CHARUCHARYA Part IV

 

न मद्यव्यसनी क्षीबः कुर्याद् वेतालचेष्टितम्। वृष्णयो हि ययुः क्षीबास्तृणप्रहरणाः क्षयम् ॥११॥

na madya-vyasanī kṣībaḥ kuryād vetāla-ceṣṭitam |
vṛṣṇayo hi yayuḥ kṣībās tṛṇa-praharaṇaa: kṣayam ||11||

Translation

One addicted to intoxicating drinks, when drunk, behaves like a possessed being.  Indeed, the Yādavas (Vṛṣṇis), intoxicated, perished by striking one another even with blades of grass.

Addiction to alcohol destroys discrimination and dignity. Intoxication leads to irrational and violent behavior, as seen in the tragic end of the Yādava clan. Even harmless objects became weapons due to delusion. This śloka warns that loss of self-control inevitably leads to self-destruction.

ईर्ष्या कलहमूलं स्यात् क्षमा मूलं हि सम्पदाम्। ईर्ष्यादोषाद् विप्रशापमवाप जनमेजयः ॥१२॥

Irshyaa kalaha mūlaṁ syāt kṣamā mūlaṁ hi sampadām |
Irshyaa doṣād vipraśāpam avāpa janamejayaḥ ||12||

Translation

Compassion is the root of righteousness, and forgiveness is the foundation of prosperity. Due to fault-born hatred and conflict, King Janamejaya incurred a curse.

Dharma flourishes through compassion, not cruelty. Likewise, forgiveness safeguards prosperity and peace. Janamejaya’s curse resulted from anger and hatred, proving that uncontrolled emotions destroy even powerful rulers. Moral strength lies in restraint and mercy.

न त्यजेद् धर्ममर्यादामपि क्लेशदशां गतः। हरिश्चन्द्रो हि धर्मार्थी सेहे चण्डालदासताम् ॥१३॥

na tyajed dharma-maryādām api kleśa-daśāṁ gataḥ |
hariścandro hi dharmārthī sehe caṇḍāla-dāsatām ||13||

Translation

One should not abandon the limits of righteousness even in times of severe distress.  For the sake of dharma, Harishchandra endured even servitude under a Chandāla.

True commitment to dharma is tested in suffering. Harishchandra’s unwavering integrity shows that righteousness must never be compromised, even at the cost of humiliation and hardship. Dharma preserved through sacrifice ultimately leads to moral victory.

न सत्यव्रतभङ्गेन कार्यं धीमान् प्रसाधयेत्। ददर्श नरकक्लेशं सत्यनाशात् युधिष्ठिरः ॥१४॥

na satya-vrata-baṅgena kāryam dhīmān prasādhayet |
dadarśa narakaklesaṁ satya-nāśāt yudhiṣṭhiraḥ ||14||

Translation

A wise person should not seek success by breaking the vow of truth.
Yudhishthira clearly beheld hell due to the abandonment of truth.

Truth is the highest moral vow. Even a momentary deviation from it leads to grave consequences. Yudhishthira’s experience demonstrates that success achieved through falsehood results in suffering, whereas unwavering truth ensures inner purity.

कुर्वीत सङ्गतं सद्भिर्नासद्भिर्गुणवर्जितैः। प्राप राघवसङ्गत्या प्राज्यं राज्यं विभीषणः ॥१५॥

Kurvita Sangatam sadbhir naasadbhir gunavarjitaiḥ |

prāpa rāghava-saṅgatyā prājyaṁ rājyaṁ vibhīṣaṇaḥ ||15||

Translation

One should associate with the virtuous and avoid the company of the wicked.  Through association with Lord Rāma, Vibhīṣaṇa attained a vast kingdom.

A person’s destiny is shaped by their companionship. Vibhīṣaṇa’s choice to align with righteousness transformed his life. Noble association uplifts character and leads to lasting success, while evil company leads to downfall.

These ślokas collectively teach self-control, compassion, forgiveness, steadfast dharma, truthfulness, and noble association as the foundations of a disciplined and meaningful life. The epics reinforce that ethical conduct—not power or pleasure-ensures enduring greatness.