INDIAN CIVILIZATION AND CULTURE
Mahatma Gandhi
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MOHAN DAS KARAMCHAND GANDHI (1869-1948), popularly known as Bapu or the Father of the Nation, was more a spiritual leader than a politician.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi… popularly known as Bapu or the Father of the Nation, was more a spiritual leader than a politician.
मोहनदास करमचंद गांधी (1869-1948), जो बापू या राष्ट्रपिता के रूप में लोकप्रिय हैं, एक राजनेता से अधिक एक आध्यात्मिक नेता थे।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Popularly | Widely liked or known (लोकप्रिय रूप से) |
| Spiritual | Relating to the soul (आध्यात्मिक) |
| Politician | A person involved in politics (राजनेता) |
✅
He successfully used truth and non-violence as the chief weapons against the British rule in India and helped India gain independence.
He successfully used truth and non-violence as the chief weapons against the British rule in India and helped India gain independence.
उन्होंने भारत में ब्रिटिश शासन के खिलाफ मुख्य हथियारों के रूप में सत्य और अहिंसा का सफलतापूर्वक उपयोग किया और भारत को स्वतंत्रता दिलाने में मदद की।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Non-violence | Refusal to use physical force (अहिंसा) |
| Chief | Main/Primary (मुख्य) |
| Weapons | Tools for fighting (हथियार) |
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From 1915 till 1948, he completely dominated Indian politics.
From 1915 till 1948, he completely dominated Indian politics.
1915 से 1948 तक, वे भारतीय राजनीति पर पूरी तरह छाए रहे।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Dominated | Had a commanding influence on (छाए रहे/प्रभुत्व जमाया) |
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He died at the hands of a fanatic on 30 January, 1948.
He died at the hands of a fanatic on 30 January, 1948.
30 जनवरी, 1948 को एक कट्टरपंथी के हाथों उनकी मृत्यु हो गई।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Fanatic | A person with excessive zeal (कट्टरपंथी) |
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His autobiography, My Experiments with Truth, and the numerous articles that he wrote for Young India and the speeches that he delivered on different occasions, reveal him not only as an original thinker but also as a great master of chaste, idiomatic English.
His autobiography… reveal him not only as an original thinker but also as a great master of chaste, idiomatic English.
उनकी आत्मकथा, ‘सत्य के साथ मेरे प्रयोग’, और ‘यंग इंडिया’ के लिए लिखे गए उनके कई लेख और विभिन्न अवसरों पर दिए गए उनके भाषण, उन्हें न केवल एक मूल विचारक के रूप में बल्कि शुद्ध, मुहावरेदार अंग्रेजी के एक महान गुरु के रूप में भी प्रकट करते हैं।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Autobiography | Life story written by oneself (आत्मकथा) |
| Numerous | Many (अनेक) |
| Chaste | Pure/Simple style (शुद्ध/सरल) |
| Idiomatic | Using natural expressions (मुहावरेदार) |
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In the following extract ‘Indian Civilization and Culture,’ Gandhiji talks about the sound foundation of Indian civilization which has successfully withstood the passage of time.
In the following extract… Gandhiji talks about the sound foundation of Indian civilization which has successfully withstood the passage of time.
निम्नलिखित अंश ‘भारतीय सभ्यता और संस्कृति’ में, गांधीजी भारतीय सभ्यता की मजबूत नींव के बारे में बात करते हैं जो समय के बीतने के साथ सफलतापूर्वक खड़ी रही है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Extract | A short passage taken from a text (अंश) |
| Sound | Strong/Reliable (मजबूत) |
| Withstood | Resisted/Survived (सामना किया/टिकी रही) |
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The western civilization which has the tendency to privilege materiality cannot match the Indian civilization that elevates the moral being.
The western civilization which has the tendency to privilege materiality cannot match the Indian civilization that elevates the moral being.
पश्चिमी सभ्यता, जिसमें भौतिकता को विशेषाधिकार देने की प्रवृत्ति है, भारतीय सभ्यता की बराबरी नहीं कर सकती जो नैतिक अस्तित्व को ऊंचा उठाती है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Tendency | Inclination (प्रवृत्ति) |
| Privilege | Give special importance to (प्राथमिकता देना) |
| Materiality | Physical comfort/possessions (भौतिकता) |
| Elevates | Raises up (ऊंचा उठाना) |
✨ Quick Summary: Introduction
The Essence of Gandhi
Gandhi was a spiritual leader who used truth and non-violence to free India. He believed Indian civilization is superior because it focuses on morality, whereas Western civilization focuses on material things.
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1. I believe that the civilization India has evolved is not to be beaten in the world.
I believe that the civilization India has evolved is not to be beaten in the world.
1. मेरा मानना है कि भारत ने जो सभ्यता विकसित की है, उसे दुनिया में कोई हरा नहीं सकता।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Evolved | Developed gradually (विकसित हुई) |
| Beaten | Defeated (हराया जाना) |
✅
Nothing can equal the seeds sown by our ancestors.
Nothing can equal the seeds sown by our ancestors.
हमारे पूर्वजों द्वारा बोए गए बीजों की बराबरी कोई नहीं कर सकता।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ancestors | Forefathers (पूर्वज) |
| Sown | Planted (बोया गया) |
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Rome went, Greece shared the same fate, the might of the Pharaohs was broken, Japan has become westernized; of China nothing can be said, but India is still, somehow or other, sound at the foundation.
Rome went, Greece shared the same fate… but India is still, somehow or other, sound at the foundation.
रोम चला गया, ग्रीस का भी वही हश्र हुआ, फिरौन की शक्ति टूट गई, जापान पश्चिमी हो गया; चीन के बारे में कुछ नहीं कहा जा सकता, लेकिन भारत अभी भी, किसी न किसी तरह, अपनी नींव पर मजबूत है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Fate | Destiny/Outcome (भाग्य/हश्र) |
| Pharaohs | Rulers of ancient Egypt (मिस्र के शासक) |
| Foundation | Base (नींव) |
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The people of Europe learn their lessons from the writings of the men of Greece or Rome which exist no longer in their former glory.
The people of Europe learn their lessons from the writings of the men of Greece or Rome which exist no longer in their former glory.
यूरोप के लोग ग्रीस या रोम के लोगों के लेखन से अपना सबक सीखते हैं जो अब अपने पूर्व गौरव में मौजूद नहीं हैं।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Former | Previous (पूर्व/पहला) |
| Glory | Magnificence/Fame (गौरव) |
✅
In trying to learn from them, the Europeans imagine that they will avoid the mistakes of Greece and Rome.
In trying to learn from them, the Europeans imagine that they will avoid the mistakes of Greece and Rome.
उनसे सीखने की कोशिश में, यूरोपीय लोग कल्पना करते हैं कि वे ग्रीस और रोम की गलतियों से बच जाएंगे।
✅
Such is their pitiable condition.
Such is their pitiable condition.
ऐसी उनकी दयनीय स्थिति है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pitiable | Deserving pity/Sad (दयनीय) |
✨ Quick Summary: Paragraph 1
Unshakable India
While great ancient civilizations like Rome, Greece, and Egypt have fallen or changed, India’s ancient civilization remains strong and intact.
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2. In the midst of all this, India remains immovable and that is her glory.
In the midst of all this, India remains immovable and that is her glory.
2. इस सबके बीच, भारत अडिग रहता है और यही उसकी महिमा है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Midst | Middle (बीच में) |
| Immovable | Impossible to move/Firm (अडिग) |
✅
It is a charge against India that her people are so uncivilized, ignorant and stolid, that it is not possible to induce them to adopt any changes.
It is a charge against India that her people are so uncivilized, ignorant and stolid, that it is not possible to induce them to adopt any changes.
यह भारत के खिलाफ एक आरोप है कि उसके लोग इतने असभ्य, अज्ञानी और मंदबुद्धि हैं कि उन्हें किसी भी बदलाव को अपनाने के लिए प्रेरित करना संभव नहीं है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Charge | Accusation (आरोप) |
| Ignorant | Lacking knowledge (अज्ञानी) |
| Stolid | Calm, dependable, and showing little emotion (मंदबुद्धि/भावशून्य) |
| Induce | Persuade (प्रेरित करना) |
✅
It is a charge really against our merit.
It is a charge really against our merit.
यह वास्तव में हमारी योग्यता के खिलाफ एक आरोप है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Merit | Quality/Worth (योग्यता) |
✅
What we have tested and found true on the anvil of experience, we dare not change.
What we have tested and found true on the anvil of experience, we dare not change.
अनुभव की निहाई पर हमने जिसे परखा और सत्य पाया है, उसे बदलने का हम साहस नहीं करते।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Anvil | Iron block on which metal is shaped (निहाई) |
| Dare | Have the courage to (साहस करना) |
✅
Many thrust their advice upon India, and she remains steady.
Many thrust their advice upon India, and she remains steady.
कई लोग भारत पर अपनी सलाह थोपते हैं, और वह स्थिर रहती है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Thrust | Push forcibly (थोपना) |
| Steady | Stable (स्थिर) |
✅
This is her beauty; it is the sheet anchor of our hope.
This is her beauty; it is the sheet anchor of our hope.
यही उसकी सुंदरता है; यह हमारी आशा का मुख्य आधार है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sheet anchor | A large anchor used in emergency / Main support (मुख्य आधार) |
✨ Quick Summary: Paragraph 2
Steadfastness is Strength
Critics call India stubborn for not changing, but Gandhi argues that India’s refusal to change its proven values is actually its greatest strength and beauty.
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3. Civilization is that mode of conduct which points out to man the path of duty.
Civilization is that mode of conduct which points out to man the path of duty.
3. सभ्यता आचरण का वह तरीका है जो मनुष्य को कर्तव्य का मार्ग दिखाता है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Mode | Way/Method (तरीका) |
| Conduct | Behavior (आचरण) |
✅
Performance of duty and observance of morality are convertible terms.
Performance of duty and observance of morality are convertible terms.
कर्तव्य का पालन और नैतिकता का पालन परिवर्तनीय शब्द हैं (एक ही सिक्के के दो पहलू हैं)।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Observance | Compliance/Following (पालन) |
| Convertible | Interchangeable (परिवर्तनीय) |
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To observe morality is to attain mastery over our minds and our passions.
To observe morality is to attain mastery over our minds and our passions.
नैतिकता का पालन करना हमारे मन और हमारे जुनून पर महारत हासिल करना है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Attain | Achieve (प्राप्त करना) |
| Passions | Strong emotions/Desires (जुनून/इच्छाएं) |
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So doing, we know ourselves.
So doing, we know ourselves.
ऐसा करके, हम खुद को जानते हैं।
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The Gujarati equivalent for civilization means “good conduct”.
The Gujarati equivalent for civilization means “good conduct”.
सभ्यता के लिए गुजराती समकक्ष का अर्थ है ‘अच्छा आचरण’।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Equivalent | Equal in value/meaning (समकक्ष) |
✨ Quick Summary: Paragraph 3
Definition of Civilization
Civilization isn’t about buildings or technology; it is about good conduct, doing one’s duty, and mastering one’s own mind and passions.
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4. If this definition be correct, then India, as so many writers have shown, has nothing to learn from anybody else, and this is as it should be.
If this definition be correct, then India… has nothing to learn from anybody else, and this is as it should be.
4. यदि यह परिभाषा सही है, तो भारत को, जैसा कि कई लेखकों ने दिखाया है, किसी और से कुछ भी सीखने की जरूरत नहीं है, और यह वैसा ही है जैसा होना चाहिए।
✅
5. We notice that the mind is a restless bird, the more it gets the more it wants, and still remains unsatisfied.
We notice that the mind is a restless bird, the more it gets the more it wants, and still remains unsatisfied.
5. हम देखते हैं कि मन एक बेचैन पक्षी है, इसे जितना अधिक मिलता है, यह उतना ही अधिक चाहता है, और फिर भी असंतुष्ट रहता है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Restless | Unable to rest/Uneasy (बेचैन) |
| Unsatisfied | Not content (असंतुष्ट) |
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The more we indulge in our passions, the more unbridled they become.
The more we indulge in our passions, the more unbridled they become.
जितना अधिक हम अपने जुनून में लिप्त होते हैं, वे उतने ही बेलगाम हो जाते हैं।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Indulge | Allow oneself to enjoy (लिप्त होना) |
| Unbridled | Uncontrolled (बेलगाम) |
✅
Our ancestors, therefore, set a limit to our indulgences.
Our ancestors, therefore, set a limit to our indulgences.
इसलिए हमारे पूर्वजों ने हमारे भोग-विलास की एक सीमा तय की।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Indulgences | Satisfaction of desires (भोग-विलास) |
✅
They saw that happiness was largely a mental condition.
They saw that happiness was largely a mental condition.
उन्होंने देखा कि खुशी काफी हद तक एक मानसिक स्थिति थी।
✨ Quick Summary: Paragraph 5
The Restless Bird
The human mind is like a restless bird—always wanting more. True happiness is a state of mind, not a result of satisfying endless desires.
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6. A man is not necessarily happy because he is rich, or unhappy because he is poor.
A man is not necessarily happy because he is rich, or unhappy because he is poor.
6. जरूरी नहीं कि कोई आदमी इसलिए खुश हो क्योंकि वह अमीर है, या इसलिए दुखी है क्योंकि वह गरीब है।
✅
The rich are often seen to be unhappy, the poor to be happy.
The rich are often seen to be unhappy, the poor to be happy.
अमीरों को अक्सर दुखी देखा जाता है, गरीबों को खुश।
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Millions will always remain poor.
Millions will always remain poor.
लाखों लोग हमेशा गरीब रहेंगे।
✅
Observing all this, our ancestors dissuaded us from luxuries and pleasures.
Observing all this, our ancestors dissuaded us from luxuries and pleasures.
यह सब देखकर, हमारे पूर्वजों ने हमें विलासिता और सुखों से दूर रहने की सलाह दी।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Dissuaded | Persuaded not to do something (रोका/मना किया) |
| Luxuries | State of great comfort (विलासिता) |
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We have managed with the same kind of plough as existed thousands of years ago.
We have managed with the same kind of plough as existed thousands of years ago.
हमने उसी तरह के हल के साथ काम चलाया है जो हजारों साल पहले मौजूद था।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Plough | Farm tool for cutting soil (हल) |
✅
We have retained the same kind of cottages that we had in former times and our indigenous education remains the same as before.
We have retained the same kind of cottages… and our indigenous education remains the same as before.
हमने उसी तरह की झोपड़ियों को बरकरार रखा है जो हमारे पास पहले के समय में थीं और हमारी स्वदेशी शिक्षा पहले जैसी ही है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Retained | Kept possession of (बरकरार रखा) |
| Indigenous | Native/Local (स्वदेशी) |
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We have had no system of life-corroding competition.
We have had no system of life-corroding competition.
हमारे पास जीवन को नष्ट करने वाली प्रतियोगिता की कोई प्रणाली नहीं थी।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Corroding | Destroying gradually (नष्ट करने वाली/जंग लगाने वाली) |
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Each followed his own occupation or trade and charged a regular wage.
Each followed his own occupation or trade and charged a regular wage.
हर कोई अपने व्यवसाय या व्यापार का पालन करता था और एक नियमित मजदूरी लेता था।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Job/Profession (व्यवसाय) |
| Wage | Payment (मजदूरी) |
✅
It was not that we did not know how to invent machinery, but our forefathers knew that, if we set our hearts after such things, we would become slaves and lose our moral fibre.
It was not that we did not know how to invent machinery… we would become slaves and lose our moral fibre.
ऐसा नहीं था कि हम मशीनरी का आविष्कार करना नहीं जानते थे, लेकिन हमारे पूर्वज जानते थे कि, यदि हमने ऐसी चीजों के पीछे अपना दिल लगा लिया, तो हम गुलाम बन जाएंगे और अपना नैतिक चरित्र खो देंगे।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Forefathers | Ancestors (पूर्वज) |
| Moral fibre | Strength of character (नैतिक चरित्र) |
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They, therefore, after due deliberation decided that we should only do what we could with our hands and feet.
They, therefore, after due deliberation decided that we should only do what we could with our hands and feet.
इसलिए, उन्होंने उचित विचार-विमर्श के बाद निर्णय लिया कि हमें केवल वही करना चाहिए जो हम अपने हाथों और पैरों से कर सकें।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Deliberation | Careful consideration (विचार-विमर्श) |
✅
They saw that our real happiness and health consisted in a proper use of our hands and feet.
They saw that our real happiness and health consisted in a proper use of our hands and feet.
उन्होंने देखा कि हमारी असली खुशी और स्वास्थ्य हमारे हाथों और पैरों के उचित उपयोग में निहित है।
✨ Quick Summary: Paragraph 6
Man vs Machine
We avoided machinery not out of ignorance, but to prevent becoming slaves to comfort. True health and happiness come from physical labor.
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7. They further reasoned that large cities were a snare and a useless encumbrance and that people would not be happy in them, that there would be gangs of thieves and robbers, prostitution and vice flourishing in them and that poor men would be robbed by rich men.
They further reasoned that large cities were a snare and a useless encumbrance… prostitution and vice flourishing in them…
7. उन्होंने आगे तर्क दिया कि बड़े शहर एक जाल और बेकार का बोझ थे और लोग उनमें खुश नहीं रहेंगे, कि वहां चोरों और लुटेरों के गिरोह होंगे, वेश्यावृत्ति और बुराई पनपेगी और गरीब लोगों को अमीर लोगों द्वारा लूटा जाएगा।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Snare | Trap (जाल) |
| Encumbrance | Burden (बोझ) |
| Vice | Immoral behavior (बुराई/पाप) |
| Flourishing | Growing rapidly (पनपना) |
✅
They were, therefore, satisfied with small villages.
They were, therefore, satisfied with small villages.
इसलिए, वे छोटे गांवों से संतुष्ट थे।
✨ Quick Summary: Paragraph 7
Cities vs Villages
Ancestors preferred villages because cities are full of crime, vice, and exploitation of the poor by the rich.
✅
8. They saw that kings and their swords were inferior to the sword of ethics, and they, therefore, held the sovereigns of the earth to be inferior to the Rishis and the Fakirs.
They saw that kings and their swords were inferior to the sword of ethics… held the sovereigns of the earth to be inferior to the Rishis and the Fakirs.
8. उन्होंने देखा कि राजा और उनकी तलवारें नैतिकता की तलवार से हीन (कमतर) थीं, और इसलिए, उन्होंने पृथ्वी के शासकों को ऋषियों और फकीरों से हीन माना।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Inferior | Lower in rank/quality (हीन/कमतर) |
| Ethics | Moral principles (नैतिकता) |
| Sovereigns | Supreme rulers (शासक) |
✅
A nation, with a constitution like this, is fitter to teach others than to learn from others.
A nation, with a constitution like this, is fitter to teach others than to learn from others.
इस तरह के संविधान वाला राष्ट्र दूसरों से सीखने की तुलना में दूसरों को सिखाने के लिए अधिक उपयुक्त है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Fitter | More suitable (अधिक उपयुक्त) |
✅
This nation had courts, lawyers and doctors, but they were all within bounds.
This nation had courts, lawyers and doctors, but they were all within bounds.
इस राष्ट्र में अदालतें, वकील और डॉक्टर थे, लेकिन वे सभी सीमा के भीतर थे।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bounds | Limits (सीमा) |
✅
Everybody knew that these professions were not particularly superior.
Everybody knew that these professions were not particularly superior.
हर कोई जानता था कि ये पेशे विशेष रूप से श्रेष्ठ नहीं थे।
✅
Moreover, these Vakils and Vaids did not rob people; they were considered people’s dependents, not their masters.
Moreover, these Vakils and Vaids did not rob people; they were considered people’s dependents, not their masters.
इसके अलावा, ये वकील और वैद्य लोगों को लूटते नहीं थे; उन्हें लोगों का आश्रित माना जाता था, उनका स्वामी नहीं।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Dependents | Those who rely on others (आश्रित) |
✅
Justice was tolerably fair.
Justice was tolerably fair.
न्याय काफी हद तक निष्पक्ष था।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Tolerably | Reasonably/Acceptably (काफी हद तक) |
✅
The ordinary rule was to avoid courts.
The ordinary rule was to avoid courts.
सामान्य नियम अदालतों से बचना था।
✅
There were no touts to lure people into them.
There were no touts to lure people into them.
लोगों को उनमें फंसाने के लिए कोई दलाल नहीं थे।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Touts | Agents who solicit business aggressively (दलाल) |
| Lure | Tempt/Attract (फंसाना/लुभाना) |
✅
This evil too was noticeable only in and around capitals.
This evil too was noticeable only in and around capitals.
यह बुराई भी केवल राजधानियों में और उसके आसपास ही दिखाई देती थी।
✅
The common people lived independently and followed their agricultural occupation.
The common people lived independently and followed their agricultural occupation.
आम लोग स्वतंत्र रूप से रहते थे और अपने कृषि व्यवसाय का पालन करते थे।
✅
They enjoyed true Home Rule.
They enjoyed true Home Rule.
उन्होंने सच्चे स्वराज (होम रूल) का आनंद लिया।
✨ Quick Summary: Paragraph 8
Spiritual Superiority
In India, spiritual leaders (Rishis) were respected more than kings. Professionals like lawyers served the people rather than ruling them, and common people lived independently in villages.
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9. The Indian civilization, as described by me, has been so described by its votaries.
The Indian civilization, as described by me, has been so described by its votaries.
9. भारतीय सभ्यता, जैसा कि मैंने वर्णन किया है, इसके भक्तों द्वारा भी ऐसा ही वर्णित किया गया है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Votaries | Devoted followers (भक्त/उपासक) |
✅
In no part of the world, and under no civilization, have all men attained perfection.
In no part of the world, and under no civilization, have all men attained perfection.
दुनिया के किसी भी हिस्से में, और किसी भी सभ्यता के तहत, सभी पुरुषों ने पूर्णता प्राप्त नहीं की है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Perfection | State of being perfect (पूर्णता) |
✅
The tendency of Indian civilizations is to elevate the moral being, that of the western civilization is to propagate immorality.
The tendency of Indian civilizations is to elevate the moral being, that of the western civilization is to propagate immorality.
भारतीय सभ्यताओं की प्रवृत्ति नैतिक अस्तित्व को ऊपर उठाने की है, जबकि पश्चिमी सभ्यता की प्रवृत्ति अनैतिकता का प्रचार करने की है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Propagate | Spread/Promote (प्रचार करना) |
| Immorality | Wickedness (अनैतिकता) |
✅
The latter is godless; the former is based on a belief in God.
The latter is godless; the former is based on a belief in God.
बाद वाला (पश्चिमी) ईश्वरविहीन है; पूर्व वाला (भारतीय) ईश्वर में विश्वास पर आधारित है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Latter | The second mentioned (बाद वाला) |
| Former | The first mentioned (पूर्व वाला) |
✅
So understanding and so believing, it behoves every lover of India to cling to the old Indian civilization even as a child clings to the mother’s breast.
So understanding and so believing, it behoves every lover of India to cling to the old Indian civilization even as a child clings to the mother’s breast.
ऐसा समझते हुए और ऐसा विश्वास करते हुए, भारत के प्रत्येक प्रेमी के लिए यह उचित है कि वह पुरानी भारतीय सभ्यता से वैसे ही चिपका रहे जैसे एक बच्चा माँ की छाती से चिपका रहता है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Behoves | It is appropriate for (उचित होना) |
| Cling | Hold on tightly (चिपके रहना) |
✨ Quick Summary: Paragraph 9
God vs Godless
Indian civilization elevates morality and believes in God. Western civilization propagates immorality and is godless. We must cling to our roots.
✅
10. I am no hater of the West.
I am no hater of the West.
10. मैं पश्चिम का विरोधी नहीं हूं।
✅
I am thankful to the West for many a thing I have learnt from Western literature.
I am thankful to the West for many a thing I have learnt from Western literature.
मैं पश्चिम का आभारी हूं कि मैंने पश्चिमी साहित्य से बहुत सी चीजें सीखी हैं।
✅
But I am thankful to modern civilization for teaching me that if I want India to rise to its fullest height, I must tell my countrymen frankly that, after years and years of experience of modern civilization, I have learnt one lesson from it and that is that we must shun it at all costs.
But I am thankful to modern civilization… I have learnt one lesson from it and that is that we must shun it at all costs.
लेकिन मैं आधुनिक सभ्यता का आभारी हूं कि उसने मुझे सिखाया कि अगर मैं चाहता हूं कि भारत अपनी पूरी ऊंचाई तक उठे, तो मुझे अपने देशवासियों को स्पष्ट रूप से बताना चाहिए कि, आधुनिक सभ्यता के वर्षों और वर्षों के अनुभव के बाद, मैंने इससे एक सबक सीखा है और वह यह है कि हमें हर कीमत पर इससे बचना चाहिए।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Frankly | Honestly/Directly (स्पष्ट रूप से) |
| Shun | Avoid/Reject (बचना/त्यागना) |
✨ Quick Summary: Paragraph 10
The Lesson from the West
Gandhi respects the West but concludes that for India to succeed, it must reject modern Western civilization entirely.
✅
11. What is that modern civilization?
What is that modern civilization?
11. वह आधुनिक सभ्यता क्या है?
✅
It is the worship of the material, it is the worship of the brute in us – it is unadulterated materialism, and modern civilization is nothing if it does not think at every step of the triumph of material civilization.
It is the worship of the material, it is the worship of the brute in us… triumph of material civilization.
यह भौतिकता की पूजा है, यह हमारे भीतर के जानवर की पूजा है – यह शुद्ध भौतिकवाद है, और आधुनिक सभ्यता कुछ भी नहीं है यदि वह हर कदम पर भौतिक सभ्यता की जीत के बारे में नहीं सोचती है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Brute | Animal/Savage (जानवर/क्रूर) |
| Unadulterated | Pure/Complete (शुद्ध/मिलावट रहित) |
| Triumph | Victory (जीत) |
✅
12. It is perhaps unnecessary, if not useless, to weigh the merits of the two civilizations.
It is perhaps unnecessary, if not useless, to weigh the merits of the two civilizations.
12. दोनों सभ्यताओं के गुणों को तौलना शायद अनावश्यक है, यदि बेकार नहीं है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Weigh | Compare/Assess (तौलना/तुलना करना) |
✅
It is likely that the West has evolved a civilization suited to its climate and surroundings, and similarly, we have a civilization suited to our conditions, and both are good in their own respective spheres.
It is likely that the West has evolved a civilization suited to its climate and surroundings… and both are good in their own respective spheres.
यह संभव है कि पश्चिम ने अपनी जलवायु और परिवेश के अनुकूल सभ्यता विकसित की है, और इसी तरह, हमारे पास हमारी परिस्थितियों के अनुकूल सभ्यता है, और दोनों अपने-अपने क्षेत्रों में अच्छे हैं।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Spheres | Areas of activity (क्षेत्रों) |
| Respective | Belonging to each (अपने-अपने) |
✨ Quick Summary: Paragraph 11-12
Materialism vs Suitability
Modern civilization is pure materialism. However, Western culture suits the West, and Indian culture suits India. We should not blindly copy them.
✅
13. The distinguishing characteristic of modern civilization is an indefinite multiplicity of human wants.
The distinguishing characteristic of modern civilization is an indefinite multiplicity of human wants.
13. आधुनिक सभ्यता की विशिष्ट विशेषता मानवीय इच्छाओं की अनिश्चित बहुलता (बढ़ोत्तरी) है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Distinguishing | Unique/Characteristic (विशिष्ट) |
| Multiplicity | Large number/Variety (बहुलता) |
✅
The characteristic of ancient civilization is an imperative restriction upon, and a strict regulating of, these wants.
The characteristic of ancient civilization is an imperative restriction upon, and a strict regulating of, these wants.
प्राचीन सभ्यता की विशेषता इन इच्छाओं पर अनिवार्य प्रतिबंध और सख्त विनियमन है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Imperative | Vital/Crucial (अनिवार्य) |
| Restriction | Limitation (प्रतिबंध) |
✅
The modern or western insatiableness arises really from want of living faith in a future state and therefore also in Divinity.
The modern or western insatiableness arises really from want of living faith in a future state and therefore also in Divinity.
आधुनिक या पश्चिमी असंतोष वास्तव में भविष्य की स्थिति और इसलिए दिव्यता (ईश्वर) में जीवित विश्वास की कमी से उत्पन्न होता है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Insatiableness | Impossible to satisfy (असंतोष/तृष्णा) |
| Divinity | God/Divine power (दिव्यता/ईश्वर) |
✅
The restraint of ancient or Eastern civilization arises from a belief, often in spite of ourselves, in a future state and the existence of a Divine Power.
The restraint of ancient or Eastern civilization arises from a belief… in a future state and the existence of a Divine Power.
प्राचीन या पूर्वी सभ्यता का संयम भविष्य की स्थिति और एक दैवीय शक्ति के अस्तित्व में विश्वास से उत्पन्न होता है, अक्सर हमारे बावजूद।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Restraint | Self-control (संयम) |
✨ Quick Summary: Paragraph 13
Wants vs Restraint
Modern civilization multiplies wants because it lacks faith in God. Ancient civilization restricts wants because it believes in a higher Divine Power.
✅
14. Some of the immediate and brilliant results of modern inventions are too maddening to resist.
Some of the immediate and brilliant results of modern inventions are too maddening to resist.
14. आधुनिक आविष्कारों के कुछ तत्काल और शानदार परिणाम इतने पागल कर देने वाले हैं कि उनका विरोध करना मुश्किल है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Maddening | Extremely annoying/Exciting (पागल कर देने वाला) |
| Resist | Withstand (विरोध करना) |
✅
But I have no manner of doubt that the victory of man lies in that resistance.
But I have no manner of doubt that the victory of man lies in that resistance.
लेकिन मुझे इसमें कोई संदेह नहीं है कि मनुष्य की जीत उस प्रतिरोध में निहित है।
✅
We are in danger of bartering away the permanent good for a momentary pleasure.
We are in danger of bartering away the permanent good for a momentary pleasure.
हम क्षणिक सुख के लिए स्थायी भलाई का सौदा करने के खतरे में हैं।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bartering | Exchanging goods (सौदा करना/बदलना) |
| Momentary | Brief/Short-lived (क्षणिक) |
✅
15. Just as in the West they have made wonderful discoveries in things material, similarly Hinduism has made still more marvellous discoveries in things of religion, of the spirit, of the soul.
Just as in the West they have made wonderful discoveries in things material… Hinduism has made still more marvellous discoveries in things of religion, of the spirit, of the soul.
15. जिस तरह पश्चिम में उन्होंने भौतिक चीजों में अद्भुत खोजें की हैं, उसी तरह हिंदू धर्म ने धर्म, आत्मा और रूह की चीजों में और भी अधिक अद्भुत खोजें की हैं।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Marvellous | Extraordinary (अद्भुत) |
✅
16. But we have no eye for these great and fine discoveries.
But we have no eye for these great and fine discoveries.
16. लेकिन इन महान और बेहतरीन खोजों के लिए हमारे पास नजर नहीं है।
✅
We are dazzled by the material progress that Western science has made.
We are dazzled by the material progress that Western science has made.
पश्चिमी विज्ञान ने जो भौतिक प्रगति की है, उससे हम चकाचौंध हैं।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Dazzled | Blinded by brightness/Impressed (चकाचौंध) |
✅
I am not enamoured of that progress.
I am not enamoured of that progress.
मैं उस प्रगति का दीवाना नहीं हूँ।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Enamoured | In love with/Fond of (दीवाना/मोहित) |
✅
In fact, it almost seems as though God in His wisdom has prevented India from progressing along those lines, so that it might fulfil its special mission of resisting the onrush of materialism.
In fact, it almost seems as though God in His wisdom has prevented India from progressing along those lines… resisting the onrush of materialism.
वास्तव में, ऐसा लगता है जैसे ईश्वर ने अपनी बुद्धिमत्ता से भारत को उन रेखाओं पर आगे बढ़ने से रोक दिया है, ताकि वह भौतिकवाद के हमले का विरोध करने के अपने विशेष मिशन को पूरा कर सके।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Wisdom | Knowledge/Insight (बुद्धिमत्ता) |
| Onrush | Sudden forward movement (हमला/बहाव) |
✨ Quick Summary: Paragraph 14-16
Spiritual Discoveries
While the West mastered the material world, India mastered the spiritual world. God kept India away from material progress so it could save the world from materialism.
✅
17. After all, there is something in Hinduism that has kept it alive up till now.
After all, there is something in Hinduism that has kept it alive up till now.
17. आखिरकार, हिंदू धर्म में कुछ तो है जिसने इसे अब तक जीवित रखा है।
✅
It has witnessed the fall of Babylonian, Syrian, Persian and Egyptian civilizations.
It has witnessed the fall of Babylonian, Syrian, Persian and Egyptian civilizations.
इसने बेबीलोनियन, सीरियन, फारसी और मिस्र की सभ्यताओं का पतन देखा है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Witnessed | Seen/Observed (देखा/गवाह बना) |
✅
Cast a look around you.
Cast a look around you.
अपने चारों ओर एक नज़र डालें।
✅
Where is Rome and where is Greece?
Where is Rome and where is Greece?
रोम कहाँ है और ग्रीस कहाँ है?
✅
Can you find today anywhere the Italy of Gibbon, or rather the ancient Rome, for Rome was Italy?
Can you find today anywhere the Italy of Gibbon, or rather the ancient Rome, for Rome was Italy?
क्या आप आज कहीं गिब्बन (इतिहासकार) का इटली पा सकते हैं, या प्राचीन रोम, क्योंकि रोम ही इटली था?
✅
18. Go to Greece. Where is the world-famous Attic civilization?
Go to Greece. Where is the world-famous Attic civilization?
18. ग्रीस जाओ। विश्व प्रसिद्ध अटारी (Attic) सभ्यता कहाँ है?
✅
Then coming to India, let one go through the most ancient records and then look around you and you would be constrained to say, “yes, I see here ancient India still living”.
Then coming to India… you would be constrained to say, “yes, I see here ancient India still living”.
फिर भारत आकर, कोई सबसे प्राचीन अभिलेखों को देखे और फिर अपने चारों ओर देखे और आप यह कहने के लिए विवश हो जाएंगे, ‘हाँ, मैं यहाँ प्राचीन भारत को अभी भी जीवित देखता हूँ’।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Constrained | Forced/Compelled (विवश) |
✅
19. True, there were dungheaps, too, here and there, but there are rich treasures buried under them.
True, there were dungheaps, too, here and there, but there are rich treasures buried under them.
19. सच है, यहाँ-वहाँ गोबर के ढेर भी थे, लेकिन उनके नीचे खजाने दबे हैं।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Dungheaps | Piles of waste/manure (गोबर के ढेर/गंदगी) |
✅
And the reason why it has survived is that the end which Hinduism set before it was not development along material but spiritual lines.
And the reason why it has survived is that the end which Hinduism set before it was not development along material but spiritual lines.
और इसके जीवित रहने का कारण यह है कि हिंदू धर्म ने अपने सामने जो लक्ष्य रखा था, वह भौतिक नहीं बल्कि आध्यात्मिक रेखाओं पर विकास था।
✨ Quick Summary: Paragraph 17-19
Survival of the Fittest
Ancient Rome and Greece are gone, but Ancient India lives on. Why? Because India focused on the spirit, not just the material world.
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20. Our civilization, our culture, our Swaraj depend not upon multiplying our wants – self-indulgence, but upon restricting wants – self denial.
Our civilization, our culture, our Swaraj depend not upon multiplying our wants – self-indulgence, but upon restricting wants – self denial.
20. हमारी सभ्यता, हमारी संस्कृति, हमारा स्वराज हमारी इच्छाओं को बढ़ाने – आत्म-भोग पर निर्भर नहीं करता है, बल्कि इच्छाओं को सीमित करने – आत्म-त्याग पर निर्भर करता है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Swaraj | Self-rule (स्वराज) |
| Self-indulgence | Satisfying one’s own desires (आत्म-भोग) |
| Self-denial | Denying oneself pleasures (आत्म-त्याग) |
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21. European civilization is, no doubt, suited for the Europeans but it will mean ruin for India if we endeavour to copy it.
European civilization is, no doubt, suited for the Europeans but it will mean ruin for India if we endeavour to copy it.
21. यूरोपीय सभ्यता, निस्संदेह, यूरोपीय लोगों के लिए उपयुक्त है, लेकिन अगर हम इसकी नकल करने का प्रयास करते हैं तो इसका मतलब भारत के लिए बर्बादी होगा।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Endeavour | Try hard (प्रयास करना) |
| Ruin | Destruction (बर्बादी) |
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This is not to say that we may not adopt and assimilate whatever may be good and capable of assimilation by us, as it does not also mean that even the Europeans will not have to part with whatever evil might have crept into it.
This is not to say that we may not adopt and assimilate whatever may be good… even the Europeans will not have to part with whatever evil might have crept into it.
इसका मतलब यह नहीं है कि हम जो कुछ भी अच्छा है और हमारे द्वारा आत्मसात करने में सक्षम है, उसे अपना और आत्मसात नहीं कर सकते, क्योंकि इसका मतलब यह भी नहीं है कि यूरोपीय लोगों को भी उस बुराई को नहीं छोड़ना होगा जो इसमें घुस गई हो।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Assimilate | Absorb/Integrate (आत्मसात करना) |
| Crept | Moved slowly/Entered secretly (घुस गई) |
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22. The incessant search for material comforts and their multiplication is such an evil and I make bold to say that the Europeans themselves will have to remodel their outlook, if they are not to perish under the weight of the comforts to which they are becoming slaves.
The incessant search for material comforts… Europeans themselves will have to remodel their outlook… if they are not to perish under the weight of the comforts…
22. भौतिक सुखों और उनकी वृद्धि के लिए निरंतर खोज एक ऐसी बुराई है और मैं यह कहने का साहस करता हूं कि यूरोपीय लोगों को खुद अपने दृष्टिकोण को फिर से तैयार करना होगा, यदि उन्हें उन सुखों के बोझ के नीचे नष्ट नहीं होना है जिनके वे गुलाम बन रहे हैं।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Incessant | Never stopping (निरंतर) |
| Perish | Die/Be destroyed (नष्ट होना) |
| Remodel | Change structure (फिर से तैयार करना) |
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It may be that my reading is wrong, but I know that for India to run after the Golden Fleece is to court certain death.
It may be that my reading is wrong, but I know that for India to run after the Golden Fleece is to court certain death.
हो सकता है कि मेरा पढ़ना (समझना) गलत हो, लेकिन मैं जानता हूं कि भारत के लिए ‘गोल्डन फ्लीस’ (असंभव भौतिक लक्ष्य) के पीछे भागना निश्चित मृत्यु को बुलावा देना है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Golden Fleece | Something difficult to obtain (असंभव लक्ष्य) |
| Court | Invite (risk) (बुलावा देना) |
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Let us engrave on our hearts the motto of a Western philosopher: “Plain living and high thinking”.
Let us engrave on our hearts the motto of a Western philosopher: “Plain living and high thinking”.
आइए हम अपने दिलों पर एक पश्चिमी दार्शनिक के आदर्श वाक्य को अंकित करें: ‘सादा जीवन और उच्च विचार’।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Engrave | Cut/Carve (अंकित करना) |
| Motto | Slogan/Maxim (आदर्श वाक्य) |
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Today it is certain that the millions cannot have high living and we the few, who profess to do the thinking for the masses, run the risk, in a vain search after high living, of missing high thinking.
Today it is certain that the millions cannot have high living… run the risk, in a vain search after high living, of missing high thinking.
आज यह निश्चित है कि लाखों लोगों का जीवन स्तर ऊंचा नहीं हो सकता है और हम कुछ लोग, जो जनता के लिए सोचने का दावा करते हैं, उच्च जीवन की व्यर्थ खोज में, उच्च सोच को खोने का जोखिम उठाते हैं।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Profess | Claim (दावा करना) |
| Vain | Useless (व्यर्थ) |
✨ Quick Summary: Paragraph 20-22
Plain Living, High Thinking
Copying Europe will ruin India. We should adopt good things but avoid the obsession with comfort. Our motto should be “Plain living and high thinking.”
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23. Civilization, in the real sense of the term, consists not in the multiplication, but in the deliberate and voluntary restriction of wants.
Civilization, in the real sense of the term, consists not in the multiplication, but in the deliberate and voluntary restriction of wants.
23. सभ्यता, शब्द के वास्तविक अर्थ में, इच्छाओं की वृद्धि में नहीं, बल्कि इच्छाओं के जानबूझकर और स्वैच्छिक प्रतिबंध में निहित है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Deliberate | Intentional (जानबूझकर) |
| Voluntary | Done of one’s own free will (स्वैच्छिक) |
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This alone increases and promotes contentment, real happiness and capacity for service.
This alone increases and promotes contentment, real happiness and capacity for service.
केवल यही संतोष, वास्तविक खुशी और सेवा की क्षमता को बढ़ाता है और बढ़ावा देता है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Contentment | Satisfaction (संतोष) |
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24. A certain degree of physical harmony and comfort is necessary but above a certain level it becomes a hindrance instead of help.
A certain degree of physical harmony and comfort is necessary but above a certain level it becomes a hindrance instead of help.
24. शारीरिक सामंजस्य और आराम की एक निश्चित डिग्री आवश्यक है लेकिन एक निश्चित स्तर से ऊपर यह मदद के बजाय बाधा बन जाती है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Harmony | Agreement/Balance (सामंजस्य) |
| Hindrance | Obstacle (बाधा) |
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Therefore, the ideal of creating an unlimited number of wants and satisfying them seems to be a delusion and a snare.
Therefore, the ideal of creating an unlimited number of wants and satisfying them seems to be a delusion and a snare.
इसलिए, असीमित संख्या में इच्छाएं पैदा करने और उन्हें पूरा करने का आदर्श एक भ्रम और जाल प्रतीत होता है।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Delusion | False belief (भ्रम) |
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The satisfaction of one’s physical needs, even the intellectual needs of one’s narrow self, must meet at a certain point a dead stop, before it degenerates into physical and intellectual voluptuousness.
The satisfaction of one’s physical needs… must meet at a certain point a dead stop, before it degenerates into physical and intellectual voluptuousness.
किसी की शारीरिक आवश्यकताओं की संतुष्टि, यहाँ तक कि किसी के संकीर्ण स्व की बौद्धिक आवश्यकताओं की संतुष्टि को भी एक निश्चित बिंदु पर रुक जाना चाहिए, इससे पहले कि वह शारीरिक और बौद्धिक विलासिता में बदल जाए।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Degenerates | Deteriorates (बदल जाना/बिगड़ना) |
| Voluptuousness | Luxury/Sensual pleasure (विलासिता) |
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A man must arrange his physical and cultural circumstances so that they do not hinder him in his service of humanity on which all his energies should be concentrated.
A man must arrange his physical and cultural circumstances so that they do not hinder him in his service of humanity on which all his energies should be concentrated.
एक आदमी को अपनी शारीरिक और सांस्कृतिक परिस्थितियों को इस तरह व्यवस्थित करना चाहिए कि वे मानवता की सेवा में बाधा न बनें, जिस पर उसकी सारी ऊर्जा केंद्रित होनी चाहिए।
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Concentrated | Focused (केंद्रित) |
✨ Quick Summary: Paragraph 23-24
Service over Self
Comfort is good up to a point, but too much comfort stops us from serving others. We should limit our needs so we can focus our energy on serving humanity.