In times of need, everyone shows good behavior. The true test of character is when one shows good behavior even when it is not expected. A Sanskrit verse demonstrates this point:
ārtā devān namasyanti
tapaḥ kurvanti rogiṇaḥ
nirdhanā dānam icchanti
vṛddhā nārī pati-vratā
"The distressed automatically start paying obeisances to the gods [for they have no other option]. The diseased naturally perform various austerities [for they have no other option]. The poverty-stricken desire to give big donations [for they do not have the option of doing it in real life] and an old lady automatically shows devotion to her husband [for all hope of attracting paramours is lost]."
— (Subhāṣita-ratna-bhāṇḍāgāra, Sāmānya-nītiḥ, page 157, Verse 168)
[Import: Therefore saintly souls advise that 'dharma' or true religion must be performed even when there seems to be no selfish results being offered in return.]
Love to collect these jewels of wisdom from Subhashita Ratna Bhandagara!
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