नमन्ति फलिनो वृक्षाः नमन्ति गुरिणो जनाः। शुष्कवृक्षस्य मूर्खस्य न कदाचन ॥
Translation:
* नमन्ति फलिनो वृक्षाः (namanti phalinō vṛkshāḥ): Fruitful trees bow down.
* नमन्ति गुरिणो जनाः (namanti gurīṇō janāḥ): People bow down to their elders (or knowledgeable ones).
* शुष्कवृक्षस्य मूर्खस्य न कदाचन (shushkavṛkshasya mūrkshasya na kadāchan): A dry tree (representing a foolish person) never bows down.
Meaning:
The shloka is a metaphorical statement highlighting the importance of respect and gratitude. It emphasizes that those who are fruitful, beneficial, and knowledgeable (like a fruitful tree) are worthy of respect and admiration. In contrast, those who are useless, empty, and foolish (like a dry tree) are not worthy of respect, no matter how high they stand.
Interpretation:
This shloka encourages us to:
* Respect and appreciate those who contribute positively to our lives.
* Recognize the value of knowledge and wisdom.
* Avoid the company of foolish people who offer no benefit.
The shloka also highlights the importance of humility and the fact that true greatness lies not in outward appearances, but in inner qualities.