Narayana

Narayana (12th Century) was a Sanskrit story teller of India. He is famous for his Hitopadesha and Panchatantram.

Wisdom & Quotes

• The words of rogues make even the mind of a good man waver.
• A woman torn by hunger will abandon her child,

A snake torn by hunger will eat its own eggs,
What evil will a hungry man not do ?
Lean men are always pitiless !

• A drunkard, an imbecile, a lunatic,

a man tired out, an angry man, a hungry man,
a greedy man, a frightened man, a hasty man,
or a man in love never do the right thing.

• Not gifts of land nor gifts of gold,

nor gifts of cattle nor gifts of food
are said to be the greatest gift.
Of all gifts greatest is the gift of safety.

• The merit of the horse-sacrifice,

the fulfilment of all desires,
comes to the man who protects
those who take refuge with him.

• All subjects are dependent on their lord.

Only well-rooted trees bear fruit,
and only when the king is strong
do men's works prosper.

Al-Salib Ibn Ruzziq