This entry is part 2 of 22 in the series Niti Chalisa

दमः क्षमा धृतिस्तेजः सन्तोषः सत्यवादिता । ह्रीरहिंसाऽव्यसनिता दाक्ष्यं चेति सुखावहाः ।।
(महाभारत – शान्तिपर्व २९०.२०) 

इन्द्रियसंयम, क्षमा, धैर्य, तेज, सन्तोष, सत्यवादिता, लज्जा, अहिंसा, दुर्व्यसनका त्याग तथा दक्षता–ये सब सुखप्रद हैं ।।  

Essence

The qualities we must try to develop in our lives:

Control over the senses, forgiveness, patience, brilliance, satisfaction, truthfulness, modesty, non-violence, letting go of addictions and efficiency – all these give happiness.

Control over the senses, that is, controlled actions through sight, sound, smell, taste and touch is emphasized.

Practice forgiveness to an extent and in limits by understanding that nobody can change ‘karma’ of others or even themselves. Only Bhagavan has the power to do so. One’s decision to forgive someone doesn’t change in anyway what’s due to them, but the quality of forgiveness is such that it sets oneself free, so that they continue with their life without having the burden of being held back from unnecessary dialogues & actions.

Level of tolerance of how much a person can tolerate without having slightest of negative thoughts i.e. patience, is crucial.

Brilliance comes with sadhana or remembrance of Bhagavan.

One must be content with less and what one deserved through his work and dedication.

Being truthful to first and foremost oneself and to others.

Lajja (sense of shame or modesty) is the sense of self respect in accordance to one’s own limits on senses.

Non-violence in the sense of peaceful conflict resolution/respect for life and self-determination, and a view of world around through peaceful lens (limitations being constant provocation, oppression, etc.).

Being free from addictions. Sri Adi Shankaracharyaji had once mentioned (not exact words) – addiction is expected in everyone’s life, it now depends on the person if he wants it to be in good or bad direction and motive. Thus, one must aim for utilising & devoting one’s life and time in the direction that enhances the quality of one’s own life. Select Bhagavat aradhana rather than wasting efforts and life in a bad direction.

One’s ability of being efficient, effective and proficient in whichever dimension of life we are focused, by knowing, learning and applying best methods to work.

All these above mentioned qualities when developed and embraced, ultimately bring peace, pleasantness and happiness.


Saṁskṛta meanings : indriya (senses), kṣamā(forgiveness), dhairya(patience), teja (brilliance), saṃtoṣa (contentment), satyavāditā (truthfulness), lajjā (modesty), ahiṃsā(non-violence), durvyasana (addiction), tyāga (letting go of), dakṣatā (efficiency).

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