The constant man loses not his virtue in misfortune. A torch may point towards the ground, but its flame will still point upwards. Bhartrhari More Quotes by Bhartrhari More Quotes From Bhartrhari Trees bend low with ripened fruit; clouds hang down with gentle rain; noble people bow graciously. This is the way of generous things. Bhartrhari rain clouds people The moth unwitting rushes on the fire, Through ignorance the fish devours the bait, We men know well the foes that lie in wait, Yet cannot shun the meshes of desire. Bhartrhari ignorance men lying For a moment man is a boy, for a moment a lovesick youth, for a moment bereft of wealth, for a moment in the height of prosperity; then at life's end with limbs worn out by old age and wrinkles adorning his face, like an actor he retires behind the curtain of death. Bhartrhari wrinkles men boys There is no medicine to cure a fool! Bhartrhari cures fool medicine Knowledge is wonderful and truth serene But man in their service bleeds. Bhartrhari wonderful men knowledge Even the severed branch grows again, and the sunken moon returns: wise men who ponder this are not troubled in adversity. Bhartrhari adversity moon wise A good man may fall, but he falls like a ball [and rebounds]; the ignoble man falls like a lump of clay. Bhartrhari good-man men fall Three courses open lie to wealth, to give, enjoy, or lose, Who shrinketh from the former two, perforce the third doth choose. Bhartrhari giving two lying Idleness is a great enemy to mankind. There is no friend like energy, for, if you cultivate that, it will never fail. Bhartrhari no-friends energy enemy Trees loaded with fruit are bent down; the clouds when charged with fresh rain hang down near the earth: even so good men are not uplifted through prosperity. Such is the natural character of the liberal. Bhartrhari rain character men I've wandered over many lands, and reaped withal no fruit, I've laid my pride of rank aside, and pressed my baffled suit, At stranger boards, like shameless crow, I've eaten bitter bread, But fierce Desire, that raging fire, still clamours to be fed. Bhartrhari land pride fire What is the most profitable? Fellowship with the good. What is the worst thing in the world? The society of evil men. What is the greatest loss? Failure in one?s duty. Where is the greatest peace? In truth and righteousness. Who is the hero? The man who subdues his senses. Who is the best beloved? The faithful wife. What is wealth? Knowledge. What is the most perfect happiness? Staying at home. Bhartrhari hero happiness peace The good man shuns evil and follows good; he keeps secret that which ought to be hidden; he makes his virtues manifest to all; he does not forsake one in adversity; he gives in season: such are the marks of a worthy friend. Bhartrhari adversity evil men Neither rings, bright chains, nor bracelets, perfumes, flowers, nor well-trimmed hair, Grace a man like polished language, th' only jewel he should wear. Bhartrhari flower hair men The pearl on my beloved's neck, Afflicted sore the oyster! Bhartrhari oysters sacrifice pearls Kindness can turn the bad man's heart, and fools convert to wise, Make poison into nectar-juice, and friends of enemies. Bhartrhari wise kindness heart Fate's sentence written on the brow no hand can e'er efface. Bhartrhari brows fate hands I have not wasted life, but life hath wasted me. Bhartrhari wasted-life life Man is but a beast without it: such a glorious god is Learning. Bhartrhari beast learning men Those who possess that treasure which no thief can take away, Which, though on suppliants freely spent, increaseth day by day, The source of inward happiness which shall outlast the earth-- To them e'en kings should yield the palm, and own their higher worth. Bhartrhari yield kings happiness
