Subhashita Nivi-7

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Dear Friends,

 

In this post, I shall continue the summary of Swami Desikan's Subhashita Nivi.

In this set of twelve verses, Swami Desikan describes the path of the

equanimous ones. Although

the Subhashita Nivi was intended to be a non-philosophical non religious

exercise meant for discussion between a king and his courtiers, Swami Desikan

introduces a gem of a

thought, a capsule of profound wisdom or a rare flash of insight from Bhagavad

Ramanuja Darshanam in each set of twelve verses. This set of twelve verses seems

to be motivated

by Lord Krishna's teachings in Srimad Bhagavad Gita. The relevant verses from

the Bhagavad Gita are:

 

Dhukeshu AnudvignamanA: Sukheshu Vihataspruhaha I

Veetaragha Bhaya Krodha: Stithadheermuniruchyate II

 

Samam SarvEshu Bhooteshu Tishtantam Parameshvaram

Vinashyatsva Vinashyanti Yah Pashyati Sa Pashyati

 

PrasAdE Sarva DukhAnAm HAnirasyOpajAyatE I

Prasanna ChetasOhyashu Buddhi: ParyavatishtatE II

 

1. The hallmark of a true Brahmin is impartiality in debates among scholars,

and acceptance of truth from whichever source it may come.

 

2. The Sun is quite impartial to all. It neither favors the ruddy geese (which

revel during the day) nor disfavors the partridges (which rejoice at night).

 

3. Impartial men are like the interval between day and night and which is a

regular feature throughout the world, though at some places and during some

times the days and nights themselves are longer or shorter.

 

4. Neither drinking of water by the Sun nor returning it by clouds through

rains affect the vast ocean, which keeps to its own level.

 

5. Gems of purest kind bring fortune whether or not holes are drilled in them.

 

6. He who retains his goodness towards good and bad men alike is fit to be

worshipped like a God. He is not a mere human being, deserving only human

praise.

 

7. A true gem shines steadfastly by itself and is not affected by external

factors, unlike a lamp which needs oil to burn and can be snuffed out by wind

and which is discarded during day time, as unnecessary. So are the good men

unaffected by prosperity or adversity.

 

8. The trees in a hermitage become holy due to association with sages and are

not affected by forest fires or torrential rains. Persons with equanimity are

like such trees.

 

9. He who conquers himself conquers all. He wears equanimity as a coat of arms,

proof against thieves and enemies.

 

10. Even when extremely thirsty, the Chataka bird will not deign to look at a

shallow pond or at the salty sea. It will wait for pure rain water from the

clouds above.

 

11. God has created dark nights to show up the usefulness of sun-lit daylight.

He seems to have created common men to accent the brightness of good and

virtuous men. Whoever reviles the virtuous ones takes over the burden of their

sins and makes the accused purer still.

 

12. It is in the nature of God to dwell in the hearts of the good and bad. When

assuming lowly forms, He loses not his glory, remains blemishless with infinite

bliss. He views impartially even the weak-minded deviates from the path of

virtue.

 

 

Namo Narayana,

 

Muralidhar Rangaswamy