సంసారి దుఃఖి, సన్యాసి సుఖి

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 is used to describe a situation where two people who have nothing to offer or no resources interact with each other. It signifies that the outcome of a collaboration between two needy or empty-handed individuals will result in nothing of value. It is often used to mock a partnership that lacks substance or potential for profit.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two people who have nothing or no resources interact, resulting in no gain for either party. It implies that a conflict or collaboration between two poor or unproductive individuals is a waste of time as neither has anything of value to offer the other.

This proverb highlights that every person has a specific path or duty based on their role in life. Just as a householder must work hard in the fields to sustain his family, a monk must depend on alms for his survival. It is used to emphasize that one should adhere to the responsibilities and methods suitable to their particular station or profession.

This proverb describes a person who is unable to withstand hardship and tries to vacillate between two different lifestyles or ideologies to suit their convenience. It specifically mocks someone who renounced the world (sanyasi) but, when unable to bear the cold, looks back at the comforts of a family man's (samsari) life. It is used to point out hypocrisy or a lack of commitment when things get difficult.

This proverb is used to describe things that are non-existent or irrelevant. It suggests that just as one does not look for moral character (ethics) in a prostitute's profession or a specific lineage (caste) in a monk who has renounced worldly ties, it is futile to search for certain qualities in people or situations where they naturally cannot exist.

This expression suggests that a person involved in family life and worldly attachments (Samsari) is often burdened by responsibilities, worries, and emotional pain. Conversely, one who has renounced worldly ties (Sanyasi) is free and peaceful. It is used to describe the peace that comes with detachment or the stress associated with domestic life.

This proverb highlights the depth of emotional loss. It suggests that while the sorrow of losing a partner (arti) might fade or heal with time, the pain of losing one's own child (kadupu) is an eternal wound that never truly heals. It is used to describe the incomparable bond between a parent and child.

* Can ch'abbala non morde.

This expression is used to question the true source of contentment, contrasting temporary material riches with spiritual peace or divine proximity. It originated from a famous kirtana by the saint-composer Tyagaraja, who refused royal gifts in favor of his devotion.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is a misfit or acts hypocritically. It refers to someone who pretends to be virtuous in a wicked environment, but behaves wickedly in a virtuous environment, essentially being out of place or inconsistent in their character depending on the company they keep.