Sanskrit
literature is a vast ocean of wisdom, beauty, and moral insight, enriched with
countless characters, divine beings, and natural wonders. Each figure and theme
found in this tradition embodies a distinct quality-courage, devotion, wisdom,
valour, beauty, or even human weaknesses such as jealousy and pride. From the
enchanting charm of Mohini to the unwavering courageousness and generosity of
Karna, from the eloquence of Hanuman to the might of Bhishma, these personalities
are not merely Puranic figures but timeless ideals that continue to inspire
humanity.
Similarly,
elements of nature, such as the sacred Ganga and the majestic Himalayas, are revered
not only for their physical grandeur but also for their spiritual significance.
Alongside these virtues, Sanskrit literature also portrays contrasting traits
such as arrogance, selfishness, and cruelty through characters like Ravana and
Hiranyakashipu, thereby offering a complete picture of human nature.
This
essay presents a collection of such “ambrosial verses” (amṛta-tulya
ślokas), highlighting the diverse qualities represented by various characters
and themes. Through these, we gain insight into ethical values, cultural
ideals, and philosophical reflections that remain relevant across ages.
AMBROSIAL
(NECTAR-LIKE) VERSES
FROM
SANSKRIT LITERATURE
1.
From Bhagavad Gita (2.47)
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते
मा फलेषु कदाचन। मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥
Transliteration:
karmaṇy-evādhikāras te mā phaleṣu kadācana |
mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te saṅgo ’stv akarmaṇi ||
Translation:
You have the right only to perform your duty, never to its results.
Do not be motivated by the fruits of actions, nor incline towards inaction.
2.
From Hitopadesha
अयं
निजः परो वेति गणना लघुचेतसाम्। उदारचरितानां तु वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्॥
Transliteration:
ayaṁ nijaḥ paro veti gaṇanā laghu-cetasām |
udāra-caritānāṁ tu vasudhaiva kuṭumbakam ||
Translation:
“This is mine, that is yours” — such thinking is for the narrow-minded.
For the noble-hearted, the whole world is one family.
3.
From Mahabharata
न हि
ज्ञानेन सदृशं पवित्रमिह विद्यते।
Transliteration:
na hi jñānena sadṛśaṁ pavitram iha vidyate |
Translation:
There is nothing in this world as purifying as knowledge.
4.
From Subhashita
विद्या
ददाति विनयं विनयाद् याति पात्रताम्। पात्रत्वात् धनमाप्नोति धनात् धर्मं ततः
सुखम्॥
Transliteration:
vidyā dadāti vinayaṁ vinayād yāti pātratām |
pātratvāt dhanam āpnoti dhanāt dharmaṁ tataḥ sukham ||
Translation:
Knowledge gives humility; from humility comes worthiness.
From worthiness one gains wealth, from wealth comes righteousness, and from
righteousness, happiness.
5.
From Rigveda (10.191.2)
संगच्छध्वं
संवदध्वं सं वो मनांसि जानताम्। देवा भागं यथा पूर्वे संजानाना उपासते॥
Transliteration:
saṅgacchadhvaṁ saṁvadadhvaṁ saṁ vo manāṁsi jānatām |
devā bhāgaṁ yathā pūrve sañjānānā upāsate ||
Translation:
Move together, speak together, let your minds be united.
Just as the gods of old shared their offerings in harmony.
