krodhāt bālaṁ tudati

 The phrase “krodhāt bālaṁ tudati” means “A child is beaten or punished out of anger,” emphasizing the moral that actions driven by anger can lead to harm.

Breakdown of the Phrase

krodhāt (क्रोधात्) 

This is the ablative singular form of krodha (anger), meaning “out of anger”

or “due to anger” 

2

. The ablative case here indicates the cause or

reason for the action.

bālaṁ (बालं) 

 This is the accusative singular of bāla (child), which serves as the object

of the action, meaning “the child”

tudati (तुदति)

This is the present tense, 3rd person singular form of the verb tud 

(to beat, strike, punish). So it translates as “beats” or “punishes”

Combined Meaning

When combined, the literal translation is:

• “Out of anger, he/she beats the child.”

Contextual/Philosophical Interpretation

In Sanskrit literature and dharmic texts, phrases like this often carry moral

or ethical implications, suggesting that acting in anger can lead to unjust

harm, particularly toward the innocent or weaker. It teaches restraint 

and awareness of emotional impulses when performing one’s duties

or interacting with others.

Usage Notes

• Such phrases are common in classical Sanskrit stories, epics, or 
• instruction manuals, e.g., the Mahābhārata or Panchatantra,
• illustrating cause-effect relationships in human behavior.
• The structure [ablative + accusative + verb] is standard for expressing
• an action done due to a particular cause or emotion in Sanskrit
• grammar.

Thus, “krodhāt bālaṁ tudati” serves both as a literal description 

and as a moral aphorism about the consequences of anger

Wisdom Library+2

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