"वरमेको गुणी पुत्रो, न च मूर्खशतैरपि ।
एकश्चन्द्रस्तमो हन्ति, न च तारागणैरपि ॥ Manusmriti 9.317
Word to word meaning:
वरं (varam): Better
एको (eko): One
गुणी (gunī): Virtuous
पुत्रो (putro): Son
न (na): Not
च (cha): And
मूर्खशतैः (mūrkhaśataiḥ): By a hundred fools
अपि (api): Even
एकः (ekah): One
चन्द्रः (chandrah): Moon
तमः (tamaḥ): Darkness
हन्ति (hanti): Dispels
न (na): Not
च (cha): And
तारागणैः (tārāgaṇaiḥ): By a multitude of stars
अपि (api): Even
Shloka meaning:
"A single virtuous son is better than a hundred fools; a single moon dispels the darkness, not the multitude of stars."
Kannada meaning:
"ನೂರು ಮೂರ್ಖರಿಗಿಂತ ಒಬ್ಬ ಸದ್ಗುಣಶೀಲ ಮಗ ಉತ್ತಮ; ಒಬ್ಬನೇ ಚಂದ್ರನು ಕತ್ತಲೆಯನ್ನು ದೂರಪಡಿಸುತ್ತಾನೆ, ನಕ್ಷತ್ರಗಳ ಗುಂಪಲ್ಲ."
Hindi meaning:
"एक गुणी बेटा सौ मूर्खों से बेहतर है; अकेला चंद्रमा अंधकार को दूर करता है, तारों के समूह नहीं।"
Discussion:
Comparison of Virtue vs. Folly:
Virtuous Son vs. Hundred Fools: The shloka compares the value of a virtuous son to that of a hundred fools. A virtuous son embodies qualities such as wisdom, integrity, and moral values. His presence and contributions bring positive influence and support to his family and society. In contrast, a hundred fools collectively lack these qualities. They may cause chaos, ignorance, and discord, without contributing positively to their surroundings.
Impact of Light vs. Darkness:
Single Moon vs. Multitude of Stars: The shloka uses the analogy of light and darkness to illustrate its point. A single moon is powerful enough to dispel darkness and illuminate the surroundings. It stands out distinctly in the night sky. In contrast, while stars also provide light, a multitude of them together does not have the concentrated brightness and impact of the moon. Each star may shine individually, but their collective light does not compare to the clarity and influence of the moon.
The shloka teaches us several important lessons:
Quality over Quantity: It emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity in various aspects of life. Having one virtuous and wise individual is more beneficial and impactful than having many who lack virtue and wisdom.
Value of Virtue: It highlights the intrinsic value of virtue, wisdom, and moral character. These qualities bring light and positivity to their surroundings, much like how the moon dispels darkness.
Leadership and Influence: It underscores the role of leadership and influence. A virtuous son or individual can lead by example, inspire others, and contribute positively to their family and community.
Contrast and Clarity: The contrast between the single moon and multitude of stars also teaches us about clarity and focus. It's not about being numerous, but about standing out with clarity and purpose.
Conclusion:
The shloka encourages us to cultivate virtue, wisdom, and integrity in ourselves and others. It reminds us that these qualities have a lasting and meaningful impact, surpassing the superficiality of mere numbers or appearances. Just as the moon shines brightly amidst the stars, so too can individuals with virtuous qualities illuminate and positively influence the world around them.
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