नीतिचन्द्रिका - The moonlight of homilies - 111 to 114

सुलभाः पुरुषा लोके सततं प्रियवादिनः ।

अप्रियस्य च पथ्यस्य वक्ता श्रोता च दुर्लभः ॥ १११ ॥ 

Men who are always praising you and saying good things are easy to find.

But rare are those who can speak or listen to unpleasant but well-meaning words. 

स्वगृहे पूज्यते मूर्खः स्वग्रामे पूज्यते प्रभुः ।

स्वदेशे पूज्यते राजा विद्वान् सर्वत्र पूज्यते ॥ ११२ ॥ 

A fool receives respect at home, a chieftain in his village.

A king receives respect in his kingdom, but a scholar receives respect everywhere.

हस्तस्य भूषणं दानं सत्यं कण्ठस्य भूषणम् ।

कर्णस्य भूषणं शास्त्रं भूषणैः किं प्रयोजनम् ॥ ११३ ॥

Charity is the ornament for one's hand, truth is the ornament for one's throat. 

Listening to scriptures is the ornament for the ears, 

Hence, what need is there for external ornaments? 

ओङ्कारं बिन्दुसम्युक्तं नित्यं ध्यायन्ति योगिनः ।

कामदं मोक्षदं चैव ओङ्काराय नमो नमः ॥ ११४ ॥ 

The sacred sound OM fulfills all our desires, also confers liberation.

The adept meditators constantly meditate on this sacred sound OM

That is the centre of all creation. 

Hence, let us offer our obeisance to OM!

नीतिचन्द्रिका - The moonlight of homilies - 106 to 110

सर्वं परवशं दुःखं सर्वमात्मवशं सुखम् ।

एतद्विद्यात्समासेन लक्षणं सुखदुःखयोः ॥ १०६ ॥ 

All things that are subject to outside factors, i.e. beyond one's control,

Bring misery. All independence from outside factors, i.e. being in one's control, 

Implies happiness. In essence, this is what's happiness and what's sorrow. 

सहसा विदधीत न क्रियाम्

अविवेकः परमापदां पदम् ।

वृणुते हि विमृष्यकारिणम्  

गुणलुब्धाः स्वयमेव सम्पदः ॥ १०७ ॥  

Never do anything in haste. 

Thoughtless action is the sure way to failure and distress.

Success and glory come readily to the one who does

Everything after due consideration,

For, they have an affinity to competence!

साधूनां दर्शनं पुण्यं तीर्थभूता हि साधवः ।

तीर्थं फलति कालेन सद्यः साधुसमागमः ॥ १०८ ॥ 

Meeting holy men brings as much merit as going on a holy pilgrimage.

A pilgrimage confers merit over time, but meeting holy people gives instant fruits. 

सजीर्णमन्नं सुविचक्षणः सुतः

सुशासिता स्त्री नृपतिः सुसेवितः ।

सुचिन्त्य चोक्तं सुविचार्य यत्कृतम्

सुदीर्घकालेऽपि न याति विक्रियाम् ॥ १०९ ॥

Well-digested food, a truly smart son,

A well-groomed lady, a well-served king,

Words spoken after due thought, actions done after due consideration,

Do not bring adverse outcomes even in the distant future.

सुभिक्षं कृषके नित्यं नित्यं सुखमरोगिणः ।

भार्या भर्तुः प्रिया यस्य तस्य नित्योत्सवं गृहम् ॥ ११० ॥ 

For a diligent farmer, there is food aplenty always,

For a man in good health, well-being is a natural state.

For the man whose wife is dear, home is always full of celebration.

नीतिचन्द्रिका - The moonlight of homilies - 101 to 105

सदा प्रसन्नं मुखमिष्टवाणी 

सुशीलता च स्वजनेषु सख्यम् ।

सतां प्रसन्नः कुलहीनहानिः

चिन्हानि देहे त्रिदिवस्थितानाम् ॥ १०१ ॥  

Signs to look for in a man who enjoys heaven 

Right here on earth-

Always cheerful in countenance, sweet speech,

Good conduct, cordiality among his people,

Positive disposition towards good and truthful men, and

Distancing himself from bad people.

सन्तोषस्त्रिषु कर्तव्यः स्वदारे भोजने वने ।

त्रिषु चैव न कर्तव्योऽध्ययने जपदानयोः ॥ १०२ ॥ 

One should be satisfied in the matter of one's wife, food, and frolic (in the garden).

One should never become complacent in studies, in prayers and in acts of generosity.

समुद्रावरणा भूमिः प्राकारावरणं गृहम् ।

नरेन्द्रावरणो देशः चरित्रावरणाः स्त्रियः ॥ १०३ ॥ 

The earth is begirdled by the ocean in protection. 

A house should be fenced all around.

The land should be protectively covered by a king, and 

Good character should protectively cover women. 

सर्पः क्रूरः खलः क्रूरः सर्पात्क्रूरतरः खलः ।

मन्त्रौषधिवशः सर्पः खलः केन निवार्यते ॥ १०४ ॥  

The serpent is dangerous, and so is a villain.

But the villain is more dangerous than a serpent,

For the serpent's poison yields to incantations and antidotes,

But what can neutralise the villain's evil? 

सर्वे तस्यादृता धर्मा यस्यैते त्रय आदृताः ।

अनादृतास्तु यस्यैते सर्वास्तस्याफलाः क्रियाः ॥ १०५ ॥  

The one who reveres Mother, Father and Teacher, 

Becomes well regarded for his actions. 

For the one who does not revere these three,

All his actions are fruitless.

नीतिचन्द्रिका - The moonlight of homilies - 96 to 100

षड्दोषाः पुरुषेणेह हातव्या भूतिमिच्छता ।

निद्रा तन्द्रा भयं क्रोध आलस्यं दीर्घसूत्रता ॥ ९६ ॥

If a man wants to succeed, and acquire wealth, he should eschew

Rightaway these six defects: Too much sleep, lack of energy, 

Fear, anger, laziness and procrastination.

स जीवति गुणा यस्य धर्मो यस्य च जीवति ।

गुणधर्मविहीनस्य जीवनं निष्प्रयोजनम् ॥ ९७ ॥ 

He lives a meaningful existence

Who is full of virtues,

And whose righteous deeds are for all to see.

The one without virtues or righteousness

Lives a useless life. 

सत्यं ब्रूयात्प्रियं ब्रूयान्न ब्रूयात्सत्यमप्रियम् ।

प्रियं च नानृतं ब्रूयादेष धर्मः सनातनः ॥ ९८ ॥  

Speak the truth. Speak what's pleasant.

Speak not what is true but unpleasant.

To speak the pleasant truth is the timeless righteous way. 

सत्येन धार्यते पृथ्वी सत्येन तपते रविः ।

सत्येन वायवो वान्ति सर्वं सत्ये प्रतिष्ठितम् ॥ ९९ ॥ 

There is an inviolable truth by which the earth is supported.

That truth alone makes the sun shine, and the winds blow.

Indeed, all is established in that inviolable truth.  

सत्सङ्गः केशवे भक्तिर्गङ्गाम्भसि निमज्जनम् ।

असारे खलु संसारे त्रीणि साराणि भावयेत् ॥ १०० ॥

In this life, which is really meaningless and insipid,

Cultivating the company of the good, having devotion to Keshava, 

And bathing in the holy Ganga- these three 

Should be practised, as they are life-enhancing. 

नीतिचन्द्रिका - The moonlight of homilies - 91 to 95

शरीरस्य गुणानां च दूरमत्यन्तमन्तरम् ।

शरीरं क्षणवध्वंसि कल्पान्तस्थायिनो गुणाः ॥ ९१ ॥  

There is a wide gulf between the durability of the body and of one's character traits. The body can perish instantly, but character traits go on for aeons, birth after birth. 

शान्तितुल्यं तपो नास्ति न सन्तोषात् परं सुखम् ।

न तृष्णायाः परो व्याधिर्न च धर्मो दयासमः ॥ ९२ ॥  

No austerity matches peaceability, 

No pleasure matches contentment.

No disease equals intense desire, 

No virtue comes close to charity.

शोकस्थानसहस्राणि भयस्थानशतानि च ।

दिवसे दिवसे मूढमाविशन्ति न पण्डितम् ॥ ९३ ॥ 

A thousand sorrows beset the mind,

A hundred fears invade day after day,

This applies to an ignorant man, not a wise man.

श्रुतिस्तु  वेदो विज्ञेयो धर्मशास्त्रं तु वै स्मृतिः ।

ते सर्वार्थेष्वमीमांस्ये ताभ्यां धर्मो हि निर्बभौ ॥ ९४ ॥  

The Shruti is the Veda. The Smriti is the Dharma Shastra.

Never should they be criticised, for Dharma is born out of them. 

श्रुतिस्मृत्युदितं धर्ममौतिष्ठन् हि मानवः ।

इह कीर्तिमवाप्नोति प्रेत्य चानुत्तमं सुखम् ॥ ९५ ॥ 

By following the Shruti and Smriti injunctions,

One succeeds here, 

And attains true happiness in the next world, too. 

नीतिचन्द्रिका - The moonlight of homilies - 86 to 90

विप्रयोर्विप्रवह्न्योश्च दम्पत्योः स्वामिभृत्ययोः ।

अन्तरेण न गन्तव्यं हलस्य वृषभस्य च ॥ ८६ ॥   

It is unwise to intercede between two Brahmins in dispute, or between the Brahmin and his sacred fire, or a couple in disagreement, or between a master and his servant. Likewise, avoid getting in between the plough and the ox drawing it. 

विषादप्यमृतं ग्राह्यं बालादपि शुभाषितम् ।

अमित्रादपि सद्वृत्तममेध्यादपि काञ्चनम् ॥ ८७ ॥ 

Don't hesitate to accept Ambrosia even if it lies inside poison,

Don't reject wise words even from an urchin.

Don't miss learning from the good conduct of even your enemies,

Don't miss picking up gold even if it lies in filth. 

वृथा वृष्टिः समुद्रेषु वृथा तृप्तस्य भोजनम् ।

वृथा दानं समर्थस्य वृथा दीपो दिवापि च ॥ ८८ ॥

Rainfall is wasted if it falls in the ocean, and food is wasted if offered to a man who is feeling full.

Giving alms to a prosperous man is wasteful, as is holding up a lamp in sunlight. 

वृक्षं क्षीणफलं त्यजन्ति विहगाः शुष्कं सरः सारसाः

पुष्पं पर्युषितं त्यजन्ति मधुपा दग्धं वनान्तं मृगाः ।

निर्द्रव्यं पुरुषं त्यजन्ति गणीका भ्रष्टश्रियं मन्त्रिणः

सर्वः कार्यवशाज्जनोऽभिरमते कस्यास्ति को वल्लभः ॥८९॥  

A dried up tree is forsaken by birds, a dried up lake is abandoned by cranes.

A dried up flower is forsaken by honeybees, and deer forsake a burned up forest.

A penniless man is forsaken by his concubines, and an insolvent man is abandoned by his advisors. This opportunism makes us wonder who is indeed a true friend to whom in this world!?

वेदः स्मृतिः सदाचारः स्वस्य च प्रियमात्मनः ।

एतच्चतुर्विधं प्राहुः साक्षाद्धर्मस्य लक्षणम् ॥ ९० ॥ 

What are the criteria for knowing Dharma? The authority of Vedas, Smritis, and the accepted norms of the present-day society about right conduct. Finally, the test of Dharma is if it appeals to one's good sense. These are the four tests to know if something is Dharmic. 

नीतिचन्द्रिका - The moonlight of homilies - 81 to 85

वह्निस्तस्य जलायते जलनिधिः कुल्यायते तत्क्षणात् 

मेरुः स्वल्पशिलायते मृगपतिः सद्यः कुरङ्गायते ।

व्यालो माल्यगुणायते विषरसः पीयूषवर्षायते 

यस्याङ्गेऽखिललोकवल्लभतमं शीलं समुन्मीलति ॥ ८१ ॥ 

For one in whom the world's most endearing qualities abide, 

Fire becomes a cool spring, the ocean becomes a small puddle,

The intractable Meru becomes a hillock, the fierce lion becomes a docile deer,

The serpent becomes a tender garland, and poison becomes nectar! 

विद्यातीर्थे जगति विबुधाः साधवः सत्यतीर्थे

गङ्गातिर्थे मलिनमनसो योगिनो ध्यानतीर्थे ।

धारातीर्थे धरणिपतयो दानतीर्थे धनाढ्या

लज्जातीर्थे कुलयुवतयः पातकं क्षालयन्ते ॥ ८२ ॥

To atone themselves, the learned men 

Immerse themselves in knowledge, 

The righteous men resort to truth,

The sinners dip themselves in the Ganga, 

The Yogis immerse themselves in meditation.

The kings atone themselves by serving the land,

The rich men ameliorate their sins in charity,

And,

The women of good families atone themselves by modesty. 

विद्या नाम नरस्य रूपमधिकं प्रच्छन्नगुप्तं धनं

विद्या भोगकरी यशस्सुखकरी विद्या गुरूणां गुरुः ।

विद्या बन्धुजनो विदेशगमने विद्या परं दैवतं

विद्या राजसु पूजिता न तु धनं विद्यानिहीनः पशुः ॥ ८३ ॥

The biggest aspect of man is his learning, and it is that riches closely guarded as such.

Learning confers all material pleasures and comforts, as well as brings name and fame.

Thus, learning is the inner guide for the wise. 

In foreign lands, one's learning acts as one's well-wishers. 

No wonder learning is hailed as divine.

Kings extol learning, not a man's wealth. 

Thus, a man without learning is as good as a beast! 

विद्या मित्रं प्रवासेषु माता मित्रं गृहेषु च ।

व्याधितसौषधं मित्रं धर्मो मित्रं मृतस्य च ॥ ८४ ॥

For one in travel, his learning comes as a friend,

For one at home, the friend is his mother who cares for him.

For one who is ill, the medicine plays the role of a friend who removes suffering,

For one who moves on from this life, his good acts accompany him as a true friend. 

विद्वत्वञ्च नृपत्वञ्च नैव तुल्यं कदाचन ।

स्वदेशे पूज्यते राजा विद्वान् सर्वत्र पूज्यते ॥ ८५ ॥ 

Never compare scholarship with rulership. 

The king is respected in his own land, but a scholar is revered everywhere.  

नीतिचन्द्रिका - The moonlight of homilies - 76 to 80

 राजा धर्ममृते द्विजः सवमृते विद्यामृते योगिनः

कान्ता सत्वमृते हयो गतिमृते भूषा च शोभामृते ।

योद्धा शूरमृते तपो व्रतमृते गीतं च पद्यामृते

भ्राता स्नेहमृते नरो हरिमृते लोको न भाति क्वचित् ॥ ७६ ॥  

A king without righteousness, a Brahmin without fire worship, a Yogi without wisdom,

A wife without fidelity, a horse without speed, an ornament without beauty,

A soldier without valour, a penance without discipline, a song without lyrics,

A brother without affection, and a man without devotion to Hari, 

Is without splendour or value in this world.  

रूपयौवनसम्पन्ना विशालकुलसम्भवाः ।

विद्याविहीना न शोभन्ते निर्गन्धा इव किंशुकाः ॥ ७७ ॥ 

Endowed with youth, good looks, and descended from big lineage,  

Yet possessing no learning nor wisdom - such men 

Are lustreless as the Kimshuka flowers without fragrance. 

रे रे चातक सावधानमनसा मित्र क्षणं श्रूयताम्

अम्भोदा बहवो हि सन्ति गगने सर्वेऽपि नैतादृशाः ।

केचिद्वृष्टिभिरार्द्रयन्ति वसुधां गर्जन्ति केचिद्वृथा 

यं यं पश्यसि तस्य तस्य पुरतो मा ब्रूहि दीनं वचः ॥ ७८ ॥

Oh, dear Chaataka bird!  Listen attentively for a moment!

Many clouds crowd the sky, and yet not all are alike!

Some indeed shower copious rain on earth, 

But some others rumble without substance.

Therefore, plead not before every cloud that you see to quench your thirst! 

ललितान्तानि गीतानि कुवाक्यान्तं च सौहृदम् ।

प्रणामन्तः सतां कोपो याचनान्तं हि गौरवम् ॥ ७९ ॥ 

A song ends well with evocative words,

A friendship ends when a nasty word is uttered.

Good men's anger ends when they're shown respect, 

One loses one's dignity upon supplication. 

लालयेत् पञ्चवर्षाणि दशवर्षाणि ताडयेत् ।

प्राप्ते तु षोडशे वर्षे पुत्रं मित्रवदाचरेत् ॥ ८० ॥ 

Cuddle your child till he is five, be strict for the next ten years.

Once your son turns sixteen, treat him as a friend. 

नीतिचन्द्रिका - The moonlight of homilies - 71 to 75

यथा चतुर्भिः कनकं परीक्ष्यते  निघर्षणच्छेदनतापताडनैः ।

तथा चतुर्भिः पुरुषः परीक्ष्यते श्रुतेन शीलेन कुलेन कर्मणा ॥ ७१ ॥ 

Just as goldsmiths examine the quality of gold by rubbing it against the touchstone, cutting it, beating it and putting it in the fire, the wise assess a man's worth based on his knowledge of the scriptures, his character, and inborn impressions from his lineage.

यद्दुस्तरं यद्दुरापं यद्दुर्गं यच्च दुष्करम् ।

सर्वं तु तपसा साध्यं तपो हि दुरतिक्रमम् ॥ ७२ ॥ 

What is difficult to cross over, what is difficult to acquire, what is difficult to reach, and what is difficult to do - all are accomplished successfully by the power of penance; however, penance itself is indeed very difficult! 

यावत्स्वस्थमिदं कलेवरगृहं यावच्च दूरे जरा

यावच्चेन्द्रियशक्तिरप्रतिहता यावत्क्षयो नायुषः ।

आत्मश्रेयसि तावदेव विदुषा कार्यः प्रयत्नो महान्

प्रोदीप्ते भवने च कूपखननं प्रत्युद्यमः कीदृशः ॥ ७३ ॥ 

When this body is healthy, and debility is far away,

When the bodily organs are undiminished in strength, and longevity is undepleted,

It is the right time for the intelligent man to strive diligently for his betterment!

Or else it would be like trying to dig a well for water when one sees the house on fire. 

येषां न विद्या न तपो न दानम्

ज्ञानं न शीलं न गुणो न धर्मः ।

ते मृत्युलोके भुवि भारभूताः 

मनुष्यरूपेण मृगाश्चरन्ति ॥ ७४ ॥ 

Those bereft of learning, austerity, generosity, wisdom, character and righteousness

are indeed a burden on this earth, like mere animals in human form. 

यं मातापितरौ क्लेशं सहेते सम्भवे नृणाम् ।

न तस्य निष्कृतिः शक्त्या कर्तुं वर्षशतैरपि ॥ ७५ ॥ 

What ordeal the parents go through when someone is born

Is never possible to repay by striving even in a hundred years.

नीतिचन्द्रिका - The moonlight of homilies - 66 to 70

मातेव रक्षति पितेव हिते नियुङ्क्ते 

कान्तेव चाभिरमयत्यपनीय खेदम् ।

लक्ष्मीः तनोति वितनोति च दिक्षु कीर्तिम्

किं किं न साधयति कल्पलतेव विद्या ॥ ६६ ॥  

Education in the right way is like the divine wish-fulfilling tree - it protects like one's mother, leads one in the right path like one's father, delights one like the beloved wife by removing sorrow. Education confers wealth and spreads one's fame far and wide. How to list all the benefits of true education?

मात्रा समं नास्ति शरीरपोषणम् 

चिन्तासमं नास्ति शरीरशोषणम् ।

भार्यासमं नास्ति शरीरतोषणम्

विद्यासमं नास्ति शरीरभूषणम् ॥ ६७ ॥ 

Nothing compares with one's mother for nourishing one's body. Nothing compares with worry for withering one's body. Nothing compares with one's wife for giving bodily pleasures. Finally, nothing compares with true learning as the adornment for one's personality. 

मित्रं स्वच्छतया रिपुं नवबलैर्लुब्धं धनैरीश्वरम्

कार्येण द्विजमादरेण युवतिं प्रेम्णा समैर्बान्धवान् ।

अत्युग्रं स्तुतिभिर्गुरुं प्रणतिभिर्मूर्खं कथाभिर्बुधम् 

विद्याभी रसिकं रसेन सकलं शीलेन कुर्याद्वशम् ॥ ६८ ॥ 

Win over a friend with sincerity, conquer a foe with diplomacy, win over a greedy man with wealth as inducement; win over the master with good work, win a Brahmin over with a true show of respect. Win over a damsel with wooing, win over relatives with composure. Win over the preceptor with devotion and prayer. Win over a fool by telling stories. Win over a scholar with your own learning, and win over an aesthete with evocative art. Finally, win over everything everywhere with the strength of your character! 

मूर्खा यत्र न पूज्यन्ते धान्यं यत्र सुसञ्चितम् ।

दम्पत्योः कलहो नास्ति तत्र श्रीः स्वयमागता ॥ ६९ ॥ 

Where fools are not honoured, foodgrain is stored well, and couples don't fight - there accrues wealth  readily!

मौनान्मूकः प्रवचनपटुशाटुलो जल्पको वा

धृष्टः पार्श्वे वसति च तदा दूरतश्चाप्रगल्भः ।

 क्षान्त्या भीरुर्यदि च सहते प्रायशो नाभिजातः

सेवाधर्मः परमगहनो योगिनामप्यगम्यः ॥ ७० ॥  

What conduct makes a positive impact? Even Yogis are unaware. If one keeps quiet, people take him to be dumb. If he chats a bit, they think he is babbling. If one goes close to someone, they think he lacks civility. If he stays aloof, they think he is insignificant. If he forgives easily, they think he is a coward. If he reacts a bit, they think he is of low birth! Who knows what is the best way to deal with people?!?

नीतिचन्द्रिका - The moonlight of homilies - 61 to 65

 

ब्रह्महत्या सुरापानं स्तेयं गुर्वङ्गनागमः ।

महान्ति पातकान्याहुः संसर्गश्चापि तैः सह ॥ ६१ ॥

These are deadly sins: killing a holy man, drinking liquor, stealing, and cohabiting with the preceptor's wife. Those who indulge in these, as well as those who keep such persons' company, are both sinning.  

मनस्यन्यत् वचस्यन्यत् कर्मण्यन्यत् दुरात्मनाम् ।

मनस्येकं वचस्येकं कर्मण्येकं महात्मनाम् ॥ ६२ ॥  

Bad men think one thing, speak another thing, and act, again, differently, without consistency. 

But the good men have unity in thought, word and deed. 

मातापितृभ्यां जामीभिर्भ्रात्रा पुत्रेण भार्यया ।

दुहित्रा दासवर्गेण विवादं न समाचरेत् ॥ ६३ ॥ 

It's wise not to argue with one's parents, sisters and brothers, sons and daughters, as well as one's wife. Likewise with servants, argue not.

माता यस्य गृहे नास्ति भार्या चाप्रियवादिनी ।

अरण्यं तेन गन्तव्यं यथारण्यं तथा गृहम् ॥ ६४ ॥ 

One whose home is bereft of one's mother, and where one's wife speaks unpleasantly, should better go away to the jungle, for such a home is a jungle indeed. 

मातृवत्परदारेषु परद्रव्येषु लोष्टवत् ।

आत्मवत्सर्वभूतेषु यः पश्यति स पण्डितः ॥ ६५ ॥

The man who treats other men's wives as his mother, and considers others' wealth as a lump of clay (i.e. without covetousness), and considers all beings as his own self, is truly wise.  

नीतिचन्द्रिका - The moonlight of homilies - 56 to 60

पानं दुर्जनसंसर्गः पत्या च विरहोऽटनम् ।

स्वप्नोऽन्यगेहवासश्च नारीणां दूषणाणि षट् ॥ ५६ ॥ 

The six defects in a woman's conduct are drinking (alcohol), evil company, separation from Husband, unnecessary wandering, excessive sleep, and living in someone else's house.

पित्रोर्नित्यं प्रियं कुर्यादाचार्यस्य च सर्वदा ।

तेष्वेव त्रिषु तुष्टेषु तपः सर्वं समाप्यते ॥ ५७ ॥

Mother, father and teacher - do what pleases them always,

for, your actions that bring them joy equal all austerity. 

पुस्तकेषु च या विद्या परहस्तेषु यद्धनम् ।

उत्पन्नेषु च कार्येषु न सा विद्या न तद्धनम् ॥ ५८ ॥ 

That knowledge sitting in books or that money sitting in others' hands

Is as good as not there when you need it most. 

प्रविचार्योत्तरं देयं सहसा न वदेत् क्वचित् ।

शत्रोरपि गुणा ग्राह्या दोषास्त्याज्या गुरोरपि ॥ ५९ ॥ 

Speak your answer after due consideration; never speak in haste.

Emulate virtues seen even in your enemies, eschew vices seen even in your preceptor.

प्रियवाक्यप्रदानेन सर्वे तुष्यन्ति जन्तवः ।

तस्मात्तदेव वक्तव्यं वचने का दरिद्रता ॥ ६० ॥ 

Pleasant words delight everyone, without fail.

Speak, therefore, always what's pleasant, why penury in speech!? 

नीतिचन्द्रिका - The moonlight of homilies - 51 to 55

परदारान् परद्रव्यं परीवादं परस्य च ।

परिहासं गुरोः स्थाने चापल्यं च विवर्जयेत् ॥ ५१ ॥  

Rightly, one should abstain from another's wife, another's wealth, and scolding another.

Likewise, one should refrain from ridiculing one's preceptor and falling prey to temptations. 

परोपकरणं येषां जागर्ति हृदये सताम् ।

नश्यन्ति विपदस्तेषां सम्पदः स्युः पदे पदे ॥ ५२ ॥ 

For those good men in whose hearts well up sympathy and helpfulness towards others, 

The dangers of life disappear, and prosperity showers all the time.

परोक्षे कार्यहन्तारं प्रत्यक्षे प्रियवादिनम् ।

वर्जयेत्तादृशं मित्रं विषकुम्भं पयोमुखम् ॥ ५३ ॥ 

That sort of friend who speaks sweetly to your face but harms your interests behind your back -

Give up such a friend at once, he is like the pot of poison frothing with milk in its mouth.

पादपानां भयं वातात् पद्मानां शिशिराद्भयम् ।

पर्वतानां भयं वज्रात् साधूनां दुर्जनाद्भयम् ॥ ५४ ॥ 

Trees fear the wind, lotuses fear wintry rain. 

Mountains fear Indra's lightning strike and good men fear the evil-doers.

पादाभ्यांं न स्पृशेदग्निं गुरुं ब्राह्मणमेव च ।

नैव गां च कुमारीं च न वृद्धं न शिशुं तथा ॥ ५५ ॥

Never let your feet touch the fire, your preceptor or a Brahmin.

Likewise, step not on a cow, a maiden, an old man, nor a baby. 

नीतिचन्द्रिका - The moonlight of homilies - 46 to 50

नास्ति स्त्रीणां पृथग्यज्ञो न व्रतं नाप्युपोषणम् ।

पतिं शुश्रूषते येन तेन स्वर्गे महीयते ॥ ४६ ॥

For a woman, no separate Yajña, nor ritual discipline, nor fasting, is needed.

By her loving service to her husband, her place in heaven is assured. 

नित्यं स्नात्वा शुचिः कुर्याद्देवर्षिपितृतर्पणम् ।

देवताभ्यर्चनं चैव समिधाधानमेव च ॥ ४७ ॥ 

Practise these daily: bath, cleansing, libation to deities, sages and forefathers,

Worship of God and the fire ritual.  

पठतो नास्ति मूर्खत्वं जपतो नास्ति पातकम् ।

जाग्रतस्तु भयं नास्ति कलहो नास्ति मौनिनाम् ॥ ४८ ॥ 

There's no stupidity for the learned man, nor is there sin for the one in prayerful chant.

No fear exists for the one awake, nor is there quarrel for the one in silent meditation. 

पण्डिते च गुणास्सर्वे मूर्खे दोषा हि केवलम् ।

तस्मान्मूर्खसहस्रेभ्यः प्राज्ञ एको विशिष्यते ॥ ४९ ॥

Virtues abound in the truly learned, whereas defects are aplenty in the dull-witted.

That's why even in a large crowd of stupid people, the learned man stands out at once.  

पयःपानं भुजङ्गानां केवलं विषवर्धनम् ।

उपदेशो हि मूर्खाणां प्रकोपाय न शान्तये ॥ ५० ॥

All that feeding milk does to a serpent is to increase his venomousness.

Likewise, wise counsel to the dull-witted only provokes anger, not peaceability.

नीतिचन्द्रिका - The moonlight of homilies - 41 to 45

धृतिः क्ष्मा दमोऽस्तेयं शौचमिन्द्रियनिग्रहः ।

धीर्विद्या सत्यमक्रोधो दशकं धर्मलक्षणम् ॥  

Fortitude, forgiveness, self-control, non-stealing (honesty), cleanliness, controlling one's senses,

intelligence, learning, truthfulness and absence of anger are the ten signs of Dharma. 

न कश्चित् कस्यचिन्मित्रं न कश्चित्कस्यचिद्रिपुः ।

व्यवहारेण जायन्ते मित्राणि रिपवस्तथा ॥ 

No one is anyone's natural friend, nor is one naturally someone's enemy.

By their dispositions and actions, friends and enemies are born. 

न च विद्यात्समो बन्धुर्न मुक्तेः परमा गतिः ।

न वैराग्यात्परं भाग्यं नास्ति त्यागसमं सुखम् ॥ 

No friend or blood relative is as valuable as learning. There is no position or status comparable to liberation (Mukti). There is no wealth greater than detachment, and no happiness higher than renunciation.

नापृष्टः कस्यचित् ब्रूयान्न चान्यायेन पृच्छतः ।

जानन्नपि हि मेधावी जडवल्लोक आचरेत् ॥  

Unasked, speak not to anyone; also, when someone coerces you to speak.

The wise one speaks not, albeit knowing the answer, and remains like a blockhead in the world.

नास्ति विद्यासमं चक्षुः नास्ति सत्यसमं तपः ।

नास्ति रागसमं दुःखं नास्ति त्यागसमं सुखम् ॥ 

Eyes do not equal, in value, learning. No austerity equals truthfulness.

No sorrow can equal obsessive infatuation, and no pleasure can equal renunciation. 

नीतिचन्द्रिका - The moonlight of homilies - 36-40

देवे तीर्थे द्विजे मन्त्रे देवज्ञे भेषजे गुरौ ।

यादृशी भावना यस्य सिद्धिर्भवति तादृशी ॥

The way one's faith is in Ishwara, Kshetra, Brahmin, Mantra, and 

Jyotishi. Vaidya and Guru,

The same way will be one's life's fulfilment. 

धनधान्यप्रयोगेषु विद्यासङ्ग्रहणेषु च ।

आहारे व्यवहारे च त्यक्तलज्जः सुखी भवेत् ॥

One who is not unnecessarily reserved and diffident in matters of

Acquiring wealth, assets and knowledge, and taking good care of them, 

And in one's habits of diet and activity, shall be successful and happy.  

धनानि जीवितं चैव परार्थे प्राज्ञ उत्सृजेत् ।

सन्निमित्ते वरं त्यागो विनाशे नियते सति ॥

It's wise to devote one's wealth and living to the good of others.

When one's end is near, it is better to relinquish all for a good cause.

धनिकः श्रोत्रियो राजा नदी वैद्यश्च पञ्चमः ।

पञ्च यत्र न विद्यन्ते तत्र वासं न कारयेत् ॥  

Dwell not where there is no rich man, learned man, king, river, nor a doctor.

धर्म एव हतो हन्ति धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः ।

तस्माद्धर्मो न हन्तव्यो मा नो धर्मो हतोऽवधीत् ॥  

Dharma (Righteousness and good conduct), when forsaken, abandons us to death.

Dharma, when protected, protects us. 

Thus, we should never endanger Dharma, lest it should kill us in turn.

.

नीतिचन्द्रिका - The moonlight of homilies - 31 to 35

दानेन पाणिर्न तु कङ्कणेन स्नानेन शुद्धिर्न तु चन्दनेन ।

मानेन तृप्तिर्न तु भोजनेन ज्ञानेन मुक्तिर्न तु मुण्डनेन ॥  

Giving is the ornament for one's hand, not a bracelet.

Bathing purifies the body, not sandal paste.

A good reputation gives satisfaction, not a hearty meal.

Wisdom confers liberation, not ritual tonsure.  

दुर्जनः परिहर्तव्यो विद्ययालङ्कृतोऽपि सन् ।

मणिना भूषितः सर्पः किमसौ न भयङ्करः ॥ 

A bad man's friendship should be given up, even if he is learned.

Just because there is a shining gem in its hood, is a serpent less dangerous?

दुर्जनः प्रियवादी च नैतद्विश्वासकारणम् ।

मधु तिष्ठति जिह्वाग्रे हृदये तु हलाहलम् ॥

A bad man is not trustworthy even if he is sweet-tongued.

His words may be honey on the tongue but inside his heart are they poison. 

दुर्लभं प्राकृतं मित्रं दुर्लभः क्षेमकृत् सुतः ।

दुर्लभा सदृशी भार्या दुर्लभः स्वजनः प्रियः ॥   

Rare is it to find a true friend, rare indeed is a worthy son. 

Rare is a wife good in all aspects, rare again is a relative who is likeable. 

दृष्टिपूतं न्यसेत्पादं वस्त्रपूतं जलं पिबेत् ।

सत्यपूतां वदेद्वाचं मनःपूतं समाचरेत् ॥ 

Before setting foot anywhere, cleanse the path with your look. 

Cleanse water by straining through a cloth before drinking.

Cleanse your words beforehand with truthfulness. Cleanse your actions with due forethought.  

.

नीतिचन्द्रिका - The moonlight of homilies - 26 to 30

क्वचिद्रुष्टः क्वचित्तुष्टः रुष्टस्तुष्टः क्षणे क्षणे ।

अव्यवस्थितचित्तस्य प्रसादोऽपि भयङ्करः ॥

Momentarily angry, momentarily again cheerful, 

Alternating between anger and cheer every moment,

In someone of unstable temper, beware of even graciousness ! 

गुणैरुत्तमतां याति नोच्चैरासनसंस्थितः ।

प्रासादशिखरस्थोऽपि काकः किं गरुडायते ॥ 

One rises in greatness not by occupying a high seat, but by one's virtues.

A crow, even if sitting on a palatial tower, cannot hope to become Garuda, the king of birds.

चलन्ति तारा रविचन्द्रमण्डलं चलेच्च मेरुर्विचलेच्च मन्दरः ।

कदापि काले पृथिवी चलेच्च वै चलेन्न धर्मः सुजनस्य वाचिकम् ॥  

The stars move, so do the sun and the moon.

Even the mighty Meru and Mandara peaks move.

At some time, even the earth moves. But constant and firm is

Dharma, and the word spoken by the virtuous man.  

ताराणां भूषणं चन्द्रो नारीणां भूषणं पतिः ।

पृथिव्या भूषणं राजा विद्या सर्वस्य भूषणम् ॥  

For stars, the moon is their adornment. 

For women, their husbands are their ornaments.

The king shines as the earth's decoration,

And learning indeed is everyone's ornament!

त्यज दुर्जनसंसर्गं भज साधुसमागमम् ।

कुरु पुण्यमहोरात्रं स्मर नित्यमनित्यताम् ॥

Give up the company of the wicked, seek the congregation of the holy.

Do good day and night, and constantly meditate on the Eternal Reality.

.

नीतिचन्द्रिका - The moonlight of homilies - 21 to 25

एकेनापि सुवृक्षेण पुष्पितेन सुगन्धिना ।
वासितं स्याद्वनं सर्वं सुपुत्रेण कुलं यथा ॥ 

A single tree full of fragrant blossoms fills the entire forest with fragrance.

Likewise, one good son is enough to bring glory to a whole lineage.

कोकिलानां स्वरो रुपं नारीरूपं पतिव्रतम् ।

विद्या रूपं कुरूपाणां क्षमा रूपं तपस्विनाम् ॥ 

His melodious voice makes a cuckoo beautiful.

A lady's beauty lies in her devotion to husband.

Learning beautifies even an ugly man. 

Forbearance and forgiveness beautify ascetics. 

कोऽतिभारः समर्थानां किं दूरं व्यवसायिनाम् ।

को विदेशः सविद्यानां कः परः प्रियवादिनाम् ॥ 

What is too heavy for the adept ones?

What is beyond reach for the assiduous?

Where is a strange, unwelcoming place for the learned?

Who are the enemies for men of cheerful speech?

कोऽर्थः पुत्रेण जातेन यो न विद्वान् न भक्तिमान् ।

काणेन चक्षुषा किं वा चक्षुः पीडैव केवलम् ॥  

Of what benefit is a son born who is neither learned nor devout?

A blind eye is of no use except to bring suffering.

कः कालः कानि मित्राणि को देशः कौ व्ययागमौ ।

कस्याहं का च मे शक्तिरिति चिन्त्यं मुहुर्मुहुः ॥ 

Be ever-mindful of these - time, one's allies, place,

Income and expense. Who are my people, and what

Is my strength!? 

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Post settings Labels Neetichandrika,NC 1-5,Sanskrit, No matching suggestions Published on 30/01/2026 13:05 Links Location Search description Options Post: EditChanges saved

नीतिचन्द्रिका - The moonlight of homilies - 16 to 20

आप्तद्वेषाद्भेवेद्मृत्युः परद्वेषाद्धनक्षयः ।

राजद्वेषाद्भवेन्नाशो ब्रह्मद्वेषात्कुलक्षयः ॥   

Hatred towards one's own people spells Death.

Hatred towards others results in monetary loss.

Antipathy to the ruler brings destruction,

Antagonism towards the holy causes familial ruin. 

उदारस्य तृणं वित्तं शूरस्य मरणं तृणम् ।

विरक्तस्य तृणं भार्या निःस्पृहस्य तृणं जगत् ॥

To the generous man, money is like a blade of grass.

To the brave on the battlefield, death is insignificant.

To the dispassionate one, his wife means nothing, and

To the detached, the world is trivial.

उद्योगिनं पुरुषसिंहमुपैति लक्ष्मीः

दैवेन देयमिति कापुरुषा वदन्ति ।

दैवं निहत्य कुरु पौरुषमात्मशक्त्या 

यत्ने कृते यदि न सिद्ध्यति कोऽत्र दोषः ॥ 

Dame Fortune woos the diligent one. 

The worthless ones say, "Luck has showered on him." 

Set aside Luck and strive by your own endeavour.

Is it your fault if you don't succeed even after trying well?

उपकारः परो धर्मः परार्थं कर्मनैपुणम् ।

पात्रे दानं परः कामः परो मोक्षो वितृष्णता ॥
The supreme act is one of helping others. 

Attaining efficiency is true success.

What's most fulfilling is giving to the deserving.

The best expression of liberation is desirelessness.

एकेन शुष्कवृक्षेण दह्यमानेन वह्निना ।

दह्यते हि वनं सर्वं कुपुत्रेण कुलं यथा ॥ 

One dried-up tree catching fire is enough to reduce a whole forest to ashes.

One bad son is enough to bring down the entire lineage.

नीतिचन्द्रिका - The moonlight of homilies - 11 to 15

अर्थातुराणां न गुरुर्न बन्धुः कामातुराणां न भयं न लज्जा ।

विद्यातुराणां न सुखं न निद्रा क्षुधातुराणां न रुचिर्न वेला ॥ 

Those driven by material gain see none as their teacher or relative, 

Those driven by lust see no fear nor propriety.

Those striving for learning know no comfort nor rest,

Those driven by hunger consider no taste nor timeliness. 

अहिंसा सत्यमस्तेयं शौचमिन्द्रियनिग्रहः ।

एवं सामाजिकं धर्मं चातुर्वर्ण्येऽब्रवीन्मनुः ॥

Manu prescribed these for all four Varnas :

Non-violence, Truth, Non-stealing, Cleanliness,

Controlling one's senses and impulses,

As the code of social conduct.

आचारः परमो धर्मः श्रुत्युक्तः स्मार्त एव च ।

तस्मादस्मिन् सदा युक्तो नित्यं स्यादात्मवान् द्विजः ॥   

Right conduct is extolled as the highest pursuit by both the Vedas and the Dharma Shastras.

Therefore, a Brahmin seeking the Highest Truth should adhere to it always. 

आदौ माता गुरोः पत्नी ब्राह्मणी राजपत्निका ।

धेनुर्धात्री तथा पृथ्वी सप्तैता मातरः स्मृताः ॥

Foremost, one's biological mother, then the Teacher's wife, 

Then a Brahmin woman, then the queen.

Then the cow, the provider, and finally, Earth, are revered as seven mothers.

आपदां कथितः पन्था इन्द्रियाणामसंयमः ।

तज्जयः सम्पदां मार्गो येनेष्टं तेन गम्यताम् ॥

The pathway to danger and ruin is the non-mastery of the senses.

Control of senses is the pathway to prosperity.

Clearly, therefore, one can choose one's path between them. 

नीतिचन्द्रिका - The moonlight of homilies - 6 to 10

अनित्यानि शरीराणि विभवो नैव शाश्वतः ।

नित्यं सन्निहितो मृत्युः कर्तव्यो धर्मसङ्ग्रहः ॥

Alas, human body is mortal, wealth is not permanent.

Death is ever imminent, so do good always!

अनेकसंशयच्छेदि परोक्षार्थस्य दर्शनम् ।

सर्वस्य लोचनं शास्त्रं यस्य नास्त्यन्ध एव सः ॥

Scriptures answer many questions and make hidden things visible.

They act as everyone's eyes to see Truth. 

The one who sees this not is indeed blind!

अन्नदाता भयत्राता दिद्यादाता तथैव च ।

जनिता चोपनेता च पञ्चैते पितरः स्मृताः ॥ 

These five are all fatherly - the one who provides food,

The one who saves from danger. The one

Who gives education, the biological father,

The one who initiates one into the sacred Gayatri.

अपमानं पुरस्कृत्य मानं कृत्वा तु पृष्ठतः ।

स्वकार्यमुद्धरेत् प्राज्ञः कार्यधव्ंसो हि मूर्खता ॥

Overlooking any insult, leaving behind one's ego,

The intelligent one should accomplish one's objective, as 

Jeopardising own interest is high stupidity.

अभिवादनशीलस्य नित्यं वृद्धोपसेविनः ।

चत्वारि तस्य वर्धन्ते आयुर्विद्या यशो बलम् ॥ 

For one who habitually shows courtesy and decorum, reveres and

Serves the elderly, four things will accrue well:

Longevity, Education, Fame and Power. 

नीतिचन्द्रिका - The moonlight of homilies - 1 to 5

 

अजरामरवत्प्राज्ञः विद्यामर्थञ्च साधयेत् । 
गृहीत इव केशेषु मृत्युना धर्ममाचरेत् ॥

The wise pursue learning and prosperity 

As if there is no old age nor death. 

But hasten to do good as if Death holds them by their locks!

अत्यन्तकोपः कटुका च वाणी दरिद्रता च स्वजनेषु वैरम् ।

नीचप्रसङ्गः कुलहीनसेवा चिह्नानि देहे नरकस्थितानाम् ॥

Untrammelled anger, acidic tongue, wretchedness,

Ill will towards near ones, keeping evil company,

Servitude to the ignoble - these are sure signs of those in hell.

अनभ्यासेन वेदानामाचारस्य च वर्जनात् ।
आलस्यादन्नदोषाच्च मृत्युर्विप्राञ्जिघांसति ॥

For a Brahmin, these spell Death-

Not practising the Vedas, not observing ritual duties;

Being lazy and eating the wrong foods.

अनभ्यासे विषं विद्या अजीर्णे भोजनं विषम् । 

विषं गोष्टी दरिद्रस्य भोजनान्ते जलं विषम् ॥

Knowledge unpractised turns virulent.

Food ingested during indigestion turns poisonous.

The company of the wretched is infectious,

Water drunk just after a meal is toxic.

अनारोग्यमनायुष्यमस्वर्ग्यं चातिभोजनम् ।

अपुण्यं लोकविद्विष्टं तस्मात्तत्परिवर्जयेत् ॥

Eschew excessive eating - it brings ill-health, 

Shortens life, gives no heavenly joy, as it is sinful;

Gluttony implies ill will towards society.

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Hibiscus - an ancient Indian flower

 

जपाकुसुमसङ्काशं काश्यपेयं महाद्युतिम् ।

तमोऽरिं सर्वपापघ्नं प्रणतोऽस्मि दिवाकरम् ॥

I bow down to the Sun God, scion of Sage Kashyapa, possessing great effulgence!

He resembles the sacred hibiscus flower, destroys darkness and removes all sin.