विपदि धैर्यमथाभ्युदये क्षमा — Word-by-Word Meaning
विपदि धैर्यमथाभ्युदये क्षमा
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
विपदि
vipadi
in adversity, in calamity
धैर्यम्
dhairyam
fortitude, steadfast courage
अथ
atha
and, moreover
अभ्युदये
abhyudaye
in prosperity, in times of rise/success
क्षमा
kṣamā
forgiveness, forbearance
सदसि
sadasi
in an assembly, in a learned gathering
वाक्पटुता
vāk-paṭutā
eloquence, skill in speech
युधि
yudhi
in battle, in war
विक्रमः
vikramaḥ
valour, prowess
यशसि
yaśasi
in fame, in reputation
अभिरुचिः
abhiruciḥ
love, keen liking, delight
व्यसनम्
vyasanam
addiction, passionate devotion (here: to learning)
श्रुतौ
śrutau
in scripture, in learning, in listening to wisdom
प्रकृतिसिद्धम्
prakṛti-siddham
established by nature, innate, inborn
इदम् हि
idam hi
this indeed (is)
महात्मनाम्
mahātmanām
of the great-souled, of noble persons
Complete Translation
विपत्ति में धैर्य, उन्नति में क्षमा, सभा में वाक्पटुता, युद्ध में पराक्रम, यश में अभिरुचि और शास्त्र (विद्या) में आसक्ति — ये गुण महात्माओं में स्वभाव से ही सिद्ध होते हैं। भर्तृहरि सज्जन पुरुष के छह सहज गुणों को गिनाते हुए कहते हैं कि सच्चे महान लोगों में ये गुण प्रयत्न से नहीं, उनके स्वभाव से ही प्रकट होते हैं।
Origin & History
Source: Niti Shataka of Bhartrhari (Subhashita)
Author: Bhartrhari
Period: Classical Sanskrit literature (c. 5th century CE)
Bhartrhari's Niti Shataka devotes many verses to the sat-purusha, the truly good and great person. This verse offers a concise portrait of nobility through six contexts of life — danger, success, debate, war, fame and study — and concludes that in the great-souled these virtues are inborn. It has long been cherished as a standard by which character may be measured.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the six virtues mentioned in Vipadi Dhairyam?▼
The verse lists six: dhairya (fortitude in adversity), kshama (forgiveness in prosperity), vak-patuta (eloquence in assembly), vikrama (valour in battle), abhiruchi for yasha (love of honour), and vyasana in shruti (devotion to learning). It says these are natural to great souls.
Who composed this Subhashita?▼
It is from the Niti Shataka of Bhartrhari, the great Sanskrit poet-philosopher, in his collection of a hundred verses on ethics and noble conduct.
What does 'prakriti-siddham idam hi mahatmanam' mean?▼
It means 'these (qualities) are established by the very nature of the great-souled.' The line teaches that in truly noble people, these virtues are not forced or pretended but arise spontaneously from their inner character.
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