Many studies and researches have shown that practicing appreciation and gratitude can increase positive emotions, improve mental health, and even lead to a longer life. We should appreciate valuable things in life because it promotes overall well-being, leading to greater happiness, contentment, and a more positive outlook. But not everyone able to find the happiness. Sanskrit have a deep understanding citing an example of a monkey. It says ;
हारं वक्षसि केनापि दत्तमज्ञेन मर्कटः|
लेढि जिघ्रति संक्षिप्यः करोत्युन्नतमासनम् ||
Haaram vakshasi kenaapi dattamagyena markatah.
ledhi jighrati smkshipyah karotyunnatamaasanam.
Haaram = a necklace
Vakshasi = on the chest.
Kenaapi = Kena + api.
Kenaapi = whichever
Dattamagyena = Dattam + agyena.
Dattam = given.
Agyena = ignorant, stupid.
Markatah = a monkey.
Ledhi = by liking.
Jighrati = perceives by smelling
Samkshpyah = by compressing.
Karotyunnatamaasanam = karoti + unnatam + aasanam.
Karoti = does.
Unnatam = lifting up.
Aasanam = sitting.
i.e. Under no circumstances should a diamond or pearl necklace be worn on the chest of an ignorant monkey because due to ignorance, he will mistake the necklace for some edible item and will lick it, smell it, press it with his hands and finally pick it up (take it off from the neck) and sit on it.
The meaning of this proverb is that ignorant people do not have the ability to appreciate qualities and they do not know how to give proper respect to valuable things and scholars. It is often seen in life that a foolish and ignorant person, unable to value the true worth of valuable things in life. The person who is unable to appreciate what they have is often one who will continue to chase an illusive ideal, failing to find lasting contentment.
The monkey in this context, unable to understand the worth of the necklace and assumed it to be a waste and in process spoil everything.
