18. The Four Types of People - From Nobility to Cruelty

SriRamaJayam

एते सत्पुरुषा: परार्थघटका: स्वार्थं परित्यज्य ये

सामान्यास्तु परार्थमुद्यमभृतः स्वार्थाविरोधेन ये।

तेऽमी मानुषराक्षसा: परहितं स्वार्थाय निघ्नन्ति ये

ये तु घ्नन्ति निरर्थकं परहितं ते के न जानीमहे॥ नीतिशतकम्

This verse beautifully classifies people into four categories based on their approach to self-interest and the welfare of others:

1. Satpurushas (Noble people) – Those who completely renounce self-interest and dedicate themselves entirely to the well-being of others.
2. Saamaanya (Ordinary people) – Those who help others, provided it does not conflict with their own interests.
3. Maanusharaaksasaah (Human demons) – Those who harm others to fulfill their own self-interest.
4. The worst of all – Those who harm others without any purpose or personal gain—their actions are beyond comprehension.

Those who sacrifice their self-interest to serve others are the noblest. Those who help others while ensuring their own interests remain unharmed are ordinary. Those who harm others for personal gain are demons in human form. But as for those who harm others without any reason—who can even comprehend their nature?

SarvamSrikrishnarpanam

17. The Greatness of Shabda – The Light of Words

 SriRamajayam

"The Greatness of Shabda – The Light of Words"

इदमन्धतमः कृत्स्नं जायेत भुवनत्रयम्।
यदि शब्दाह्वयं ज्योतिरासंसारं न दीप्यते॥

— Dandi in Kavyadarsha

"If the light of Shabda (words) had not illuminated existence, the three worlds would have been submerged in complete darkness."

This verse beautifully emphasizes the power of language and expression, portraying Shabda as the guiding light that dispels ignorance and enlightens the universe. 

SarvamSriKrishnarpanam

16. Don't Back Out – Keep Going Until the Goal is Reached

 Sriramajayam

16. Don't Back Out – Keep Going Until the Goal is Reached

रत्नैर्महार्हैस्तुतुषुर्न देवाः न भेजिरे भीमविषेण भीतिम् ।
सुधां विना न प्रययुर्विरामम् न निश्चितार्थाद्विरमन्ति धीराः – Neeti Shatakam

Ratnair mahaarhaih stutushur na devaah, na bhejire bheema-vishena bheetim,
Sudhaam vinaa na prayayur viraamam, na nishchitaarthaat viramanti dheeraha.

The Devas were not satisfied with the precious gems obtained from the churning of the milky ocean. They did not fear the deadly poison. They did not rest until they obtained the nectar of immortality. In fact, the steadfast never relax without accomplishing their determined goal.

SarvamSriKrishnarpanam

15. The Mark of Greatness – Never Give Up! - Three Types of People

Sriramajayam

The Mark of Greatness – Never Give Up!

प्रारभ्यते न खलु विघ्न-भयेन नीचैः

प्रारभ्य विघ्न-विहता विरमन्ति मध्याः |
विघ्नैः पुनः पुनरपि प्रतिहन्यमानाः  (विघ्नैः सहस्र-गुणितैर: अपि हन्यमानाः)
प्रारब्धम् उत्तम-गुणा न परित्यजन्ति || (प्रारब्धम् उत्तम-जना न परित्यजन्ति ॥)

नीतिशतकम् 

Inferior men do not start (any endeavor) with the fear of obstructions. Average men, stop an endeavor when they are faced with problems. However. even though they are struck again and again by disaster, superior men never give up an endeavor that they have undertaken.

• Low-minded people do not even begin a task due to fear of obstacles.
• Mediocre people start but give up when faced with difficulties.
• Great people never abandon their efforts, even when confronted with countless challenges.

Fear, Failure, and Fortitude – Three Kinds of People

Starting is Easy, Finishing Takes Courage. 

True Strength Lies in Persistence

The common ones won't start a venture;

They fear a hard and tough adventure.

The mediocre start but see

A sign of trouble, stop and flee.

The best are those who start and then,

When hardship strikes, and strikes again,

And a thousand hurts and hurdles hit,

Will never waver, never quit.

It highlights the unwavering determination of truly great individuals who persist despite all difficulties.

SarvamSriKrishnarpanam