परोपकाराय सतां विभूतयः — Word-by-Word Meaning
परोपकाराय सतां विभूतयः
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
पिबन्ति
pibanti
drink
नद्यः
nadyaḥ
the rivers
स्वयम् एव न अम्भः
svayam eva na ambhaḥ
do not themselves drink their own water
स्वयं न खादन्ति
svayaṁ na khādanti
do not themselves eat
फलानि
phalāni
the fruits
वृक्षाः
vṛkṣāḥ
the trees
न अदन्ति
na adanti
do not eat / consume
सस्यम्
sasyam
the grain, the crops
खलु
khalu
indeed
वारिवाहाः
vāri-vāhāḥ
the rain-clouds (water-bearers)
परोपकाराय
paropakārāya
for the benefit of others, for the welfare of all
सताम्
satām
of the virtuous, of the good
विभूतयः
vibhūtayaḥ
the possessions, abundance, resources
Complete Translation
नदियाँ स्वयं अपना जल नहीं पीतीं, वृक्ष स्वयं अपने फल नहीं खाते, और बादल जिस अन्न को सींचते हैं उसे स्वयं नहीं खाते — सज्जनों की सम्पत्ति परोपकार के लिए ही होती है। जैसे प्रकृति निःस्वार्थ भाव से देती है, वैसे ही सज्जनों के साधन सबके कल्याण के लिए होते हैं।
Origin & History
Source: Subhashita (Sanskrit niti tradition)
Author: Anonymous (classical Subhashita)
Period: 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Paropakaraya Satam Vibhutayah mean?▼
It means 'the abundance of the virtuous is meant for the welfare of others.' The verse illustrates this with rivers, trees and clouds that give all their bounty selflessly to others.
What is the central message of this shloka?▼
It teaches paropakara — selfless service. Following nature's example, the good use their wealth, knowledge and gifts not for themselves but for the benefit of all around them.
Where does this verse come from?▼
It is a famous Subhashita from the Sanskrit niti tradition, widely anthologised and recited as a celebration of altruism and noble conduct.
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