The Positive Background of Hindu Sociology c13.s3.t1.5

c13.s3.t1.5

III, 1. (*jitakleśasya pauruṣam*) is translated by Thomas as "Manliness is the quality of one superior to weakness." He renders *kleśa*=weakness. But the sense requires that it should be rendered as difficulties, troubles, pains etc. We then understand Brihaspati as saying that "manliness comes through conquest of difficulties and troubles etc." It is only then that Brihaspati's message about *pauruṣa* can become explicit in the next verse which describes the manner of acquiring it. *Deśāntaravāsena jitakleśo bhavati*. In Thomas's rendering "one becomes superior to weakness by residence in other countries." More appropriately, we should say that it is by residence in other countries that one becomes conqueror of difficulties and troubles, etc. The word "weakness" applies to something subjective inherent in the person himself while *kleśa* as used by Brihaspati is something external to the person, engendered by the circumstances or conditions of life. It is by overpowering those unfavourable or unpleasant conditions that the person acquires the mental or moral attributes of *pauruṣa*.