Recommended Reading
- ‘The Guide: A Novel‘ by R. K. Narayan, Michael Gorra
- ‘The Elephant’s Friend and Other Tales from Ancient India‘ by Marcia Williams
- ‘One Hundred & One Folktales From India‘ by Eunice de Souza
- ‘Tales from India‘ by J. E. B. Gray, Rosamund Fowler
- ‘Malgudi Days‘ by R. K. Narayan
- ‘Swami and Friends, The Bachelor of Arts, The Dark Room, The English Teacher‘ by R. K. Narayan
Inspirational Quotes from Subhashita Manjari (Sanskrit Anthology of Proverbs)
He restrains his friend from committing sins, and induces him to do good deeds. He conceals the unseemly secrets of a friend, projecting only his good qualities. He does not desert his friend in difficulties, but gives timely assistance. Saints describe these as the characteristics of a true friend.
—Subhashita Manjari
The path of service is formidable.
It is difficult even for a yogi to follow.
If a man in service remains quiet, then he is called dumb.
If he is quick-witted, then he is described as loquacious.
If he stays close by, then he is taken to be audacious,
and if he maintains a distance, then is considered as shy.
If he is tolerant, then he is regarded as timid,
and if he is unable to bear indignities, then he is known as ill bred.
—Subhashita Manjari
If anyone would know how close to death they are, they would not even be interested in eating food, let alone doing any harm to anyone. But bad things are done in this world mostly because they think they will live forever.
—Subhashita Manjari
They make shade for others and stand in the heat themselves. Even fruits are for the good of others: Trees are indeed like good men.
—Subhashita Manjari
This is mine, that belongs to others, this is how narrow-minded people think. Broad minded people consider this whole world to be one family.
—Subhashita Manjari
One should try to develop qualities/skills in him
rather than making noise. A cow cannot be sold by
ringing a bell in her neck if it cannot be milked.
—Subhashita Manjari
As soon as the words “I beg you. Please give me” are uttered, the five inherent divine qualities—intelligence, modesty, riches, countenance and reputation go away immediately.
—Subhashita Manjari
What is a grain? It is the companionship of the virtuous.
What is grief? It is the company of fools.
What is loss? It is the dissipation of time.
What is prudence? It is devotion to virtue.
What is valour? It is the conquest of the senses.
Who is the beloved wife? One who is devoted to her husband.
What is wealth? It is knowledge.
What is happiness? It is to remain settled in one’s own country.
What is rulership? It is to command obedience.
—Subhashita Manjari
Wealth is transient, Mind is unstable. Youth and life are temporary. Everything in this world is short-lived, but the one who has acquired fame lives forever.
—Subhashita Manjari
The company of the distinguished, fetches respect even to the unworthy. Because of its association with flowers (in a garland), the thread is also worn on head.
—Subhashita Manjari
Truth is my mother, knowledge is my father,
‘Dharma’ is my brother, Mercifulness is my friend,
Calmness(peacefulness) is my wife and forgiveness my son.
These six are my kith and keens.
—Subhashita Manjari
One well born, though insulted, does not hit back
in the same strain due to his inborn natural courtesy.
The sandal tree does not exude filth even to him who cuts it with an axe.
—Subhashita Manjari
An unimportant person becomes important, as soon as he is employed by a prince (and) an important person becomes unimportant as soon as he is unemployed.
—Subhashita Manjari
When you are sad, look at people who are more unfortunate than you. When you are happy, don’t get carried away. Look at people who are more happier and strive to achieve that level of happiness. The key is not to give in to the emotion – happiness or despair. Just like you never surrender to enemies.
—Subhashita Manjari
One should never lead a team because everyone gets equal share on success, but the leader is held responsible in case of any failure.
—Subhashita Manjari
Trees give fruits to assist others. Rivers flow to help others. Cows produce milk to feed others. In the same way, our own human body should also be employed for the assistance of others.
—Subhashita Manjari
Untill you befriend a person, you have to be courteous and nice to him. Mind one’s demeanor. But once the friendship is earned, being courteous and nice amounts to deciet. We owe it to our friends to be frank and forthright. This clearnly indicates the difference between an acquintance and a friend.
—Subhashita Manjari
Grains collected by ants, honey accumulated by bees, and wealth collected by a greedy miser, all perish along with the source.
—Subhashita Manjari
Be it a trivial job or a very serious one—one must be focussed on getting it done well. It is not always wise to be desireless in everything.If a potter does not make sure that the wheel is turning always, mud will neither turn into a pot or a plate automatically.
—Subhashita Manjari
A friend is tested in bad times, a warrior in the battlefield. A person’s humility is a test of his up bringing. A person’s character is tested when he needs money and does not have it.
—Subhashita Manjari
Any remainder of debt, fire and enemy grow rapidly again and again, hence no remainder should be maintained.
—Subhashita Manjari
Hard work and light food – this is the readily available medicine for any disease. If you do these daily, you shall not be afraid of any ailment.
—Subhashita Manjari
The destiny is never fair. The pollen smeared bees get to drink nectar from the lotus flowers. But the swans which share the same ecology have to live by eating moss and algae.
—Subhashita Manjari
Even insignificant things can be grouped together and can effectively be used to accomplish great tasks. A rope made of hay sticks controls a powerful elephant by firmly binding it.
—Subhashita Manjari
Whom should I count as human beings? One who is an expert in giving advice (and not follow them himeself) or the one who lives and learns by his own experience. The choice is simple.
—Subhashita Manjari
One’s knowledge is his wealth when in a foreign country.
One’s intelligence is his wealth when in adversity.
One’s righteousness is his wealth in the netherworld.
One’s character is a wealth everywhere and at all times.
—Subhashita Manjari
There is no parallel to the peace of mind that people get when they are content and happy. Just look at the other extreme, people who are greedy and dissatisfied are running from pillar to post in search of wealth.
—Subhashita Manjari
All good qualities are possessed by a scholar.
Only few bad habits constitute a fool’s character.
That’s why, for every thousand fools, you can witness one scholar.
—Subhashita Manjari
Diligence, audacity, courage, intelligence, strength and bravery -wherever these six qualities exist, there is divine assistance.
—Subhashita Manjari
Money which is gained by hurting others, or by deviating from righteous principles, or by self insult (for example, by begging), does not bring any happiness. (Such money is of no use).
—Subhashita Manjari
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
- The Panchatantra Indian Collection of Fables
- Bhartrihari Hindu Philosopher, Grammarian
- The Hitopadesha Indian Collection of Fables
- Kalidasa Indian Sanskrit Poet, Dramatist
- The Jataka Tales Genre of Buddhist Literature
- Tulsidas Indian Hindu Poet
- Indira Gandhi Indian Head of State
- Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit Indian Politician, Diplomat
- Jawaharlal Nehru Indian Head of State
- Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi Persian Muslim Mystic
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