Holy books differ, differ their adage,
No one sage whose word is a standard gauge,
As roots of virtue deep down lay,
Wherefrom the wise walked be the way.
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Translation |06.10.2024| scriptures, path of virtue,
Poet’s note: Sanskrit has thousands of verses of wisdom called Subhashhitam. A question was asked as to what is the right and virtuous path to follow. In answer comes this verse. Shrtis and Smrtis : Two main sources of learning and knowledge in ancient India. Few things were written down in those days. Hence shrtis, what is heard, and smrtis, included all that is remembered, contemplated upon, and also sanskaaras. This verse comes from Mahabharata’s Yaksha Prashna episode in Aadi Parva. The transliteration of the Sanskrit verse follows:
Shritir vibhinnaa smritayah cha bhinnaa, na ekah munih yasya vachah pramaanam |
Dharmasya tattvam nihitam guhaayaam, mahaa-janah yena gatah sah panthaah ||
Categories:
yaksha, books,
Form: Rhyme