Paropakaraya Satam Vibhutayah
परोपकाराय सतां विभूतयः
Also known as: paropakaraya satam vibhutayah · pibanti nadyah svayam eva nambhah · paropakara shloka · trees do not eat their own fruit shloka · selfless service sanskrit shloka
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✦ Meaning
Paropakaraya Satam Vibhutayah is a beloved Subhashita celebrating selfless service (paropakara). Through the beautiful examples of rivers, trees and rain-clouds — which give all their bounty to others and keep nothing for themselves — it teaches that the wealth and gifts of the virtuous exist for the welfare of all. It is one of the most cherished verses on generosity and altruism in Sanskrit literature.
Origin & Story
Subhashita (Sanskrit niti tradition) · Anonymous (classical Subhashita) · Classical Sanskrit literature
This quatrain belongs to the treasury of Subhashitas — memorable verses of wisdom transmitted across generations. Drawing its imagery from the giving nature of rivers, trees and rain-clouds, it became one of the most quoted celebrations of paropakara, the ideal of living for the good of others.
✦ As told in scripture
Elders cite this verse to honour the truly generous, observing that just as a fruit-laden tree bends low to offer its harvest, the noble grow greater in spirit the more they give; selfless service, the tradition holds, returns to the giver as inner abundance.
The Mantra
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पिबन्ति नद्यः स्वयमेव नाम्भः स्वयं न खादन्ति फलानि वृक्षाः। नादन्ति सस्यं खलु वारिवाहाः परोपकाराय सतां विभूतयः॥
pibanti nadyaḥ svayam eva nāmbhaḥ svayaṁ na khādanti phalāni vṛkṣāḥ। nādanti sasyaṁ khalu vāri-vāhāḥ paropakārāya satāṁ vibhūtayaḥ॥
Meaning:Rivers do not drink their own water, trees do not eat their own fruit, and clouds do not devour the grain they nourish — the abundance of the noble exists for the welfare of others. Just as nature gives selflessly, the resources of the good are meant for the service of all.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Paropakaraya Satam Vibhutayah
Inspires the spirit of selfless service and generosity (paropakara)
Uses nature's example to teach giving without expectation of return
Encourages using one's resources and talents for the welfare of others
Cultivates a compassionate, large-hearted attitude toward all beings
A timeless ideal for charitable living and community service
Frequently quoted to celebrate philanthropy and noble character
How to Chant Paropakaraya Satam Vibhutayah
Recite the verse while contemplating the selfless generosity of rivers, trees and clouds. Let it inspire a resolve to use whatever you possess — wealth, knowledge, time or strength — for the good of others. It is a beautiful affirmation to set the intention of seva (service) before charitable work.