Akrodhena Jayet Krodham — Word-by-Word Meaning
अक्रोधेन जयेत्क्रोधम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
अक्रोधेन
akrodhena
by absence of anger, by calmness, by non-anger
जयेत्
jayet
one should conquer, one should overcome
क्रोधम्
krodham
anger, wrath
असाधुम्
asādhum
the wicked person, the bad one
साधुना
sādhunā
by goodness, by virtuous conduct
जयेत्
jayet
one should conquer, win over
कदर्यम्
kadaryam
the miser, the stingy person
दानेन
dānena
by giving, by generosity, by charity
सत्येन
satyena
by truth, by truthfulness
च
ca
and
अनृतम्
anṛtam
falsehood, untruth, lying
Complete Translation
One should conquer anger by calmness, the wicked by goodness, the miser by giving, and falsehood by truth. This celebrated maxim teaches that every vice is best overcome not by its like but by its opposite virtue.
Origin & History
Source: Subhashita (Sanskrit niti literature; quoted in the Garuda Purana and ethical anthologies)
Author: Traditional (anonymous wisdom verse)
Period: Classical Sanskrit literature
This verse belongs to the great body of Subhashitas — pithy, polished Sanskrit sayings that distil ethical wisdom into a single elegant couplet. It is frequently cited among teachings on self-conquest, expressing the timeless ideal that the surest victory over a fault is to meet it with its opposite virtue rather than to answer like with like.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Akrodhena Jayet Krodham?▼
It means 'one should conquer anger by non-anger (calmness).' The full verse extends this principle: defeat the wicked by goodness, the miser by giving, and falsehood by truth — always overcoming a vice through its opposite virtue.
Where is this verse found?▼
It is a well-known Subhashita (wise maxim) of the Sanskrit niti tradition, quoted in collections such as the Garuda Purana and other anthologies of ethical sayings. The same teaching of overcoming evil with good appears across Indian wisdom literature.
How can this verse be applied in daily life?▼
Whenever you face anger, ill-will, greed or deceit — in yourself or others — respond with the opposite quality: stay calm before anger, be kind before wickedness, give before greed, and speak truth before falsehood. This transforms conflict into growth.
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