Subhashitani: Wise Sayings for Life and Conduct

This collection of ten 'Subhashitani' (wise sayings) from various Sanskrit texts offers profound insights into human nature and the conduct of life. Key themes include the importance of diligence over laziness, the discerning nature of the capable, and the destructive power of unwarranted anger. The notes also highlight the power of intellect, the principle of similar associations in friendship, and the inherent utility of all things and beings in the world. Furthermore, it emphasizes the unwavering steadfastness of great individuals through both good and bad times, providing valuable lessons for personal growth and ethical living.

Diligence is presented as humanity's greatest friend, ensuring relief from sorrow, while laziness is identified as the most formidable internal enemy residing within the body. This emphasizes the vital importance of hard work and proactive effort for well-being and success.

The text highlights that true capability is recognized by the discerning; only the 'guni' (one with qualities) appreciates 'guna' (quality), and only the 'bali' (strong) understands 'bala' (strength). This is exemplified by the cuckoo recognizing spring's virtue, unlike the crow, and the elephant acknowledging the lion's strength, unlike the mouse.

It differentiates between anger with a cause and anger without one, stating that a person angered by a specific reason will calm down once that cause is removed. However, satisfying someone who is irrationally angry is deemed impossible, underscoring the futility of appeasing baseless resentment.

The power of intellect and inference is emphasized, noting that even animals grasp implied meanings and respond to prompts, like horses and elephants carrying burdens. A truly wise person (pandit) can infer even unstated intentions, as their intellect yields knowledge from subtle indications and gestures.

Anger is profoundly depicted as the primary internal enemy of humans, residing within the body to cause its destruction. Analogous to fire hidden within wood that ultimately consumes the wood itself, uncontrolled anger can devastate one's own physical and mental well-being.

The principle of association based on similarity is illustrated, showing that creatures and people naturally flock together with their own kind (e.g., deer with deer, wise with wise). This suggests that true friendship and camaraderie (sakhyam) flourish among those sharing similar characteristics and habits.

The utility of a noble presence, even when its primary benefits are temporarily unavailable, is demonstrated through the metaphor of a great tree. Even if a fruit-bearing tree loses its fruits, its shade remains invaluable and cannot be prevented, symbolizing enduring positive influence.

The text asserts that nothing in the world is inherently useless; every word has power, every root has medicinal properties, and no person is truly unworthy. The scarcity lies in the 'yojaka' (the connector or organizer) who can effectively utilize and bring out the potential in everything and everyone.

Great individuals ('mahat') maintain unwavering equanimity and consistency in both times of prosperity and adversity. This steadfastness is beautifully compared to the sun, which remains red (resplendent) at both its rising and setting, symbolizing their unchanging nature.

The diverse nature of the world implies that everything has a unique purpose and utility. While a horse excels in running, a donkey's strength lies in carrying heavy burdens, highlighting that every being or object, no matter how seemingly humble, contributes meaningfully in its own way.

The 'Shabdarthah' section provides critical vocabulary and their meanings in Hindi and English, which is essential for comprehending the Sanskrit verses. This serves as a vital linguistic tool for students to translate and understand the profound messages conveyed in the Subhashitani.

The 'Anvaya' section offers a structured prose order of the verses, simplifying the grammatical construction and aiding in a clearer understanding of the poetic expressions. This reordering helps in deciphering the complex syntax of Sanskrit poetry, making the meaning more accessible.

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