CHARUCHARYA Part XXII

 

न लब्धे प्रभुसम्माने फलक्लेशं समाश्रयेत् । ईश्वरेण धृतो मूर्ध्नि क्षीण एव क्षपापतिः ॥ ८२ ॥

Na labdhe prabhu-sammāne phala-kleśaṁ samāśrayet |
Īśvareṇa dhṛto mūrdhni kṣīṇa eva kṣapāpatiḥ || 82 ||

Translation:

One should not accept painful or harmful actions just to gain high honor from one’s master. Even though the moon is placed on the head of Lord Shiva, it still continues to wane.

Explanation:

The verse gives the example of the Moon (Kṣapāpati). The Moon is worn on the head of Shiva as an ornament. Even after receiving such a great honor, the moon still decreases in size during its phases.

The teaching is:

·         External honor does not remove inner weakness.

·         One should not undergo suffering or compromise principles merely to gain recognition.

·         True worth comes from inner strength, not from external praise.

 

श्रुतिस्मृत्युक्तमाचारं न त्यजेत्‌ साधुसेवितम्‌ । दैत्यानां श्रीवियोगोऽभूत्‌ सत्यधर्मच्युतात्मनाम् ॥ ८३ ॥

Śruti-smṛty-uktaṁ ācāraṁ na tyajet sādhu-sevitam |
Daityānāṁ śrī-viyogo’bhūt satya-dharma-cyutātmanām || 83 ||

Translation:

One should not abandon the conduct prescribed in the Śrutis and Smritis and practiced by noble people. The demons lost Goddess Lakshmi because they abandoned truth and righteousness.

Explanation:

This verse stresses the importance of:

·         Following sacred teachings (Śruti and Smriti).

·         Practicing moral conduct upheld by good and noble people.

When the demons (Daityas) gave up truth and dharma, they lost prosperity (Śrī, meaning Goddess Lakshmi).

The lesson:

·         Wealth and prosperity stay only where truth and righteousness are followed.

·         When one abandons dharma, prosperity leaves.

श्रियः कुर्यात्‌ पलायिन्या बन्धाय गुणसंग्रहम्‌ । देत्यांस्त्यक्त्वा श्रिता देवा निर्गुणान्सगुणाः श्रिया ॥ ८४ ॥

Śriyaḥ kuryāt palāyinyā bandhāya guṇa-saṅgraham |
Daityāṁs tyaktvā śritā devā nirguṇān saguṇāḥ śriyā || 84 ||

Translation:

To bind the ever-fleeing Goddess Lakshmi, one should cultivate good qualities. Leaving the quality-less demons, Lakshmi went to the virtuous gods.

Explanation:

Lakshmi (Śrī) is described as “palāyinī” — one who easily moves away (wealth is unstable).

The verse teaches:

·         Wealth cannot be held by force.

·         Only good qualities (virtues like truthfulness, discipline, humility) attract and retain prosperity.

Goddess Lakshmi left the demons because they lacked virtues and went to the gods who possessed good qualities.

Overall Teaching of These Three Slokas

These verses together teach:

·         Do not suffer or compromise values merely for honor.

·         Always follow righteous conduct taught by scriptures and noble people.

·         Prosperity stays only where virtue exists.

True honor and lasting wealth come from character, not external status.

CHARUCHARYA Part XXI

 

नोपदेशामृतं प्राप्तं भग्नकुम्भनिभस्त्यजेत्‌ । पार्थो विस्मृतगीतार्थः सासूयः कलहेऽभवत्‌ ॥ ७९ ॥

nopadeśāmṛtaṁ prāptaṁ bhagna-kumbha-nibhas tyajet |
pārtho vismṛta-gītārthaḥ sā sūyaḥ kalahe ’bhavat || 79 ||

Translation

One should not discard the nectar-like advice received from great souls like water flowing out of a broken pot.  Arjuna, forgetting the true meaning of the Gita, became engaged in conflict and began seeing faults in virtues.

Explanation

·         Upadeśāmṛtam means “nectar-like advice” — wise teachings given by noble persons.

·         The heart is compared to a pot (kumbha).

·         If the pot is broken, water cannot be stored in it. Similarly, if a person does not value good advice, it is lost.

The example given is of Arjuna, who received the sacred teachings of the Bhagavad Gita from Lord Krishna. When he forgot its deeper meaning, he became disturbed and argumentative.

Teaching:
          Always preserve and reflect upon the wisdom given by elders and saints. Knowledge must be protected in the heart through remembrance and practice.

न पुत्रायत्तमैश्वर्यं कार्यमार्यैः कदाचन । पुत्रार्पितप्रभुत्वोऽभूद्‌ धृतराष्ट्रस्तृणोपमः ॥ ८० ॥

na putrāyattam aiśvaryaṁ kāryam āryaiḥ kadācana |
putrārpita-prabhutvo ’bhūd dhṛtarāṣṭras tṛṇopamaḥ || 80 ||

Translation

          A wise person should never hand over all his wealth and authority entirely to his sons.  Dhritarashtra, after giving his power to his sons, became like a blade of grass (powerless).

Explanation

·         Aiśvarya means wealth, power, or authority.

·         A responsible person must maintain balance and control.

·         Blind attachment to children can lead to weakness.

          The example is Dhritarashtra, who gave complete authority to his sons (the Kauravas). Due to this attachment, he lost control and became insignificant like a straw.

Teaching:
          Affection should not cloud wisdom. Leadership requires responsibility and independent judgment.

न शत्रुशेषदूष्याणां स्कन्धे कार्यं समर्पयेत्‌ । निष्प्रतापोऽभवत्‌ कर्णः शल्तेजोवधार्दितः ॥ ८१ ॥

na śatru-śeṣa-dūṣyāṇāṁ skandhe kāryaṁ samarpayet |
niṣpratāpo ’bhavat karṇaḥ śalya-tejo-vadhārditaḥ || 81 ||

Translation

          One should not entrust important tasks to enemies or wicked people.
Karna lost his glory because his charioteer Shalya weakened his spirit.

Explanation

·         Śatru means enemy.

·         Skandhe samarpayet means “to place responsibility on someone’s shoulders.”

·         Wrong association weakens even a strong person.

          Here, the example is Karna, whose confidence was discouraged by Shalya, his charioteer. Due to this negative influence, he lost his brilliance and strength.

Teaching:
          Be careful in choosing whom you trust. Company and support greatly influence success.

Overall Moral of These Three Ślokas

1.   Preserve and practice the wisdom received from noble teachers.

2.   Do not let attachment weaken your judgment.

3.   Never depend on enemies or untrustworthy people.

          These verses related to the anecdotes of the Mahabharata teach practical life lessons about wisdom, responsibility, and right association.

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)