The Power of Subhashitas: Sweet Words that Enrich the Soul

In the vast sea of language and literature, there are certain words and phrases that stand out with their timeless beauty and profound wisdom. These are known as subhashitas in Sanskrit, simply meaning 'sweet words.' Subhashitas are not just poetry but a treasure of human understanding and values encapsulated in a few well-chosen words. Today, we explore some of the most beautiful and meaningful subhashitas, their translations, and their profound meanings.

Sweetness and Depth in Subhashitas

The term subhashitas literally means 'sugared words.' Just as sugar adds sweetness and charm to our lives, subhashitas bring joy and insight to the human experience. One such famous verse is:

Sushtum bhashitam subhashitam
It means nice words.

Subhashitas are very sweet

Another verse beautifully captures the essence of subhashitas:

Draaksha mlaanamukhi jaata sharkara chashmataamgata
Shubhashita rasam drushtva sudha bheeta divam gata

Grapes got shrunk
sugar became solid
nectar or elixir ran away to heaven
looking at the sweetness of subhashitas

Wisdom from Ancient Texts

The following are some subhashitas that have profoundly impacted people over the years:

Subhashita: Enrich Your Life with Knowledge

One famous subhashita emphasizes the value of education and knowledge:

Education Vidhya is the best wealth among all the wealth anyone can have.
So keep earning knowledge.

This subhashita highlights the importance of knowledge as the ultimate wealth. It reminds us that no one can take away the knowledge we acquire, and it only grows and expands as we share it with others.

Subhashita: The Presence of Goddess Lakshmi

Another subhashita captures an ideal personality and the qualities necessary to attract wealth and happiness:

Utsaha Sampannandeerghasutram n Kriyavadhignam vyasaneshvasaktam n Shruram krtugnam dhurdha souhardam chan

The goddess of wealth comes by herself to a person who is enthusiastic, who does not procrastinate, who plans his work systematically, who is not addicted to any bad habits, who is brave, grateful, and friendly.

This verse encourages us to cultivate these virtues to attract wealth and good fortune into our lives.

Subhashita: Respect and Humility

Here is a subhashita that highlights the importance of respect and humility:

A tree bearing fruits always bends towards earth due to the weight of fruits. Similarly wise people respect others by bowing. Whereas unwise people are like dry sticks which break but never bend.

This verse emphasizes the value of respecting others and the weaknesses of those who do not exhibit such reverence.

Subhashita: Virtues and Their Rewards

Another subhashita delves into the rewards of virtuous actions:

Punyasya Phalam ichantin Punyam nechanti manavah
Na papaphalam ichanti Na papam kurvanti yatnatah

People always desire to enjoy the fruits of good deeds but they do not perform those good deeds. They never desire to suffer from the consequences of their sins but they commit sins intentionally.

This verse serves as a reminder that true happiness comes from performing good deeds, and true suffering results from indulging in sinful actions.

Subhashita: Balance in Parenting and Life

Parenting is a complex art that requires balance and understanding. This subhashita offers advice on raising a child:

Lalayet Pancha varshani Dasha Varshaani Tadayet
Prapte tu shodashe varshe Putram mitram vadacharet

A child should be pampered for the first five years. He should be disciplined and spanked for the next ten years. Once he is sixteen, he should be treated like a friend.

The subhashita suggests stages of upbringing that cater to the child's developmental needs while teaching responsibility and friendship.

Subhashita: Embrace Life's Changes and Seasons

This subhashita reminds us to embrace the cycles of life:

Sukhasyanantram Dukham Dukhasyanantram Sukham

Na Nityam labhate Dukham Na nityam labhate Sukham

Bad days follow good times and similarly happy days always follow the miserable ones. Everyday can never be a bad day, nor can one derive happiness every day. Nothing lasts forever, not even your troubles.

This verse teaches us to accept the transient nature of life and find contentment in each moment.

The Universality of Subhashitas

Subhashitas not only provide comfort and wisdom in the Indian context but also hold universal values:

Videsheshu Dhanam vidhyah
Vyasaneshu dhanam matih
Paraloke Dhanam Dharmah

Sarvatra Vai dhanam

These verses highlight the value of knowledge, intelligence, righteousness, and character as true wealth. They remind us that true wealth is not in the tangible but in the intangible values that enrich our lives.

Subhashitas are a treasure of words that enrich the soul and touch the heart. Whether in times of joy or sorrow, these sweet words provide us with the tools to navigate life's complexities. So, let us embrace the wisdom of subhashitas and let their sweet words guide us on our journey.