Bhartṛhari (Devanagari: भर्तृहरि; also romanised as Bhartrihari; fl. c. 5th century CE) is a Sanskrit writer to whom are normally ascribed two influential Sanskrit texts:
Kindness can turn the bad man's heart, and fools convert to wise, Make poison into nectar-juice, and friends of enemies.
Three courses open lie to wealth, to give, enjoy, or lose, Who shrinketh from the former two, perforce the third doth choose.
Even the severed branch grows again, and the sunken moon returns: wise men who ponder this are not troubled in adversity.
A good man may fall, but he falls like a ball [and rebounds]; the ignoble man falls like a lump of clay.
The moth unwitting rushes on the fire, Through ignorance the fish devours the bait, We men know well the foes that lie in wait, Yet cannot shun the meshes of desire.
Knowledge is wonderful and truth serene But man in their service bleeds.
Trees loaded with fruit are bent down; the clouds when charged with fresh rain hang down near the earth: even so good men are not uplifted through prosperity. Such is the natural character of the liberal.
Idleness is a great enemy to mankind. There is no friend like energy, for, if you cultivate that, it will never fail.
I've wandered over many lands, and reaped withal no fruit, I've laid my pride of rank aside, and pressed my baffled suit, At stranger boards, like shameless crow, I've eaten bitter bread, But fierce Desire, that raging fire, still clamours to be fed.
The constant man loses not his virtue in misfortune. A torch may point towards the ground, but its flame will still point upwards.
There is no medicine to cure a fool!
What is the most profitable? Fellowship with the good. What is the worst thing in the world? The society of evil men. What is the greatest loss? Failure in one?s duty. Where is the greatest peace? In truth and righteousness. Who is the hero? The man who subdues his senses. Who is the best beloved? The faithful wife. What is wealth? Knowledge. What is the most perfect happiness? Staying at home.
Man is but a beast without it: such a glorious god is Learning.
I have not wasted life, but life hath wasted me.
Neither rings, bright chains, nor bracelets, perfumes, flowers, nor well-trimmed hair, Grace a man like polished language, th' only jewel he should wear.
Fate's sentence written on the brow no hand can e'er efface.