Sanskrit Quote : Category :: High-Souled

कुसुमस्तबकस्येव द्वयी वृत्तिर्मनस्विन:।

मूर्ध्नि वा सर्वलोकस्य विशीर्येत वनेऽथवा॥

English Translation of Sanskrit Quote:

High-souled persons have only two states like that of a bunch of flowers; either they have to be on top of the whole world or they should wither away.

English Commentary on Sanskrit Quote:

This couplet from the 'Neethishathakam' of Bharthrihari, extols the virtues of those who are self-respecting. Self respecting persons have only two place to adorn; either top or attain a nameless state. They simply don't fit in every places. They carve out a niche for themselves. Otherwise they simply vanish from this world without making much ado. It is simply not in their blood to make compromises.
The poet rightly likens them to a bunch of flowers. They should either remain on top of someone's head, keeping themselves high, apart from adorning the head that bears it. They don't settle for a lesser state. If they cannot attain this envious state, they prefer simply to wilt away in a forest shrub, unnoticed by anyone.
This is said as and advice for those who, without aware of their high-status, make compromises for all and sundry gains. It is really not worthy of their status. Look at the beauty of the simile the poet has chosen; simple yet potent