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.