The “nine secrets” (Navagopyani) mentioned in Sanskrit literature refer to aspects of life that should be kept hidden or handled with great discretion to ensure a balanced, peaceful, and prosperous life.
According to the traditional shloka:
आयुर्वित्तं गृहच्छिद्रं मन्त्रमैथुनभेषजम्।
अपमानं तपो दानं नव गोप्यानि यत्नतः॥
(āyurvittaṃ gṛhacchidraṃ mantramaithunabheṣajam |
apamānaṃ tapo dānaṃ nava gopyāni yatnataḥ ||)
The nine secrets are:
Age (आयुर् – Āyur): It is advised not to disclose one’s age, as it can lead to unnecessary judgment or biases.
Wealth (वित्तं – Vittaṃ): Keeping one’s financial status private prevents envy, jealousy, and unnecessary demands from others.
Home faults/Domestic issues (गृहच्छिद्रं – Gṛhacchidraṃ): Personal or family problems, vulnerabilities, and internal conflicts should not be discussed publicly to maintain dignity and peace.
Mantra (मन्त्र – Mantra): Spiritual formulas or personal prayers are considered secret because they are personal, intimate, and sacred practices.
Sexual union (मैथुन – Maithuna): Sexual intimacy is considered private and sacred.
Medicine (भेषजं – Bheṣajaṃ): Personal medical conditions or treatments should remain confidential for privacy.
Insults/Dishonor (अपमानं – Apamānaṃ): Any dishonor or disrespect experienced should not be shared, as it can encourage others to treat you with contempt.
Austerity/Penance (तपो – Tapo): Spiritual practices, penance, and vows should be silent to avoid ego and to make them more effective.
Charity (दानं – Dānaṃ): Donations and acts of charity should be done anonymously, without boasting, to ensure they are for the benefit of others rather than for self-glorification.
These nine secrets are meant to protect an individual’s personal life, emotional well-being, and social standing.
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