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Sayings from the Literary Works of Kalidasa

A collection of sayings from literary works of Kalidasa.

No man can ever be in the bottom forever, as the wheel of fortune slowly turns one is sure to be at the top sometime or other. It has never fallen to anyone to be extremely happy or unlucky and lonely and it is natural that as the wheel of time marches inexorably, some are at the top and others at the bottom.

An auspicious thing is sought by one who seeks to counteract adverse circumstances, or by one who longs for prosperity; what has one who has no desire to do with such things.

Even a miser does not ignore a friend in need.

The purity of gold can be tested only when it is put through the fire.

Knowledge imparted only to a fit recipient will yield the desired result.

Only he can be considered a courageous person whose mind is not disturbed by tempting objects. 

Explanation:

The concept described in the quote 'no man can ever .... others at bottom' is deeply embedded in Hindu philosophy, often articulated through the metaphor of the "wheel of fortune," or "Bhavachakra" in Sanskrit. This idea illustrates the cyclical nature of existence, where all beings experience a rotation through various states of fortune and misfortune, happiness and suffering. Let's explore this concept further by delving into additional information, meanings, similar thoughts and quotes from Hinduism, and its modern-day relevance.

Additional Information and Meaning

  1. The Law of Karma: In Hinduism, the idea that "no man can ever be in the bottom forever" relates closely to the Law of Karma, which states that every action has a corresponding reaction. The wheel of fortune, or Samsara (the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth), is driven by karma. As individuals perform actions (good or bad), they accumulate karma, which influences their future circumstances. Thus, one's current position—whether favorable or unfavorable—is not permanent but a result of their past deeds. This belief fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability for one's actions while also offering hope for change and improvement.

  2. The Impermanence of Life: Hindu philosophy emphasizes the impermanence of worldly experiences. The Bhagavad Gita speaks of life as a cycle of change, where pleasure and pain are transient:

    • Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 14): "O son of Kunti, the nonpermanent appearance of happiness and distress, and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They arise from sense perception, and one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed."

    This verse teaches that just as seasons change, so too do life's fortunes. Nothing is permanent, and one must remain balanced and patient through life's highs and lows.

  3. The Concept of Maya: In Hinduism, Maya refers to the illusion or appearance of the material world. The belief here is that what we perceive as highs and lows, successes and failures, are all part of Maya. This reinforces the idea that our attachment to transient states, like being "at the top" or "at the bottom," is illusory. The ultimate goal is to transcend Maya and realize one's true self, which is beyond all worldly distinctions.

  4. Dharmic Living and Contentment: Hinduism also teaches that living in accordance with Dharma (righteousness or duty) leads to a balanced life. When one follows their Svadharma (personal duty), they are less affected by the ups and downs of life. The scriptures advise cultivating qualities such as patience, contentment, and perseverance.

Similar Thoughts and Quotes from Hinduism

  1. Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 47): "You have a 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."

    • This quote suggests that while one's efforts are in their control, the results (good or bad) are not. This aligns with the idea that life is an ever-turning wheel; one must focus on their actions rather than getting attached to outcomes.
  2. Mundaka Upanishad (3.1.1): "Two birds, inseparable companions, perch on the same tree. One eats the fruit, the other looks on."

    • This passage from the Upanishads symbolizes the duality of the human experience. The bird that eats the fruit symbolizes the human soul that gets involved in the materialistic life, experiencing both joy and suffering. The bird that watches represents the higher self or the Atman, which is unaffected by worldly events. This teaches that while one may experience being "at the bottom" or "at the top," there is a part of the self that remains unchanging and beyond such experiences.
  3. Rigveda (10.117.1): "No one is superior, none inferior. All are brothers marching forward to prosperity."

    • This verse reflects the cyclical and equitable nature of existence. Everyone is on their own journey, subject to the wheel of fortune that turns for all.

Modern-Day Relevance

  1. Resilience and Hope: The idea that "no one can ever be at the bottom forever" serves as a source of hope and resilience in modern times. It encourages individuals to persevere through difficult periods, knowing that these phases are temporary. This can be particularly comforting during times of personal or societal crises, such as economic downturns or pandemics.

  2. Mindfulness and Equanimity: In contemporary life, where success and failure are often measured by material wealth or status, the Hindu perspective encourages mindfulness and equanimity. Understanding that life is cyclical helps people maintain a balanced mindset, not becoming overly attached to success or despairing in times of failure.

  3. Karmic Responsibility: The modern interpretation of karma emphasizes personal responsibility and ethical living. It reinforces the idea that while one's current situation may not be ideal, they have the power to shape their future through present actions.

  4. Mental Health and Spiritual Well-being: The concept of impermanence and the cyclical nature of life can also provide solace for mental health. It helps individuals realize that emotional and psychological states, like all things, are temporary and can change, promoting a healthier mental and spiritual outlook.

  5. Global Relevance: With the world becoming increasingly interconnected, the Hindu perspective of seeing life as a balance of various forces can help promote tolerance and understanding. Realizing that everyone goes through cycles of fortune and misfortune can foster empathy and reduce judgment towards others.

The metaphor of the "wheel of fortune" in Hinduism is a profound reminder of the transient nature of worldly life. By understanding that every situation is temporary and influenced by our past actions, one can cultivate a mindset of perseverance, hope, and equanimity. These teachings remain relevant today, offering guidance on navigating life's inevitable highs and lows with wisdom and grace.