Sanskrit Quotes : Category :: Features of Wise Man

क्षिप्रं विजानाति चिरं शृणोति


विज्ञाय चार्थं भजते न कामात्।


नासंपृष्टो व्यपयुंक्ते परार्थे


तत् प्रज्ञानं प्रथमं पण्डितस्य॥

English Translation of Sanskrit Quote:

He comprehends quickly and hears patiently. He understands things at hand and acts accordingly and not according to his sweet will; he does not meddle with others' business unless asked to. This is the prime feature of a wise person.



English Commentary on Sanskrit Quote:

This is a stanza taken from the Epic Mahabharatha. This forms an advice offered to he blind King Dhritharashtra by his own brother Vidura. Dhritharashtra shared a strange relationship with his brother Vidura. Most of the times Dhritharashtra bore it in mind that Vidura was not the royal blood. It repelled him to think that Vidura was his brother. He hated this to the core. But whenever he was in doubt or in trouble, he never flinched to ask Vidura's help and praise him for his mature advises. It was a kind of love-hate relationship. Here Vidura enumerates the salient features of a Wise man.

A wise man is one who understands things quickly. His comprehension is fast and he has an unending patience to listen to others. This forms the basis of his wisdom. Most of us never bother to listen. Listening is a great virtue, but it is lacking in most of us. Listening and comprehension form a successful duo. Skills of comprehension are sharpened by patient listening and it leads us to the right decision. A wise man also embarks on a work; he understands it threadbare and then forms a strategy which guides him towards successful completion. He does not depend on his compulsions. Another great virtue enumerated here is remaining aloof from meddling into others’ affairs unless asked to help. We harm others’ interests most of the times intending to help. A meddlesome person is the most unwelcome among us. Combined, these features are said to be indicative of a wise man.