Nitishataka (hundred verses of wise of counsel) of Bhartrhari is divided into ten sections of ten verses each, devoted respectively to fools, wise men, self-respect, wealth, the wicked, the good people, generosity, courage, providence and individual effort.
The fool is impervious to counsel states Nitishataka of Bhartrhari. The poet says that it is
easy to counsel the ignorant, it is easy to counsel the wise but it would be
impossible even for God to counsel a person who is proud of his little
knowledge.
On what really adorns a man, Bhartrhari observes – bracelet do
not adorn a man; neither do garlands bright like the moon, nor a bath, nor unguents,
flowers and hairdos; for all these wear out. The only real ornament is knowledge
(verse 15). It is stressed that knowledge is of a great value – knowledge renders
one handsome; it is a secret treasure. It provides enjoyment, renown and
happiness. It is the teacher of teachers. During travel, it functions as a
relative. It is indeed God of gods. It is honored in royal courts while wealth
is not. One without knowledge is just an animal (verse 16).
Bhartrhari praises the valorous and the spirited when he
says – the lion, even if it be a cub, pounces upon a rutting elephant. Valor is
inborn; it does not depend upon age (verse 30). He scoffs at the unbalanced
world for giving the place of pride to wealth when he observes – Lo! He who is
rich is adored as the learned, knower of Vedas, a man of merit, eloquent and
handsome! It seems that all qualities depend on wealth (verse 32).
About the virtuous, Bhartrhari observes – gifts with no
publicity, honor to guests with alacrity, keeping silent after going good to others,
proclamation of other’s help, humble though wealthy, criticism without hurting;
who has taught the good this way of walking on the sword’s edge (verse 57).
According to Bhartrhari, true friendship functions in a
unique manner – a true friend keeps one away from sin, encourages one to engage
in beneficial activities, keeps one’s secrets, proclaims one’s merits, remains
with one while in danger, and helps one at times of need.