Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - An Introduction

Guru Vandanam I bow my head to Thee, my Guru who has endowed me with the physical and mental power of successfully accomplishing tasks like this translation which, for a normal person of my might is just unimaginable and of a giant himalayan size. It is only with the blessings of my Guru that I have been able to complete this work and still am left with additional quest to do more translations like this one. This work of translation has been done with reasonable care and I pray to God that there be no errors which have cropped up by oversight. If you feel the work has come out well, the success is chiefly attributable to the upreme !eing and to my Guru only who have led me through this untiringly. "n the other hand, if there are any mistakes in the translation or in the presentation, the only person to be blamed is me. I sincerely appeal to you to let me know of any such mistakes so that I can correct myself in the future. About Prasnottara Ratna Malika & this translation work: ri #di ankaracharya has composed a number of devotional slokas and has written a countless lot of bashyas and commentaries on great vedic and other spiritual literature. $ot just stopping with that, he has also written some slokas that are aimed at the common man who has not come up even the first step in the spiritual path. These slokas are very practical and in the form of do%s and dont%s that will guide a lay man in life and gradually bring him to the path of salvation. "ne of such slokas is this Prasnottara Ratna Maalika. &et another that is widely acclaimed in this regard is the Viveka Choodamani. !oth of these contain answers to common questions that will arise in one%s mind about the rights and wrongs and provide the best solution for leading one%s life in a truthful and honest manner. The ultimate objective of both is to help a common man in crossing the samsaara sagara 'the ocean of worldly, materialistic life( and to show him the path of attaining salvation. In this section, I have made a feeble attempt to provide a reasonable translation of all the slokas in Prasnottara Ratna Maalika. )ven after taking the best efforts and drawing from useful resources, it was not possible for me to provide the e*actest meaning that is superbly and matchlessly conveyed by ri ankara in a word or two. I would consider this as a valid and non+futile e*ercise if this translation helps atleast one reader in realising the essence of the slokas and changes his path and lifestyle. To the e*tent possible, I have tried to break up the sanskrit terms and given the english equivalents of the same in brackets so as to share the little sanskrit knowledge bestowed on me and also to imbue an interest in sanskrit learning for the readers. I hope all the readers will take this cue and try to learn and further their sanskrit interests, which can save a great deal of our precious literature from decay. ,lease send in your feedback by clicking on -ome and selecting the ./ontact me. 0ink.

Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-

Verse 1 - Meaning:

If a person cannot find a fitting ornament for his neck which is the source of voice, in this Prasnottara-ratna-malika, will he ever be able to understand what is good for himself here and in the hereafter? (lit.- life and after death) [Note: Prasnottara-ratna-malika - means "the necklace (malika) of gems (ratna) consisting of questions (prasna) and answers on matters of vital importance" !
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-!

Verse " - Meaning:

#: $hat deserves full and un%uestioned acceptance ? &:'he instructions and orders of the (uru (guru vachanam) #: $hat is to be re)ected? &:'hose things that one should not do or what is evil [akar am is the negative part of kar am which is an normal dut that one is permitted to do! #: $ho can be considered as a (uru *the spiritual teacher+? &:'hat one who knows the truth, who lives in and as truth and who alwa,s (satatam) strives for the good of his (hita) disciple*s+ (sish a)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-"

Verse - - Meaning:

#: $hat (kim) is the immediate dut, (kartav am) and binding of a trul, learned man ? &:'o tr, and succeed in terminating the ever-revolving c,cle of births and deaths (samsaara santati - is this vicious c cle) #: $hat is the seed ("i#am) of the tree (taru) of liberation (moksha)? &:'he attainment of perfect and true knowledge (sam ak-#n$anam) and its application in ever,da, life (kri aa-siddham)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-#

Verse . - Meaning:

#:$hat is the most beneficial thing ?(kah path ataro) &:%harma& or the path of righteousness is #: $ho is the clean person ? (kah sucir-iha) &:'hat one whose mind (maanasam) is pure (suddham) #: $ho is the real intelligent person? (kah pandito) &:'hat one who is endowed with the power of discrimination (viveki) #: $hat is poison ? (kim visham) &:/ot abiding b, the advice of wise, elderl, people (avadhirana gurusu)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-$

Verse 0 - Meaning:

#:$hat is the essence of this *illusor,+ life that we are leading ?(kim samsaare saaram) &:'he understanding that it is onl, transitor, and will not last forever #: $hat can be considered as the dearest thing for a man ? &:'he leading of a life that is entirel, devoted to the good *and onl, good+ of himself (sva) and others (para)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-%

Verse 1 - Meaning:

#: $hat spoils the mind (madhi) and brings down its efficienc, like an alocholic drink ? &: 2ove *or+ 3riendship (snehah) of the abnormal or e4treme kind #: $hat can be considered as thieves in a man ? &:'he 5ense 6b)ects that bog down the mind from its higher faculties (visha a) #: $hat is the nature of the "hava (sagaram) , the vicious c,cle of births and deaths ? &:It is the continuing thirst of desires #: $ho is the enem, ? (ko vairi) &:&n idle disposition
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-&

Verse 7 - Meaning:

#: $hat is the root cause of fear for all ? &:8eath (maranam) #: $ho can be called as blindest of the blind? (andha is "lind) &:'hat one who is not free from all attachments and who rather sticks to them (ragi) #: $ho is the most brave one ? (kah suro) &:'hat one who does not fall to the glancing-arrows *the into4icating looks+ of amorous women (locana - e es' "anam-arrow)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-'

Verse 9 - Meaning:

#: $hat should be considered as nectarine words b, the ears ? (karnam - ears' amrutam something nectarine or sweetest) &: 'he advice of hol, elders (sad upadesah) #: $hat makes one respectable? &: & character that makes one abhor begging for favors (visha a)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-(

Verse : - Meaning:

#: $hat is too deep to be known ? (kim gahanam) &: 'he nature of women *or what is behind a woman;s mind+ (stri-caritam) #: $ho is the clever man ? (kah caturah) &: 6ne who does not become the slave of the influence of females #: $hat is miser, or worr, ? (kim duhkham) &: (etting dissatisfied with ever,thing that one comes across (a-santosah) #: $hat is it that makes one unworth, of all ? (kim laghavam) &: 'he beggarl, nature that cringes for favors from even the worst of men
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse- )

Verse 1< - Meaning:

#: $hat can be deemed as an ideal life ? (kim #ivitam) &: & life that stands above all criticism is such one (anavad am) #: $hat is inertness ? (kim #ad am) &: 'he act of not practising what one has learnt #: $ho is the vigilant *the one who is ever-awake+? (ko #agarti) &: 'hat one who has the power of discrimination *and who puts it to use+ (viveki) #: $hat is sleep ? (ka nidra) &: 'he complete ignorance of one;s own predicament in this (amsara (agara.
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-

Verse 11 - Meaning:

#: $hat is in such a flu4 and so temporar, and ever-changing like water drops on a lotus leaf ? &: =outh, $ealth and life-span are those ( auvanam& dhanam and caa uh - respectivel ) #: $ho is cooling and full of ever-present radiance like the moonlight ?

&: It is the saintl, ones (sa#-#ana)

Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse- !

Verse 1" - Meaning:

#: $hat is *comparable to+ >ell? (ko narakah) &: 'he state of sub)ection to others (para-vasata) #: $hat is happiness? (kim saukh am) &: 'he state of complete non-attachment to ever,thing #: $hat is truth? (kim sat am) &: 'hat one which is beneficial to all living beings *and not harmful to even a single creature+ ("huta hitam) #: $hat is dear to all creatures ? &: 2ife (asavah - the opposite of savah or death)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse- "

Verse 1- - Meaning:

#: $hat is the cause of disappointment ? &: Inordinate self-estimation #: $hat endows one with happiness ? &: 3riendship *or keeping in touch+ with the hol, and saintl, ones #: $ho is the most skilled one in destro,ing all forms of sorrows ? &: 'hat one who has renounced ever,thing in all aspects
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse- #

Verse 1. - Meaning:

#: $hat is 8eath ? (kim maranam) &: ?tter ignorance #: $hat is it that is be,ond all evaluation ? &: 'he gift that is given to a person who is in need and at the time of need #: $hat causes torment till death ? &: 5ins committed b, one but guarded b, a veil of secrec, *undisclosed sins+
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse- $

Verse 10 - Meaning:

#: $hat should one strive to achieve in life ? (kutra vidhe o atno) &: 'o get good education, good medication and the habit of making gifts (vid a-a"h ase& sadaushadhe and daane respectivel ) #: $hat activities should one resist from doing ? (avadhirana kva kar a) &: &ssociation or indulgence with the unscrupulous, others; women and others; wealth (khala& para- osit and para-dhana respectivel )
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse- %

Verse 11 - Meaning:

#: $hat should one alwa,s think of *in his mind+ throughout da, and night ? (kahar nisam anucint a) &: &bout the non-permanance of the worldl, and materialistic life and certainl, not about thoughts that give se4ual e4citement #: $hat should be one;s favorite dut, in life ? &: @eing kind to all the suffering living beings and making friendship with the honest and hol, men (karuna - diineshu& sa#-#ana maitri ) [karuna-kindness' diina - suffering ones' maitri-friendhip!
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse- &

Verse 17 - Meaning:

#: $hat kind of people cannot be put in the right course of life even b, force? &: 'he habitual rowd,, the one who is alwa,s doubtful of ever,thing, the irreversibl, pessimistic and the ungrateful ones
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse- '

Verse 19 - Meaning:

#: $ho is a sadhu *a virtuous person+ ? (kah sadhuh) &: 'hat one who is full of good character (sad vrttah) #: $ho is the most inferior man ? &: 'hat one who is of bad character #: $ho can con%uer the entire world ? &: 'hat one who is truthful (sat a) and patient (titiksaavata)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse- (

Verse 1: - Meaning:

#: $ho is praised even b, the celestial ones (the devas) ? &: 'hat one who is full of kindness and merc, (da aa-pradhaanaa a) #: $hat should cause fright in one ? &: 'he sight *or even thought+ of the forest of samsaara , if one is a man of chastened understanding
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-!)

Verse "< - Meaning:

#: 'o whom do all living beings submit and obe, ? &: 'o that one whose speak is truthful and full of merc,, and who has humilit, #: $here should one establish oneself ? &: In the path that is righteous and that ,ields benefits here and in the hereafter *during and after this worldl, life+
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-!

Verse "1 - Meaning:

#: $ho is a blind man ? (ko andho)

&: 'hat one who delights in doing things *knowingl,+ that should not be done #: $ho is a deaf man ? (ko "adhiro) &: 'hat one who does not listen (na srunoti) to advice given for his good (hitani) #: $ho is a stupid man ? (ko muko) &: >e who does not know to speak sweetl, (pri ani vaktum)when needed
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-!!

Verse "" - Meaning:

#: $hat is a gift ?(kim daanam) &: 'hat which is presented without being asked for #: $ho is one;s true well-wisher ? (kim mitram) &: 'hat one ( o)who wards him awa, from committing sins (nivaara ati paapaat) #: $hat is the best decoration *that a person can have+? (ko alankaarah) &: & character without a blemish (silam) #: $hat embellishes one;s speech ? (kim vachanam mandanam) &: 'ruth (sat am)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-!"

Verse "- - Meaning:

#: $hat (kim)en)o,ment (chapalam)is shortlived like the flashes of lightning ?(vid uth) &: 'he association with evil men (dur-#ana sangati)and with ,oung women ( uvati) #: $hich t,pe of people can stand unshaken (nisprakampaah)from high ideal of character (kula sila)even in this Aali =uga ?(kali kaale api) &: 'hose who are inherentl, good natured (sa#-#ana)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-!#

Verse ". - Meaning:

#: $hat (kim)is rare in this world (dur-la"ham iha) like the Bhintaamani(a rare #ewel referred to in )indu scriptures which is supposed to "e ielding one*s wishes)? &: I shall mention four auspicious entities (chatur - viseshena) in this respect, that being the view of enlightened men
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-!$

Verse "0 - Meaning:

&: (+n continuation of answer given to earlier verse No ,-) 'hese are gifts (daanam)given with courteous words(pri a vaak sahitam), scholarship (#naanam)without pride (a-garvam), braver, (saur am)coupled with forgiveness(kshamaanvitam) and wealth (vittam)spent in charit, (t aaga sametam) 'hese (etat)four (chatur "hadram)are indeed rare (dur-la"ham)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-!%

Verse "1 - Meaning:

#: $hat (kim)deserves pit,? (soc am) &: & miserl, nature (kaarpan am) that merel, accumulates wealth but never uses it for one;s own en)o,ment or for giving it to others #: $hat is praiseworth, in one blessed with abundance ? (sati vi"have kim) &: 'he %ualit, of generosit, (prasastam audar am) #: $ho deserves the respect (kah pu# o) of even the learned ? (vidvad"hih) &: 'hat one who is b, nature (sva"haavatah) endowed with humilit, at all times (sarvadaa viniito ah)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-!&

Verse "7 - Meaning:

#: $hat (kah) enhances the fame of a famil, (kula), )ust as the sun makes a lotus bloom and reveal its beaut, and perfume ? (kamala dinesah) &: 'he presence of one in the famil, who, though endowed with great merits,(sati guna vi"have api) is ,et free from self-conceit ( o namrah) #: $ho is able to win over to his side (kas a vase) the societ, in which he is living ?(#agad etat) &: 'hat one who speaks onl, what is true and beneficial *to the societ, at large+ (pri a - hita vacanas a) and who is righteous in his conduct (dharma-niratas a)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-!'

Verse "9 - Meaning:

#: $hat (kaa) attracts (manohara) the mind of the learned ? (vidvan) &: 2iterar, compositions without a blemish (sat-kavitaa) and the damsel of masterl, intelligence ("odha vanitaa ca) #: $ho (kam) can save himself from calamities ? (na sprsati vipattih) &: 'hat one who follows the advice of wise men (pravrddha vacana) and who e4ercises control over the senses (anuvartinam daantam)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-!(

Verse ": - Meaning:

#: 'o whom is the (oddess of prosperit, attracted ? (kasmai sprha ati kamalaa) &: 'o that one who is ever industrious (tvanalasa-cittaa a) and )ust (niiti-vrttaa a) #: $hom (kam) does she desert promptl, ? (t a#ati-sahasaa) &: 'hat one who is laC, (saalas am) and shows no regard for 8evas, (sura&) Dlders (guru&) and >ol, men (dvi#a - nindaakaram)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-")

Verse -< - Meaning:

#: $hich place is the most fitting (kutra vidhe o) for one to sta, ? (vaasah) &: 'he neighbourhood of virtuous men, (sa#-#ana - nikate - athava) or Aasi the Bit, of 2ight (kaas aam) #: $hat (kah) place (desah) should one avoid ? (parihaar o) &: 'hat one which is abounding in wicked men (pisuna uto) and (ca) ruled b, an e4torting and greed, ruler (lu"dha-"huupa)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-"

Verse -1 - Meaning:

#: $hen (kena) will a man (purusah) be without sorrow ? (asoc ah) &: $hen he has got a devoted wife (pranata kalatrena), and firm assets (dhira-vi"havena) #:$ho (kah) is in a pitiable state (soc ah) in this world (iha "huvane) ? &: 'hat one who never gifts an,thing, (na- o daataa) although possessed of much (sat api vi"have)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-"!

Verse -" - Meaning:

#: $hat (kim) makes (muulam) a man despicable (laghutaa aa) ? &: 'he %ualit, of begging ( aacnaa) from wretches (praakrta-purusesu- aa) #:$ho (kah) should be considered as braver (suurah) than Eama ? (raamaad-api) &: 'hat one who is able to withstand the shafts of Bupid (smara-sara-nihato na as-calati)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-""

Verse -- - Meaning:

#: $hat (kim) should be the sub)ect of one;s thought, (ahar-nisam) da, and night ?(anu-cint am) &: 'he lotus feet of the 5upreme @eing (.hagavac-caranam) and certainl, not (na) the worldl, matters (samsaarah) #:$ho should be considered as blind (caksus-manto) though having e,es? (ap andhaah - ke s uh) &: 'hose who do not have faith in (od ( e naastikaa manu#aah)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-"#

Verse -. - Meaning:

#: $ho (kah) is the reall, lame man ? (pangur-iha prathito) &: 'hat one who goes about on pilgrimage to hol, places (vra#ati -tiirtham) onl, after old age has set in (vaarddhake) #:$hat (kim) is the chief (mukh am) of >ol, places ? (tiirtham-api ca) &: 'hat place where the mind (citta-malam) gets purified ( an-nivarta ati)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-"$

Verse -0 - Meaning:

#: $hat (kim) is fit to be remembered (smartav am) alwa,s b, man ? (purusaih) &: 'he >ol, /ame of the 2ord ()ari-naama) alwa,s (sadaa), and not (na) the speech ("haasaa) of the unregenerate ones ( aavanii) #:$hat (ko) should a wise man (sudhi a) avoid speaking ? (na-vaac ah) &: 'alking about others; faults (para-doshaa) and speaking falsehood (caanrtam tadvat)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-"%

Verse -1 - Meaning:

#: $hat (kim) should a man;s (manu#aih) earnings (sampaad am) be comprised of ? &: In knowledge (vid aa), wealth (vittam), strength ("alam) , fame ( asah) and holiness (pun am)

#:$hat (kah) destro,s (vinaasii) one;s merits (sarva-guna) entirel, ? &: (reed (lo"hah) #:$hat (kah) is one;s enem, (satru) ? &: 5e4ualit, (kaamah)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-"&

Verse -7 - Meaning:

#: $hat (ka) kind of assembl, (sa"ha) should one avoid (parihaar a)? &: 'hat one which lacks good and e4perienced ministers (hiinaa- a-vrddha-sacivena) #:&bout what should a man be e4tremel, cautious (kutraa-vahitah-s aan-manu#ah) about in this life (iha) ? &: In being a courtier (sevaa aam) of despotic kings or autocratic rulers (kila-raa#a)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-"'

Verse -9 - Meaning:

#: $hat (ko) should be dearer (ram ah) to one more than even one;s life (praanad-api)? &: 6ne;s famil, traditions (kula-dharmah) and association with >ol, men (saadhu-samgas-ca) #:$hat (kaa) should one protect ? (samraksh aa) ? &: 6ne;s good name (kiirtih), one;s devoted wife (pativrataa) and one;s intelligence *or the common sense+ (nai#a-"uddhis-ca)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-"(

Verse -: - Meaning:

#: $hat (kaa) can be considered as the e%uivalent of Aalpalataa *also - Aalpataru - the fabled tree that is supposed to grant one;s wishes+ in this world (loke)? &: 'he learning (vid aa) transmitted (arpitaa) to a worth, disciple (sat-chish aa a) with the conviction that such learning will surel, be transmitted to generations of disciples #:$hich (ko) is the &ksha,a-vata ? (the tree at /a aa - the place where funeral o"sequies are performed for the permanent redemption of one*s ancestors) ? &: 'he gift (daanam) given (datta) to a worth, person (sat-paatra) with a proper attitude of mind (vidhivat)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-#)

Verse .< - Meaning:

#: $hat (kim) is the weapon (sastram - N01 s22stram) available for all ?(sarvesaam) &: 'he power of reasoning ( uktih) #:$ho (kaa) is the common mother (maataa-ca) of all ? &: 'he cow (dhenuh) #:$hat (kim) arm, can protect us ? ("alam) &: 6ne;s own courage ( ad dhair am) #:$hat (ko) is the cause of destruction (mrt uh) ? &: & laC, and listless attitude of mind ( ad avadhaana-rahitatvam)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-#

Verse .1 - Meaning:

#: $here (kutra) is the receptacle of poison (visham) ? &: In the mind of evil men (dushta-#ane) #:$hat (kim) gives ("havet) that kind of impurit,-consciousness (asaucam) which makes one avoid others ? &: 'he state of indebtedness (rnam-nrnaam) #:$hat (kim) makes a man fearless ? (a"ha am) &: 'he state of non-attachment (vairaag am) #:$hat (kim) is the cause of fear ("ha am-api) ? &: It is wealth (vittam), indeed
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-#!

Verse ." - Meaning:

#: $hat (kaa) is the rarest virtue (dur-la"haa) in man (naraanaam) ? &: 2ove of (od (hari-"haktih) #:$hat (kim) is sinful (paatakam) ? &: 6ppression of others *including tin, creatures+ (himsa) #:$ho is (ko hi) dear (pri ah-s aat) to the 2ord ? ("hagavat) &: 'hat one ( o) who does not get angr, (an am-n-odve#a ed), nor causes others to get angr, (anudvignah)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-#"

Verse .- - Meaning:

#: $hat causes (kasmaat) success (siddhih) ? &: Boncentrated efforts or the (tapas) #:$hose (kva) mind ("uddhih) is alwa,s on the right track ? &: 6f one who honours hol, men ("huu-sur-e) #:>ow is this state of mind produced (kuto "uddhih) ? &: 'hrough respect for the advice of wise and elderl, men (vrddhopa-seva aa) #:$ho is an elderl, man *as talked about above+ (ke vrddhaa) ? &: 6ne who knows the essence of 8harma *moralit,+ ( e-dharma-tattva#naah)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-##

Verse .. - Meaning:

#:$hat (kim) is more (adhikam) dreadful than death (maranaad) to a person respected b, all in his countr, ? (sam"haavitas a) &:&n,thing that causes him disrepute (dur aso "havati) #:In this worldl, life (loke) who (ko) is happ, (sukhi "havet) ? &:'he rich man (dhanavaan) #:$hat (kim) should be considered as riches (dhanam api) ? &:'hat which enables one to obtain the ob)ects ( atas-ca) that one desires (ishtam)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-#$

Verse .0 - Meaning:

#:$hat (kim) is the source or seed ("ii#am) of all happiness (sarva-sukhaanaam) ? &:'he merits of one;s good actions (pun am) #:$hat causes (api kutah) miser, (duhkham) to a man ? &:6ne;s sins (paapaat) #:>ow does one get endowed with (kas a) 2ordliness (aisvar am) ? &:6nl, b, the ( ah kila) devoted worship (aaraadha ed "hakt aa) of 5ankara *(od+ (sankaram)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-#%

Verse .1 - Meaning:

#:$ho (ko) attains the highest levels in life ? (vardhate) &:'hat one who is endowed with true humilit, (viniitah) #:$ho (ko) is sub)ect to downfall ? (vaa hii eta) &:'he proud and arrogant ones ( o drptah) #:$ho (ko) deserves to be dis-trusted ? (na-prat etav o) &:'hat one ( as-ca) who is a habitual liar (anrtam saasvat)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-#&

Verse .7 - Meaning:

#:$hen can (kutra) telling an untruth (anrte) be considered not a sin ? (ap a-paapam) &:$hen that is the one and onl, wa, ( accoktam) to protect one;s 8harma (dharma-rakshaartham) #:$hat is (ko) 8harma? &:'he traditions ( ah-sishtaanaam) that one;s respected ancestors (a"himato) have observed (ni#akuliinaanaam)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-#'

Verse .9 - Meaning:

#:$hat (kim) is the source of strength ("alam) for a 5aadhu ? &:(od (daivam) #:$ho is (kah) a 5aadhu? &:'hat one who is ever (sarvadaa) satisfied (tushttah) #:$hat (kim) is one;s 3ate? (daivam) (Note: )ere& "daivam" is used to connote the controlling force or power in one*s life) &:6ne;s own meritorius actions ( at-sukrtam) #:$ho (kah) is to be identified as one with meritorius actions to his credit ? (sukrti) &:'hat one who has the approval and admiration (slaagh ate) of virtuous men ( ah-sad"hih)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-#(

Verse .: - Meaning:

#:$ho (kim) is the real friend (mitram) and well-wisher of a householder (/riha-medhinas-ca) ? &:'he faithful wife ("haar aa) #:$ho (ko) is a householder (grhii ca) ? &:>e who performs the ordained sacrifices or the a#nas ( o a#ate) #:$hat (ko) are =a)nas ? &:$hat is prescribed in the (rutis or the Vedas ( at-srut aa-vihitah)as a dut, (nrnaam)for man;s

higher evolution (sre askaro)

Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-$)

Verse 0< - Meaning:

#:$hose (kas a) sacred ritual (kri a) will be fruitful ? (hi-saphalaa) &:6f that one ( ah) who follows the rules of ritualistic purit, (punar-aacaaravaan) and who is a virtuous person (sistah) #:$ho (kah) is a 5istah ? &:>e who structures his life strictl, in accordance with the Vedic in)unctions ( o vedapramaanavaan) #:$ho (ko) should be considered dead even while living ? (hatah) &:6ne who has abandoned ("hrashtah) the duties (kri a) ordained b, the Vedas
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-$

Verse 01 - Meaning:

#:$ho (ko) is endowed with abundance (dhan ah)? &:& 5ann,aasi - or the one who has renounced ever,thing (samn aasii) #:$ho (ko) is to be honoured (maan ah) ? &:'hat one who is a scholar (panditah) and possesses a good character as well (saadhuh) #:$ho is (kah) fit to be served (sev o)? &:6ne who is liberal in giving gifts ( o-daataa) #:$ho is (ko) liberal in giving gifts (daataa) ? &:>e who satisfies ( o-arthi-trptim) those who are in need (aatanute)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-$!

Verse 0" - Meaning:

#:$hat (kim) is the greatest good fortune ("haag am) for an embodied being (dehavataam)? &:5ound >ealth (aarog am) #:$ho (kah) reaps the fruits (phalii) ? &:'hat one who works well in his field (krsikrt) #:$ho (kas a) will be free from sins (na-paapam)? &:6ne who continuousl, repeats (#apatah) the name of the 2ord #:$ho (kah) has attained fulfilment (puurno) ? &:>e who ( ah-s aat) has a virtuous progen, (pra#aavaan)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-$"

Verse 0- - Meaning:

#:$hat (kim) is the most difficult thing (dushkaram) for a man to do (naraanaam) ? &:'o keep the mind ( an-manaso) alwa,s (satatam) under control (nigrahah) #:$ho (ko) can be considered as a true @rahmachari ("rahmacar avaan s aat) ? &:'hat one whose libido has been sublimated ( asca-askhalti-ordhva-retaskah)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-$#

Verse 0. - Meaning:

#:$ho is the (kaa ca) most &dorable @eing (para-devat-okta) ? &:'he power of Pure-Bonsciousness (cit-sakthih) also known as the F@hagavatiF swarupa in >indu m,tholog, #:$ho (ko) is the ruler ("hartaa) of the ?niverse (#agat) ? &:'he 5un (suur ah) (od *b, whose light and heat all living beings are able to live+ #:$hat (ko) causes and sustains (#iivana-hetuh) all life (sarveshaam) ? &:Eain (sa-par#an ah)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-$$

Verse 00 - Meaning:

#:$ho is (kah) a hero (suuro) ? &:>e ( o) who gives protection (traata) to the frightened ones ("hiita) #:$ho (kah) is a true protector (traataa-ca) ? &:& spiritual teacher (sad-guruh) or the perfect teacher, who can be likened to (od #:$ho is (ko hi) the spiritual teacher (gurur-uktah) for the whole world (#agat) ? &:It is "(am"hu", the 5upreme @eing #:3rom whom (kutah) does one ac%uire knowledge (#naanam) ? &:3rom 5iva indeed (sivaad-eva)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-$%

Verse 01 - Meaning:

#:>ow is (kasmaat) liberation (muktim) attained (la"heta) ? &:@, whole-hearted devotion ("hakteh)to "3ukunda" or the 5upreme @eing #:$ho (kah) is "3ukunda" ? &:It is the @eing who enables Giivaas to overcome ( as-taara ed) the sea of Ignorance (avid aam) #:$hat is (ka ca) Ignorance (2vid a) ? &:It is the state of absence of the full knowledge (a-sphuurtih) of one;s true self (aatman)

Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-$&

Verse 07 - Meaning:

#:$ho is (kas a) free from sorrow (na-soko) ? &:'hat one ( ah s aad) who never gets angr, (a-krodhah) #:$hat (kim) is happiness (sukham) ? &:It is the state of contentment (tushtih) #:$ho (ko) is a true king (raa#aa) ? &:'hat one who gains the lo,alt, of the sub)ects or the people under his rule (ran#ana-krt) #:$ho is(kasca) despicable like a dog (svaa) ? &:'hat one who ( ah-s aat) courts the favour of the mean (niica-sevako)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-$'

Verse 09 - Meaning:

#:$ho (ko) is the 2ord of Maa,aa (maa ii) ? &:'he 5upreme @eing (parameshah) #:$hat (kim) is true magic (indra-#aalaa- ate) ? &:'his ever-changing ?niverse (prapanco-a am) #:$hat (kah) resembles a dream e4perience (svapna-ni"ho) ? &:'he activities (v avahaarah) of the waking (#aagrad) life #:$hat is(kim - api ca) the 'rue @eing (sat am) ? &:It is @rahman *the 5upreme @eing which is not destro,ed even in absolute annihilation+
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-$(

Verse 0: - Meaning:

#:$hat (kim) is falsit, (mith aa) ? &:'hat which disappears ( ad-naas am)without a residue when true knowledge (vid aa) dawns #:$hat (tu) is called a word, fiction (tuccham) ? &:'he horn of a hare and similar other entities like sk,-flower (sasa-visaanaadi) #:$hat (ka-ca) is it that cannot be determined as true or untrue (anirvaac aa) ? &:It is "3aa aa" which is )ust a superimposition but non-e4istent #:$hat (kim) is the superimposed (kalpitam) ? &:It is the aspect of 8ualit, (dvaitam)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-%)

Verse 1< - Meaning:

#:$hat (kim) is reall, real (paaramaarthikam) ? &:/on-8ualit, or 2dvaitam #:>ow does ignorance (a-#naata) arise (ca- kuto) in one ? &:It does not arise since it has alwa,s been e4isting In other words, it is beginningless or 2naadi #:$hat (kim) sustains (poshakam) the bod, (vapusas-ca) ? &:It is the operative %uantum of Aarma (Praara"dha 4arma) #:$hat (kim-ca) gives us food (anna-daa i) to sustain life ? &:2ongevit, or the span of life (caa uh) with which Praarabdha has endowed one
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-%

Verse 11 - Meaning:

#:$hat (ko) should a wise man ("raahmanair) commune with in worship (upaas o) ? &:$ith 5ambhu *or the (od+ denoted b, the (a,atri Mantra, the 5un and the 3ire as s,mbols for communion (gaa atr -arkaagni-gocarah-sam"huh) #:$hat is the common thread linking (a,athri, the 5un, the 3ire and 5ambhu ? (gaa atr aam-aadit eca-agnau sam"hau ca kim nu) &:'heir Dssence (tattvam) is the same
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-%!

Verse 1" - Meaning:

#:$ho (kaa) is the visible (od (prat aksha %evataa) for one ? &:'he mother (maataa) that bore one #:$ho is (kah-ca) the elder (guru) that should alwa,s be respected ? (puu# o) &:6ne;s father (taatah) #:$ho (kah) is the embodiment (atma) of all (sarva) divinities (devata) ? &:& wise man who has achieved the fulfilment (anvito-viprah) of all learning (vid a) and hol, acts (karma)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-%"

Verse 1- - Meaning:

#:$hat (kas-ca) leads to the deca, (ksa a-hetuh) of families and communities (kula) ? &:'he persecution ( o-akaari) of hol, men (santaapah-sa##anesu) #:$hose words are never falsified (kesam-amogha vacanam) ? &:6f those who are in the habit of speaking onl, truth, (sat a) who observe silence (mauna) and who are alwa,s patient (sama-siilaah)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-%#

Verse 1. - Meaning:

#:$hat (kim) is the cause of birth (#anma) ? &:&ttachment (samgah) to ob)ects (visha a) of en)o,ment #:$hat (kim) is one;s second (uttaram) embodiment (#anma) ? &:It is one;s son (putrah-s aat) #:$hat (ko) is un-avoidable (a-parihaar o) ? &:8eath (mrt uh) #:$here should (kutra padam) one take one;s place (vin asec-ca) ? &:In a place which one can see directl, (drk) as pure (puute)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-%$

Verse 10 - Meaning:

#:$ho (kim) is the fit recipient (paatram) for the gift of food (anna-daane) ? &:& hungr, person (kshuditam) #:$ho (ko) should be the ob)ect of worship (arc o-hi) ? &:'he descendant of the 2ord or the &vataar of the @hagavaan, the 5upreme @eing ("hagavadavataarah) #:$ho is(kas-ca) @hagavaan ? &:>e is 3ahesah& the 5upreme @eing worshipped both (atmaikah) in the forms of (ankara or 5iva and

Nara ana or Vishnu (mrt uh)

Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-%%

Verse 11 - Meaning:

#:$hat (kim) is the reward for (phalam-api) devotion ("hakteh) to the 2ord ("hagavad) ? &:'he actual realisation (saakshaattvam) of >is 8ivine (tal-loka) Eealm (svaruupa) #:$hat is (ko-ca) liberation (moksha) ? &:'he ending (astama ah) of Ignorance (h -avid aa) #:$hat (kah) is the source and dissolving centre ("huuh) of all Veda (sarva-veda) ? &:It is (atha-ca) the indeclinable sound 6m or &?M (0m is the pranava mantra - also spelled as 253)
Translation of "Prasnottara Ratna Maalika" - Verse-%&

Verse 17 - Meaning:

6ne whose neck, (it -esaa) the source of voice (kanthasthaa) is adorned with this Prasnottara-ratnamaalika, will shine in the assembl, of the wise, as if he is wearing a necklace of pearls (temuktaa"haranaa iva) >e will shine like a pure luminous bod, (vimalaascaa"haanti) in the assembl, of the wise (sat-samaa#esu)