vachan = speech.    Abhi = fearlessly.     Kaaryaanyanuvihanti = Kaaryaani + anuvihanti.
Kaaryaani = work in hand.    Anuvihanti  = interrupt, derange.

      Explaining further the consequences of befriending the subordinates by a King, Bheeshma  gives advice to Yudhishthara as under:-

(1)  Whenever these servants are assigned some important task, they create doubt about its accomplishment and also reveal the secret shortcomings of the King.  They become so much bold that they demand things for which they are not entitled and even consume the food meant for the King.

(2)  Such disobedient servants speak harshly with the the King, criticize him and flare up with rage without any reason. They also take bribes, interrupt and put impediment in the governance of the kingdom.

( If we view the state of governance of our Country at present, we can see the truth behind the above sagely  advice of Bheeshma, as the 'Rajdharma' is not being followed, which is the cause of all problems being faced by the people..  He has dealt with the relationship of the King with his subordinates in great detail, which I will post in the forthcoming Subhashitas.  There is a separate chapter  in Mahabharata dealing with diplomacy and governance, which i will deal later on.)

Saturday 26 October 2013

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



अवमन्यन्ति भर्तारं संघर्षादुपजीविनः  |
स्ते स्थाने न च तिष्ठन्ति लङ्घयन्ति च तद्वचः ||

पितामह भीष्म युधिष्ठर से कहते हैं -

अर्थ - राजा से जीविका चलाने वाले सेवक अधिक मुहलगे हो जाने पर मालिक का अपमान कर बैठते हैं | वे  अपनी मर्यादा मे स्थिर नहीं रहते हैं और स्वामी  की आज्ञा का उल्लंघन   करने लगते हैं.|

Avamanyanti bhartaaram sangharshaadupajeevinah.
Ste sthaane  na cha tishthanti langhayanti cha tadvachh.

Avamanyanti = treat with disrespect,     Bhartaaram = master.    Sangharshaadupaeevinah = Sangharshaad + upajeevinah.    Shangharshaad = struggling, serving.  Upajeevinah = depending upon.
Stey = they.    Sthane = in the right place.   Na = not.   Cha = also.    Tishthanti = remain, stay.
Langhayanti= violate, neglect.   Tadvachah =  Tad +vachah . Tad =then.   Vachah = order, command.

       Outlining the behaviour a king should maintain with his subordinates, Bheeshma further advises Yudhishthira as under -

O Yudhishthara !   persons who earn their livelihood by serving the King, if they become familiar or informal with the King,do not remain within their bounds and are likely to treat him with disrespect and disobey his orders.

(There have been numerous instances in the past, when Rulers befriend persons of low integrity and intelligence and act upon their advice with disastrous consequences.  Bheeshma, therefore,warns Yudhishthara . This dialogue will continue in the next shloka to be posted tomorrow.) 


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

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

(1)साधारणं द्वयं ह्येतद् दैवमुत्थानमेव  च |
    पौरुषं  हि  परं मन्ये दैवं निश्चितमुच्यते |

(2) विपन्ने च समारम्भे संतापं मा स्म वै कृथाः |
      घटस्वैव सदाSSत्मानं  राज्ञामेष  परो नयः ||


(1)  Saadhaaranam dvyam hyetad daivamutthaanmeva cha.
       Paurusham hi param manye daiva nishchitamuchyate.

(2)  Vipanne cha samaarambhe santapaapm maa sma vai kruthaah.
       Ghatasveva sadaatmaanam raajamesha paro nayah.

अर्थ - (1)  यद्दपि कार्य की सिद्धि में प्रारब्ध और पुरुषार्थ  - ये दोनों साधारण कारण  माने गये हैं , तथापि मैं पुरुषार्थ को ही प्रधान मानता हूं |  प्रारब्ध तो  पहले से ही निश्चित बताया गया है  |

 अर्थ - (2) अतः यदि आरम्भ  किया हुआ  कार्य पूरा न हो सके अथवा उसमे बाधा पड जाय तो इसके लिये तुम्हें अपने मन में दुःख नहीं मानना चहिये | तुम सदा अपने को पुरुषार्थ में ही लगाये रक्खो | यही राजाओं  की 
सर्वोत्तम राजनीति है |

Continuing his discourse with Yudhishthara, Bheeshma further says :-

(1) saadhaaranam = generally.     Dwayam = two.    hyate = hi+ ete.     Hi = surely.   ete= these
Daivamutthanameva = daiva +utthaana +eva.      Daiva = destiny, fate.    Utthaan =causing to arise, accomplishment of an objective.     Paurusham =manliness, facing adversities bravely.
Param = superior.    Manye = considered.    Nishchitamuchyate = nishchitam + uchyate.
nishchita = surely.    Uchyate = is said

i.e    Although for achieving an objective destiny and manliness are considered to be essential, but I consider manliness ( facing adversities bravely and with conviction) more important, because fate is already ordained by the Providence.

(2)  Vipanne = misfortune ( a situation when a job started can not be completed or some obstructions are there in the completion of the job).    Samaarambhe = started, commenced.
Santaapam = feeling of anguish and suffering.   Maa = not.     Sma = feel.    Vai = a word added after another word to lay stress to it.    Kruthaa =  do.    Ghatasveva = ghatasu+ iva.
Ghatasu = on happening.    Iva = like this.      Sadaatmaanam = sadaa+ aatmaanam.
Sadaa = always.     Aatmaanam = yourself..  Raagyaamesh = Raagyaam + esha.
Raagyaam = for Kings.    Esha = this.    Paro = best.     Nayah = policy, behaviour.

i.e.       If the job taken in hand can not be completed due to some reason or there is some impediment felt in its completion, you should not get disheartened by it and should continue your efforts to achieve the objective.   This the best policy a King should adopt.

Friday 25 October 2013

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



परिहासश्च भृत्यैस्ते  नात्यर्थं वदतां वर  |
कर्तव्यो राजशार्दूल दोषमत्र  हि मे श्रुणु   ||

 अर्थ  -  हे वक्ताओं  में श्रेष्ठ राजसिंह्  ! यह्  तुम्हारा कर्तव्य है कि  तुम्हें सेवकों के साथ अधिक हंसी-मजाक नहीं करना चाहिये | इस में जो दोष है वह् सुनो |

Parihaasascha bhrutyaiste naatyartham vadataam vara/
Kartavyo raajashaardoola doshmatra hi me shrunu.

Parihaasacha =indulgence in jesting and joking.        Bhrutyaste = Bhrutya + tey.  
Bhrutya = servants,    Tey = they.    Naatyartham = Na + ati+artham.    Na = not.   Ati = too much
Artham = meaning, sense    Naatyartham = meaningless  or loose talk.     Vadataam = orators.
Vara = best     Kartavyo =  duty      Raajshaardoola = Raaj+shaardool.   Raaj = king.
Shardoola = lion.      Doshmatra = Dosh + atra.      Dosh = defect,harm.    Atra = here.
Hi = surely.    Me = to me.    Shrunu = listen.

i.e.     O  (Yudhishthara) best among orators  and powerful like a lion among Kings !  it is your duty not to indulge in joking and loose talks with your subordinates and servants.  Listen carefully to me as I tell you the  harm it can surely cause to you.

(There is a saying that one should be friendly to others but not familiar, as familiarity ultimately results in disrespect and disobedience.  In the next Shloka (to be posted tomorrow) Bheeshma hasdealt with this aspect in detail)


Thursday 24 October 2013

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

उत्थानेन   सदा  पुत्र  प्रयतेथा  युधिष्ठिर |              Yatnena sadaa putra prayatethaa yudhishthira.
न ह्युत्थानमृते दैवं राज्ञामर्थं  प्रसादयेत् ||          Na hyutthaanamrute daivam raagyaamartham prasaadayet.

पितामह भीष्म युधिष्ठर से कहते हैं  - बेटा युधिष्ठिर ! तुम सदा पुरुषार्थ के लिये प्रयत्नशील रहना
पुरुषार्थ  के बिना केवल प्रारब्ध राजाओं  का प्रयोजन सिद्ध नहीं कर सकता  |

Utthaanena = by making  efforts.    Sadaa = always.    Putra = son.   Prayatethaa = painstakingly.
Na = not.   Hyutthaanamrute = hi + utthaanam+rute.      Hi = because.  Utthaanam = progress
Rute = without.     Daivam = destiny, fate.     Raagyaamartham = Raagyaam +artham.
Raagyaam = King's.    Artham = purpose.     Prasaadayet = to  render,  serve.

While preaching the 'Rajdharma' to Yudhishthar, Bheeshma further say to him that -

" O son !  you should painstakingly make sincere efforts for the  progress  of your kingdom, because without  making such efforts, mere total reliance on destiny can not serve the purpose of Kings.

(Reference- Shanti Parva of Mahabharata, Shloka No.14 of chapter 55)

Wednesday 23 October 2013

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

व्यसनानि च सर्वाणि त्यजेथा भूरिदक्षिण  |
न चैव न प्रयुञ्जीत सङ्गं तु परिवर्जयेत्   |

Vyasanaani cha sarvaani tyajethaa bhooridakshina.
Na chaiva na prayunjeet sangam to parivarjayet.

Vyasanaani = addictions    cha= and.      Sarvaani = all.       Tyajethaa =Tyaja+etaah.
Tyaja = give up, abandon.    Etah = these/     Bhooridakshina. =   Bhoori + dakshna.
Bhoori = abundant.      Dakshina =gifts, rewards.    Na = not. Chaiva = cha+aiva/
aiva = already.   Prayunjeeta = practise,perform.   Samgam = conflict , war, coming together.
Tu = and.         Parivarjayet = pari+varjayet.     Pari =an 'Upasarga' (prefix added to a word)
Varjayet = to be given up.

While teaching 'Rajdharma' to Yudhishthir,  Bheeshma further says -

O Yudhishthira ! provider of many rewards and amenities to your subjects, you should give up all sorts of 
addictions, but it does not mean that you should altogether give up courage and firmness needed to fight with your enemies (because these qualities are necessary to conquer the enemies).

(Scriptures have listed in all 18 types of addictions, out of which 10 are related to sex and  8 are related to anger.   The first 10 are hunting, gambling, sleeping during day time, criticizing others, womanising, pride, indulgence in playing musical instruments, dance, music and liquor.  The remaining 8 related to anger are, back biting, courage,mischief, envy,intolerance, using harsh and foul language, mistakes while speaking by not using correct words, and giving very harsh punishment..  The main cause of all the miseries faced by the Pandavas was addiction of Yudhishthara for gambling. He lost his empire and even his wife and 4 brothers  in a bet while gambling with Kauravas.)

Tuesday 22 October 2013

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

न च क्षान्तेन ते नित्यं भाव्यं पुत्र समन्ततः | Na cha kshaantena te nityam Bhaavyam putrasamantatah.
अधर्मो  हि  मृदू  राजा क्षमावानिव कुञ्जरः || Adharm  hi mrudoo raajaa kshamaavaaniva kunjarah.
 
क्षममाणं नृपं नित्यं नीचः परिभवेज्जनः   |  Kshamamaanam nrupam nityam neechh paribhavejjanah.
हस्तियन्ता गजस्यैव  शिर एवारुरुक्षति.   ||  Hastiyantaa gajesyeva shira evaarurukshati.

अर्थ - (1)- बेटा !तुम्हें सदा और सब ओर क्षमाशील ही नहीं बने रहना चाहिये , क्योंकि क्षमाशील हाथी के समान कोमल स्वभाव वाला राजादूसरों को भयभीत न कर सकने   के कारण  अधर्म के प्रचार में ही सहायक होता है.|

         (2) नीच मनुष्य क्षमा-शील राजा का उसी प्रकार तिरस्कार करते रहते हैं ,जैसे हाथी का महावत उसके सिर पर ही चढे रहना चाहता है |

Na = not.  cha= and,again     Kshantena = tolerance, patience.    Te = they.   Nityam = daily, ever.
Bhaavyam = ought to become.    Samantatah = always and every where.   Adharma=unrighteousness, immorality.     Hi = for, surely.   Mrudoo=weak, pliant, submissive.   Raajaa = king.   Kshamaamaniva= kshamaavaan+iva.   Kshmaavaan =tolerant and forgiving
Iva = like a.    Kunjarah = an elephant.

Kshamamaanam = tolerant and forgiving in nature.    Nrupasm = King.    Neech = wicked people.
Paribhavejjanah = Paribhaved +janah.    Paribhaved = disgrace, despise.    Janahh = people.
Hastiyantaa = the attendant of an Elephant, who controls and drives it, also called a 'Mahaot'.
Gajasyeva = elephants' .    Shira = head.   Evaarurukshati =aiva +aarukshati.     Aiva = already.
Aarukshati= remain mounted over.

(1)     Outlining the "Rajdharma" to Yudhishthara,  Bhedeshma, the patriarch of Kauravas, says -
O son ! you should not always remain tolerant and forgiving to each and every person, because a king ,who is submissive and forgiving in nature, is like a powerful but submissive elephant,who  can not instill fear in his adversaries and is indirectly instrumental in propagating immorality.

 (2)    Wicked and cunning people despise and disgrace a tolerant and forgiving King,  just like a keeper of an elephant,who always wants to remain mounted over the head of the elephant to control it.

(Through the simile of an elephant, the predicament of a weak and submissive king has been explained in the above two shlokas by Maharshi Veda Vyaas, the author of 'Mahabharata'.
How apt this simile is even in modern times, can be seen in the relationship between India and Pakistan. Our leaders are behaving like a powerful elephant unaware of its inherent strength, being made submissive and meek by Pakistan as a 'mahaoat'.  If we view the Kashmir dispute and the never ending skirmishes by Pakistan in our border, then can we conclude that our Rulers are not observing the 'Rajdharma' ?? ).

Monday 21 October 2013

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


     From today onwards, I will be posting Subhashitas dealing with 'Rajdharma' i.e. duties and responsibilities of a Ruler towards the people ruled by him.   This word has gained much currency, after Shri Atal Behari Bajpai, the ex-Prime Minister of India quoted it during the communal riots in Gujrat in 2002 and advised the Chief Minister of Gujrat to follow Rajdharma, the concept of ruling a Nation as enshrined in our scriptures.  This concept has been very beautifully detailed in Mahabharata, the famous epic, through  a discource between Bheeshma, the patriarch of Kaurava dynasty,and Yudhishthira, the seniormost among the Pandavas, the adversaries of Kauravas.

      After winning the battle of Kurukshetra, in which all the Kauravas were killed, and Bheeshma was lying on a deathbed of arrows, waiting for the auspicious period of 'Uttarayaan' (when the Sun enters the Zodiac sign of Capricornus) to die peacefully, Lord Krishna advised the Pandavas to meet Bheeshma and learn from him the intricacies of "Rajdharma". This discourse is dealt with in chapters 55 to 58 of the 'Shaanti Parva'  of Mahabharata.

       I will post some selected verses from these, which will highlight various aspects of 'Rajdharma'.  Here is the first one :-

आदावेव कुरुश्रेष्ठ राज्ञा रञ्जनकाम्यया  |
देवतानां द्विजानां च वर्तितव्यं यथाविधिः ||

अर्थ  - हे कुरुश्रेष्ठ ! राजा को सबसे पहले प्रजा का रञ्जन अर्थात् उसे प्रसन्न रखने की इच्छा से देवताओं और ब्राह्मणों के प्रति शास्त्रोक्त विधि के अनुसार व्यवहार करना चाहिये (अर्थात वह् देवतोन का विधि पूर्वक पूजन और ब्राह्मणों का आदर-सत्कार करे).


Aadaaveva kushreshtha raagyaa ranjanakaamyayaa.
Devataanaam dwijaanaam cha vartitavyam yathaavidhih.

Aadaaveva = At first.    Kurushreshtha = Seniormost among Kauravas i.e. Yudhishthira.
Raagyaa = the King.     Ranjankaamyayaa= ranjan +kaamyayaa.     Ranjan = to make happy.
Kamyayaa= desire.      Devataanaam = Gods.      Dvijaanaam = Brahmins.   Cha = also.
Vartitavyam = to be treated or dealt with.     Yathaavidhih = according to the merits of a case.
(Bhishma says to Yudhishthara) -  O Kurushreshtha ! your first and foremost duty is to make the subjects of your kingdom happy and satisfied. And with this aim you should treat the Gods and Brahmins according to the procedure prescribed in the scriptures i.e. you should worship the Gods and treat the Brahmins with respect.

(In Hindu religion the society was divided into four categories namely Brahmins, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shoodra.   Brahmins were assigned the duty of teachers and repository of knowledge and religion,  Kshatriyas  as rulers and warriors, Vashyas as traders and businessmen, and Shoodras as artisans, farmers and servants.  Brahmins were the most revered class and guided the King in ruling the country and provided various services relating to rituals of religion.  So, in this Shloka the same philpsophy is propagated, treating Brahmins next to God in the order of reverence.)

Sunday 20 October 2013

Today's Subhashita.

क्षणमात्रं ग्रहाSSवेशो  याममात्रं सुरामदः |
लक्ष्मीमदस्तु  मूर्खाणामादेहमनुवर्तते     ||

Kshnamaatram grahaavesho yaamamaatram suraamadah
Lakshmimadastu moorkhaanaamaadehamanuvartate..

Kshanamaatram = Kshana+maatram     Kshana = moment.     Maatra = merely.  
only for a moment, momentarily.    Grahaavesho = Graha+ aavesho.    Graha = perceiving, recognising.     Aavesho = frenzy, uncontrolled behaviour,indistinctness of ideas.  
Yaamamaatram =  Yaam +maatram.     Yaama = 1/8th period of a day according to the Indian system of measuring time, approximately 3 hours according to the modern system.
Suraamadah = Suraa +madaah.      Suraa = liquor.     Madah = intoxication, insolence, pride
Lakshmimadastu = Lakshmi +madastu.  Lakshmi = wealth, fortune, prosperity. Madastu = pride.     Moorkhaanaamadehamanuvartate = moorkhaanaam+adeha=anuvartate.    Moorkhaanaam=foolish or stupid persons.   Adeha = in the mind  of a person without any apparent signs outside.               Anuvartate = persists, runs along.

i.e.        Frenzy created in mind due to some wrong perception exists only momentarily, and the uncontrolled behaviour due to intoxication by consuming liquor lasts for approximately 3 hours (Yaamamaatra), but in foolish and stupid persons, the pride of being rich runs deep in their mind continuously without any apparent outwardly signs.

(In this Subhashita the author has treated wealth also as an intoxicant and compared the human  behaviour under the influence of various intoxicants  and has emphasised that whereas the effect of other intoxicants on human behaviour is temporary, wealth, particularly among foolish persons, acts as an intoxicant continuously and shapes their behaviour accordingly.)

Saturday 19 October 2013

Today's Subhashita.

शत्रौ  सान्त्वं  प्रतीकारः सर्वरोगेषु  भेषजम्  |
मृत्यौ मृत्युञ्जयध्यानं दारिद्र्ये न तु  किंचन ||

Shatrau saantvam prateekarah sarvarogeshu bheshajam.
mrutyau mrutynjayadhyaanam daaridrye na tu kimchana.

Shatrau = enemies.     Saantvam =  to subdue.    Prateekara = retaliation, revenge.
Sarva =all.       Rogeshu = diseases, ailmenmts.      Bheshajam = medicines, drugs.
Mrutau = death.         Mrutyunjayadhyaanam = Mrutyunjaya+ dhyaanam .
Mrutyunjaya = another name of God Shiva.    Dhyaanam = meditation.
Daaridrya = poverty.    Na = not.   Tu= but, and.    Kim-chana =  a little, to a certain degree.

i.e.      To subdue enemies retaliation is the remedy, and for various ailments and diseases, medicine is the remedy.  To evade eminent death, meditation and worship of God Shiva is the only recourse, which also results in removal  of poverty to some extent.

Friday 18 October 2013

To day's Subhashita.

सुजनाः परोपकारं शूराः शस्त्रं धनं कृपणाः  |
कुलवत्यो मन्दाक्षं प्राणात्यय एव मुञ्चति  ||

Sujanaah paropakaaram shooraah shastram dhanam krupanaah.
Kulavatyo mandaaksham praanaatyaya eva munchati.

Sujanaah = noble and righteous persons.    Paropakaar = charity,helping others.    Shooraah=warriors, brave men.     Shastram = weapons.    Dhanam = wealth, money.
Krupanaah = misers.     Kulavatyo = persons belonging to a noble family.
Mandaaksh = bashfulness.    Praanaatyaya = praana +atyaya.   Praana = life.
Atyaya = danger, threat.    Prasnaatyaya = grave danger to life.   eva = already.
Munchati = give up.

i.e.        Even on the face of a threat to life, noble and righteous persons do not give up their spirit of charity and helping othners,  warriors their weapons, misers their wealth and persons belonging to a noble family their bashfulness.

Thursday 17 October 2013

To day's Subhashita..

द्वे  भार्ये  बहवः पुत्रा  दारिद्र्यं रोगसंभवः  |
जीर्णौ च मातापितरावेकैकं मरणाSधिकम्  ||

Dve bhaarye bahavh putraa daaridrym rogasambhavhh.
jeerno cha maataapitaraavekasikam maranaadhikam.

Dve = two.    Bhaarye = wives,    Bahavah = many.     Putraa = sons.      Daaridryam = poverty.
Rogasambhavahh = Rpga +sambhavahh.      Roga = disease.     Sambhavahh = possibility.
Jeernou = aged.     Cha = and.   Mataapitaraavevaikam = Maata+pitarou+ekaikam.
Maataa = mother.    Pitarou = parents,father and mother (together).   ekaikam = each one.
Maranaadhikam =  marana + adhikam.      Marana = death.     Adhikam = more than.

i.e.     If a person has two wives and many sons, then there is the possibility of poverty and diseases in the family.  And if over and above this his parents are aged, then this situation is more than facing the death. 

Wednesday 16 October 2013

To day's Subhashita.

मस्ते दुःसहवेदनाकवलिते भग्ने स्वरेSन्तुर्गले
तप्तायां ज्वरपावकेन च तनो तान्ते  हृषीकव्रजे |
दूने बन्धुजने कृतप्रलपने धैर्यं विधातुं पुनः
कः शक्तः कलितामय प्रशमने वैद्यात्परो विद्यते

Maste duh-sahavedanaakavalite bhagne swarenturgalae.
Taptaayaam jwarapaavakena cha tano taante hrusheekavraje.
Doone bandhujane krutapalapane dhairyam vidhaatum punaah.
kah shaktah kalitaamaya  pramashamane vaidyaatparo vidyate.

Maste = head.   Duhsahvedanaakavalite = Duhsah+vedanaa+kavilate.    Duhsah = unbearable.
Vedanaa = pain.     kavilate = overpowered by.     Bhagne = disturbed, lost.   Swarenturgaleantargale =sware+anturgale    Sware = voice.     Anturgale = in the interior of the
throat.    Taptaayaam = heated.    Jwara = fever.    Paavaken = by the fire.  Cha = also.
Tano = the body.   Taante=distressed by, fatigued by      Hrusheekvraje = various sensory organs.
Doone = restless, agitated.    Bandhujane = relatives.    Krutapalapane = kruta+pralaapane.
Kruta = done.   Pralapane =  lamentation, concern expressed.     Dhairyam = patience, courage.
Vidhatum= offer.     Punah = again and again.     Kah = who.    Shakatah = competent.
Kalitamaya = Kalit + aamaya.           Kalit = created by.          Aamaya = diseases.
 Prashamane + healing, pacifying, curing.             Vaidyaatparo = vaidyaat +aparo.
Vaidyaat = physician.      Aparo = other than.     Vidyaate = exists, be found.

i.e.      When a person is suffering from intense and unbearable pain in the head  and is unable to speak due to a soar throat, his entire body is burning with the heat of a fever, his various sensory organs are fatigued and his relatives are expressing concern and lamenting on his miserable condition,who else other than a physician can be found to console and give courage to him and his agitated relatives and heal and cure various diseases.

( In the previous Subhashita an unethical physician was criticised. Now here is a Subhashita titled
'Vaidya prashansaa' (वैद्य प्रशंसा ) i.e praising a physician for his skills in providing relief and courage to a patient and his relatives.)

Sunday 13 October 2013

To day's Subhashita.

वैद्यराज  नमस्तुभ्यं   यमराजसहोदर |
यमस्तु हरति प्राणान्वैद्यः प्राणन्धनानि च ||

Vaidyaraaj namastubhyam yamaraajsahodara.
yamastu harati praanaanvaidyah praanandhanaani cha.

Vaidyaraaj = king among physicians.   Namastubhyam = Namah+tubhyam.    Namah = salutations.
Tubhyam = to you.      Yamaraajsahodara =  Yamaraaj +sahodar.     Yamaraaj = the God of death.
(In Hindu mythology Yamaraaj is assigned  the duty of taking away the life of living beings and assign them to Hell or Heaven according to the deeds done by them in their lifetime.)
Sahodar= co-born brother.      Yamastu= Yama.     Harati = destroys, takes away.
Praanvaidyah    Praanaan +vaidyah.    Praanaan =  one's life.     Vaidyah = a physician.
Praanandhanaani = Praanam +dhanaani.     Dhanaani = wealth, money.   Cha = also.

i.e.      O ! King of physicians and brother of Yama,the God of Death, I salute to thee. While Yama takes away only one's life, you take away not only the life but also the wealth of your patient.

(The above Subhashita has been classified under the heading 'Kuvaidyopahaash' (कुवैद्योपहास:) i.e. rediculing an incompetent and greedy physician..However, there are also Subhashitas praising a 'Vaidya' under the heading'Vaidya prashansaa'  (वैद्यप्रशंसा ) .  Kuvaidya means a physician who does not observe the ethics of his profession and is greedy.)

Saturday 12 October 2013

To day's Subhashita.

अगतित्वमतिश्रद्धा  ज्ञानाभ्यासेन    तृप्तता  |
त्रयः शिष्यगुणा ह्यते मूर्खाचार्यस्य भाग्यजा: ||

Agatitvamatishraddhaa. gyaanaabhyasena truptaa.
trayh shishyagunaa hyate moorkhachaaryasya bhaagyajaah.

Agatitvamatishraddhaa = agatitva +Mati+shraddha.     Agatitva= not going, stable.   Mati = intellect.
Shraddhaa= faith, trust.   Gyaanaabhyaasena= Gyaan+abhyaasena.    Gyaan = knowledge, learning.
Abhuasena =by repeated practise.       Truptaa = insatiability.      Trayah = three.
Shishya = pupil, student.     Gunaah = virtues, merit.     Hyate = hi + ete.     Hi = surely.
Ete = these.     Moorkhaacharyasya = moorkh +aacharyasya.    Moorkh = dull headed, stupid.
Aachasryasya = a preceptor's  ,  a teacher's.     Bhaagyajaa = Bhaagya+ jaa.    Bhaagya =fortune.
Jaa = produced by.

i.e.        If a student of a dull headed teacher has these three virtues of having a stable intellect,  faith, and insatiability for repeated practice for acquiring learning, then it is rather the good fortune of the teacher to have such a devoted student.

(Through this Subhashita the author has indirectly highlighted the desired qualities in a student.)



Friday 11 October 2013

To day's Subhashita'

मातुलस्य  बलं  माता जामातुर्दुहिता बलम् |
श्वशुरस्य बलं भार्या स्वयमेवाSतिथेर्बलम्  ||

Maatulasya balam maata jaamaaturduhitaa balam.
Swashurasya balam bhaaryaa swayamevaatitherbalam.

Matulasya =  maternal uncle's.    Bala = power, strength.     Maataa = mother.
Jaamaaturduhitaa = Jaamaata +duhitaa.    Jaamaataa = son-in-law.    Duhitaa = daughter.
Shwasurasya - father-in-law.    Bhaarya = wife.    Swayamevaatitherbalam = Swayam+ eva+atithi+balam.    Swayam= himself.    Atithi = unannounced guest.

i.e.     The maternal uncle of a person gets support from his mother, his son-in-law is supported by his daughter, and his father-in-law gets support from his wife, But if he has an occasion to be a guest somewhere,he has to support himself.


Thursday 10 October 2013

To day's Subhashita.

भार्ये द्वे पुत्रशालिन्यौ  भगिन्यः पतिवर्जिता  |
अश्रान्तकलहो  नाम योगोSयं  गृहमेधिनाम्  ||

Bhaarye dve putrashaalinyou bhaginyh pativarjitaa.
Ashraantkalaho naam yogoym gruhmedhinaam.

Bhaarye = wifes.     Dve = two.     Putra = Son.     Shaalinyo = shy, bashful, lacking in confidence.
Bhaginyah = sisters.    Pativarjitaa =  a woman abandoned by her husband.    Ashraant= continual,
perennial.           Kalaho = strife, quarrell       Naam = name      Yogoyam = Yogo + ayam.
Yogo = union, combination.    Ayam = this.     Graha = home, house.       Medhinaam = sacrifice.
victim.     Gruhamedhinaam = causing unrest and strife in family life.

i.e.      In a household where a person has two wives , son is shy and lacking in confidence, married sisters have been abandoned by their husbands, this combination of circumstance can be termed as 'Ashraantkalaha Yoga' (continued strife in the family) and results in  the family life becoming a victim.

     (In Astrology a combination of various planets in a particular position is called a 'Yoga'  In this Subhashita the author has used this phraseology to  highlight the aforesaid circumstances prevailing in a household as a 'Yoga' and named it  as 'Ashrant Kalah Yoga" i.e.'perennial strife'.
     "Medha' is a religious practice of Hindu religion under which in the end an animal is given in sacrifice e.g. "Ashwamedh Yagya" performed by Kings. Ashwa means a horse. So in this ceremony a horse nicely bedecked is let loose under the protection of an army and made to cross the boundaries of various kingdoms. If the horse is stopped then there is a war to conquer that kingdom. So in this process the horse passes through many kingdoms compelling them to surrender and returns to its own kingdom and ultimately sacrificed. The winner King is then given the title  of a "Chakravarty King" i.e. an Emperor,  Sovereign of the World.  In this case the family life has been alluded as a sacrificial animal .  ) 

Wednesday 9 October 2013

To day's Subhashita.

अन्यानि शास्त्राणि विनोदमात्रं प्राप्तेषु कालेषु न तैश्च किंचित्  |\
चिकित्सतज्ज्योतिषमन्त्रवादाः पदेपदे प्रत्ययमा वहन्ति  ||

Anyaani shaashtraani vinodamaatrm  praapteshu kaaleshu na taishch kimchit.
Chitisatajjyotishamantravaadaah padepade praryayamaa vahanti.

Anyaani = other.     Shaastraani = literary and scientific disciplines.     Vinod = amusement, pleasure.     Maatram = only.      Prapteshu = after gaining.     Kaaleshu = time.    Na = not
Taishch = Tahh + cha.     Tahh = that.   Cha = and.     kimchit = a little.
Chikitsa= medical care.  Tat = that.   Jyotisha = astrology.    Mantravaada = magic art.
Padepade = at every step.     Pratyayamaa = ordeals, challanges.    Vahanti= bear, face.

i.e.        Other disciplines of learning are for amusement and after lapse of some time are
not remembered. But medical care,  astrology and magical arts are such disciplines that a person practicing them faces ordeals and challenges at every step.

Tuesday 8 October 2013

To day's Subhashit/


दैवज्ञत्वं मान्त्रिकता भैषज्यं चाटुकौशलम्  |
एकैकमर्थलाभाय द्वित्रियोगास्तु दुर्लभाः   ||

Daivagyatvam maantrikataa bhaishajyam chaatukaushalam.
ekaikamarthalaabhaaya dvatriyogaastu durlabhaah.

Daivagyatvam = The skill of an astrologer of foretelling the future of a person.
Maantrikataa = sorcery, use of power gained from evil spirits, magic.
Bhaishajyam = medical profession.     Chatukaushalam = chatu + kaushalam.
Chatu = flattery.     Kaushalam = skill.    Ekaikamarthalaabhaaya =  ekaika +artha +laabhaaya.
Ekaik = even one.    Artha = wealth.    Laabhaaya = causing gain of.   Dvitriyogaastu = dvi +tri +
yogaastu.      Dvi = two.     Tri = three.      Yogaastu = combination, union.    Durlabhaah = rare,
difficult to be found.

i.e.         Astrology, sorcery, medical profession and expertise in flattery, even any one of these faculties in a person is sufficient to make him wealthy. A combination of two or three of these faculties in a person is difficult to be found. 


Monday 7 October 2013

To day's Subhashita.

एकैव  कविता  पुंसां ग्रामायाSश्वाय  हस्तिने  |
अन्ततोSन्नाय वस्त्राय तांम्बूलाय च कल्पते. ||

Ekaiva kavitaa pumsaam graamaayaashyaaya hastine.
Antatonnaaya vastraay taamboolaay cha kalpate.

Ekaiva = eka+eva.      Eka = one.    Eva = already,really.      Kavita = podetry.    Pumsaam = men
Graamaayaashyaay = graamaayaa + ashvaaya       Graamaayaa = villages.    Ashvyaaya = horses.
Hastine = elephants.     Antatonnaya = Antato +annaya.       Antato = ultimately.
Annaya =  cooked food.    Tamboolaaya = betal leaves stuffed with condiments, herbs and lime eaten after having a meal.    Cha = also      Kalpate = desires, orders for.

i.e.           Already owning villages, horses and elephants, nice clothes and also enjoying poetry in an assembly of learned men, ultimately people crave for a sumptuous dinner, concluding with a serving of  'Taambool' .
   

Sunday 6 October 2013

To day's Subhashita.

रोगस्योपक्रमे सान्त्वं मध्ये किंचिद्धनव्ययः   |
शनैरनादरः शान्तौ स्नातो वैद्यं न पश्यति    ||

Rogasyopakrame saantvm madhye kimchiddhanavyayah.
Shanairanaadarh shaantou snaato vaidyam na pashyati.

Rogasyopakrame = Rogasya +upakrame.    Rogasya = disease's      Upakrame = arrival, approach.
Saantvam = address kindly to assure.     Madhye = in the middle.     Kimchiddhanavyamh= kimchid+dhan+
vyayah.        Kimchid = some.     Dhan = money.     Vyayah = expenditure.     Shanairanaadarah = shanaih +
anaadarah.      Shanaih= gradually.      Anaadarah = disregard.       Shantau = tranquility, quiet.      
 Snato=   cleansed,ablution of the body after recovering from illness       Vaidyam = a physician.        Na = not.      Pashyati = sees.

i.e.        On  becoming sick, a person first needs assurance from the physician that he will be well very soon, and then during the treatment he has to spend some money for his treatment.  When he starts recovering from illness, gradually he tends to disregard the physician, and after fully recovering from illness, he does not
care to visit the physician again.

Saturday 5 October 2013

To day's Subhashita.

नाSतिधैर्य  प्रदातव्यं  नाSति भीतिश्च रोगिणाम्  |
 नैश्चिन्त्यादादिमे  दानं नैराश्यादेव नाSन्तिमे     ||

Naatidhairya pradaatavyam naati bheetishcha roginaam.
naishchintyaadaadime daanam nairaashyaadeva naantimey..

Naatidhairya = Na+ati+dhairya.     Na = not.      Ati = too much.    Dhairya = patience,courage, assurance.
Pradaatavyam = give, offer, impart.      Bheetishcha Bheeti +cha.     Bheeti = scare,fear, trepidation.
Cha = and.     Roginaam = patients, sick persons. Naishchintyaadaadime = na +ih +chintaa+daadime.  
 Na = not.    Iha = here.   Chintaa = worry, anxiety.       Daadime = give, create.     Daanam = donaton, give away  as charity.     Nairaashyaadeva = nairaashya+ adeva.     Nairaashya = hopelessness, despair.     Adeva = impious,showing lack of reverence to God.    Naantime =na +antimey   antime = ultimately,finallly.

i.e.    A physician should  neither give too much assurance nor should he instill fear in his patients.  He should also not create unnecessary anxiety and force them to give money as charity, and lastly not make them hopeless and lose faith in God Almighty.

(During this week I have posted Subhashitas relating to do's and don'ts for Astrologers and Physicians. This one  also gives sagacious advice to physicians.)

     

Friday 4 October 2013

To day's Subhashita.

निदानं रोगनामानि साध्यासाध्यं चिकित्सकम्  |
सर्वमप्युपदेक्ष्यन्ति   रोगिणः  सदने  स्त्रियः     ||

Nidaanam roganaamaani saadhyaasaadhyam chikitsakam.
Sarvamapyupadekshyanti  roginah sadane striyah.

Nidaan =diagnosis,enquiring about the cause of a disease,       Roganaamaani = roga + naamaani.
Roga = disease.       Naamaani = names of.       Saadhyaasaadhym = Saadhya +asaadhyam.
Saadhya =curable.      Asaadhya = incurable, chronic.    Chikitsakam = physician,  doctor.
Sarvamapyudekshyanti = Sarvam +api+updekshyanti.     Sarvam = every, each.    Api = even.
Updelkshyanti =  give advice.      Roginh = a sick person, a patient.     Sadane = home, residence.
Striyah = women.

i.e.     To diagnose the diseases and to determine whether these are curable or incurable, is the job of a Physician.  But while visiting a patient at his residence (or hospital) ,women give their unsolicited advice to him.

(Through this Subhashita the author has made fun of the tendency among people to give their unsolicited advice to a patient about his treatment, without knowing what the disease is, and whether it is chronic or curable,)

Thursday 3 October 2013

To day's Subhashita.




स्वस्थैरसाध्यरोगैश्च जन्तुभिर्नाSस्ति  किंचन  |
कातरा दीर्घरोगाश्च  भिषजां  भाग्यहेतवः     ||

Swasthairasaadhyarogaishcha jantubhirnaasti kimchan.
Kaataraa deerghrogaashcha bhijashaam bhaagyahetavah.

Swasthairasaadhyarogeshcha = Swasthai+asaadhya+rogeshcha.     Swasthai = healthy persons.
Asaadhya = incurable.     Rogeshch = diseases.   Janturbhinaasti = Jantubhih +naasti.
Jantubhih = knows.  Naasti = not.      Kimchan=  a little.      Kaataraa = suffering from, frightened of.
Deergharogaashcha =  Deergha+rogaashcha.    Deergha = long, chronic.    Roga = diseases.
Bhijashaam = medicines.      Bhaagyahetavh = Bhaagya+hetavah.     Bhagya = destiny.  Hetu = purpose.

i.e.         Those persons who are healthy know nothing about chronic diseases, but those  who suffer from chronic diseases, medicines are destined  only for them.

i

Wednesday 2 October 2013

To day' s Subhashita.

नारी परमुखद्रष्ट्रो कविरव्यवहारवित्      |
अपथ्यसेवी रोगी च कियाद्भिर्नोपहस्यते  ||

Naari = a woman.     Paramukhadrashtro =  Para +mukh +drashtro.     Para = otheres.    Mukh = face.
Drashtro =viewed.     Kaviravyavahaaravit  = kavi +avyavahaaravit,      Kavi =a poet.
Avyavahaaravit = of improper conduct or behaviour.       Apaathyasevi  = apathya +savee.
Apathya= any food item considered unsuitable for use.     Sevee = a user.   Rogi = a sick person.
Cha = also.      Kiyaadbhirnopahasyate. =Kiyaadbhih + na +apahasyate.       Kiyaadbhih = how much.      Na + not.     Apahasyate =   laughed at , rediculed

i.e.      A woman dependent upon and looked  after by strangers,  a poet  with improper behaviour unbecoming of a poet,  and a sick person who consumes  food unsuitable for him  and prohibited by the doctor,  all these are objects of ridicule  by people.

Tuesday 1 October 2013

To day's Subhashita..

निर्धनानां धनाSवाप्तिर्धनिकानामधिकं  धनम्  |
ब्रुवाणाः सर्वथा ग्राह्या लोके ज्योतिष कातराः.   ||

Nirdhanaanaam dhanaavaaptirdhanikaanaamadhikam dhanam.
bruvaanaah sarvathaa graahyaa loke jyotisha kaataraah.

Nirdhanaanaam = poor persons.   Dhanaavaaptirdhanikaanaamadhikam = Dhan +avaapti +
dhanikaanaam +adhikam.     Dhan = money.      Avapti = acquirement.     Dhanikaanaam = moneyed persons.      Adhikam =more.     Bruvaanaah = telling.     Sarvathaa = by all means.
Graayhaa = acceptable.     Loke = mankind.       Jyotish = astrology, prediction of future.
Kaataraah = agitated, afraid of.     Jyotish Kaataraah = afraid of uncertainty of future events.

i.e.      An astrologer should  by all means tell poor people that they will become rich,and to already rich persons he should say that they will become richer in future, because people by nature want to have things acceptable  to them and are afraid of any untoward things that may happen to them in future.

(This Subhashita also deals with the  human psychology about the uncertainty of future and exploitation of this weakness by astrologers.)