Original Article by: Vid. Narasimha Bhatta
English Rendering by: M.S. Anantha
Praarabhyathe na khalu vighnabhayena neechaih
Prarabhya vighnavihataa viramanti madhyaah |
Vighnaih punahpunarapi pratihanyamaanaah
Praarabdham uttamagunaa na parityajanti || (Subhashita Nitishataka 72)
Meaning: The low-natured persons will not start any work fearing obstructions. The average person leaves the task while encountering obstructions. But the virtuous people will not stop the work already started in spite of repeated obstructions and they finish the work undertaken.
Explanation: In this Subhashita, the nature of three types of persons, namely the Higher, Middle and Lower levels, are explained. The classification is based on the mental makeup of the persons. Mind is the root cause for any job that is undertaken. Based on the person's mental make-up, we can measure the quality and success of the job accomplished. The person's character can be judged depending on how much control he can exercise on his mind. The work begun can be finished if and only if the mind is fully concentrated. In this case, the person will continue to work till success is achieved, in spite of many obstacles coming in his way. He belongs to Higher class. For example, a brave soldier, whatever may be the odd circumstances, will fight till the end and finish the task of killing the enemy successfully. A coward will always be afraid of the obstacles coming in the way and leave the job undertaken without completing. He belongs to the Middle class. There is another class of people who will not make-up their mind at all to start the job, fearing that the job started may have to be stopped in the middle due to obstacles. These belong to the Lower category. The essence of this Subhashita is that one is sure to be successful if the job is started with a mind that is courageous and ready to face the situation with innumerable impediments. He is the most successful man.