Giving in charity,
Fighting for country,
Or learning and study,
If ye feel not fine—
From without and within,
Vain is your giving,
Vain your valour in vying,
And vain is all learning.
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Vain are these three things if not done with a pleasant demeanour: charity, fighting a battle, and learning/study, the verse says. Transliteration of the subhāśhita along with the meanings of Sanskrit words seriatim is given as under:
dadatah: while giving (in charity): yudhya-mānasyah: when engaging in a battle (for the sake of one’s country): paţhatah: while reading/studying; na chet pulakah: if (you are)not joyful, happy, pleased; ātmanah: within your self; cha para: and from outside; eśhām cha: (and)in these (things): dhik: hell be, vain (is your): tyāgam: (your)charity, generosity, magnanimity; pauruśham: (your)valour/bravery; shrutam: learning, study.
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