*An expert in counselling others*
परोपदेशे पाण्डित्यं सर्वेषां सुकरं नृणाम् ।
धर्मे स्वीयमनुष्ठानं कस्यचित् तु महात्मनः ।। Hitopadesha
Meaning: It is easy for all people to be highly learned while advising others. But personal observance of righteousness is seen in some rare great soul.
Explanation: Most of us are quite quick, loquacious and knowledgeable in counseling others when they need counsel. It is as though wisdom and righteousness spring from our inside. However, charity has to begin at home. When we face a similar situation we may not follow the same advice which we have tendered to our friends. We may try to find shortcuts to avoid the more strenuous path of dharma. It is only an extremely rare and great person that can follow the counsel which he tenders to others.
The word dharma, used in the second line of the poem is an important concept. Etymologically, it refers to the code or canon which guides the society, sustains the society and holds it from breaking apart. It is larger than the word 'law'. Law is implementable by the state but dharma has several guidelines which cannot be enforced by law but which form part of the right conduct. Not respecting elders is not punishable by law but it is bad in dharma.
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