Hindu Quotations

The actions done by great men are followed by others; what they consider as proof, others also take as proof.

 He should try to achieve a complete victory.

 Of land and gold, land is better. For land produces gold and other things.

How can anyone dream of success without effort? Effort can have one of two results—success or failure.

The Heavens may fall, or Himavat split open, the Earth might be rent, or the waters of the Ocean dry… read more —Mahabharata

Crying can never ease a man’s grief; what do you gain by giving way to sorrow? Summon patience; do not… read more —Mahabharata

 When a man’s mind is upset he should not lose his cheer or succumb to lassitude or dejection.

Has despair deprived you of your manliness? Only cowards, who cannot win back their lost wealth, cherish despair – vain… read more —Mahabharata

Success is never certain, yet men still act. Sometimes they succeed and sometimes do not. However, those who do nothing… read more —Mahabharata

 One should never do to others anything that is against one’s own self interest. This is virtue.

So it is proper to show compassion even upon those who perpetrate crimes and are worthy of being slain. Who… read more —Ramayana

You are all my friends like unto my limbs and brothers. O ye inhabitants of forests, you have saved me… read more —Ramayana

In land after land one meets with wives, in land after land one meets with friends, but country find I… read more —Ramayana

Without sufficient endeavors even men of energy do not regain their lost ends.

Those that indulge in sorrow, know no happiness; and their virtue goeth out of them. Therefore it behoveth thee not… read more —Ramayana

He is a true hero and an excellent person who verifies his words whether good or bad.

The tiller tills the soil with his plough and sows seeds. He then sits quiet, for only the clouds can… read more —Mahabharata

All men are subject to and governed by two forces, Destiny and Exertion. There is nothing higher than these two…. read more —Mahabharata

Those whom no creature fears, who do not themselves fear any, and look upon all creatures as their own selves,… read more —Mahabharata

The wise one, steadfast like Himavat, never gives way to wrath, never suffers himself to be attached to the objects… read more —Mahabharata

Into whatever state a man may fall, he should summon cheerfulness without yielding to sorrow.

For one that has lost sons, wives, wealth and pleasures of every kind, and finds himself in dire straits—courage is… read more —Mahabharata

The man who does not allow heat, cold, fear born of attachment, prosperity or adversity to obstruct his plans is… read more —Mahabharata

Anger must be conquered by forgiveness, evil by dharma, the miser by generosity, and falsehood by truth.

Even if his roots are severed, a man must not give in to despair.

He who does not yearn for the unattainable, who does not grieve for what is lost, whose mind is clear… read more —Mahabharata

An internal rebellion is more serious than an external one. For an internal rebellion is like a snake in the… read more —Arthashastra

Strength is of three kinds: the power of counsel is the strength of intelligence; the power of the treasury and… read more —Arthashastra

One should rather break in the joints than bend his will to another’s.

Contentment, softness of heart, fearfulness and the lack of effort destroy prosperity. The man who makes no effort does not… read more —Mahabharata

No man should ever disparage himself, for he who does, never finds great prosperity.

He who begins something and strives until it is completed, who never wastes his time, who has his soul under… read more —Mahabharata

Perseverance is the key to prosperity, achievement and all that is beneficial. The man who pursues his goal with perseverance,… read more —Mahabharata

One who is busy in action is capable of supporting life. He, on the other hand, that is idle, never… read more —Mahabharata

Adversity overtakes the idle man, while the active, skilful one will certainly prosper. Intelligent men, who engage confidently in karma,… read more —Mahabharata

Yet, a man must act; Manu himself has said so. He who does not act, surely succumbs, O Yudhishtira. While… read more —Mahabharata

Even if his roots are severed, a man must not give in to despair.

Do not disgrace your soul; do not be satisfied with a little. Set your sights on great things and shed… read more —Mahabharata

The conquest of the senses, which is the basis of the knowledge of sciences and discipline, should be effected by… read more —Arthashastra

The Rod, rooted in discipline, brings security and well-being to living beings.

One’s own duty leads to heaven and to eternity.

The root of wealth is activity; of its opposite, inactivity.