PANCHA TANTRA- SUBHASHITHANI-7

 SUBHASHITHANI:321

The dialogue between the two foxes Damanaka and Karataka continues. Karataka had mentioned that it would be sensible not to poke one's nose in matters unconnected. Damanaka is replying how it is important to be in close proximity of those in power and how it is not difficult for an intelligent person to achieve this. Slokas on need to be in the good books of the king is explained beautifully:

कोपप्रसादवस्तूनि ये विचिन्वन्ति सेवकाः ।
आरोहन्ति शनैः पश्चाद्धुन्वन्तमपि पार्थिवम् ॥ ३७॥

kopa-prasāda-vastūni ye vicinvanti sevakāḥ |
ārohanti śanaiḥ paścād dhunvantam api pārthivam || 37 ||

These servants who seek( ascertain )  the causes of the royal displeasure or favour gradually gain ascendancy even over a king who is haughty.

विद्यावतां महेच्छानां शिल्पविक्रमशालिनाम् ।
सेवावृत्तिविदां चैव नाश्रयः पार्थिवं विना ॥ ३८॥

vidyāvatāṃ mahecchānāṃ śilpa-vikrama-śālinām |
sevā-vṛtti-vidāṃ caiva nāśrayaḥ pārthivaṃ vinā || 38 ||
There is no other resort than a king to those who are possessed of learning , who have lofty aims (ambition), who are distinguished for their artistic skills, and valour, and who know how to serve.

வானோக்கி வாழும் உலகெல்லாம் மன்னவன்
கோல்நோக்கி வாழுங் குடி.-Thirukkural 542

The world look up to the rain-cloud for life; even so do men look up to the king for protection and prosperity.

ये जात्यादिमहोत्साहान्नरेन्द्रान्नोपयान्ति च ।
तेषामामरणं भिक्षा प्रायश्चित्तं विनिर्मितम् ॥ ३९॥

ye jāty-ādi-mahotsāhān narendrān nopayānti ca |
teṣām āmaraṇaṃ bhikṣā prāyaścittaṃ vinirmitam || 39 ||

Those who keep away from the king being proud of their family and caste are destined to beg all through their lives.

ये च प्राहुर्दुरात्मानो दुराराध्या महीभुजः ।
प्रमादालस्यजाड्यानि ख्यापितानि निजानि तैः ॥ ४०॥

ye ca prāhur durātmāno durārādhyā mahībhujaḥ |
pramādālasya-jāḍyāni khyāpitāni nijāni taiḥ || 40 ||
Those fools who say that kings are difficult to please are only making an exhibition of their own incompetence and laziness.

सर्पान्व्याघ्रान्गजान्सिंहान् दृष्टोपायैर्वशीकृतान् ।
राजेति कियती मात्रा धीमतामप्रमादिनाम् ॥ ४१॥

sarpān vyāghrān gajān siṃhān dṛṣṭvopāyair vaśīkṛtān |
rājeti kiyatī mātrā dhīmatām apramādinām || 41 ||

After observing serpents, tigers, elephants, and lions getting controlled ,what is a king for the “intelligent” one acting with care?

राजानमेव संश्रित्य विद्वान्याति परां गतिम् ।
विना मलयमन्यत्र चन्दनं न प्ररोहति ॥ ४२॥

rājānam eva saṃśritya vidvān yāti parāṃ gatim |
vinā malayam anyatra candanaṃ na prarohati || 42 ||

Taking shelter under the king alone the intelligent man reaches great heights. The sandal wood tree does not grow anywhere else but in the Malaya mountain.

धवलान्यातपत्राणि वाजिनश्च मनोरमाः ।
सदा मत्ताश्च मातङ्गाः प्रसन्ने सति भूपतौ ॥ ४३॥

dhavalāny ātapatrāṇi vājinaś ca manoramāḥ |
sadā mattāś ca mātaṅgāḥ prasanne sati bhūpatau || 43 ||

One always gets the white royal umbrella, horses, and elephants when the king is pleased.

SRI KRISHNAYA THUBHYAM NAMAH