Sahasa Vidadhita Na Kriyam
सहसा विदधीत न क्रियाम्
Also known as: sahasa vidadhita na kriyam · sahasa vidadhita na kriyam avivekah parama apadam padam · do not act in haste shloka · hitopadesha shloka on prudence
Read in your language / script
✦ Meaning
Sahasa Vidadhita Na Kriyam is a famous niti-shloka from the Hitopadesha warning against acting in haste. It declares that thoughtlessness (aviveka) is the source of the worst misfortunes, while good fortune, attracted to virtue, of its own accord seeks out the person who deliberates before acting. The verse is a timeless lesson in prudence, patience and considered decision-making.
Origin & Story
Hitopadesha (Subhashita) · Narayana Pandita (compiler of the Hitopadesha) · Classical Sanskrit literature (c. 9th–12th century CE)
The Hitopadesha is a collection of instructive animal fables in prose interspersed with verse, composed to teach princes wisdom and statecraft through delightful stories. This verse appears among its niti-shlokas, cautioning against impulsive action and exalting the prudent person whom prosperity itself comes to embrace.
✦ As told in scripture
Sanskrit teachers and counsellors of kings have long quoted this verse to temper impulsive decisions; it is said that many a ruler was saved from ruin by pausing to recall 'sahasā vidadhīta na kriyām' before committing to a rash course of action.
The Mantra
Tap any line — or the ▶ button — to hear it recited
सहसा विदधीत न क्रियामविवेकः परमापदां पदम्। वृणुते हि विमृश्यकारिणं गुणलुब्धाः स्वयमेव सम्पदः॥
sahasā vidadhīta na kriyām avivekaḥ paramāpadāṁ padam। vṛṇute hi vimṛśyakāriṇaṁ guṇalubdhāḥ svayam eva sampadaḥ॥
Meaning:One should never act rashly; indiscretion is the very seat of the greatest calamities. Prosperities, ever enamoured of merit, of their own accord choose the one who acts only after careful deliberation. The verse counsels that fortune comes naturally to the thoughtful, while reckless haste invites ruin.
Word-by-Word Meaning
Click any word to hear its pronunciation
Benefits of Chanting Sahasa Vidadhita Na Kriyam
Instills the wisdom of deliberation before any important action
Warns that haste and indiscretion are the root of grave misfortune
Encourages patience and clear judgement in decision-making
Reassures that prosperity naturally follows the thoughtful and virtuous
A practical guide for leaders, students and anyone facing major choices
A short, memorable verse for daily reflection on prudence
How to Chant Sahasa Vidadhita Na Kriyam
Recite the verse calmly when facing a significant choice, letting the opening words 'sahasā vidadhīta na kriyām' settle the mind before acting. Reflect on how careful deliberation, not impulsive haste, attracts both success and lasting fortune. It is traditionally quoted to advise rulers, merchants and students to weigh their actions before undertaking them.