Narayanasramam

[Guest guest]

key & #363;r & #257; & #7751;i na bh & #363; & #7779;ayanti puru & #7779;a & #7745;

h & #257;r & #257; na candrojjval & #257; & #7717;

na sn & #257;na & #7745; na vilepana & #7745; na kusuma & #7745;

n & #257;la & #7749;k & #7771;t & #257; m & #363;rdhaj & #257; & #7717; |

v & #257; & #7751;yek & #257; samala & #7749;karoti puru & #7779;a & #7745; y & #257;

sa & #7745;sk & #7771;t & #257; dh & #257;ryate

k & #7779; & #299;yante khalu bh & #363; & #7779;a & #7751; & #257;ni satata & #7745;

v & #257;gbh & #363; & #7779;a & #7751;a & #7745; bh & #363; & #7779;a & #7751;am ||

- Ni & #299;ti & #346;atakam

 

Translation:

Bracelets do not decorate a person, nor do necklaces glittering like the moon,

nor bath, nor smearing the body with fragrance, nor flowers, and nor decorated

hair. Only that speech embellishes a person, which has been upheld with cultural

refinement. Indeed, all ornaments decay. Ornament of speech is always the real

ornament.

 

Points for Introspection:

What is the use of having ornaments and garlands in the body by which one feels

that he is looking good? If one's speech is not consoling and soothing, but is

hurting and agitating to others, what is the use of physical ornamental

decoration? Although decoration of the body

means ornamenting it with costly jewels and garlands, that decoration is not the

true decoration. Moreover such decorations are ever decaying and do not last to

make the person beautiful. What is true decoration then? True decoration is in

the mind which is imbued with

good values and virtues, like love, sympathy, sacrifice and compassion. The

expression of these virtues is speech which bestows peace and joy to the

listeners. This is the true decoration anyone must aspire to have.

 

Chanting this shloka again and again one will get rid of the pride and

possessiveness that one may have about one's valuable ornaments, and the mind

will dwell upon cultivating culturally refined speech.

 

(Maa Gurupriya, Narayanashrama Tapovanam, 2009 -

http://groups.google.comverses-for-introspection?hl=en)