Sloka 57
Sloka 57
Original Text:
वीणाया रूपसौन्दर्यं तन्त्रीवादनसौष्ठवम् । प्रजारञ्ज्जनमात्रं तन्न साम्राज्याय कल्पते ॥ ५७ ॥
Certainly! Let's break down and understand the given sloka.
- **Transliteration:**
- vīṇāyā rūpasaundaryaṁ tantrīvādanasauṣṭhavam | prajārañjanamātraṁ tanna sāmrājyāya kalpate || 57 ||
- **Translation:**
- The beauty of the veena and the skillfulness in playing its strings only serve to entertain the public; they are not adequate for establishing sovereignty.
- **Word Meanings:**
* vīṇāyā - of the veena (a classical Indian string instrument) * rūpa - form, beauty * saundaryam - beauty * tantrī - strings * vādana - playing * sauṣṭhavam - skillfulness, adeptness * prajā - people, subjects * rañjanam - entertainment, delight * mātram - merely, only * tat - that * na - not * sāmrājyāya - for empire, sovereignty * kalpate - is suitable, is adequate
- **Commentary:**
- This sloka offers a metaphorical insight into the limitations of superficial accomplishments. The beauty and skillful performance associated with playing the veena can indeed captivate and entertain an audience, symbolizing talents and physical attributes that might garner public admiration. However, these attributes alone are not sufficient to establish leadership or sovereignty. The essence lies in the distinction between talents that merely entertain and those that have the capability to lead and govern effectively.
In a broader perspective, the verse suggests that personal charm and artistic prowess, while valuable, cannot replace the virtues and skills needed for leadership and kingdom management. Real authority and influence demand qualities such as wisdom, strategic thinking, moral integrity, and the ability to govern for the welfare of the people.
This reflection can extend to various aspects of life, emphasizing that while personal talents and external appearances are important and may open doors, enduring success in substantive roles, like leadership or governance, requires deeper abilities and virtues. The verse might serve as guidance to focus on developing inner qualities alongside refining one's skills.
Further Readings: