සාහිත්යසඞ්ගීතකලාවිහීනඃ
साहित्यसङ्गीतकलाविहीनः in Sinhala · සිංහල
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Origin & Story
Niti Shataka of Bhartrhari (Subhashita) · Bhartrhari · Classical Sanskrit literature (c. 5th century CE)
Bhartrhari's Niti Shataka is a garland of a hundred verses on right conduct, wisdom, fortune and the cultivation of the self. Among them, this verse celebrates the arts as the true mark of humanity. By comparing the uncultured person to a tailless, hornless beast, Bhartrhari drives home with humour his deep conviction that literature, music and the fine arts are not luxuries but the very essence of civilised life.
✦ As told in scripture
It is often remarked that this single verse has done more to inspire devotion to the arts in Sanskrit-learning households than any sermon could, planting in generations of students the conviction that a life touched by poetry and music is a life truly lived.
The Mantra
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සාහිත්යසඞ්ගීතකලාවිහීනඃ සාක්ෂාත්පශුඃ පුච්ඡවිෂාණහීනඃ. තෘණං න ඛාදන්නපි ජීවමානස් තද්භාගධේයං පරමං පශූනාම්..
sāhitya-saṅgīta-kalā-vihīnaḥ sākṣāt paśuḥ puccha-viṣāṇa-hīnaḥ। tṛṇaṁ na khādann api jīvamānas tad bhāgadheyaṁ paramaṁ paśūnām॥
Meaning:जो मनुष्य साहित्य, संगीत और कला से रहित है, वह वास्तव में बिना पूँछ और सींग वाला साक्षात् पशु ही है; यह तो अन्य पशुओं का परम सौभाग्य है कि वह घास न खाता हुआ भी जीवित रहकर मनुष्य ही गिना जाता है, उनमें सम्मिलित नहीं होता। भर्तृहरि व्यंग्यपूर्वक कहते हैं कि साहित्य और कलाओं का अनुशीलन ही मनुष्य को पशु से ऊपर उठाता है।
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting साहित्यसङ्गीतकलाविहीनः
Inspires devotion to literature, music and the fine arts as marks of a refined life
Reminds us that culture and learning elevate humanity above mere existence
A memorable, witty verse for teaching the value of arts education
Encourages parents and teachers to nurture aesthetic sensibility in the young
Sharpens appreciation for the cultural heritage of Sanskrit and Indian arts
Motivates lifelong cultivation of taste, knowledge and creativity
How to Chant साहित्यसङ्गीतकलाविहीनः
Recite the verse and reflect on how the arts ennoble human life and separate it from a merely animal existence. Use it as encouragement to engage with music, poetry and the fine arts. It is meant for contemplation and inspiration rather than ritual repetition, ideal as a motto for students of culture and the humanities.
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Read the full साहित्यसङ्गीतकलाविहीनः with verse-by-verse meaning, or explore more sacred texts