Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उभयोर्नास्ति भोगेच्छा परार्थं धनसञ्चयः ।
कृपणोदारयोः पश्य तथापि महदन्तरम् ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि
Transliteration:
ubhayornāsti bhogecchā parārthaṃ dhanasañcayaḥ ।
kṛpaṇodārayoḥ paśya tathāpi mahadantaram ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi
Meaning of the subhAShita:
Neither of them has the desire to indulge, (both) earn wealth for the benefit of others! Yet, see the huge difference (between) a miser and a generous (one).
Commentary:
The poet very tactfully compares and (in the next moment) contrasts the attributes of a miser vs a giver. In the first part of the verse, he says there is a stark similarity between two people - both earn wealth for the benefit of others! On first thought, the listener would think the verse is about two noble people. But the second half brings attention to the distinct disparity between the two!
If one has to see the difference between a miser and a giver, it is quite easy. A miser hoards his assets whereas a generous, charitable, giver readily parts with his bounty! The world considers a giver as a magnanimous soul whereas a hoarder is considered stingy and selfish. So far, the points are precise and comprehensible.
How about the similarity between the two? Well, the author cleverly points to the impact of each one's actions. When a hoarder accumulates wealth, he is neither enjoying the resources himself nor is he utilizing it for the benefit of others. His affluence gets stagnated and comes to no use for anyone. But one day, at least on the day he passes away, he has to part with his wealth. That which he had so carefully and diligently accumulated is finally enjoyed (or misused) by his survivors! After all, there is no saying if one's assets were put to good use or utilized for the wrong causes by others. Whereas, a generous giver willingly parts with his money when alive. He gets the opportunity to revel in the happiness of the beneficiaries of his good deeds, which in turn makes him happy! At least there is a guarantee that it was used for the right cause.
Whether willingly or unwillingly, when the wealth accumulated is eventually for the benefit of others, might as well do good and be happy. It is impossible for one's heart to be enlightened and still be a miser! Happiness isn't a result of what we get, but of what we give. For, it is in the giving that we receive!
pada vigrahaH:
If one has to see the difference between a miser and a giver, it is quite easy. A miser hoards his assets whereas a generous, charitable, giver readily parts with his bounty! The world considers a giver as a magnanimous soul whereas a hoarder is considered stingy and selfish. So far, the points are precise and comprehensible.
How about the similarity between the two? Well, the author cleverly points to the impact of each one's actions. When a hoarder accumulates wealth, he is neither enjoying the resources himself nor is he utilizing it for the benefit of others. His affluence gets stagnated and comes to no use for anyone. But one day, at least on the day he passes away, he has to part with his wealth. That which he had so carefully and diligently accumulated is finally enjoyed (or misused) by his survivors! After all, there is no saying if one's assets were put to good use or utilized for the wrong causes by others. Whereas, a generous giver willingly parts with his money when alive. He gets the opportunity to revel in the happiness of the beneficiaries of his good deeds, which in turn makes him happy! At least there is a guarantee that it was used for the right cause.
Whether willingly or unwillingly, when the wealth accumulated is eventually for the benefit of others, might as well do good and be happy. It is impossible for one's heart to be enlightened and still be a miser! Happiness isn't a result of what we get, but of what we give. For, it is in the giving that we receive!
pada vigrahaH:
उभयोः न अस्ति भोग इच्छा परार्थं धन-सञ्चयः ।
ubhayoḥ na asti bhoga icchā parārthaṃ dhana-sañcayaḥ ।
कृपण-उदारयोः पश्य तथा-अपि महत् अन्तरम् ॥
kṛpaṇa-udārayoḥ paśya tathā-api mahat antaram ॥
ubhayornaasti bhogechChaa paraarthaM dhanasa~nchayaH ।
kRupaNodaarayoH pashya tathaapi mahadantaram ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi
ubhayoH na asti bhoga ichChaa paraarthaM dhana-sa~nchayaH ।
kRupaNa-udaarayoH pashya tathaa-api mahat antaram ॥
