Death/Mortality

This expression emphasizes that life is the most precious and cherished possession of any living being. No matter how many physical sweets or comforts one enjoys, nothing is more valuable or 'sweet' than one's own life and survival.

This expression emphasizes the impermanence of material wealth and life itself. It is used to suggest that neither riches nor the person who earns them are eternal, often encouraging a sense of humility, detachment, or philanthropy over greed.

Derived from Buddhist philosophy, this expression highlights the fundamental truth of human existence: that life is inherently filled with various forms of pain and hardship. It is used to describe the cycle of life and the inevitability of suffering across different stages—from birth to old age and illness.

This proverb reflects on the ultimate simplicity and transience of life. It emphasizes that despite one's wealth, achievements, or surplus, the basic necessity remains food, and the final destination for everyone is death. It is used to counsel humility and to remind people not to be overly greedy or proud of their possessions.

This expression highlights the permanence of one's reputation and legacy. While human life is transient and people eventually pass away, the words they spoke, the promises they made, or the impact of their speech endure long after they are gone. It is often used to remind someone to speak wisely or to honor the memory/words of the deceased.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone narrowly escapes a major disaster or death, but still suffers a significant loss or minor injury in the process. It is similar to the English phrase 'a narrow escape' or 'escaping by the skin of one's teeth' with a focus on the collateral damage sustained.

This expression is used to describe someone who is incredibly lucky or has survived a life-threatening situation against all odds. It implies that unless it is one's destined time to die, no amount of danger or misfortune can end their life.

This expression refers to the immense hardships, health issues, and dependencies that often plague a person during their old age. It is used to describe a situation where one faces constant, overwhelming difficulties during the final stages of life.

This proverb is used to highlight the transient nature of life and the rapid passage of time. It implies that once a person is gone, the world moves on quickly, and their death soon becomes a thing of the past. It is often used to counsel against over-thinking about the future or to emphasize that time waits for no one.

This expression describes 'temporary detachment' or fleeting moments of renunciation. It refers to how people suddenly feel spiritual or philosophical when facing extreme pain (childbirth), hearing holy scriptures (puranas), or witnessing death (funeral), only to return to their worldly habits and attachments shortly after the intensity of the moment passes.

The chamber of sickness is the chapel of devotion. Vows made in storms are forgotten in calms.

This proverb highlights a sense of relief when a major danger or a fatal blow is narrowly avoided, resulting only in a minor injury. It is used to express that a small loss or superficial damage is a blessing when compared to a potential life-threatening or catastrophic failure.

This proverb is used to describe a situation of extreme risk where there are only two possible outcomes: total success or total failure. It highlights the necessity of being prepared for the ultimate sacrifice or consequence when entering a high-stakes conflict or a dangerous venture.

This expression is used to remind others of the inevitability of death. It suggests that since no one lives forever, one should focus on living a meaningful life or doing good deeds while they are still alive, rather than worrying excessively about the end.

This expression refers to a temporary feeling of detachment or philosophical realization that arises in the face of death or tragedy, but fades away quickly as soon as one returns to normal life. It is used to describe short-lived resolutions or fleeting spiritual thoughts.

This proverb conveys the universal truth of impermanence and the cycle of life. It implies that everything that begins must end, and everything that rises must eventually fall. It is often used to counsel someone against being overly proud of their success or to provide perspective during times of loss or decline.

This proverb highlights how quickly time passes and how soon people are forgotten after death. It is used to express the transient nature of life or to mock someone who overestimates their importance, suggesting that life goes on regardless of an individual's presence.

This is a riddle describing the three main functions of a human being: The pillar-hider is the body (which stays in one place), the one who goes is the breath (inhaling and exhaling), and the one who never returns once gone is the life force or soul (Atma). It is used in philosophical or spiritual contexts to reflect on the transient nature of life.

This expression emphasizes that while human life is temporary and physical presence fades, the words spoken and promises made by a person leave a lasting legacy. It is often used to remind someone that their reputation depends on their speech and that people are remembered by their words long after they are gone.

This expression describes an exceptionally bold, fearless, or reckless individual. Yama is the god of death and Shiva is the god of destruction; by saying someone doesn't fear either, it implies they are not afraid of death, divine consequences, or any supreme power. It is often used to describe someone who takes extreme risks or acts with total defiance.

This expression is often used in a philosophical or poetic context to describe the inevitability of death or time (Kala). It compares living beings, who are busy making noise or enjoying life (like croaking frogs), to prey that is eventually consumed by the 'Serpent of Time'. It serves as a reminder of human mortality and the transient nature of worldly pursuits.