Anu-Chintanam

Subhashita Ratnakara is a well-known collection of Sanskrit verses and proverbs. It is a treasury of wise sayings and maxims, containing a vast compilation of teachings, moral lessons, and philosophical insights. The term “Subhashita” translates to “well-spoken” or “well-said,” and “Ratnakara” means “ocean” or “treasury.”

The Subhashita Ratnakara was compiled by a scholar named Vallabhadeva during the 10th century CE. It consists of various subhashitas, which are concise and memorable verses that convey profound truths or practical wisdom. These subhashitas cover a wide range of subjects, including ethics, politics, human nature, friendship, family, and spirituality.

The collection is divided into several thematic sections, each exploring different aspects of life and knowledge. Some of the topics covered include education, governance, wealth, love, and social conduct. The verses are written in elegant Sanskrit poetry, often using metaphorical language and clever wordplay to convey their messages effectively.

The Subhashita Ratnakara is highly regarded for its literary quality and profound insights. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone seeking guidance and inspiration from ancient Indian wisdom. Many of the subhashitas from this collection continue to be quoted and referenced in contemporary literature and conversations, showcasing their enduring relevance.

वनेऽपि सिंहा मृगमांसभक्षिणो बुभुक्षिता नैव तृणं चरन्ति |
एवं कुलीना व्यसनाभिभूता न नीचकर्माणि समाचरन्ति||

English – In a forest lions subsist by preying on deers and eating their flesh, but even if they are hungry or may be starving, they will never eat grass to satiate their hunger. So also noble and aristocratic persons, they dont indulge in low grade activities even if they face hardships due to their addiction to high standard of living.

Kannada – ಕಾಡಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಸಿಂಹಗಳು ಜಿಂಕೆಗಳನ್ನು ಬೇಟೆಯಾಡುವ ಮೂಲಕ ಮತ್ತು ಅವುಗಳ ಮಾಂಸವನ್ನು ತಿನ್ನುವ ಮೂಲಕ ಬದುಕುತ್ತವೆ, ಆದರೆ ಅವು ಹಸಿದಿದ್ದರೂ ಅಥವಾ ಹಸಿವಿನಿಂದ ಬಳಲುತ್ತಿದ್ದರೂ, ಅವು ಎಂದಿಗೂ ತಮ್ಮ ಹಸಿವನ್ನು ನೀಗಿಸಲು ಹುಲ್ಲು ತಿನ್ನುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ಆದ್ದರಿಂದ ಉದಾತ್ತ ಮತ್ತು ಶ್ರೀಮಂತ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿಗಳು, ಅವರು ಉನ್ನತ ಮಟ್ಟದ ಜೀವನಕ್ಕೆ ವ್ಯಸನದಿಂದ ಕಷ್ಟಗಳನ್ನು ಎದುರಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದರೂ ಸಹ ಅವರು ಕಡಿಮೆ ದರ್ಜೆಯ ಚಟುವಟಿಕೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಪಾಲ್ಗೊಳ್ಳುವುದಿಲ್ಲ.

Hindi – जंगल में शेर हिरणों का शिकार करके और उनका मांस खाकर जीवित रहते हैं, लेकिन भले ही वे भूखे हों या भूख से मर रहे हों, वे कभी भी अपनी भूख को संतुष्ट करने के लिए घास नहीं खाते। इसलिए कुलीन और धनी लोग भले ही उच्च जीवन के व्यसन के कारण कठिनाइयों का सामना करते हों, वे निम्न श्रेणी के कार्यों में लिप्त नहीं होते हैं।

Sanskrit – वने विद्यमानाः सिंहाः मार्गणं कृत्वा मृगाणां मांसं खादित्वा जीवन्ति, परन्तु क्षुधार्ताः बुभुक्षिताः वा अपि ते कदापि क्षुधातृप्त्यर्थं तृणानि न खादन्ति । एवमेव आर्याः धनिनः च जनाः उच्चजीवनव्यसनात् बहुकष्टेन पीडिताः चेदपि ते निम्नवर्गीयक्रियासु प्रवृत्ताः भवितुं न इच्छन्ति।