आयुष क्षण एकोऽपि न लभ्य: स्वर्णकोटिभि: ।
स चेन्निरर्थकं नीतः का नु हानिस्ततोधिका? Hitopadesha, Mitralabhaḥ - Chapter 1, Verse 4.
Word to word meaning:
आयुष् (āyuṣ) - life
क्षण (kṣaṇa) - moment or time
एकः (ekaḥ) - one
अपि (api) - even
न (na) - not
लभ्यः (labhyaḥ) - obtainable
स्वर्णकोटिभिः (svarṇakoṭibhiḥ) - by crores of gold coins
सः (saḥ) - he
चेत् (chet) - if
न (na) - not
अर्थकं (arthakaṃ) - meaningful
नीतः (nītaḥ) - conducted
का (kā) - what
नु (nu) - indeed
हानिः (hāniḥ) - loss
ततः (tataḥ) - than that
अधिका (adhikā) - greater
Shloka meaning:
"Even a moment of life cannot be obtained with crores of gold coins. If one conducts their time meaninglessly, what greater loss can there be other than that?"
Kannada meaning:
ಜೀವನದ ಒಂದು ಕ್ಷಣವೂ ಕೋಟ್ಯಂತರ ಬಂಗಾರದ ನಾಣ್ಯನಾಣ್ಯಗಳಿಂದ ಪಡೆಯಲು ಸಾಧ್ಯವಿಲ್ಲ. ಮನುಷ್ಯನು ತನ್ನ ಸಮಯವನ್ನು ನಿರರ್ಥಕವಾಗಿ ಕಳೆದರೆ, ಅದಕ್ಕಿಂತ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ನಷ್ಟ ಮತ್ತೇನಾಗಬಹುದು?
Hindi meaning:
जीवन का एक भी क्षण लाखों सोने के सिक्कों से नहीं खरीदा जा सकता। यदि मनुष्य अपना समय व्यर्थ गँवा दे तो इससे बड़ी हानि क्या हो सकती है?
Discussion:
Value of Time and Life:
The shloka emphasizes the intrinsic value of life and time, portraying them as priceless treasures that transcend material wealth. It conveys the idea that even the smallest fraction of existence is more precious than all the riches in the world, highlighting the irreplaceable nature of life and the fleeting essence of time.
Material Wealth vs. Life's Moments:
Through the juxtaposition of life's moments with the imagery of vast material wealth, the shloka draws attention to the stark contrast between ephemeral possessions and the eternal essence of life. It underscores the futility of pursuing material riches at the expense of neglecting the significance of each passing moment, reminding us that true wealth lies in the experiences and memories we create, not in material accumulation.
Purposeful Living:
The shloka delves into the concept of purposeful living, urging individuals to reflect on the meaningfulness of their actions and the value they bring to their lives. It cautions against squandering time on frivolous pursuits and encourages a mindful approach to time management, emphasizing the importance of engaging in activities that align with one's values and aspirations.
Philosophical Reflection:
From a philosophical standpoint, the shloka serves as a catalyst for introspection on the choices we make and the way we prioritize our time. It prompts us to evaluate whether our actions are in harmony with our beliefs and goals, nudging us towards a more conscious and intentional way of living. By contemplating the fleeting nature of time, it inspires a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between our decisions and the quality of our lives.
Conclusion:
In essence, the shloka encapsulates profound wisdom that transcends boundaries of culture and time, urging us to embrace each moment with mindfulness and purpose. It serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life and the significance of utilizing our time wisely. By encouraging us to prioritize meaningful pursuits and cherish the gift of existence, it advocates for a holistic approach to living that values both material well-being and spiritual enrichment, ultimately guiding us towards a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.
This timeless shloka resonates with individuals across generations, inviting us to live consciously and intentionally in the present moment, appreciating the ephemeral beauty of life's journey.
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