Sanskrit Sayings

A collection of Sanskrit Sayings.

The ears are beautified by satsang (company and words of pious souls) not by earrings. The hands are beautified by charity, not by bangles. The body of good people is beautified by the good deeds and not by sandal paste.

The ornament of man is his physical form, the ornament of the form is his inner virtues, the ornament of his virtues is his knowledge and the ornament of knowledge is forgiveness.

People, occupied as they are with their own affairs, normally do nothing for others. The activity of those in who every stain of phenomenal existence has been destroyed are identified with Bhairava (Shiva), full of Him, is intended only for the benefit of the world.

Man is obsessed with the idea that everything should be judged by his own standard. He wants to weigh God also in his own moral balance.

There is no end to man's desire and no satisfying of all of them even if the whole world with all that is in it were his. There is no satisfaction in the enjoyment that comes from wealth and the like. Peace comes from contentment and contentment from being satisfied with whatever one has got.

In enjoyment there is the fear of disease; in social position, the fear of falling off; in wealth, the fear of kings; in honour, the fear of humiliation; in power, the fear of the foes; in beauty, the fear of old age; in scriptural erudition, the fear of antagonists; in virtue, the fear of calumniators; in body, the fear of death. All things of this world pertaining to man are attended with fear; renunciation alone stands for fearlessness.

शैले शैले न माणि क्यं मौक्तिकं न गजे गजे। साधवो न हि सर्वत्र चन्दनं न वने वने ॥ — Every mountain does not have a gem stone nor every elephant’s head the pearl. Noble men are not found everywhere.

Here are 30 more ancient Sanskrit sayings (subhashitas) and proverbs, along with their meanings or relevance to everyday life:

Wisdom and Knowledge

1. विद्या ददाति विनयं। (Vidya Dadati Vinayam)
   "Knowledge gives humility."
   Education leads to modesty, a virtue in daily interactions.

2. सत्यं वद। धर्मं चर। (Satyam Vada, Dharmam Chara)
   "Speak the truth. Follow righteousness."
   A simple yet profound guide for ethical living.

3. नास्ति विद्या समं चक्षुः। (Nasti Vidya Samam Chakshuh)
   "There is no vision equal to knowledge."
   Prioritize learning for clarity in life.

4. शास्त्राणि अधीत्य च। (Shastrani Adheeya Cha)
   "Learn from scriptures and apply that wisdom."
   Practical wisdom stems from deep learning.

5. आत्मनं विद्धि। (Atmanam Viddhi)
   "Know thyself."
   Self-awareness is key to personal growth.

Life and Conduct

6. अतिथिः देवो भव। (Atithih Devo Bhava)
   "A guest is like God."
   Treat guests with utmost respect.

7. यथा चित्तं तथा वाचः। (Yatha Chittam Tatha Vachah)
   "As the mind is, so is the speech."
   Align thoughts and words with positivity.

8. उत्तिष्ठत जाग्रत। (Uttishthata Jagrata)
   "Arise, awake!"
   Be vigilant and proactive in life.

9. धैर्यं सर्वत्र साधनं। (Dhairyam Sarvatra Sadhanam)
   "Patience is the tool for everything."
   Cultivate patience in challenges.

10. कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते। (Karmanyeva Adhikaraste)
    "Your right is to perform your duty only."
    Focus on actions, not results (Bhagavad Gita).

Relationships

11. मित्रं प्रीतिं प्राप्नुयात्। (Mitram Preetim Prapnuyat)
    "Friendship brings happiness."
    Nurture genuine connections.

12. समानशीलवृत्तान्ताः सखायः। (Samana-Sheela-Vrittantah Sakhayah)
    "People of similar thoughts are friends."
    Shared values build bonds.

13. दया धर्मः परमः। (Daya Dharmah Paramah)
    "Compassion is the highest virtue."
    Show kindness to all.

14. एकं सद्विप्राः बहुधा वदन्ति। (Ekam Sad Vipra Bahudha Vadanti)
    "Truth is one, sages call it by many names."
    Respect diverse perspectives.

15. सुखार्थिनः कुतो विद्या। (Sukharthinah Kuto Vidya)
    "How can one desiring only comfort gain wisdom?"
    Growth often requires effort and discomfort.

Practical Guidance

16. संगच्छध्वं संवदध्वं। (Sangachchhadhvam Samvadadhvam)
    "Walk together, speak together."
    Unity leads to strength.

17. अति सर्वत्र वर्जयेत्। (Ati Sarvatra Varjayet)
    "Excess should be avoided everywhere."
    Moderation is the key to balance.

18. क्षणशः कणशश्चैव विद्यामर्थं च साधयेत्। (Kshanashah Kanashashchaiva Vidyam Artham Cha Sadhayet)
    "Knowledge and wealth are gained gradually, step by step."
    Be patient in achieving goals.

19. परोपकाराय फलन्ति वृक्षाः। (Paropakaraya Phalanti Vrikshah)
    "Trees bear fruit for the benefit of others."
    Live a life of service.

20. स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः। (Swadharme Nidhanam Shreyah)
    "It is better to die following one’s duty."
    Embrace your responsibilities.

Challenges and Resilience

21. अयं निजः परो वेति गणना लघुचेतसाम्। (Ayam Nijah Paro Veti Ganana Laghu-Chetasam)
    "This is mine, that is yours, is the thinking of small minds."
    Think beyond selfish boundaries.

22. न हि कश्चित् अपि कार्यं अकर्मकृत्। (Na Hi Kashchit Api Karyam Akarmakrit)
    "Nothing gets done without action."
    Hard work is essential.

23. क्षमा वीरस्य भूषणम्। (Kshama Virasya Bhushanam)
    "Forgiveness is the ornament of the brave."
    Strength lies in letting go.

24. अपि स्वर्णमयी लंका। (Api Swarnamayi Lanka)
    "Even golden Lanka is not dearer than one’s home."
    Value your roots.

25. दुर्जनः परिहर्तव्यः। (Durjanah Parihartavyah)
    "Avoid bad company."
    Surround yourself with positive influences.

Philosophy and Reflection

26. योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्। (Yogah Karmasu Kaushalam)
    "Yoga is excellence in action."
    Bring mindfulness to your work.

27. अनित्यमसुखं लोकम्। (Anityam Asukham Lokam)
    "The world is impermanent and full of sorrow."
    Embrace detachment and acceptance.

28. अहिंसा परमो धर्मः। (Ahimsa Paramo Dharmah)
    "Non-violence is the ultimate duty."
    Choose peace over conflict.

29. दुर्बलस्य बलं राजा। (Durbalasya Balam Raja)
    "The king is the strength of the weak."
    Leaders should protect the vulnerable.

30. मन एव मनुष्याणां कारणं बन्धमोक्षयोः। (Mana Eva Manushyanam Karana Bandhamokshayoh)
    "The mind alone is the cause of bondage and liberation."
    Train your mind for freedom.

Each of these sayings is timeless, offering practical wisdom and spiritual insight for various aspects of life.