“Alasyam hi manushyanam sharirastho mahan ripuh” is a famous Sanskrit shloka highlighting that laziness is the greatest enemy residing within a human’s body. The full shloka emphasizes that hard work (Udyama) is the best friend, as those who work hard never face despair or failure.
It is mentioned in Niti Shatakam which is a renowned Sanskrit text composed by the ancient Indian poet and philosopher Bhartrihari. Niti Shatakam is a collection of around 100 verses that focus on morals, ethics, and practical wisdom for living a noble and successful life.
alasyam hi manushyanam – Sanskrit with Hindi & English meaning
आलस्यं हि मनुष्याणां शरीरस्थो महान् रिपुः ।
नास्त्युद्यमसमो बन्धुः कृत्वा यं नावसीदति ॥ – Niti Shatakam verse 86
Hindi Meaning
मनुष्यों के शरीर में रहने वाला आलस्य ही सबसे बड़ा शत्रु होता है | परिश्रम जैसा कोई अन्य मित्र नहीं होता क्योंकि परिश्रम करने वाला कभी दुखी नहीं होता |
English meaning
Laziness is the biggest enemy residing in one’s body, and hard work is the best friend. One who does hard work can never see unhappiness in his life
