CHARUCHARYA Part XX

 

न गीतवाद्याभिरतिर्विलासव्यसनी भवेत् । वीणाविनोदव्यसनी वत्सेशः शत्रुणा हतः ॥ ७६ ॥

na gīta-vādyābhiratis vilāsa-vyasanī bhavet |
vīṇā-vinoda-vyasanī vatsaśaḥ śatruṇā hataḥ || 76 ||

Translation:

One should not become excessively attached to singing, music, and pleasures.
King Vatsa (Udayana), who was overly addicted to playing the vīṇā for amusement, was defeated by his enemy.

Explanation:

This verse teaches moderation. Music and enjoyment are not wrong, but excessive attachment to pleasure makes a person careless. When someone becomes deeply absorbed in entertainment, they may neglect important responsibilities.

King Udayana of Vatsa was so fond of playing the vīṇā that he became inattentive, and his enemy took advantage of this weakness. The message is clear: Enjoy life, but never at the cost of alertness and duty.

उद्वेजयेन्न तैक्ष्ण्येन रामाः कुसुमकोमलाः । सूर्यो भार्याभयोच्छित्त्यै तेजो निजमशामयत्‌ ॥ ७७ ॥

udvejayen na taikṣṇyena rāmāḥ kusuma-komalāḥ |
sūryo bhāryā-bhayocchittyai tejo nijam aśāmayat || 77 ||

Translation:

One should not disturb gentle women, who are soft like flowers, with harshness.
Even the Sun reduced his own brightness to remove the fear of his wife.

Explanation:

This verse emphasizes gentleness in relationships. Women are compared to flowers — delicate and sensitive. Harsh words or behaviour can hurt deeply.

The example given is of the Sun God, who reduced his intense heat for the sake of his wife so that she would not suffer. The lesson is that love requires sensitivity, self-control, and kindness.

पद्मवन्न नयेत्‌ कोषं धूर्तभ्रमरभोज्यताम्‌ । सुरैः क्रमेण नीतार्थः श्रीहीनोऽभूद्‌ पुराम्बुधिः॥ ७८ ॥

 

padmavan na nayet koṣaṃ dhūrta-bhramara-bhojyatām |
suraiḥ krameṇa nītārthaḥ śrī-hīno’bhūd purāmbudhiḥ || 78 ||

Translation:

Like a lotus, one should not allow one's treasury to become food for cunning bees.
The ocean once became deprived of its wealth because the gods gradually took away its treasures.

Explanation:

The lotus attracts bees that take its nectar. Similarly, if a ruler is careless, clever and greedy people may slowly drain the treasury.

The verse refers to the story of the churning of the ocean, when the gods obtained many treasures from it. The ocean lost its riches little by little. The teaching is about financial wisdom — protect resources carefully and do not allow them to be wasted or misused.

Overall Teaching

These three verses together advise:

• Avoid excessive indulgence in pleasures.
• Practice gentleness and sensitivity in relationships.
• Guard wealth and resources wisely.

They teach moderation, kindness, and careful management — qualities essential for a balanced and successful life.

THE MUSIC MAKERS BY ROHINI PARANJPE SATHE

  

 

 

AUTHOR : Rohini Paranjpe sathe

GENRE : LITERARY &CONTEMPORARY FICTION

PUBLISHER; Om Books International

BOOK BUY LINK :  @Amazon

The title The Music Makers is meaningful and symbolic. It does not simply refer to musicians who create melodies, but to individuals who dedicate their lives to preserving and nurturing the rich tradition of Hindustani classical music. The title reflects the emotional, spiritual, and cultural journey of those who live for music and shape its legacy for future generations.

The novel is written by Rohini Paranjpe Sathe, a sensitive and insightful storyteller. Through her deep understanding of music and human emotions, she presents a narrative that is both realistic and moving. Her writing style is simple yet expressive, allowing readers to connect deeply with the characters and their experiences.

The Music Makers is an inspiring and emotionally powerful novel that beautifully blends music, relationships, tradition, and personal struggle. The story is rooted in real-life emotions and experiences, making it touching and thought-provoking. Through its engaging narrative, the book encourages readers to reflect on their own lives, values, and relationships.

The novel revolves around the life of Padma Bhushan awardee Pandit Sadashiv Buwa Shrotri, a highly respected Hindustani classical vocalist. As he grows older, he becomes increasingly concerned about the future of Hindustani classical music. In a rapidly modernizing world, he fears that younger generations and rasikas (music lovers) are giving less importance to this rich musical tradition. His internal struggle reflects a larger concern about preserving cultural heritage.

Sumati Tai, his devoted wife and disciple, plays a vital role in his life. She is not only his life partner but also a strong supporter of his musical mission. Her character represents dedication, loyalty, and quiet strength. Through her, the author portrays the deep bond between guru and shishya, as well as the emotional depth of marital companionship.

The story also introduces other significant characters such as Vibharani and Ashok. Vibharani’s marriage to Sushant, a pharmaceutical industrialist, brings out the darker realities of domestic life. Sushant is portrayed as harsh and insensitive, particularly in suppressing his son Karthik’s interest in music. Karthik’s passion for learning music despite his father’s opposition highlights the conflict between artistic calling and materialistic ambition.

A major turning point in the story is Karthik’s sudden disappearance. This incident creates tension and emotional turmoil within the family. Through this episode, the author explores themes of misunderstanding, emotional suppression, and the consequences of denying one’s true passion.

Music is not merely a background element in the novel—it is the very soul of the narrative. The reference to Raga Bhairav, a peaceful and meditative morning raga, symbolically reflects the spiritual and inward-looking tone of the story. Music becomes a source of identity, devotion, healing, and continuity.

In conclusion, The Music Makers is a heartfelt tribute to Hindustani classical music and the people who devote their lives to sustaining it. It is a meaningful and enriching read that emphasizes the importance of preserving tradition, nurturing relationships, and respecting individual aspirations. The novel leaves readers with a deep appreciation for music as a timeless force that connects generations and transforms lives.

(This blogpost is a part of BLogchatter's book review program. Details here : https://www.theblogchatter.com/book-review-program-from-blogchatter)

CHARUCHARYA Part XIX

 

अरागभोगसुभगः स्यात्‌ प्रसक्तविरक्तधीः । राज्ये जनकराजोऽभून्निर्लेपोऽम्भसि पद्मवत्‌॥७३॥

Arāga-bhoga-subhagaḥ syāt prasakta-virakta-dhīḥ |
Rājye Janakarājo’bhūn nirlepo’mbhasi padmavat || 73 ||

Translation

A person should remain free from attachment to pleasures.
Though King Janaka ruled a kingdom, his mind remained detached—
just like a lotus leaf that stays untouched by water.

Explanation

This verse teaches the ideal of inner detachment with outer responsibility.  Janaka is presented as a perfect example. Though he enjoyed royal power and worldly comforts, he was not mentally attached to them. His life shows that one can actively perform duties and still remain spiritually pure. The lotus leaf, though surrounded by water, remains dry—symbolizing a wise person living in the world without being trapped by it.

अशिष्यसेवया लाभलोभेन स्याद्‌ गुरुर्लघुः। संवर्तयज्ञयाञ्चाभिर्लज्जां लेभे बृहस्पतिः ॥ ७४ ॥

Aśiṣya-sevayā lābha-lobhena syād gurur laghuḥ |
Saṃvarta-yajña-yāñcābhir lajjāṃ lebhe Bṛhaspatiḥ || 74 ||

Translation

A teacher becomes insignificant when he seeks profit from serving unworthy disciples. Even Guru Bṛhaspati faced humiliation when he had to beg during the sacrifice of Saṃvarta.

Explanation

This verse warns against greed and loss of dignity in a teacher. A true guru should guide out of compassion, not for material gain. When a teacher serves undeserving disciples for profit, his stature diminishes. The example of Bṛhaspati shows that even a highly revered teacher may face disgrace when forced into dependency or compromise of principles. True respect comes from integrity, not wealth.

नष्टशीलां त्यजेन्नारीं रागवृद्धिविधायिनीम्‌।चन्द्रोच्छिष्टाधिकप्रीत्यै पत्नी निन्दाप्यभूद्‌ गुरोः॥७५॥

Naṣṭa-śīlāṃ tyajennārīṃ rāga-vṛddhi-vidhāyinīm |
Candrocchiṣṭādhika-prītyai patnī nindāpyabhūd guroḥ || 75 ||

Translation

A man should give up a woman of corrupt character who only increases passion. Because Guru Bṛhaspati showed excessive attachment in accepting his wife again after she was involved with the Moon, he was widely criticized.

Explanation

This verse emphasizes moral discipline and control over desire. Excessive attachment clouds judgment, even in wise people. When personal affection overpowers ethical values, society condemns such behavior. The verse reminds us that self-restraint is essential, especially for those who are respected and looked up to by others.

Overall Teaching

Together, these three ślokas teach that:

·         One can live in the world without being attached to it

·         Greed diminishes dignity, especially in teachers

·         Excessive desire leads to loss of moral authority

They strongly advocate detachment, integrity, and self-control as foundations of a noble life.

CHARUCHARYA Part XVIII

 

स्वकुलान्न्यूनतां नेच्छेत्‌ तुल्यः स्यादथवाधिकः । सोत्कर्षोऽपि रघोर्वंशे  रामोऽभूत्‌ स्वकुलाधिकः ॥ ७० ॥

svakulān nyūnatāṃ necchet tulyaḥ syād athavādhikaḥ |
sotkarṣo'pi raghovaṃśe rāmo'bhūt svakula-adhikaḥ || 70 ||

Translation

One should never desire to be inferior to one’s own family. One should strive to be equal to it or even greater. Though the Raghu dynasty was already glorious, Rāma became even greater than his own lineage.

Explanation

This verse teaches a principle of constructive ambition. It does not encourage pride, but self-elevation with responsibility.

The Raghu dynasty was already illustrious, celebrated in works like the Raghuvamsha of Kalidasa. Yet, Rama, the prince of Ayodhyā in the Ramayana, did not merely depend on ancestral fame. Through his truthfulness, sacrifice, courage, and adherence to dharma, he made the dynasty shine brighter. Even when exiled, he upheld righteousness. Thus, greatness is not inherited — it is earned through character.

Moral Insight:
We must respect our heritage, but we must also strive to enhance it through our virtues and actions.

कुर्यात्तीर्थाम्बुभिः पूतमात्मानं सततोज्ज्वलम्‌ । लोमशादिष्टतीर्थेभ्यः प्रापुः पार्थाः कृतार्थताम्‌ ॥ ७१ ॥

kuryāt tīrthāmbubhiḥ pūtam ātmānaṃ satatojjvalam |
lomaśādiṣṭa-tīrthebhyaḥ prāpuḥ pārthāḥ kṛtārthatām || 71 ||

Translation

One should purify oneself by the sacred waters of holy places and remain ever pure and radiant. The Pāṇḍavas attained fulfillment by visiting the sacred pilgrimages shown by Sage Lomaśa.

Explanation

This verse speaks about inner and outer purification. In the Mahabharata, during their exile, the Pāṇḍavas were guided by Sage Lomaśa to many sacred tīrthas (pilgrimage sites). These pilgrimages were not mere physical journeys; they were journeys of self-discipline, repentance, and spiritual growth.

Sacred waters symbolize cleansing of ego, anger, and sorrow. True purity is not only bathing in water but bathing the mind in humility and devotion.

Moral Insight:
Regular spiritual reflection and purification keep life radiant and purposeful.

आपत्कालोपयुक्तासु कलासु स्यात्‌ कृतश्रमः। नृत्तवृत्तिर्विराटस्य किरीटी भवनेऽभवत्‌ ॥ ७२ ॥

āpatkālōpayuktāsu kalāsu syāt kṛtaśramaḥ |
nṛttavṛttir virāṭasya kirīṭī bhavane'bhavat || 72 ||

Translation

One should train oneself in skills that may be useful during times of crisis. Arjuna, the crowned warrior, lived by teaching dance in the palace of King Virāṭa.

Explanation

Life is unpredictable. Therefore, one must acquire diverse skills. In the Mahabharata, during the incognito year (Agyātavāsa), Arjuna lived in the court of King Virata disguised as Bṛhannalā, a dance teacher. Though he was one of the greatest archers in history, he humbly used his knowledge of music and dance to survive the crisis.

This teaches adaptability. True greatness includes the ability to adjust without losing dignity.

Moral Insight:
Education should be practical and versatile. Skills gained today may save us tomorrow.

Combined Ethical Message of the Three Verses

These three verses together teach:

1. Strive for excellence beyond inheritance (Rāma).
2. Purify yourself through spiritual discipline (Pāṇḍavas).
3. Prepare yourself with versatile skills for adversity (Arjuna).

Thus, life demands:

• Aspiration,
• Purification,
• Adaptability.