Shloka 10
Vetasa-Nīti: The Reed and the Flood (वेतस-नीति)
कालज्ञ: समयज्ञश्न सदा वश्यश्न नोद्धत: | अनुलोमस्तथास्तब्धस्तेन नाभ्येति वेतस:
kālajñaḥ samayajñaś ca sadā vaśyaś ca noddhataḥ | anulomas tathāstabdhas tena nābhyeti vetasaḥ ||
Sāgara nói: “Cây sậy biết thời, biết thế; hành xử đúng theo đó. Nó luôn thuận phục, chẳng bao giờ kiêu căng hay ngỗ nghịch. Nó hòa thuận, không cứng đờ vì tự phụ. Vì vậy nó không bị ép phải bỏ chỗ mà trôi dạt đến đây.”
सागर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches nīti through the image of a reed: one should understand time and circumstance, remain self-controlled and humble, and avoid rigid pride. Flexibility and propriety prevent needless displacement and suffering.
Sāgara (the Ocean) speaks, pointing to the reed as an example. He explains that because the reed is timely, appropriate, compliant, and not arrogant, it is not compelled to leave its place and be swept away—unlike those who become stiff and proud.