A collection of gems of wisdom from Hindu scriptures
Ekam shastram adhiyano na vidyat shastranischayam, tasmat
bahushrutah shastram vijaniyat chikitsakah;
By studying one scripture alone, a definite conclusion
cannot be made, therefore a physician should study many scriptures (Sushruta
Samhita, 1.4.7.)
The intellect acquires critical acumen by familiarity with
different traditions.
How much does one really understand by merely following
one’s own reasoning? (Bhartrihari, Vakyapadiya, 2.484)
Asha hi paramam duhkham nairashyam paramam sukham;
The greatest misery comes from hoping and the greatest
happiness lies in giving up hope. (Srimad Bhagavata, 11.8.44)
abhyasena tu kaunteya vairagyena cha grihyate;
[the mind] is controlled through practice and detachment. (Bhagavad
Gita, 6.35.)
Shiva shaktya yukto yadi bhavati shaktah prabhavitum na
chede-
vam devo na khalu kushalah spanditum api;
If Shiva is united with Shakti, he is able to exert his
powers as lord; if not, the god is unable to move. (Saundarya Lahari, 1)
‘Yah shastravidhim utsrijya vartate kamakaratah, na sa
siddhim
avapnoti na sukham na param gatim;
He who discards the injunctions of the scriptures and acts
upon the impulse of desire attains neither perfection nor happiness nor the
Supreme Goal.’ (Bhagavad Gita, 16.23)
Hindu scriptures offer a rich repository of wisdom,
encompassing various aspects of life, spirituality, ethics, and philosophy.
Here are some profound teachings from key texts:
Vedas
1. Rigveda:
- Unity and Harmony: "Samaani va aakootih samaanaa hridayaani vah, samaanamastu vo mano yathaa vah susahaasati" (Rigveda 10.191.4)
- Translation: "Let your aim be one and single, let your hearts be joined in one, the mind at rest in unison at peace with all, so you may live together in happiness."
Upanishads
2. Isha Upanishad:
- Oneness: "Ishavasyam idam sarvam yat kincha jagatyam jagat; tena tyaktena bhunjitha, ma gridhah kasya svid dhanam" (Isha Upanishad 1)
- Translation: "All this—whatever exists in this changing universe—should be covered by the Lord. Protect the Self by renunciation. Lust not after any man’s wealth."
3. Chandogya Upanishad:
- Tat Tvam Asi: "Tat tvam asi, Shvetaketu" (Chandogya Upanishad 6.8.7)
- Translation: "You are that" – emphasizing the fundamental oneness of the individual soul (Atman) and the universal soul (Brahman).
Bhagavad Gita
4. Karma Yoga:
- Selfless Action: "Karmanye vadhikaraste Ma phaleshu kadachana, Ma karmaphalahetur bhurmatey sangostva akarmani" (Bhagavad Gita 2.47)
- Translation: "You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction."
5. Bhakti Yoga:
- Devotion: "Patram pushpam phalam toyam, yo me bhaktya prayacchati, Tad aham bhakty-upahritam, asnami prayatatmanah" (Bhagavad Gita 9.26)
- Translation: "If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, I will accept it."
Mahabharata
6. Ethics and Morality:
- Universal Virtues: "Ahimsa paramo dharma" (Mahabharata 18.113.8)
- Translation: "Non-violence is the highest duty."
Ramayana
7. Duty and Righteousness:
- Rama's Dharma: "Kaikeyi: I want you to send Rama to the forest and crown Bharata instead. Dasharatha: But this is unjust. How can I do such a thing? Kaikeyi: Have you forgotten the promises you made to me? Dasharatha: I have not. I will fulfill them, come what may." (Valmiki Ramayana, Ayodhya Kanda)
- This dialogue illustrates the importance of keeping one's promises and fulfilling one's duties, even under challenging circumstances.
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
8. Mind Control and Peace:
- Yoga Definition: "Yogas chitta vritti nirodhah" (Yoga Sutras 1.2)
- Translation: "Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind."
Other Scriptures
9. Manusmriti:
- Law of Karma: "Yatha dhenu sahasreshu vatso gachhati mataram, evam karma vipakshu bhoktaramanu gachhati" (Manusmriti 4.172)
- Translation: "As a calf finds its mother among a thousand cows, so does one's past karma find the doer."
10. Tirukkural (Tamil Scripture):
- Wisdom and Humility: "Aarival anaitthu arindhaar thorinum paarin peruthakan kodamai arithu" (Tirukkural 12.11)
- Translation: "Even if one learns as much as the world has known, it is hard to live by what one has learned without humility."
These gems from Hindu scriptures provide timeless guidance
for leading a balanced, ethical, and spiritually enriched life.