Verse 1 - Meaning: If a person cannot find a fitting ornament for his neck which is the source of voice, in this Prasnottara-ratna-malika, will he ever be able to understand what is good for himself here and in the hereafter? (lit.- life and after death) [Note: Prasnottara-ratna-malika - means "the necklace (malika) of gems (ratna) consisting of questions (prasna) and answers on matters of vital importance".] Verse 2 - Meaning: Q: What deserves full and unquestioned acceptance ? A:The instructions and orders of the Guru (guru vachanam) Q: What is to be rejected? A:Those things that one should not do or what is evil.[akaryam is the negative part of karyam which is any normal duty that one is permitted to do] Q: Who can be considered as a Guru (the spiritual teacher)? A:That one who knows the truth, who lives in and as truth and who always (satatam) strives for the good of his (hita) disciple(s) (sishya). Verse 3 - Meaning: Q: What (kim) is the immediate duty (kartavyam) and binding of a truly learned man ? A:To try and succeed in terminating the ever-revolving cycle of births and deaths.(samsaara santati - is this vicious cycle) Q: What is the seed (bijam) of the tree (taru) of liberation (moksha)? A:The attainment of perfect and true knowledge (samyak-jn~anam) and its application in everyday life (kriyaa-siddham) Verse 4 - Meaning: Q:What is the most beneficial thing ?(kah pathyataro) A:Dharma, or the path of righteousness is. Q: Who is the clean person ? (kah sucir-iha) A:That one whose mind (maanasam) is pure (suddham). Q: Who is the real intelligent person? (kah pandito) A:That one who is endowed with the power of discrimination (viveki). Q: What is poison ? (kim visham) A:Not abiding by the advice of wise, elderly people. (avadhirana gurusu). Verse 5 - Meaning: Q:What is the essence of this (illusory) life that we are leading ?(kim samsaare saaram) A:The understanding that it is only transitory and will not last forever. Q: What can be considered as the dearest thing for a man ? A:The leading of a life that is entirely devoted to the good (and only good) of himself (sva) and others (para).
Dear Sunkan, That was really very wonderful to read. I must say that Prasnottara ratna malika is truly a gem. Love, Devika
sunkan, thanks for bringing these one-liners to our notice... It enriches our mind....and soul.... sriniketan
DEAR devika, i came across this only now, i have read ramana mahrishi's that was also very interesting...thanku for appreciating here..sunkan