Sri Bharatamata

                                                                                             ASHTOTTARAM 52

52) OṀ PANCHAŚĒLA BODHITA BHŨMYAINAMAH:

OṀ (AUM) - PAN-CHA-SEE-LA- BO'-DHI-TA- BHOO- MYAI- NA-- MA- HA

(Pancha: means-five; Śēla: means- conduct; Bodhitam: means-that which

               conveys, reveals, teaches)

Ancient seers and sages have established 'Yama' and 'Niyama' for human progress and advancement. Yama (Dont's) are ten and Niyama (Do's) are ten in number. But out of these twenty, only five are considered very practical and can be observed by anyone without feeling of restraint to live by. These five are called 'Pancha Śēla' meaning 'five rules of conduct'. They are 1) Asatya (non lie-Truthfulness, 2) Ahimsa (non-violence) 3) Asṫeyam (non-stealing), 4) Daya (compassion, empathy) and 5) Kṣhama (Enduring). These not only improve our individuality but also help to co-live in the society. Children are taught about these by their parents, teachers, relatives and even by elders in the neighborhood.

Didactic compositions are a special feature of Sanskrit literatures. Two of the more well-known works of such a type are the Panchatantra of Vishṇu Śarma and the Hitopadeōśa of Nārāyaṇa. The Panchatantra (100 B.C.E) is the most celebrated and interesting work in Sanskrit literature, classed under the didactic fable group. It comprises five books or sections (pancha=five), each dealing with one particular tantra or rule of political conduct. It was taught by a wise teacher, by name Vishṇu Śarma, to the idle and stupid sons of a king at his request. The princes very soon became well-educated and well-behaved, due to the marvelous effect of the tales they heard from their preceptor. The Panchatantra is one of the most translated works in world literature and as a child growing up I have read the fables in this book about friendship, results of inconsiderate actions, acquisition of friends, etc and they help you develop your character.

The five rules of conduct are self-explanatory and especially the 'Asṫeyam' which probably is the reason why we never occupied or robbed another land or culture in the history of mankind because, it teaches us from the childhood onwards not to take anything that does not belong to us or somebodyelse properties or precious stones like the one British queen took precious diamond from India that did not belong to her. When we were children, it starts with looking at the pictures in monthly children books and it cultivates a habit by reading so many fables with morals as the theme. We can proudly say to the world that we are the only Bhāratēyās who followed 'Asṫeyam' enjoined by our ancient seers and sages, and also our Vedas and Upanishads and so many other sacred scriptures taught us the 'five rules of conduct' to follow throughout our lives.

The land which taught us the morals and rules of conduct is our motherland, the 'Panchaśēla Bodhita Bhūmi'.