Kalidasa, the celebrated classical Sanskrit poet and dramatist

 Kalidasa, the celebrated classical Sanskrit poet and dramatist, is known for his elegant expressions and profound thoughts. Here are ten beautiful lines attributed to or inspired by Kalidasa, along with their meanings:

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1. "प्रातः स्मरामि हृदि संस्फुरदात्मतत्त्वं"
   "Pratah smarami hridi samsphurad-atma-tattvam"
   Meaning: "In the morning, I meditate upon the self that shines in the heart."

   • A reminder of the eternal self within, emphasizing self-reflection and spiritual awakening.
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2. "सर्वं परवशं दुःखं, सर्वमात्मवशं सुखम्।"
   "Sarvam paravasham duhkham, sarvam atmavasham sukham."
   Meaning: "Dependence on others leads to sorrow, self-reliance leads to joy."

   • A timeless truth about autonomy and the path to inner contentment.

3. "कण्टकैरिव संकीर्णं मार्गं यो गन्तुमिच्छति।"
   "Kantakairiva sankirnam margam yo gantum icchati."
   Meaning: "The one who chooses the thorny path over the easy one walks with purpose."

   • Reflects on perseverance and the willingness to face challenges.

4. "कालः क्रियाप्रवर्तकः।"
   "Kalah kriya-pravartakah."
   Meaning: "Time is the initiator of all actions."

   • Highlights the transformative power of time in life.

5. "आरम्भगुर्वी क्षयिणी क्रमेण लघ्वी पुरा वृद्धिमती च पश्चात्।"
   "Arambha-gurvi kshyini kramena laghvi pura vriddhimati cha pashchat."
   Meaning: "Like the crescent moon, beginnings are humble, but growth comes with time."

   • Encourages patience and faith in gradual progress.

6. "शरीरमाद्यं खलु धर्मसाधनम्।"
   "Shariram adyam khalu dharma-sadhanam."
   Meaning: "The body is the primary means of practicing righteousness."

   • Stresses the importance of physical well-being as a foundation for fulfilling life’s duties.

7. "उदये सविता रक्तः, रक्तश्चास्तमये तथा।"
   "Udaye savita raktah, raktashchastamaye tatha."
   Meaning: "The sun rises and sets with the same crimson hue."

   • A metaphor for life’s cyclical nature and equality in beginnings and endings.

8. "विद्या विवादाय धनं मदाय।"
   "Vidya vivadaya dhanam madaya."
   Meaning: "Knowledge leads to argument, wealth leads to arrogance."

   • A cautionary note about the improper use of resources and learning.

9. "मेघदूतं लिखति कवीश्वरः।"
   "Meghadutam likhati kavishvarah."
   Meaning: "The poet writes the ‘Cloud Messenger’ as a symbol of hope and longing."

   • From Kalidasa's Meghaduta, symbolizing deep emotions and the bond between distant hearts.

10. "क्षणशः कणशश्चैव विद्यामर्थं च साधयेत्।"
    "Kshanasah kanashashchaiva vidyam artham cha sadhayet."
    Meaning: "Knowledge and wealth are acquired bit by bit, moment by moment."

    • A wise observation about the value of persistence and gradual effort.

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These lines encapsulate Kalidasa’s deep understanding of life, nature, and the human spirit, offering timeless wisdom for reflection.