“Ascetics renounce the noise of the world for the silence of wisdom.”
This isn't one of Bhartrihari's verses. It is an idea from commentary on them. For his own words, see the verses we've referenced.
About the poet: Bhartrihari
Bhartrihari is the Sanskrit poet to whom the Shatakatraya is attributed: three collections of about 100 verses each, usually dated to around the 5th century CE. They cover worldly conduct (Niti), love (Shringara) and renunciation (Vairagya), often in a wry, sceptical voice.
More from Bhartrihari
- “Hope is like a river, eroding patience and fortitude.”
- “Material accomplishments pale before spiritual wisdom.”
- “Meditation is the key to inner tranquility.”
- “Though the body weakens, desire alone remains youthful.”
- “Even kings must submit to the passage of time.”
- “Even the greatest empires crumble under the weight of time.”