Vyaalam Baalamrinaalatantubhirasau Roddhum Samujjrumbhate|
Chhettum Vajramaneem Shireeshakusumapraantena Sannahyati||
Maadhuryam Madhubindunaa Racayitum Kshaaraambudhereehate|
Netum Vaanchhati Yah Khalaanpathi Sataam Sookhtairsudhaasyandibhih||
A rutted elephant can be calmed by tying it with tender lotus fibers
A hole can be drilled into a diamond with the Shirish flower
The salty ocean can be sweetened by adding but a drop of nectar
But none can drill sense into the Wicked neither by
Sermons nor by nectar-like advice.
Sandeep, two questions :
1. I got the document from sanskrit.gde.to, and it gives the last word as “sudhAsyandibhiH”.
2. Doesn’t it mean “One who tries to bring the wicket onto the path of the virtuous by nectar-oozing advice is trying to …( say, split a diamond with the tip of a sirISha flower etc.)” - I am only asking to make sure of the translation, not contesting the fact that you are conveying the essence.
Frog,
You’re right on the translation:)
>>I got the document from sanskrit.gde.to, and it gives the last word as “sudhAsyandibhiH”.
However, I have another, more “authentic” version at home. I’ll look it up and let you know.
And don’t worry, no offence taken!
I thought “syandI” meant one which oozes/trickes. So how would you split the word if it is “sudhAsyAdibhiH”?
Frog,
Oops! There seems to be a miscommunication out here! I merely meant to agree with your remark on the translation aspect.
Indeed, “syandi” means to ooze or trickle and which unless i’m mistaken is derived from the “syand” root from which you get the name of (river) Sindhu. What I meant was I’ve a scholarly version of the Shatakas at home. I’ll refer it and then provide the proper sloka.
Thanks for keeping me on my toes!
Thanks for the clarification. What I wished to know was : if the word following sudhA is not syandI then what is that word?
“Sindhu” coming from “syand” is interesting : how is the derivation ( should be quite complicated I suppose )? On an unrelated note do you know if this is also related to the word “syandanam” for a chariot?
Thanks a lot.
All right Frog here goes:
It is Sudhaasyandibhih. You were right
“sudhAsyAdibhiH” is a typo/an erroneous stuff I simply pasted from a source on the Internet. That serves me well for pasting Sanskrit written in English
As for your other questions: derivation/chariot, etc, I should have an answer for you tomorrow.
frog,
Here’s the derivation for Sindhu: syand+ud samprasaaranam dasya dhascha.
The relation to chariot (my guess) stems from the meaning of the word syandah or syandana=going rapidly, fleet, quick, swift of foot, chariot, etc.
“Maadhuryam Madhubindunaa Racayitum Kshaaraambudhereehate”
Brilliant, Brilliant line! Thanks for putting a post on it