Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यस्य चाप्रियमिच्छेत तस्य ब्रूयात् सदा प्रियम् ।
व्याधो मृगवधं कर्तुं गीतं गायति सुस्वरम् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति
yasya cāpriyamiccheta tasya brūyāt sadā priyam ।
vyādho mṛgavadhaṃ kartuṃ gītaṃ gāyati susvaram ॥
- cāṇakya nīti
Meaning of the subhAShita:
To the one you wish harm upon, speak only words of sweetness. A hunter with an intent to hunt the deer will sing a sweet song.
Commentary:
This verse serves as a subtle and satirical warning, urging caution in the face of flattery. It calls the reader to be mindful of those who speak with honeyed tongues, for beneath the sweetness may lie a hidden danger. People, like sugar, can appear appealing on the surface but may harbor a deadly intent beneath. Those who constantly sing your praises might not have your best interests at heart.
The analogy in the verses compares this deceptive flattery to a hunter who lures prey by mimicking bird calls or playing a sweet tune. Just as the melody draws the animals closer, only to ensnare them, so too can the false praises of an enemy draw you in, masking their true intentions.
We must not be swayed by the smooth words of those who speak to please, for their actions may reveal a different, darker reality.
Trust is built not in the sweetness of words alone, but in the harmony between words and deeds. True trust is found where what is spoken matches what is done.
यस्य च अप्रियम् इच्छेत तस्य ब्रूयात् सदा प्रियम् ।
yasya ca apriyam iccheta tasya brūyāt sadā priyam ।
व्याधः मृग-वधं कर्तुं गीतं गायति सुस्वरम् ॥
vyādhaḥ mṛga-vadhaṃ kartuṃ gītaṃ gāyati susvaram ॥
yasya chaapriyamichCheta tasya brUyaat sadaa priyam ।
vyaadho mRugavadhaM kartuM geetaM gaayati susvaram ॥
- chaaNakya neeti
yasya cha apriyam ichCheta tasya brUyaat sadaa priyam ।
vyaadhaH mRuga-vadhaM kartuM geetaM gaayati susvaram ॥
