The pearl on my beloved’s neck, Afflicted sore the oyster!
“The pearl on my beloved’s neck, Afflicted sore the oyster!” Bhartrhari
Our life is like th’ unstable wave, Our bloom of youth decays. Our joys are brief as lightning flash In summer’s cloudy days, Our riches fleet as swift as thought; Faith in the One Supreme Alone will bear us o’er the gulfs Of Being’s stormy stream.
“Our life is like th’ unstable wave, Our bloom of youth decays. Our joys are brief as lightning flash In summer’s cloudy days, Our riches … Read More
The constant man loses not his virtue in misfortune. A torch may point towards the ground, but its flame will still point upwards.
“The constant man loses not his virtue in misfortune. A torch may point towards the ground, but its flame will still point upwards.” Bhartrhari
Let us keep a firm grip upon our money, for without it the whole assembly of virtues are but as blades of grass.
“Let us keep a firm grip upon our money, for without it the whole assembly of virtues are but as blades of grass.” Bhartrhari
Those from whom we were born have long since departed, and those with whom we grew up exist only in memory. We, too, through the approach of death, become, as it were, trees growing on the sandy bank of a river.
“Those from whom we were born have long since departed, and those with whom we grew up exist only in memory. We, too, through the … Read More
Those who possess that treasure which no thief can take away, Which, though on suppliants freely spent, increaseth day by day, The source of inward happiness which shall outlast the earth– To them e’en kings should yield the palm, and own their higher worth.
“Those who possess that treasure which no thief can take away, Which, though on suppliants freely spent, increaseth day by day, The source of inward … Read More
Three courses open lie to wealth, to give, enjoy, or lose, Who shrinketh from the former two, perforce the third doth choose.
“Three courses open lie to wealth, to give, enjoy, or lose, Who shrinketh from the former two, perforce the third doth choose.” Bhartrhari
I’ve wandered over many lands, and reaped withal no fruit, I’ve laid my pride of rank aside, and pressed my baffled suit, At stranger boards, like shameless crow, I’ve eaten bitter bread, But fierce Desire, that raging fire, still clamours to be fed.
“I’ve wandered over many lands, and reaped withal no fruit, I’ve laid my pride of rank aside, and pressed my baffled suit, At stranger boards, … Read More
Kindness can turn the bad man’s heart, and fools convert to wise, Make poison into nectar-juice, and friends of enemies.
“Kindness can turn the bad man’s heart, and fools convert to wise, Make poison into nectar-juice, and friends of enemies.” Bhartrhari
Fate’s sentence written on the brow no hand can e’er efface.
“Fate’s sentence written on the brow no hand can e’er efface.” Bhartrhari
Man is but a beast without it: such a glorious god is Learning.
“Man is but a beast without it: such a glorious god is Learning.” Bhartrhari
For a moment man is a boy, for a moment a lovesick youth, for a moment bereft of wealth, for a moment in the height of prosperity; then at life’s end with limbs worn out by old age and wrinkles adorning his face, like an actor he retires behind the curtain of death.
“For a moment man is a boy, for a moment a lovesick youth, for a moment bereft of wealth, for a moment in the height … Read More
Idleness is a great enemy to mankind. There is no friend like energy, for, if you cultivate that, it will never fail.
“Idleness is a great enemy to mankind. There is no friend like energy, for, if you cultivate that, it will never fail.” Bhartrhari
The moth unwitting rushes on the fire, Through ignorance the fish devours the bait, We men know well the foes that lie in wait, Yet cannot shun the meshes of desire.
“The moth unwitting rushes on the fire, Through ignorance the fish devours the bait, We men know well the foes that lie in wait, Yet … Read More
Neither rings, bright chains, nor bracelets, perfumes, flowers, nor well-trimmed hair, Grace a man like polished language, th’ only jewel he should wear.
“Neither rings, bright chains, nor bracelets, perfumes, flowers, nor well-trimmed hair, Grace a man like polished language, th’ only jewel he should wear.” Bhartrhari
What is the most profitable? Fellowship with the good. What is the worst thing in the world? The society of evil men. What is the greatest loss? Failure in one?s duty. Where is the greatest peace? In truth and righteousness. Who is the hero? The man who subdues his senses. Who is the best beloved? The faithful wife. What is wealth? Knowledge. What is the most perfect happiness? Staying at home.
“What is the most profitable? Fellowship with the good. What is the worst thing in the world? The society of evil men. What is the … Read More
A good man may fall, but he falls like a ball [and rebounds]; the ignoble man falls like a lump of clay.
“A good man may fall, but he falls like a ball [and rebounds]; the ignoble man falls like a lump of clay.” Bhartrhari
Knowledge is wonderful and truth serene But man in their service bleeds.
“Knowledge is wonderful and truth serene But man in their service bleeds.” Bhartrhari
Even the severed branch grows again, and the sunken moon returns: wise men who ponder this are not troubled in adversity.
“Even the severed branch grows again, and the sunken moon returns: wise men who ponder this are not troubled in adversity.” Bhartrhari
The good man shuns evil and follows good; he keeps secret that which ought to be hidden; he makes his virtues manifest to all; he does not forsake one in adversity; he gives in season: such are the marks of a worthy friend.
“The good man shuns evil and follows good; he keeps secret that which ought to be hidden; he makes his virtues manifest to all; he … Read More