Some musings from the net ...

कुसुमस्तबकस्येव द्वयी वृत्तिर्मनस्विन:। मूर्ध्नि वा सर्वलोकस्य विशीर्येत वनेऽथवा॥ Evolved people have only two states, as do(garlands of)flowers. Either they adorn altars, or they remain in the wild, blossoming by themselves. This couplet, from 'Neetishatakam' by Bhartrihari, implicitly extolls the rectitude and the convictions inherent in genuine merit. Such people exist either in due regard or namelessly. Their integrity simply cannot accept any state in between, and they would rather vanish than compromise. It is simply not in their nature to either beg for recognition or to accept anything sub-optimal. This is given as advice to those who bargain their intrinsic worth for sundry gains, which ultimately dilutes their existence and returns to haunt them for having acted out of character. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ क्षिप्रं विजानाति चिरं शृणोति विज्ञाय चार्थं भजते न कामात्। नासंपृष्टो व्यपयुंक्ते परार्थे तत् प्रज्ञानं प्रथमं पण्डितस्य॥ Translated almost literally, it says that "He comprehends quickly and hears patiently. He understands things at hand and acts accordingly and not as per his whims; he does not intervene in anothers' business unless asked to. These are the telling features of a wise person." This is a stanza taken from the epic Mahabharat and forms the advice offered to the blind King Dhritharashtr by his own half-brother Vidhur. Dhritharashtr shared a strange relationship with his half-brother Vidhur. Most of the times Dhritharashtr was repelled by him because Vidhur was not of royal blood, and he played down this relationship as his brother. However, whenever he was in doubt or in trouble, he unflinchingly and opportunistically sought Vidhur's help and praised him for his mature and wise advice. Here Vidhur enumerates the salient features of a wise man: A wise man is one who understands things quickly. His comprehension is fast and he has an unending patience for listening to others. This forms the basis of his wisdom. Most of us never bother to listen. Listening is a great virtue, but it is lacking in most of us. Listening and comprehension form a successful duo. Skills of comprehension are sharpened by patient listening and it leads us to the right decision. Before embarking on a task, a wise man understands it thoroughly and forms a strategy which guides him towards its successful completion. He does not depend on his prejudices. Another great virtue enumerated here is remaining aloof from meddling in the affairs of others, unless asked for help. We actually harm others most of the times, while intending to help, and thus a meddlesome person is most unwelcome. Combined, all of these qualities are said to be indicative of a wise man. सन्तोषः परमो लाभः सत्सङ्गः परमा गतिः । विचारः परमं ज्ञानं शमो हि परमं सुखम् ॥ Contentment is the highest gain, Good Company the highest course, Enquiry the highest wisdom, and Peace the highest enjoyment.