CHARUCHARYA Part XIV

 

सन्धिं विधाय रिपुणा न निश्सङ्कः सुखी भवेत्‌ । सन्धिं  कृत्वावधीदिन्द्रो वृत्रं निःशङ्कमानसम्‌ ॥ ५८ ॥

Sandhiṁ vidhāya ripuṇā na niḥśaṅkaḥ sukhī bhavet |
Sandhiṁ kṛtvā’vadhīd Indro Vṛtraṁ niḥśaṅka-mānasam || 58 ||

Translation

One should not become careless and relaxed even after making peace with an enemy.  After making a treaty, when Vṛtrāsura became free from suspicion, Indra killed him.

Explanation

This verse teaches a lesson about caution and alertness.  Even when peace or agreement is made with an enemy, blind trust can be dangerous. Vṛtrāsura felt completely safe after the truce, but Indra took advantage of that moment and defeated him.

Moral:
Peace does not always mean safety. Wisdom lies in being alert, not careless.

हितोपदेशं श्रुत्वा तु कुर्वीत च यथोचितम्‌ । विदुरोक्तमकृत्वा तु शोच्योऽभूत्‌ कौरवेश्वरः ॥ ५९ ॥

Hitopadeśaṁ śrutvā tu kurvīta ca yathocitam |
Viduroktam akṛtvā tu śocyo’bhūt Kauraveśvaraḥ || 59 ||

Translation

After listening to good and beneficial advice, one should act accordingly.  Because Duryodhana did not follow Vidura’s counsel, he became worthy of sorrow.

Explanation

This verse highlights the importance of wise counsel. Vidura gave righteous and practical advice to Duryodhana. Ignoring it led to his destruction and suffering.

Moral:
          Good advice saves us from harm, but arrogance and stubbornness lead to downfall.

बह्वन्नाशनलोभेन रोगी मन्दरुचिर्भवेत्‌ । प्रभूताज्यभुजो जाड्यं दहनस्याप्यजायत ॥ ६० ॥

Bahv-annāśana-lobhena rogī manda-rucir bhavet |
Prabhūtājyabhujo jāḍyaṁ dahanasyāpy ajāyata || 60 ||

Translation

Because of greed for excessive food, a sick person’s digestive fire becomes weak, and he loses appetite.  Even fire became dull after consuming too much ghee.

Explanation

This verse uses a powerful metaphor. Just as overeating weakens digestion and causes illness, excess of anything - even something good like ghee - leads to imbalance.

Moral:
Moderation is essential. Excess destroys strength, health, and clarity.

 

Overall Teaching

These verses together teach:

·         Do not be careless, even in peace

·         Follow wise advice

·         Practice moderation in all aspects of life

They remind us that wisdom, restraint, and awareness are essential for a balanced and successful life.