උද්යමේන හි සිධ්යන්ති
Udyamena Hi Sidhyanti in Sinhala · සිංහල
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Origin & Story
Hitopadesha (Subhashita) · Narayana Pandita (compiler of the Hitopadesha) · Classical Sanskrit literature (c. 9th–12th century CE)
The Hitopadesha weaves practical wisdom into animal fables to instruct young princes. This verse belongs to its store of niti-shlokas on effort and prudence, immortalising the truth that fortune favours the industrious through the unforgettable picture of a sleeping lion that no prey will ever feed.
✦ As told in scripture
Teachers and elders across India quote this verse to rouse the disheartened; many a student and entrepreneur recalls that the simple resolve it inspires — to act rather than merely wish — became the turning point that carried them from intention to achievement.
The Mantra
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උද්යමේන හි සිධ්යන්ති කාර්යාණි න මනෝරථෛඃ. න හි සුප්තස්ය සිංහස්ය ප්රවිශන්ති මුඛේ මෘගාඃ..
udyamena hi sidhyanti kāryāṇi na manorathaiḥ। na hi suptasya siṁhasya praviśanti mukhe mṛgāḥ॥
Meaning:It is by effort indeed that tasks are accomplished, never by mere wishes; for deer do not walk on their own into the mouth of a sleeping lion. However mighty one may be, success comes only to those who exert themselves and act.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Udyamena Hi Sidhyanti
A powerful daily reminder that success follows action, not wishful thinking
Inspires diligence, enterprise and self-reliance in work and study
Helps overcome procrastination and the habit of merely daydreaming about goals
Encourages students and professionals to put consistent effort into their tasks
Short and memorable, ideal for motivation before any important undertaking
Reinforces the dharmic value of purushartha — sincere human effort
How to Chant Udyamena Hi Sidhyanti
Recite the verse aloud as a self-motivating affirmation before beginning your work. Reflect on the image of the lion who must hunt for its food, and resolve to match your aspirations with action. It is especially useful at moments of hesitation or laziness, turning intention into effort.
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Read the full Udyamena Hi Sidhyanti with verse-by-verse meaning, or explore more sacred texts