My cousin own a number of books in her Almira. From finest English literature to Bhagwad Gita. However she is only interested in owning them, rather than putting them in realnuse. She doesn't read nor ever try to learn tye context of the books. In my opinion, she is not making full use of her collection. A Sanskrit verses is very similar in this context :
यथा खरः चन्दन भारवाही भारस्य वेत्ता नतु चन्दनस्य
एवं हि शस्त्राणि बहूनि अधीत्य अर्थेषु मूढाः खरवद् वहन्ति
Yathaa kharahh chandan bhaarwaahi bhaarasya vetta na to chandanasya.
Evam hi shashtraani bahuni adhitya artheshu moodhaah kharwad vahanti.
Yathaa = just like.
Khar = donkey.
Chandan = Sandlewood.
Bhaar = load.
Bhaarwaahi = one who bears the load.
Evam = similarly.
Bahuni = many.
Shashtra = Books on various disciplines of learning such as Astronomy Drama, Music etc known as Jyotish Shashtra, Naatya Shashtra and Sangeet Shashtra etc.
Artha = real meaning.
Moodha = an unintelligent or foolish person..
Artheshu moodha = A person, who although lettered, is unaware of the real intent and the philosophy of the Shashtras.
Kharvad = like a donkey.
Vahanti = carries, bears.
i.e. Just as a donkey carrying a bundle of sandlewood feels only the load and is not aware of the value of the load, similarly an unintelligent and foolish person owning a collection of books on various topics but unaware of their contents and importance, possesses them just like a donkey.
The sanskrit lines highlights the importance of of our knowledge and education. At times we come across persons, who are very proud of their being literate and having read so many Shashtras, but are actually unaware of the real intent and philosophy hidden in those Shashtras (Artheshu moodhah). They are just like a donkey carrying a load of sandlewood.
