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परोपदेशे पाण्डित्यं सर्वेषां सुकरं नृणाम् ।धर्मे स्वीयमनुष्ठानं कस्यचित्तु महात्मनः ।।paropadeshe paandityam sarveShaam sukaram nrNaam |Dharme sveeyamanuShTaanam kashyachiththu mahaathmanah ||Meaning: Having mastered the art of advising others, people do it at all times and with pleasure. Focusing intently on doing one's duty always, is a difficult skill possessed only by extraordinary people.In this episode, Dr. N. Hema Malini and Madhavi Nadig discuss the beauty of serving silently.Advising others on what to do is easy. But doing “the right thing” ourselves, in every situation and in all spheres of our lives, is hard.This subhashitha is the exact opposite of “Do as I say, not as I do.”Notice those leading unassuming lives, helping others with their education, finance or other issues, expecting nothing in return, but doing whatever needs to be done with a smile. They embody the philosophy of this subhashitha.This person could be your friend, relative, mentor, colleague, or a neighbour.They do not crave publicity. Hence look around you with a keen eye to identify them.They will live out this philosophy even when no one is watching.Dr. Hema Malini quotes from D.V.G.’s poem Vanasuma (ವನಸುಮ) or “The Forest Flower”."ವನಸುಮದೊಲೆನ್ನ ಜೀವನವು ವಿಕಸಿಸುವಂತೆ ಮನವನನುಗೊಳಿಸೋ | ಗುರುವೆ ಹೇ ದೇವ !ಜಗಕೆ ಸಂತಸವೀವ ಘನನು ನಾನೆಂದೆಂಬಎಣಿಕೆ ತೋರದೆ ಜಗದ ಪೊಗಳಿಕೆಗೆ ಬಾಯ್ ಬಿಡದೆ"This translates to"May my life bloom like a wild flower in the forestAlign my mind thus | O my guru and Lord!Help me shower happiness on the world, without the arrogance that I am the source,Without counting on this world singing my praises, let me serve in silence."DVG prays, “Just as the wild flower blooms in the forest, unseen and egoless, help me lead a fulfilling life, where my mind is unattached and expects nothing, O my Teacher and Lord! Though I may spread happiness, let me do it without arrogance and without soliciting praise.”In workplaces too, we see extroverts take pleasure in speaking about their work while introverts choose silence. It may create a false impression about who does the work.A good leader ensures both introverts and extroverts pitch in in decision-making, adopting ways best suited to each team member’s nature.The popular opinion about the Mahabharatha war is that Arjuna is the greatest warrior who won the war for the Pandavas. But it was Bheema who killed each of the 100 Kauravas, fulfilling his vow to his wife. Arjuna steals the limelight, while Bheema’s contributions, though equally important, are usually sidelined.In another story from the Mahabharatha, Yudhishthira and Krishna once came across a cart full of flowers in the forest. Krishna pointed out that Yudhishthira had offered these flowers to Him during his puja. Later, Yudhishthira is puzzled to see a line of carts filled with flowers. Krishna reveals that while Bheema went about performing his duties, he also worshipped Krishna by offering all the flowers he came across to Him. Bheema’s bhakti was not ritualistic, unlike Yudhishthira’s.This subhashitha teaches us that it’s unnecessary to blow our own trumpets, seeking external validation and praise. Good actions will automatically yield good outcomes, and honour will follow.Does this subhashitha remind you of anyone? Please share their story.@susambhashanam on Instagram & YouTube