Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सुजनो न याति वैरं परहितबुद्धिर्विनाशकालेऽपि ।
छेदेऽपि चन्दनतरुः सुरभयति मुखं कुठारस्य ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि
Transliteration:
sujano na yāti vairaṃ parahitabuddhirvināśakāle'pi ।
chede'pi candanataruḥ surabhayati mukhaṃ kuṭhārasya ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi
Meaning of the subhAShita:
An affable person (who is) always engrossed in the benefaction of others shall not resort to hostility, even in times of (his own) downfall. Upon chopping, the sandal tree only smears its fragrance onto the blade of the axe.
Commentary:
When an axe fells a sandal tree, the tree does not pick up a sword to fight back, nor a shield to protect itself. It not only gets felled but also graces the blade of the chopping axe with its wonderful fragrance! Such is the grace of a benevolent person. He does not resort to hostility or aggression even in times of his own hardships. Such a person never really falls down in the real sense. It may look like a downfall in worldly measures, but they are the true heroes. For, on the scale of benevolence and graciousness, they will always stand tall! Their honor and reputation shall never see a descent. Isn't that the true measure of eminence?!
A person whose amicability doesn't change with adversity is the most amicable of all! Isn't that also an indication that, the affability of a person has more to do with what he gives 'of' himself rather than what he takes 'for' himself? Give with a good heart and good intention. This will be your savior for a long time to come!
pada vigrahaH:
सुजनः न याति वैरं पर-हित-बुद्धिः विनाश-काले अपि ।
sujanaḥ na yāti vairaṃ para-hita-buddhiḥ vināśa-kāle api ।
छेदे अपि चन्दन-तरुः सुरभयति मुखं कुठारस्य ॥
chede api candana-taruḥ surabhayati mukhaṃ kuṭhārasya ॥
A person whose amicability doesn't change with adversity is the most amicable of all! Isn't that also an indication that, the affability of a person has more to do with what he gives 'of' himself rather than what he takes 'for' himself? Give with a good heart and good intention. This will be your savior for a long time to come!
pada vigrahaH:
सुजनः न याति वैरं पर-हित-बुद्धिः विनाश-काले अपि ।
sujanaḥ na yāti vairaṃ para-hita-buddhiḥ vināśa-kāle api ।
छेदे अपि चन्दन-तरुः सुरभयति मुखं कुठारस्य ॥
chede api candana-taruḥ surabhayati mukhaṃ kuṭhārasya ॥
sujano na yaati vairaM parahitabuddhirvinaashakaale.pi ।
Chede.pi chandanataruH surabhayati mukhaM kuThaarasya ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi
sujanaH na yaati vairaM para-hita-nirataH vinaasha-kaale api ।
Chede api chandana-taruH surabhayati mukhaM kuThaarasya ॥
I understand. The ax got blessed because it was used to fell a sanctified tree, which gave itself without resistance. If the human condition gave more of itself like this tree, there would be more trees for shade and less human and animal misery.
ReplyDeleteMaybe that is why philosophies see in the tree a symbol for humanity. Also, give, and it shall be given back, pressed down, packed together, and dripping with honey.
Truly thought provoking..
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear that! :)
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