Samskruta Mouktikaani

September 25th

2011-09-25T00:01:00.061-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यदि सत्सङ्गनिरतो भविष्यसि भविष्यसि ।
तथा सज्जनगोष्ठिषु पतिष्यसि पतिष्यसि ॥
- हितोपदेश, मित्रलाभ

Transliteration:
yadi satsa~nganirato bhaviShyasi bhaviShyasi |
tathaa sajjanagoShThiShu patiShyasi patiShyasi ||
- hitopadesha, mitralaabha

Meaning of the subhAShita:

If (you) stay in good company, you shall stay. Similarly, if (you) fall off from good company, (you) shall fall.

Commentary:

One's character is immensely influenced by the company he keeps. The more one stays in good company, the better he prospers. That, in turn implies, that when one's company or association is not up to the mark, he shall fall off from the pedestal of character. The company one keeps speaks volumes about his mettle. Someone once said, 'tell me thy friends and I shall tell you thy character'! Such is the profoundness of one's association. The more one keeps good company, the more he grows. The more one moves away from it, the more he regresses. One has to be mindful of this always. It is not a goal to achieve one day and forget all about it! It is a constant process towards progress.

The beauty of the verse, is also in the play of the words. The verse at first shot might seem confusing or even wrong! But punctuation is powerful. There is a ',' between the two bhaviShyasi-s and the two patiShyasi-s! The first bhaviShyasi indicates, being in good company. The second one means, you shall be (as in, survive)! Similarly, the first patiShyasi means, fall off from good company. The second one implies, you shall fall (in morality and survival)!!

May each person be good and keep good company, so the entire universe will become a 'company to keep' :).

pada vigrahaH:
यदि सत्-सङ्ग-निरतः भविष्यसि भविष्यसि ।
yadi sat-sa~gga-nirataH bhaviShyasi bhaviShyasi |

तथा सज्जन-गोष्ठिषु पतिष्यसि पतिष्यसि ॥
tathaa sajjana-goShThiShu patiShyasi patiShyasi ||

September 23rd

2011-09-23T00:01:00.079-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
शमार्थं सर्वशास्त्राणि विहितानि मनीषिभिः ।
स एव सर्वशास्त्रज्ञः यस्य शान्तं मनः सदा ॥
- महाभारत

Transliteration:
shamaarthaM sarvashaastraaNi vihitaani manIShibhiH |
sa eva sarvashaastraj~naH yasya shaantaM manaH sadaa ||
- mahaabhaarata

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The learned contrived all the shaastras (treatises) to quieten the mind. He alone is cognizant of all shaastraas, whose mind is calm at all times.

Commentary:

It is said that data is not information, information is not knowledge, knowledge is not understanding, understanding is not wisdom. Gaining that wisdom, is the very purpose of reading treatises.

The very purport of the contrivers of those treatises, is to teach the reader, how to quieten the mind. All the shaastras proclaim the same wisdom - quietening of the mind. It is like the many rivers flowing, with the same purpose of pouring into the mighty ocean. If one has already reached the ocean, why would he be required to know the flow of the river? Hence, the poet says, he who already knows how to keep the mind calm and placid, has true cognizance and mastery over all the shaastras! He does not have to read any shaastras or work towards achieving a goal in life. Because, he would have already achieved the purpose of any being's reason for existence!

Each one of us is running in all directions in search of ONE THING and that is tranquility of mind. The very mind, that is right within ourselves! He who has won that fort has nothing else to achieve! May each and every one of us find that inner peace and find it soon. That shall certainly make the noisy world a much more quieter and serene place to be in!

pada vigrahaH:
शम-अर्थं सर्व-शास्त्राणि विहितानि मनीषिभिः ।
shama-arthaM sarva-shaastraaNi vihitaani manIShibhiH |

स एव सर्व-शास्त्रज्ञः यस्य शान्तं मनः सदा ॥
sa eva sarva-shaastraj~naH yasya shaantaM manaH sadaa ||

September 16th

2011-09-16T00:01:00.096-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वृक्षान् छित्वा पशून्हत्वा कृत्वा रुदिरकर्दमम् ।
यद्येवं गम्यते स्वर्गे नरकः केन गम्यते ॥
- पञ्चतन्त्र, काकोलूकीय

Transliteration:
vRukShaan Chitvaa pashUnhatvaa kRutvaa rudirakardamam |
yadyevaM gamyate swarge narakaH kena gamyate ||
- pa~nchatantra, kaakolUkIya

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Tearing down trees, massacring animals, having created a bloody mire - if this is how heaven is attained, (then) hell is attained by whom?!

Commentary:

There is a story where a little boy came to a tree. The tree gave him leaves to play with. He would climb on the trunk and swing from the branches. When the boy grew up, the tree provided the man with fruit and wood to build his home. When the man wanted more, the tree gave more, until only a stump was left. Even then, when the weary man came by, the stump straightened up and gave him a place to sit on! Such is the magnanimity of the tree. But then, in return, man loots and loots, until nothing is left, like there is no tomorrow! What to say about the massacring of animals? The millions that are slain in the name of animal farming is appalling. Does man realize what a bloody quagmire he is creating and letting flow? Does he understand that he is hurting himself in the long haul? Does he even comprehend that there are repercussions for his actions?

No one wants to go to hell. The wish and hope of all beings, is to reach heaven. With those aspirations in mind, if man's actions are thus, one can only imagine the brutality if the aim was to actually reach hell!! The poet sarcastically says, if these beings reach the garden of Eden, who else shall make it to Hades?!!

Heaven or hell is not for attaining after life, but to create them here and now! One can either make earth a green heaven on a bloody hell! It is all in our own hands.

pada vigrahaH:
वृक्षान् छित्वा पशून् हत्वा कृत्वा रुदिर-कर्दमम् ।
vRukShaan Chitvaa pashUn hatvaa kRutvaa rudira-kardamam |

यदि एवं गम्यते स्वर्गे नरकः केन गम्यते ॥
yadi evaM gamyate swarge narakaH kena gamyate ||

September 9th

2011-09-09T00:01:00.044-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वनस्पतेरपक्वानि फलानि प्रचिनोति यः ।
स नाप्नोति रसं तेभ्यो बीजं चास्य विनश्यति ॥
- विदुरनीति

Transliteration:
vanaspaterapakvaani phalaani prachinoti yaH |
sa naapnoti rasaM tebhyo bIjaM chaasya vinashyati ||
- viduranIti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

He who plucks the unripe fruit from the fruit trees, not only doesn't he acquire their juices, but spoils its seed as well.

Commentary:

When a fruit is not ripe, it is not ready for plucking. Nature has designed things so perfectly, that, when a fruit is ripe, just a small touch is enough for it to detach itself from the tree and fall into one's hand! Not only that, the peel separates from the fruit easily and so does the seed (if it is inside)! There is not much effort needed. When such a perfect design is tampered, it is quite natural that the result is tampered as well. If the fruit is plucked when it is unripe, all its juices wouldn't have reached their peak. Their flavors would not have developed to their entirety. The seed inside, wouldn't have reached its fullest potential either! All these would not be available to their fullest potential for enjoyment. Why risk so many losses?!

Keeping the patience till the fruit is ready for harvest, reaps far many more benefits to the person than to one that loses his patience. Hurrying up nature won't work. The tree will not ripen the fruit as per the onlooker's schedule after all! Only time can fill in the right juices in the right proportions.

Similarly, in all walks of life, one has to do the right things. at the right time, at the right place. The same action done in an untimely manner will most certainly turn out wasteful. One can not say, 'but I put in a lot of effort'!! For, it is not the effort alone that yields results, it is the perfect timing as well. Just like a player can not hit a goal even before the game starts and expect to score, one has to put in his efforts in the right direction at all times.

After all, doing what's right, the right way at the right time, is the key to success in all walks of life!

pada vigrahaH:
वनस्पतेः अ-पक्वानि फलानि प्रचिनोति यः ।
vanaspateH a-pakvaani phalaani prachinoti yaH |

स न आप्नोति रसं तेभ्यः बीजं च अस्य विनश्यति ॥
sa na aapnoti rasaM tebhyaH bIjaM cha asya vinashyati ||

September 2nd

2011-09-02T00:01:00.007-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सदा वक्रस्सदारुष्टः सदापूजामपेक्षते ।
कन्याराशिस्थितो नित्यं जामाता दशमो ग्रहः ॥

Transliteration:
sadaa vakrassadaaruShTaH sadaapUjaamapekShate |
kanyaaraashisthito nityaM jaamaataa dashamo grahaH ||

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Always crooked, always angry, always expecting veneration - put up in the 'kanyaa raashi' (sun sign virgo, also implying the daughter) eternally, son-in-law is the tenth planet.

Commentary:

It is a norm amongst some, that a son-in-law should be given special care and treatment by the parents of the girl. Such a son-in-law is known to be ever angry and always finding faults with anything that is done. The parents are constantly anxious about providing the best possible care and attention to their son-in-law. They are weary tending to him all the time. This seems to be a verse emerging out of the plight of such parents who have given their daughter in marriage to a very demanding man. Hence, they are expressing their plight in a satirical way, comparing the son-in-law to be the tenth planet, sitting in the 'kanyaa raashi' (kanyaa happens to be one of the 'zodiac signs' (virgo) and also means 'daughter') eternally.

Not necessarily all son-in-laws have this attitude, but some of them that do have, bring out the poet in a person to say such a verse. More than what this stands for, this one is shared for its sense of humor, in which a given scenario is presented in the language. How even a mundane issue is addressed humorously and satirically!

May not any parents feel this kind of pain, nor a son-in-law get this kind of a name....

pada vigrahaH:
सदा वक्रः सदा रुष्टः सदा पूजाम् अपेक्षते ।

sadaa vakraH sadaa ruShTaH sadaa pUjaam apekShate |

कन्या-राशि-स्थितो नित्यं जामाता दशमः ग्रहः ॥
kanyaa-raashi-sthito nityaM jaamaataa dashamaH grahaH ||

August 26th

2011-08-26T00:01:00.061-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वलीभिर्मुखमाक्रान्तं पलितैरङ्कितं शिरः ।
गात्राणि शिथिलायन्ते तृष्णैका तरुणायते ॥
- वैराग्यशतक

Transliteration:
valIbhirmukhamaakraantaM palitaira~nkitaM shiraH |
gaatraaNi shithilaayante tRuShNaikaa taruNaayate ||
- vairaagyashataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Face encroached in wrinkles; head marked by grays; limbs frail/feeble; appetence alone is young!

Commentary:

Gray hair, wrinkled face and feeble limbs are all signs of impending old age. The organs lax and become fragile and incoherent because they have grown, matured, enjoyed being their best during youth and ripened due to time and usage. But then, there is one very powerful trait of the being that doesn't undergo this cycle of growing, maturing, enjoying at its best and then... ripening! It for sure undergoes the first three stages. But on reaching its pinnacle it just remains there and keeps growing wider and deeper! It is insatiable and infinitely growing as well!! 'Appetence', 'thirst', 'intense craving', 'strong desire'.... Many are its names, but effects all the same. It is insatiable at any age! A new craving, a new thirst, a new desire.... once that is satisfied, there is some other craving, thirst or desire, ready to take over.... This seems to have no end at any stage of life. The poet observes that thirst is the only attribute of the being, that gets stuck in its youth and never outgrows that stage! The rest of the organs show clear signs of dilapidation!

The thirst of desire can never be fulfilled nor fully quenched. If drinking salt water, you drink and the thirst increases. Desire is just the same! The more it is fed, the more it increases. Nipping it in the bud is the easiest way of conquering it, they say.

pada vigrahaH:
वलीभिः मुखम् आक्रान्तं पलितैः अङ्कितं शिरः ।
valIbhiH mukham aakraantaM palitaiH a~nkitaM shiraH |

गात्राणि शिथिलायन्ते तृष्णा एका तरुणायते ॥
gaatraaNi shithilaayante tRuShNaa ekaa taruNaayate ||

August 19th

2011-08-19T00:01:00.062-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
गृहं गृहमटन् भिक्षुः शिक्षते न तु याचते ।
अदत्वा मादृशो मा भूः दत्वा त्वं त्वादृशो भव ॥
- अज्ञात

Transliteration:
gRuhaM gRuhamaTan bhikShuH shikShate na tu yaachate |
adatvaa maadRusho maa bhUH datvaa tvaM tvaadRusho bhava ||
- aj~naata

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Roaming from home to home, the cadger is not begging but teaching - do not become like myself, by not giving, but remain like yourself, by giving.

Commentary:

Why does a beggar go from house to house, begging for alms? Is it because he does not have enough so he goes begging? The poet says, 'not really'!! The poet opines that the cadger goes from home to home, in order to teach the dwellers a very important moral. He wants to teach them, remain like yourself by giving alms, do not become like me by being close-fisted! How does he justify that? Hands that give shall also receive. To lead a comfortable life in the society, the inhabitant of the home sure has received many a blessings and favors to lead the kind of life he does. By giving to those in need, he will only better his chances of receiving generously further in his own life. Without giving, he is certain to run out of credits in his account of good deeds and land up on the streets like the cadger himself!! So the cadger is walking around, as if, warning the avaricious that, without giving, the same shall be their fate, sooner or later.

By giving, one only makes his own life better. In giving, the bigger beneficiary is the giver really! For, the contentment that comes in giving, is far less than the satisfaction of receiving. Give with all your heart.

pada vigrahaH:
गृहं गृहम् अटन् भिक्षुः शिक्षते न तु याचते ।
gRuhaM gRuham aTan bhikShuH shikShate na tu yaachate |

अदत्वा मादृशः मा भूः दत्वा त्वं त्वादृशः भव ॥
adatvaa maadRushaH maa bhUH datvaa tvaM tvaadRushaH bhava ||

August 12th

2011-08-12T00:01:00.027-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
इदमेव हि पाण्डित्यं चातुर्यमिदमेव हि ।
इदमेव सुबुद्धित्वमायादल्पतरो व्ययः ॥
- समयोचितपद्यमालिका

Transliteration:
idameva hi paaNDityaM chaaturyamidameva hi |
idameva subuddhitvamaayaadalpataro vyayaH ||
- samayochitapadyamaalikaa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

This alone is erudition, this alone is dexterity, this alone is good intellect - expense less than revenue.

Commentary:

Not stretching beyond means!

What one possesses, only that he can expend. What one owns, only that he can give. What one earns, only that he can spend. Isn't this a straight forward philosophy? The poet opines that this alone is erudition, dexterity and good intellect. Although all these, are different facets of decision making, the emphasis here is 'all these have to give the same end result'. There is no choice about it. For, owing to someone is a burden of the heaviest kind. Even enslaving someone may be a better choice, for only the person is pawned for that. But to a debtor, the heaviest interest one pays is his dignity and self-respect!

The most sensible way to avoid getting into this scenario is, living within one's means. Not stretching beyond what one can afford. Always having some stored for a rainy day. Even ants do that! Shouldn't humans do it more ardently :).

Spending is quick, earning is slow. Beware! Earn slowly, spend more slowly :).

pada vigrahaH:
इदम् एव हि पाण्डित्यं चातुर्यम् इदम् एव हि ।

idam eva hi paaNDityaM chaaturyam idam eva hi |

इदम् एव सु-बुद्धित्वम् आयात् अल्पतरः व्ययः ॥
idam eva su-buddhitvam aayaat alpataraH vyayaH ||

August 5th

2011-08-05T00:01:00.060-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
घटं भिद्यात् पटं छिन्द्यात् कुर्यात् रासभरोहणम् ।
येन केनाप्युपायेन प्रसिद्धः पुरुषो भवेत् ॥
- समयोचितपद्यमालिका

Transliteration:
ghaTaM bhidyaat paTaM Chindyaat kuryaat raasabharohaNam |
yena kenaapyupaayena prasiddhaH puruSho bhavet ||
- samayochitapadyamaalikaa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Destroy a pot, tear up a cloth, (or) mount a donkey (too)! By one means or another, become a famous man!!

Commentary:

By hook or crook, achieve thy goal. This seems to be the tag line some people ardently believe in!

The poet sarcastically says, to become famous, some will resort to any means. That could be breaking things and making noise, tearing stuff and attracting attention, or even riding a donkey to make a statement!

This is appalling to some, but comes naturally to few others. They create all kinds of drama around themselves get the spot light onto themselves. It is like they say, people whose pictures are published in the news paper are famous. So, to become famous (and be on the news paper), one can either be a good cop or a great thief. Pictures of both the people shall be published!! It is upto oneself to choose his route of becoming famous :).

It is said that fame is the advantage of being known to people you don't know nor care to know about! It is all ephemeral, the fame as well as the famous. Why run behind something so tentative and unreal, trading at the price of truth, honesty and morale?!

Make thy pick...

pada vigrahaH:
घटं भिद्यात् पटं छिन्द्यात् कुर्यात् रासभ रोहणम् ।
ghaTaM bhidyaat paTaM Chindyaat kuryaat raasabha rohaNam |

येन केनापि उपायेन प्रसिद्धः पुरुषः भवेत् ॥
yena kenaapi upaayena prasiddhaH puruShaH bhavet ||

July 29th

2011-07-29T00:01:00.080-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उपकर्तुं यथा स्वल्पः समर्थो न तथा महान् ।
प्रायः कूपस्तृषां हन्ति न कदापि तु वारिधिः ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नसमुच्चय

Transliteration:
upakartuM yathaa svalpaH samartho na tathaa mahaan |
praayaH kUpastRuShaaM hanti na kadaapi tu vaaridhiH ||
- subhaaShitaratnasamuchchaya

Meaning of the subhAShita:

In the way a trifle can be of assistance, the great may not be able to. Probably a well can quench the thirst, but never the (mighty) ocean.

Commentary:

Each in its own space and time. The purpose of one can not be served by the other. An ocean may be all mighty and magnificent. But when a thirsty man comes to it, he will look for a different source of drinking water. Although the ocean is a store house of the most percentage of water available on earth, although torrential rains are an ounce in the face of its capacity, not a drop of it is useful in quenching the thirst of a weary traveler! But then, a well, which is a minuscule speck in comparison to the ocean, may very well be a heavenly sight to the parched throat of a tired hiker.

Same holds good in all aspects of life. Each person can not be the leader of the world! If that is true, then who will they lead?! As much as leaders are required, people that need to be lead are essential as well. Every man can't be an architect, there needs to be someone to build the structure as well. That means, the builder can not become the architect either. One person's shoe can not fit another. At the same time, the existence of each and every being is very important.

For that matter, the existence of every grain of sand and blade of grass is crucial. If it wasn't required to be there, He would have already made sure that it was not there! If it is there, it already is important and essential. So are beings. If they weren't special and essential, the Lord wouldn't have made them!!

Never disrespect anything or anyone based on their pervasiveness. All are indispensable in their own unique ways! Value for what they essentially are. A great man once said, 'Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.'!! What a profound statement that is!

pada vigrahaH:
उपकर्तुं यथा स्वल्पः समर्थः न तथा महान् ।
upakartuM yathaa svalpaH samarthaH na tathaa mahaan |

प्रायः कूपः तृषां हन्ति न कदा अपि तु वारिधिः ॥
praayaH kUpaH tRuShaaM hanti na kadaa api tu vaaridhiH ||

July 22nd

2011-07-22T00:01:00.082-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
रात्रिर्गमिष्यति भविष्यति सुप्रभातम्
भास्वानुदेष्यति हसिष्यति पङ्कजश्रीः ।
इत्थं विचिन्तयति कोशगते द्विरेफे
हा हन्त हन्त नलिनीं गज उज्जहार ॥
- कुवलयानन्द

Transliteration:
raatrirgamiShyati bhaviShyati suprabhaatam
bhaaswaanudeShyati hasiShyati pa~gkajashrIH |
itthaM vichintayati koshagate dvirephe
haa hanta hanta nalinIM gaja ujjahaara ||
- kuvalayaananda

Meaning of the subhAShita:

"The night shall pass, dawn shall arrive, sun shall rise and the lotus shall bloom" - even as the bee, stuck in the lotus bud, was thinking; alas, alas, an elephant uprooted the lotus!!

Commentary:
Timing is everything... or... destiny has the final say! This is the story of a busy little bee, who, was anxious to get the last sip of nectar before the fall of the day. He hovered over a lotus and settled down for the sip. But since it was almost dusk, the lotus closed its petals to rest for the day and the bee got stuck inside the petals. There was no way it could get out from the grasp of the tender petals of the closed lotus! So, the bee consoled itself thus, "the night shall pass, daybreak shall arrive, the sun shall rise and the lotus shall bloom...", so that when the flower opened the petals, it could fly away. But alas, what luck! Even as the bee was thinking thus, a rut elephant uprooted the closed lotus bud!! Now that it wasn't rooted anymore, neither the rise of the sun nor the midday scorch can make a difference. The bud shall never ever open again, hence trapping the bee inside, to draw its last breath :(.

Like they say, 'it is in your moments of decision, your destiny is shaped'! Perhaps, the outcome would have been different if the bee had judged the time of the day better. Perhaps, the bee would have been spared if he wasn't greedy for a one more sip. Perhaps the consequence would have been different if the bee was swift enough to fly out when the bud was closing up.... perhaps... perhaps... But these can only be speculations.

Many a times in life, one would never know what would have happened if only he made his choices differently. Or perhaps, it is the choices, not chances, that determine one's destiny?!! It is probably for oneself to decide...

pada vigrahaH:
रात्रिः गमिष्यति भविष्यति सुप्रभातम्

raatriH gamiShyati bhaviShyati suprabhaatam

भास्वान् उदेष्यति हसिष्यति पङ्कजश्रीः ।
bhaaswaan udeShyati hasiShyati pa~gkajashrIH |

इत्थं विचिन्तयति कोश-गते द्विरेफे
itthaM vichintayati kosha-gate dvirephe

हा हन्त हन्त नलिनीं गज उज्जहार ॥
haa hanta hanta nalinIM gaja ujjahaara ||

July 15th

2011-07-15T00:01:00.065-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
भवन्ति नम्रास्तरवः फलोद्गमैः
नवाम्बुभिर्दूरविलम्बिनो घनाः ।
अनुद्धताः सत्पुरुषाः समृद्धिभिः
स्वभाव एवैष परोपकारिणाम् ॥
- नीतिशतक

Transliteration:
bhavanti namraastraravaH phalodgamaiH
navaambubhirdUravilambino ghanaaH |
anuddhataaH satpuruShaaH samRuddhibhiH
svabhaava evaiSha paropakaariNaam ||
- nItishataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Trees bow down when fruit are shooting forth; clouds when carrying water, hang far down; in opulence, the noble become humble - this is the very nature of the benevolent.

Commentary:

"If you wish to have peace provide peace for others" - this probably is the motivation for the trees, clouds and the noble! They attain their internal peace by their act of benevolence to others. Not just being affable, they are humble too. Humility is their prime attribute.

When a tree is full of fruit, it does not stretch itself straight up in arrogance, arrogance that it is providing fruit to everyone. It bends down in humility, as if to make it easier for others to access its fruit!

When clouds are overborne with water, they hang low as if in diffidence, so they could shower their cool waters at the earliest!

The noble when bestowed with opulence, they display utmost humility. They do not have even an ounce of arrogance about any of their resources or boons. They display utmost modesty and believe that humility is a life long lesson. There is no time they relax from being humble! It is a natural trait that comes spontaneously to them at all times. Their clear stance is that 'humility is the cornerstone for all other virtues'. Hence they never take respite from their wonderful attribute.

Those that do good to others never take pride in themselves. Pride makes us artificial, humility makes us real. Let's be real!

pada vigrahaH:
भवन्ति नम्राः तरवः फल-उद्गमैः
bhavanti namraaH taravaH phala-udgamaiH

नव-अम्बुभिः दूरविलम्बिनः घनाः ।
nava-ambubhiH dUravilambinaH ghanaaH |

अनुद्धताः सत्-पुरुषाः समृद्धिभिः
anuddhataaH sat-puruShaaH samRuddhibhiH

स्वभाव एव एष पर-उपकारिणाम् ॥
svabhaava eva eSha para-upakaariNaam ||

July 8th

2011-07-08T00:01:00.117-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
लभेत सिकतासु तैलमपि यत्नतः पीडयन्
पिबेच्च मृगतृष्णिकासु सलिलं पिपासार्दितः ।
कदाचिदपि पर्यटन् शशविषाणमासादयेत्
न तु प्रतिनिविष्टमूर्खजनचित्तमाराधयेत् ॥
- नीतिशतक, भर्तृहरि

Transliteration:
labheta sikataasu tailamapi yatnataH pIDayan
pibechcha mRugatRuShNikaasu salilaM pipaasaarditaH |
kadaachidapi paryaTan shashaviShaaNamaasaadayet
na tu pratiniviShTamUrkhajanachittamaaraadhayet ||
- nItishataka, bhartRuhari

Meaning of the subhAShita:

(One) may procure oil from sand after forceful exertion; an extremely thirsty person may get a drink of water from a mirage; sometimes after (immense) wandering, may obtain a rabbit horn; but can never appease the mind of a perverse fool!

Commentary:

Is there even an ounce of oil content in whole heap of sand? Is there any real water in a mirage? Does a hare even have a horn, for one to be able to find it? The answer to all these three scenarios is obviously a big NO! But then, the poet says, probably, all these virtual impossibilities may still be a possibility!! After exerting oneself to the extreme, one may finally be able to squeeze out a drop of oil from a heap of sand! An exceedingly parched person might get a drink of water from a mirage even! Although a hare doesn't ever grow a horn, one might, after an extensive hunt, be able to procure one! None of these are deemed impossible, in comparison to pleasing the mind of an obstinate fool. Now that, is a whole different ball game. That is not just impossible, it is exceptional impossibility to the Nth degree!! Anyone even trying to mitigate the mind of a fool, would be making a futile effort.

A wise man may change his mind, but a fool never - they say. Once the mind of an imbecile is set on something, the poet says in another verse, it is not possible even for Lord brahma to change it. A fool would be adamantly hung up on his stance and not be perturbed by anyone at any cost. Then what is the point in trying to convince someone that has decided to never be convinced?!

Why waste efforts in something fruitless? At the same time, if one has decided to be implausible, for no good reason, now he knows what he shall be called :).

pada vigrahaH:
लभेत सिकतासु तैलम् अपि यत्नतः पीडयन्
labheta sikataasu tailam api yatnataH pIDayan

पिबेत् च मृगतृष्णिकासु सलिलं पिपास अर्दितः ।
pibet cha mRugatRuShNikaasu salilaM pipaasa arditaH |

कदाचित् अपि पर्यटन् शश-विषाणम् आसादयेत्
kadaachit api paryaTan shasha-viShaaNam aasaadayet

न तु प्रतिनिविष्ट-मूर्ख-जन-चित्तम् आराधयेत् ॥
na tu pratiniviShTa-mUrkha-jana-chittam aaraadhayet ||

July 1st

2011-07-01T00:01:00.001-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
प्रामाण्यबुद्धिः स्तोत्रेषु देवताबुद्धिरात्मनि ।
कीटबुद्धिर्मनुष्येषु नूतनायाः श्रियः फलम् ॥
- कलिविडम्बना

Transliteration:
praamaaNyabuddhiH stotreShu devataabuddhiraatmani |
kITabuddhirmanuShyeShu nUtanaayaaH shriyaH phalam ||
- kaliviDambanaa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Authoritativeness in one's own praises; perceiving oneself as divine; discerning other humans as insects - these are the fruit of new found wealth.

Commentary:

People at large, value material wealth and having lots of it, gives a sense of accomplishment. If that wealth came overnight, what to ask of such a person! He would be constantly boasting off his possessions. Swelling up on one's own praises isn't a very pleasant trait. It is easy for him to think of himself as superior to the rest. That is followed by gloating about himself and thinking of himself as God! The counter effect of that, regarding the rest of the human species as 'insignificant insects'!!

There is a saying in another language, which can be translated to somewhat like this - 'when a mediocre person gets wealth suddenly out of nowhere, he wakes up in the middle of the night and holds out an umbrella'! The reason here, he suddenly remembers that he is wealthy and wants to show off. He would be at home in the middle of the night and there is no need for an umbrella inside a home, is there? But he will hold it out just to show that he owns an umbrella now :).

Someone even said 'self praise is almost slander'! Why demean oneself when one can use his new found resources for the betterment of the society? That takes a lot of humility! Nothing else can lead a person in the right path.

Someone born and rolling in wealth might be able to deal with it, but for someone who suddenly found new resources, it takes very strong morals to keep him from becoming arrogant! Keep thy head on thine shoulders at all times :). Everything else shall follow.

pada vigrahaH:
प्रामाण्य-बुद्धिः स्तोत्रेषु देवता-बुद्धिः आत्मनि ।
praamaaNya-buddhiH stotreShu devataa-buddhiH aatmani |

कीट-बुद्धिः मनुष्येषु नूतन आयाः श्रियः फलम् ॥
kITa-buddhiH manuShyeShu nUtana aayaaH shriyaH phalam ||

June 24th

2011-06-24T00:01:00.082-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उदीरितोऽर्थः पशुनापि गृह्यते
हयाश्च नागाश्च वहन्ति देशिताः ।
अनुक्तमप्यूहति पण्डितो जनः
परेङ्गितज्ञानफला हि बुद्धयः ॥
- हितोपदेश, सुहृद्भेद

Transliteration:
udIrito.rthaH pashunaapi gRuhyate
hayaashcha naagaashcha vahanti deshitaaH |
anuktamapyUhati paNDito janaH
pare~ngitaj~naanaphalaa hi buddhayaH ||
- hitopadesha, suhRudbheda

Meaning of the subhAShita:

That which is enunciated clearly, is grasped by even animals, (just as) horses and serpents execute on orders. The intelligent perceive even that which is unsaid. Certainly the consequence of intelligence is, an understanding of the intent of others.

Commentary:

'Stay', 'fetch', 'run', 'dance', 'jump' - even animals respond to such instructions. A horse can run when whipped. A snake can nod it's head according to the snake charmer's flute movements. Animals (at least the domestic ones :), promptly do what they are told. Doing what they are told, is no rocket science to the animals. They do not have to use much intellect or make decisions to follow instructions.

Shouldn't the intellect of man set him apart? The intelligence of man allows him to understand and perceive even the untold words. He can deduce and act, depending upon previous experiences, reactions and responses from those around him. He thinks his actions through, comprehends the repercussions and executes intelligently. He takes initiative to do even those tasks that were not assigned to him, in so many words. Initiative is doing the right thing without being told! Many a scientists, mathematicians and even philosophers have tread paths that were never explored before. That is exactly why they were able to make their discoveries or theories! That is why someone once said, 'Discoveries are often made by not following the instructions, by going off the main road, by trying the untried'!! Else, the world would see no discoveries uncovered nor have inventions invented :). The author says, in fact, the consequence of proper intelligence is - the ability to perceive the untold stories!

Get smart. Do not wait for someone to give instructions all the time. Take charge, take initiative... Give it your best in all good faith and see what comes! The color of life shall change as you see it!!

pada vigrahaH:
उदीरितः अर्थः पशुना अपि गृह्यते

udIritaH arthaH pashunaa api gRuhyate

हयाः च नागाः च वहन्ति देशिताः ।
hayaaH cha naagaaH cha vahanti deshitaaH |

अनुक्तम् अपि ऊहति पण्डितः जनः
anuktam api Uhati paNDitaH janaH

पर-इङ्गित-ज्ञान-फला हि बुद्धयः ॥
para-i~ngita-j~naana-phalaa hi buddhayaH ||

June 17th

2011-06-17T00:01:00.050-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
तृणानि भूमिरुदकं वाक्चतुर्थी च सूनृता ।
एतान्यपि सतां गेहे नोच्छिद्यन्ते कदाचन ॥
-महाभारत, उद्योग

Transliteration:
tRuNaani bhUmirudakaM vaakchaturthI cha sUnRutaa |
etaanyapi sataaM gehe nochChidyante kadaachana ||
- mahaabhaarata, udyoga

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Grass, land, water and fourth being pleasant and honest speech - these are never severed off from the home of a righteous person.

Commentary:

A righteous man, may not be rich and famous. He may not have cushions of silk with threads of gold. He may not have silver plates and golden spoons to eat from. He may not have an elaborate 7 course menu to offer either. But, there is never a scarcity of grass. Grass, because during those days, they would offer a seat of grass. Hence that means, the virtuous people always welcome and offer a seat to their guest. They have land, meaning, a place to sit or lie down even, so the guest is comfortable. Water, a very essential element for the survival of any kind of being. Be it a rich man or a poor man, be it an animal or a human, be it a bird or a beast, no one can survive without water. Infact, that is the reason for inhabitants only on planet earth and not any other solar planet - water! An honorable man always offers a drink for his visitor to quench his thirst. There is no special water for the rich man or an ordinary water for the common man. They may come in different packages, but the basic composition of all waters are invariably the same. The rich man's water can't comprise of some traces of gold obviously :). All these are basic elements that one can provide which is already given to him by the Lord.

But then, the fourth, is a distinct one. Pleasant and gentle speech! This is a faculty that comes through cultivating a good disposition and having a generous heart. It doesn't need any special equipment or privileges or possessions. All it takes, is a pure, pleasing and gentle demeanor and a great big heart. Reminds of another poem by a saint (basavaNNa). He says, 'If you greet others at the first sight with a - How do you do? Do come in! - will yo turn ugly? If you say - please sit down - will your floor cave in? If you are first to greet (without waiting for the other to speak first), would your head or belly burst?' He says even if you don't have anything to offer, if you can't offer these basic hospitality, will the Lord appreciate you?

The author of this verse says, these four faculties are never severed from the home of a virtuous person. No matter his financial status, any human can provide these four. Then that means, each and every one of us qualify to become a virtuous person! So what's holding us back? Why are there so many animosities amongst people and why are there so many wars strewn across history? Looks like there is a very simple solution! Adapting these four, completely inexpensive traits, shall lead us to the path of happiness and peaceful co-existence. Let us work towards adapting them and see where it takes us. After all, they cost nothing :).

Be nice!

pada vigrahaH:
तृणानि भूमिः उदकं वाक् चतुर्थी च सूनृता ।
tRuNaani bhUmiH udakaM vaak chaturthI cha sUnRutaa |

एतानि अपि सतां गेहे न उच्छिद्यन्ते कदाचन ॥
etaani api sataaM gehe na uchChidyante kadaachana ||

June 10th

2011-06-10T00:01:00.055-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उच्चैरुच्चरितव्यं यत्किञ्चिदजानतापि पुरुषेण ।
मूर्खा बहु मन्यन्ते विदुषामपि संशयो भवति ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि

Transliteration:
uchchairuchcharitavyaM yatki~nchidajaanataapi puruSheNa |
mUrkhaa bahu manyante viduShaamapi saMshayo bhavati ||
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Whatever little is spoken by a person, should be pronounced intensely, even if unaware of everything. For, (not only shall) the imbecile regard highly, even the wise shall become incredulous.

Commentary:

While speaking, the conviction of the speaker weighs in quite a bit, along with what is being spoken! Like it or not, if the speaker is not certain of himself, how can he expect his audience to have any faith in what he is saying? Swallowing the words, stuttering or stammering, catches no attention of the onlooker, nor does mumbling or droning.

They say, 'write to be understood, speak to be heard'! If one wants to be heard, he needs to speak and speak clearly, he MUST! Speech is power, when used aptly, or one will regret that he ever opened his mouth :). But when he does, he should make sure it is loud and clear.

The poet goes a step further and says, even if unaware of everything, one should speak clearly! Because, the dull witted shall have a high regard, due to one's delivery and the smart ones too shall doubt for a moment, that one might know everything ;). Deception is not the purpose here, nor is he promoting pompousness! All the author is saying is, be confident and present whatever little you know, in a crystal clear manner.

Don't mumble... SPEAK UP, so you can be heard!

pada vigrahaH:
उच्चैः उच्चरितव्यं यत् किञ्चित् अजानता अपि पुरुषेण ।
uchchaiH uchcharitavyaM yat ki~nchit ajaanataa api puruSheNa |

मूर्खाः बहु मन्यन्ते विदुषाम् अपि संशयः भवति ॥
mUrkhaaH bahu manyante viduShaam api saMshayaH bhavati ||

June 3rd

2011-06-03T00:01:00.093-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उद्यन्तु शतमादित्या उद्यन्तु शतमिन्दवः ।
न विना विदुषां वाक्यैर्नश्यत्याभ्यन्तरं तमः ॥
- सभारञ्जन शतक

Transliteration:
udyantu shatamaadityaa udyantu shatamindavaH |
na vinaa viduShaaM vaakyairnashyatyaabhyantaraM tamaH ||
- sabhaara~njana shataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

May a hundred suns rise, may (there) rise hundred moons. (But) without listening to the words of the wise men, the internal darkness can not be annihilated!

Commentary:

They say, 'there isn't enough darkness in the world to put out the light of even one little candle'. At the same time, at the other end of the spectrum, 'there isn't enough light in this world to eradicate even an ounce of the darkness within, without listening to the wise words of wisdom of the learned'!

A human is in a unique situation than any other living being. He is the only animal blessed with the faculty of speech and understanding. He is the only being who has been blessed with a thinking mind and an intellect to make choices! Ever since the dinosaur era, has anyone ever heard of a more intelligent animal than a human? Why on earth did God give that facility if it did not mean for Him, to set humans apart from the rest of the creatures? Would the Lord ever create a strand of hair without a purpose?!! Then, why did He create such an elaborate and complicated structure of language and thought process, explicit just for the homo sapiens?!! Obviously, there was an equally specific and essential purpose for it! Would it be to show the supremacy of the humans over other animals? Definitely not! Dominion and surrender aren't natural to any being. That which doesn't come naturally, can not be dharma. That which is not dharma, CAN NOT be the purpose in the Lord's mind! Then, what could it be? The only possible reason could be, to spread the knowledge..., the knowledge of the ultimate truth. The poet says, the ignorance within, which is equated to darkness, can be eradicated only through listening to the wise words of the learned! Even if a hundred suns rise all at once and a hundred moons emerge along with that, the unanimous light is not sufficient to decimate the ignorance of the within! The one and only ray of hope to cure that murkiness is, listening to the teaching of the great masters and seers of all times. No other choice!

Isn't it better to light a candle than curse the darkness! May each find his guiding light and tread towards attains his goal with ease.

pada vigrahaH:
उद्यन्तु शतम् आदित्याः उद्यन्तु शतम् इन्दवः ।

udyantu shatam aadityaaH udyantu shatam indavaH |

न विना विदुषां वाक्यैः नश्यति आभ्यन्तरं तमः ॥
na vinaa viduShaaM vaakyaiH nashyati aabhyantaraM tamaH ||

May 27th

2011-05-27T00:01:00.005-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मातृरूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥

Transliteration:a

yaa devI sarvabhUteShu maatRurUpeNa saMsthitaa |

namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaH ||

Meaning of the subhAShita:

To that Goddess, who is residing in all beings, in the form of the mother, I bow, salute, pray and prostrate to her!

Commentary:

Once when a little girl was asked where her home was, she gave a matter-of-fact-ly answer, 'where my mom is!' What a simple, yet profound answer! 'A home is where the heart is' and 'the heart is where mother is', isn't it! 'Mother' is the name of God in the hearts and lips of little children! My mother always said that, since God Himself could not be present physically at all places, He created mothers! It is the mother who, not only gives birth to her offspring, but nestles and nourishes when young, then on, nurses and nurtures forever. A new born knows not, the whims and fancies of the world. It is the mother (or a motherly figure), who takes the child by the hand and accustoms it to its surroundings! It is she who teaches the first words, it is she who inculcates values, it is she who teaches the child right from wrong. A mother's heart is a beacon of love, not just for her own children, but for children in general. This phenomenon of a mother is prevalent not just in human beings, but in all forms of beings in general! Yes, even in those that lay eggs and leave, even in those that leave young cubs behind to fend for themselves! How? Well, even the mother of those species makes sure she lays her eggs in the safest place that she can find, she leaves the cubs only when she has made sure she has taught them the tricks of trade for survival! Hence, that divine element of nurturing, is present in all mothers, invariably. For that matter, whatever be the gender of the being giving that tending affection, it is considered 'motherly love'! Doesn't that make her synonymous with nurturing?!! The author is hence prostrating and saluting, again and again, to that divinity present in all mothers universally.

Reverence to thee O mother! Reverence to thee!

pada vigrahaH:
या देवी सर्व-भूतेषु मातृ-रूपेण संस्थिता ।
yaa devI sarva bhUteShu maatRu rUpeNa saMsthitaa |

नमः तस्यै नमः तस्यै नमः तस्यै नमो नमः ॥
namaH tasyai namaH tasyai namaH tasyai namo namaH ||

May 20th

2011-05-20T00:01:00.096-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
मित्रद्रोही कृतघ्नश्च यश्च विश्वासघातकः ।
ते नरा नरकं यान्ति यावच्चन्द्रदिवाकरौ ॥
- पञ्चतन्त्र, मित्रभेद

Transliteration:
mitradrohI kRutaghnashcha yashcha vishvaasaghaatakaH |
te naraa narakaM yaanti yaavachchandradivaakarau ||
- pa~nchatantra, mitrabheda

Meaning of the subhAShita:

He who treacherous to a friend; he who is ungrateful for rendered benefactions; he who is a traitor (fells trust) - these people attain hell - as long as the sun and moon are existent.

Commentary:

Friends are for pulling one out of rough times, not for putting them through! When one considers another as a friend and confides in him, there is no ethical justification for betraying him. One would have let all his guards down and exposed his most vulnerable side to that friend. Back stabbing that credence is not dharma in any which way.

When you pray on someone, do not prey on them :). When someone has been a benefactor in time of need, there is nothing in this world that can be given to repay that debt. One would be indebted to that patron for ever in his life, because, he gave assistance in time of need. There is no deed that can compensate for that timely aid received. Forgetting that and showing ingratitude is not even a choice! When something is not even in the dictionary, how can the use of it be acceptable? Similarly, when something is not even a choice, how can that be deemed as dharma?!!

Trust is a silken thread, that keeps everything in the world functioning. If there was no trust factor, then one would not trust the grain grown by the farmer or the fruit brought by the gardener! One would have to depend on himself for everything and be entirely self sufficient! Even then, he will have to trust in his own abilities and mother nature at least, to assist in his efforts! Hence, it is quite unlikely for anyone to live like without trusting anyone. That means, trust, is a very essential ingredient for basic survival also. It is the very thread on which the world keeps functioning. Breaking that bond is not something small. Like someone said, 'I am not upset that you lied to me, but because, I can't believe you anymore'. It breaks not only the faith in the current situation alone, but for all the forthcoming scenarios as well! That which breaks the very reason for co-existence, can not be dharma!

Anything that is not coherent with dharma, is punishable. Whether one likes it or not, he has to reap the fruit of all his actions. The fruit for such breakage of bonds of trust is, they shall rot in hell! When the poet says they shall attain hell, till the sun and moon exist, it does not mean, they stay in hell till the sun and moon exist, but that, this law holds good as long as the sun and moon are shining!

To be trusted, is a much greater compliment than to be loved! Be trust worthy!

pada vigrahaH:
मित्र-द्रोही कृतघ्नः च यः च विश्वास-घातकः ।
mitra-drohI kRutaghnaH cha yaH cha vishvaasa-ghaatakaH |

ते नराः नरकं यान्ति यावत् चन्द्र-दिवाकरौ ॥
te naraaH narakaM yaanti yaavat chandra-divaakarau ||

May 13th

2011-05-13T00:01:00.088-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यत्रोऽत्साहसमारम्भो यत्रालस्यविहीनता ।
नयविक्रमसम्योगस्तत्र श्रीरचला ध्रुवम् ॥
- पञ्चतन्त्र, मित्रसम्प्राप्‍ति

Transliteration:
yatro.tsaahasamaarambho yatraalasyavihInataa |
nayavikramasamyogastatra shrIrachalaa dhruvam ||
- pa~nchatantra, mitrasampraapti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Where there is zeal in the effort, where there is absence of indolence, there, in a conjugation of humility and courage, wealth is certain to be steady.

Commentary:

Zealousness in any actions is what makes the task that much easier (or harder)! When there is enthusiasm and passion in what one is undertaking, it kindles gusto in those around. It ignites a sense of eagerness in everyone to reach the goal sooner and better. To be zealous constantly, in the face of all kinds of hurdles and brick walls one comes across, takes a lot of courage!

About zeal, it is said that, it fits only the wise, but found mostly in the fools :). When there is energy, shouldn't there be a sense of direction for that energy! Where there is no mis-directed energy, there is no place for indolence. 'Indolence', the word just makes laziness appear classy :). But is useful nowhere!

Wisdom and proper knowledge brings humility in a person. In a union of humility and courage, there is no stopping for prosperity. Where there is prosperity, there is abundance and abundance leads to wealth! Hence, if aspiring for wealth, inculcate these very essential attributes!

pada vigrahaH:
यत्र उत्साह-समारम्भः यत्र आलस्य-विहीनता ।
yatra utsaaha-samaarambhaH yatra aalasya-vihInataa |

नय-विक्रम-सम्योगः तत्र श्रीः अचला ध्रुवम् ॥
naya-vikrama-samyogaH tatra shrIH achalaa dhruvam ||

May 6th

2011-05-06T00:01:00.065-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
दुर्जनः परिहर्तव्यो विद्ययाऽलङ्कृतोऽपि सन् ।
मणिना भूषितः सर्पः किमसौ न भयङ्करः ॥
- नीतिशतक, भर्तृहरि

Transliteration:
durjanaH parihartavyo vidyayaa.la~nkRuto.pi san |
maNinaa bhUShitaH sarpaH kimasau na bhaya~nkaraH ||
- nItishataka, bhartRuhari

Meaning of the subhAShita:

An evil doer should be evaded, even if ornate with knowledge too! Just because it is adorned with a jewel, isn't a snake scary?

Commentary:

Someone once said, 'If you see a snake, just kill it. For God's sake... do not appoint a committee on snakes!' Such is the repute of a snake. The enticement of the beautiful jewel on its head will not overtake the fear it generates in the hearts of the people. It still is regarded a scary creature and people would stay away from it. Similarly, a person's versatility in different arenas or his expertise in a particular field, will not draw people to him if his mind is evil. Those around him are bound to be hurt. Many a times, the evilness of his mind may not even be evident to those around. Especially if he is a learned man, he would have mastered the art of deceit! Hence, the author says, just because a snake brandishes a shiny jewel on its head, it doesn't make it any less scary. An evil doer, adorned with vidyaa (knowledge), is just the same. Hence, avoid the snake and the evil doer, just the same, at all costs!

Knowledge and viciousness do not go hand in hand. One day or the other, the malevolence shall be exposed and ostracized. True knowledge should make one humble and pious. Aim for true vidyaa. Respect, lovableness and piety will follow automatically.

pada vigrahaH:
दुर्जनः परिहर्तव्यः विद्यया अलङ्कृतः अपि सन् ।
durjanaH parihartavyaH vidyayaa ala~nkRutaH api san |

मणिना भूषितः सर्पः किम् असौ न भयङ्करः ॥
maNinaa bhUShitaH sarpaH kim asau na bhaya~nkaraH ||

April 29th

2011-04-29T00:01:00.053-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अनिच्छन्तोऽपि विनयं विद्याभ्यासेन बालकाः ।
भेषजेनेव नैरुज्यं प्रापणीयाः प्रयत्नतः ॥
- हरिहर सुभाषित

Transliteration:
anichChanto.pi vinayaM vidyaabhyaasena baalakaaH |
bheShajeneva nairujyaM praapaNIyaaH prayatnataH ||
- harihara subhaaShita

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Just as a disease (is treated) through obtaining medicine; children should be taught humility (and values), through education, even if not desired.

Commentary:

Medicine doesn't always taste good or smell enticing. But then, when in sickness, that is the best remedy for the disease. Then does the person have a choice. Don't his likes and dislikes get set aside under such a circumstance? It is the exact same scenario when a child's upbringing is at hand. Just because he has his whims and fancies, a child can not be allowed to go about his demeanor however he pleases. It becomes the most primal duty of those around, to inculcate values in the child through education. Acquiring the right knowledge, chisels him out into a wonderful human being as he grows up.

The bitter taste of the medicine cannot become the deciding factor for its consumption. Just like that, the hardships and sacrifices along the way, cannot be the dominion for learning or becoming better human beings!

pada vigrahaH:
अनिच्छन्तः अपि विनयं विद्या-अभ्यासेन बालकाः ।
anichChantaH api vinayaM vidyaa-abhyaasena baalakaaH |

भेषजेन इव नैरुज्यं प्रापणीयाः प्रयत्नतः ॥
bheShajena iva nairujyaM praapaNIyaaH prayatnataH ||

April 22nd

2011-04-22T00:01:00.057-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यदमी दशन्ति दशना रसना तत्स्वादमनुभवति ।
प्रकृतिरियं विमलानां क्लिश्यन्ति यदन्यकार्येषु ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
yadamI dashanti dashanaa rasanaa tatsvaadamanubhavati |
prakRutiriyaM vimalaanaaM klishyanti yadanyakaaryeShu ||
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The taste of that which is chewed by the teeth, is enjoyed by the tongue! Anguish over the benefaction for others - this is the nature of the impeccable souls.

Commentary:

One of the job descriptions of the teeth is, chewing the food. It does its role ardently too. But then, it never ever gets to taste the food that it helped chew! The tongue which didn't really aid in the chewing of the food, gets to enjoy every bit of the flavor all the time!

Such is the nature of noble, impeccable souls. They strive with their entire being, for the betterment of others, without even a remote vested interest for themselves. They get absolutely no material benefit out of their actions, but they tirelessly give their best for every action they execute! These noble souls are the very reason that we have a working society.

If each and everyone strives to give their best for the those around, what a wonderful society ours would be! If not able to serve that way, may one not pose impediments or throw hurdles, in the path of such great souls. That itself would be a small benefaction they offer to the society.

pada vigrahaH:
यत् अमी दशन्ति दशनाः रसना तत् स्वादम् अनुभवति ।
yat amI dashanti dashanaaH rasanaa tat svaadam anubhavati |

प्रकृतिः इयं विमलानां क्लिश्यन्ति यत् अन्य-कार्येषु ॥
prakRutiH iyaM vimalaanaaM klishyanti yat anya-kaaryeShu ||

April 15th

2011-04-15T00:01:00.050-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वरं पर्वतदुर्गेषु भ्रान्तं वनचरैः सह ।
न मूर्खजनसम्पर्कः सुरेन्द्रभवनेष्वपि ॥
- नीतिशतक, भर्तृहरि

Transliteration:
varaM parvatadurgeShu bhraantaM vanacharaiH saha |
na mUrkhajanasamparkaH surendrabhavaneShvapi ||
- nItishataka, bhartRuhari

Meaning of the subhAShita:

It is rather a blessing to wander in the mountains and caves with wild animals, than keeping the company of the imbecile, even in the palatial quarters of indra (the king of Gods)!

Commentary:

It is not about the ambiance and the setting, as much as it is about the company. There should be a common goal, a productive direction and an enjoyable experience when in one's company. If none of it is practical, then it is better to have no company at all. The poet curtly says, one will have a blessed time meandering on the mountains and caves of a forest with wild animals, rather than savoring the company of the ludicrous, even if the venue is the heaven itself!

The company of the imbecile, many a times, brings about adverse consequences for others also. There is no productive development on either front. Also, the time and efforts of both go futile, many a times detrimental even. Time and again, it has been seen that 'bad company corrupts good character'. Isn't it better to keep the sanity than working on redoing it again!

Someone once jokingly said, 'Go to heaven for the climate, to hell for the company'! But in reality, if the company is bad, reject the climate too :).

pada vigrahaH:
वरं पर्वत-दुर्गेषु भ्रान्तं वन-चरैः सह ।
varaM parvata-durgeShu bhraantaM vana-charaiH saha |

न मूर्ख-जन-सम्पर्कः सुरेन्द्र-भवनेषु अपि ॥
na mUrkha-jana-samparkaH surendra-bhavaneShu api ||

April 8th

2011-04-08T00:01:00.061-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
श्रीमानजननिन्द्यश्च शूरश्चाप्यविकत्थनः ।
समदृष्टिः प्रभुश्चैव दुर्लभाः पुरुषास्त्रयः ॥
- योगावासिष्ठ, वैराग्य

Transliteration:
shrImaanajananindyashcha shUrashchaapyavikatthanaH |
samadRuShTiH prabhushchaiva durlabhaaH puruShaastrayaH ||
- yogaavaasiShTha, vairaagya

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A wealthy man who is not culpable, a valiant man who is not blusterous, a leader who is unprejudiced - these 3 people are rare to find!

Commentary:

A wealthy man, whether he gained his wealth by just means or unjust means, gets censured. He gets blamed for having earned by wrong means or for not doing enough good with his affluence or for being overly lucky even! Very rarely is a man who is applauded for his abundance and his attitude towards his fortune.

If one is courageous, chances are, he is arrogant of his valiance and is narrating his valor at every chance he gets! Humility, in conjunction with heroism, is a rare commodity. How often do we come across a raama or a hanumaan?

When power is in the hands, arrogance goes to the head! Misuse of the power, prejudice towards kith and kin, bias towards the lowly and helpless - these become their main attributes. It is very scarce to see someone with power in his hands and a level head on his shoulders. A true leader is he who can view all his subjects equally! This is a virtue of rarity by itself. He who possess this is a true statesman.

A politician thinks of the next election, whereas, a statesman thinks of the next generation! If being a leader, be as statesman.

pada vigrahaH:
श्रीमान् अ-जन-निन्द्यः च शूरः च अपि अ-विकत्थनः ।
shrImaan a-jana-nindyaH cha shUraH cha api a-vikatthanaH |

सम-दृष्टिः प्रभुः च एव दुर्लभाः पुरुषाः त्रयः ॥
sama-dRuShTiH prabhuH cha eva durlabhaaH puruShaaH trayaH ||

April 1st

2011-04-01T00:01:00.051-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सुदुर्बलं नावजानाति किञ्चित् युक्तो रिपुं सेवते बुद्धिपूर्वम् ।
न विग्रहं रोचयते बलस्थैः काले च यो विक्रमते स धीरः ॥
- विदुरनीति

Transliteration:
sudurbalaM naavajaanaati ki~nchit yukto ripuM sevate buddhipUrvam |
na vigrahaM rochayate balasthaiH kaale cha yo vikramate sa dhIraH ||
- viduranIti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

He who does not show even a little contempt towards the weak, handles the enemies with discern, steers clear from having a conflict with the stronger and demonstrates valor is brave.

Commentary:

Bravery is not a measure of how muscular a person is. Nor is it the yard stick of how aggressive one is. True bravery shows up in different colors.

The brave are compassionate towards the weak. They do not show the slightest contempt towards those that have lesser endurance.

They deal with their opponents tactfully. Just because they have muscle or brains, for that matter, do not invite trouble onto themselves unnecessarily.

If the opponent is stronger, it is certainly not a smart idea to rub the wrong way. Acknowledging the other person's strength takes courage too! In such a circumstance, the true brave, keeps his head on his shoulders and does not go asking for trouble.

All these are validations for one's bravery. He who is brave is free! Live bravely. There is nothing to lose really!

pada vigrahaH:
सुदुर्बलं न अवजानाति किञ्चित् युक्तः रिपुं सेवते बुद्धि-पूर्वम् ।
sudurbalaM na avajaanaati ki~nchit yuktaH ripuM sevate buddhi-pUrvam |

न विग्रहं रोचयते बलस्थैः काले च यो विक्रमते स धीरः ॥
na vigrahaM rochayate balasthaiH kaale cha yo vikramate sa dhIraH ||

March 25th

2011-03-25T00:01:00.064-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
एतावानेव पुरुषः कृतं यस्मिन्न नश्यति ।
यावच्च कुर्यादन्योऽस्य कुर्याद्बहुगुणं ततः ॥
- महाभारत, आदिपर्व

Transliteration:
etaavaaneva puruShaH kRutaM yasminna nashyati |
yaavachcha kuryaadanyo.sya kuryaadbahuguNaM tataH ||
- mahaabhaarata, aadiparva

Meaning of the subhAShita:

He to whom a favor done, does not dissipate right there, is the real (noble) man. On receiving benevolence from others, return it manifold.

Commentary:

Do not stop the buck! On receiving benevolence from others, it is not ethical to forget it and move on. Neither is it business, to return an equivalent or lesser favor. For, it is not a 'buy one, get one of equal or lesser value' sale :). Remembering and returning the favor in plentiful is a magisterial attribute!

The scriptures are strewn with multitudes of such examples. Once when the paaNDavaa-s were in disguise, (after the lakShaagRuha (wax palace) incident), took shelter in a brahmin's house in ekachakraa nagara. The people of the town had a pact with a raakShasa (demon) named bakaasuraa, that one person would go to him from each family as food. When it was the turn of the brahmin's family, kuntI the mother of the paaNDavaa-s, offered to send her own son bhIma, in return of their favor. They had given shelter to them in time of need, in turn, she offered to send her own son in place of a member of their family! That is nobility!

On the other hand, on receiving news about sItaa, after hanumaan's visit to lankaa, Lord raama embraces him and pledges his friendship to hanumaan for ever!! He does not diminish the immense favor He did, with a simple 'Thank you'! That is nobility. In fact, interestingly enough, there is NO equivalent word for 'thank you' in Sanskrit! There is only कृतज्ञता भाव (kRutaj~jataa bhaava) - कृतं जानामि इति भावः (kRutaM jaanaami iti bhaavaH) - I acknowledge your favor, I am aware of your benevolence. There is nothing that can be done to repay that debt, I am greatly indebted to you!

An extension of this value is, also, the noble do not keep track of what favors they have scattered around and expect multitudes of favors in return either. No log books or statistics of their own good deeds. They do their best at any given time to aid those in need and move on.

Don't these attributes make life much simpler and satisfactory? Don't they keep the hearts purer and lighter? No baggage, no regrets, no guilt...

The take home point here, the true noble, never forget what they receive nor remember what they give! Acquire nobility in its true sense.

pada vigrahaH:
एतावान् एव पुरुषः कृतं यस्मिन् न नश्यति ।
etaavaan eva puruShaH kRutaM yasmin na nashyati |

यावत् च कुर्यात् अन्यः अस्य कुर्यात् बहु-गुणं ततः ॥
yaavat cha kuryaat anyaH asya kuryaat bahu-guNaM tataH ||

March 18th

2011-03-18T00:01:00.085-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
कुतो वा नूतनं वस्तु वयमुत्प्रेक्षितुं क्षमाः ।
वचो विन्यासवैचित्र्यमात्रमत्र विचार्यताम् ॥
- न्यायमञ्जरी

Transliteration:
kuto vaa nUtanaM vastu vayamutprekShituM kShamaaH |
vacho vinyaasavaichitryamaatramatra vichaaryataam ||
- nyaayama~njarI

Meaning of the subhAShita:

How can we exaggerate a new fact? Only, the same can be said in a variety of ways!

Commentary:

When a discovery is made, can one exaggerate is so much that it changes the facts all together? Not really. But then, the same can be presented in a variety of ways.

This rule is not true only of new found discoveries and inventions alone. Even when narrating an incident, one cannot deviate too much from reality. Or, it becomes a fiction! But then, the same can be presented in many different ways. Depending on how the approach is, the results are received accordingly!

The best example for presenting rightly, is that of hanumaan. After his return from lankaa, when He first met raama, He ardently said, 'दृष्ट्वा सीता' (dRuShTvaa sItaa - seeing sItaa...), instead of inadvertently saying the word sItaa first. The logic being, He didn't want to cause any unnecessary anxiety in raama's mind, immediately on hearing the word sItaa. raama's mind could have thought of many unpleasant happenings to sItaa, before hanumaan could even have a chance of saying that He saw Her. He was THAT thoughtful! He first conveyed the main highlight of his quest, which was, the sighting of sItaa! The same thing could have been narrated with choice uncanny words, unwanted details or an unpleasant demeanor. But that wasn't the case. He was SO cautious of raama's feelings even in the split second timing of his words! That should be the true thoughts behind one's speech and that is a marvelous way of presenting the facts as well.

The lesson to take - Saying things the way they are isn't the only criteria. The same can be done in many different ways. Be mindful and complaisant of others' feelings. That not only sets amiable communication standards, but also paves way for honest and hearty conversations as well as relationships!

pada vigrahaH:
कुतः वा नूतनं वस्तु वयम् उत्प्रेक्षितुं क्षमाः ।
kutaH vaa nUtanaM vastu vayam utprekShituM kShamaaH |

वचः विन्यास-वैचित्र्य-मात्रम् अत्र विचार्यताम् ॥
vachaH vinyaasa-vaichitrya-maatram atra vichaaryataam ||

March 11th

2011-03-11T00:01:00.073-05:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
दूरस्थो ज्ञायते सर्वः पर्वते ज्वलनादिवत् ।
चूडामणिः शिरस्थोऽपि दृश्यते न स्वचक्षुषा ॥
- रामयणमञ्जरी, किष्किन्दा

Transliteration:
dUrastho j~naayate sarvaH parvate jvalanaadivat |
chUDaamaNiH shirastho.pi dRushyate na svachakShuShaa ||
- raamayaNama~njarI, kiShkindaa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Those that are far away seem like the fire atop a hill. But when on one's own head, even a crest jewel, is invisible to the eye.

Commentary:

Grass on the other side is greener! The verse says the same thing. When something is far away, it is valued more. It is evident to all as if it something nice and shiny, just as the fire atop a hill and misleading too. Fire from far might seem like a shiny jewel. But then, even if one has a precious crest jewel on his own head, he can not see it with his own eyes.

The essence here is, know the worth of what's in hand. Ignoring one's own talents & gifts and aspiring for something that is not, will aid in no way. Extending the logic, many a times, people do not see the good in those closely around them, but sing praises of the 'idea' of the character of someone not connected!

Start where you are. Distant fields always look greener, but opportunity lies right where you are. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.

pada vigrahaH:
दूरस्थः ज्ञायते सर्वः पर्वते ज्वलन अदिवत् ।
dUrasthaH j~naayate sarvaH parvate jvalana adivat |

चूडामणिः शिरस्थः अपि दृश्यते न स्व-चक्षुषा ॥
chUDaamaNiH shirasthaH api dRushyate na sva-chakShuShaa ||

March 4th

2011-03-04T00:01:00.078-05:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
गुणग्रामाभिसम्वादि नामापि हि महात्मनाम् ।
यथा सुवर्णश्रीखण्डरत्नाकरसुधाकराः ॥
- प्रसन्नराघव

Transliteration:
guNagraamaabhisamvaadi naamaapi hi mahaatmanaam |
yathaa suvarNashrIkhaNDa ratnaakara sudhaakaraaH ||
- prasannaraaghava

Meaning of the subhAShita:

What to say about the virtues and valor of the noble, even their name shows their greatness! Just like suvarNa (one with an attractive color - gold), shrIkhaNDa (piece of wood filled with the richness of sandal - sandalwood), ratnaakara (one who holds precious gems and stones - ocean), sudhaakara (one who gives beatitude like that of the divine nectar - moon).

Commentary:

The noble are dripping with nobility in every aspect related to them. They are constantly looking for means and ways to do good to others. Their nobility oozes out from all sides that even their names are an indication of their virtues! Even their names give away their characteristics!

Name is the first entity with which one identifies oneself! Specially in Sanskrit, words are derived to such appropriation that there is no contention to their accordance or congruity. Each word has a declension and its own special root word which gives self evidence to the word itself. In olden days, this may quite very well have been the reason to give substantial, meaningful and an appropriate name when a child was born. The child would grow up to become an embodiment of his name. The name is given with a hope of its fruitfulness. That is what he identifies himself with, for the rest of his life! However, a name without merit, is in vain after all :(.

The purpose of the verse from the poet is not so much for the generalization, but for upholding the fact that the nobility of the noble can be found in ever aspect of their being. They ceaselessly work for the betterment of those around and selflessly give themselves in their entirety for the welfare of the others. That certainly is something to ponder about, isn't it?!

pada vigrahaH:
गुण-ग्राम-अभिसम्वादि नाम अपि हि महात्मनाम् ।
guNa-graama-abhisamvaadi naama api hi mahaatmanaam |

यथा सुवर्ण-श्रीखण्ड-रत्नाकर-सुधाकराः ॥
yathaa suvarNa-shrIkhaNDa-ratnaakara-sudhaakaraaH ||

February 25th

2011-02-25T00:01:00.034-05:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
स्वर्गो धनं वा धान्यं वा विद्या पुत्रास्सुखानि च ।
गुरुवॄत्त्यनुरोधेन न किञ्चिदपि दुर्लभम् ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि

Transliteration:
svargo dhanaM vaa dhaanyaM vaa vidyaa putraassukhaani cha |
guruvRUttyanurodhena na ki~nchidapi durlabham ||
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Heaven, wealth, grain (food), knowledge, children and pleasures too - none of these are unattainable for one who reveres his teacher.

Commentary:

Without a teacher, a guru, the world would be nowhere today! Even the minutest knowledge like hunting for food, lighting fire for heat, were transcended from generation to generation through teaching alone! Or, each generation of the population would be stuck in the cold dark era, time and again!!

A teacher obviously is not just the one titled 'teacher' at a school. A being learns from all kinds our sources around him. His parents, siblings, grand parents, friends, peers, even strangers sometimes. Hence all these sources command reverence from him!

One who values and respects the knowledge he has gained and the sources he has gained them from, then there is no stopping to his prosperity and progress, for all their good wishes and blessings shall be with him and assist him to easily fulfill his desires.

Remember thy teachers!

pada vigrahaH:
स्वर्गः धनं वा धान्यं वा विद्या पुत्राः सुखानि च ।
svargaH dhanaM vaa dhaanyaM vaa vidyaa putraaH sukhaani cha |

गुरु-वॄत्ति अनुरोधेन न किञ्चित् अपि दुर्लभम् ॥ guru-vRUtti anurodhena na ki~nchit api durlabham ||

February 18th

2011-02-18T00:01:00.096-05:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अयं निजः परो वेति गणना लघुचेतसाम् ।
उदारचरितानां तु वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम् ॥
- हितोपदेश, सन्धि

Transliteration:
ayaM nijaH paro veti gaNanaa laghuchetasaam |
udaaracharitaanaaM tu vasudhaiva kuTumbakam ||
- hitopadesha, sandhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

This is mine or that is his - thus is accounted by the petty-minded. But for ones with an exalted life, the whole world itself is a family!

Commentary:

When one considers something as part of his family, he does everything in his power, to make sure that it is safe, protected and loved. But when one has a demarcation, a boundary, of 'this is mine - that is his', that unconditional love disappears! When a person identifies himself with anyone or anything, his approach towards that aspect becomes gentle and loving. He will be willing to forget and forgive any misgivings also along the way. Why? Because, he has a soft spot for it in his heart! He fights for it with all his might, justifying, it is not a crime to fight for what is mine! If he has embraced the whole world as his, naturally, he works towards the betterment of each and everyone in it! He identifies himself with it in a broader spectrum.

On the contrary, petty minded people mark their boundaries and live in their capsules, without stretching their visions. They are doing the same exact things alright. They love, protect and safeguard their own small little units of what they call family. Their lives, minds and visions remain petty and keep them from growing magnanimous in both attitude and approach.

People would live their lives exceedingly quietly if the words 'mine and thine' were taken away from the equation, isn't it!! No pomp, no show. Only genuine thoughts of the welfare of all! Why not try for more quieter, peaceful, satisfactory and happier lives for everyone around us!

pada vigrahaH:
अयं निजः परः वा इति गणना लघु-चेतसाम् ।
ayaM nijaH paraH vaa iti gaNanaa laghu-chetasaam |

उदार-चरितानां तु वसुधा एव कुटुम्बकम् ॥
udaara-charitaanaaM tu vasudhaa eva kuTumbakam ||

February 12th

2011-02-12T00:01:00.051-05:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सन्तुष्टो भार्यया भर्ता भर्त्रा भार्या तथैव च ।
यस्मिन्नेव कुले नित्यं कल्याणं तत्र वै ध्रुवम् ॥
- मनुस्मृति

Transliteration:
santuShTo bhaaryayaa bhartaa bhartraa bhaaryaa tathaiva cha |
yasminneva kule nityaM kalyaaNaM tatra vai dhruvam ||
- manusmRuti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Only in a family in which, the wife is jubilant with her husband and so also the husband is exultant with his wife, there (resides) prosperity - (this), is incontrovertible!

Commentary:

True prosperity is not as much in abundance of wealth, as in abundance of happiness and peaceful existence. When the ambiance is conducive for calmness of the mind, each member of the family shall have the mindset to reach their fullest potential! If their energies are contained and contaminated in mundane in-differences, then there is neither time nor stamina to pursue their passions, nor is the rest of the family inspired to pursue in their arenas either.

How is such an ambiance established? Who are instrumental in these circumstances being entrenched into the day to day lives of all those involved in the family? It is the two main wheels of the vehicle, the husband and wife. If they are at peace with each other, if they revel in the company of the other, if they are jubilant in the camaraderie of the other, the entire household runs smoothly! That doesn't mean that there are no petty tiffs and tantrums along the way. But they have figured out a way to rejoice each other, despite those hurdles! Infact, it is those minor tussles that make the landscape beautiful :).

The poet says, in such a household, there is never a controversy that there is peace and prosperity, laughter and love, joy and jubilation! May that be showered abundantly and bestowed generously on all!!

pada vigrahaH:
सन्तुष्टो भार्यया भर्ता भर्त्रा भार्या तथ एव च ।

santuShTo bhaaryayaa bhartaa bhartraa bhaaryaa tatha eva cha |

यस्मिन् एव कुले नित्यं कल्याणं तत्र वै ध्रुवम् ॥
yasmin eva kule nityaM kalyaaNaM tatra vai dhruvam ||

February 11th

2011-02-11T00:01:00.060-05:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यद्वाञ्छति दिवा मर्त्यो वीक्षते वा करोति वा ।
तत्स्वप्नेऽपि तदभ्यासाद्ब्रूते वाथ करोति वा ॥
- पञ्चतन्त्र, मित्रभेद

Transliteration:
yadvaa~nChati divaa martyo vIkShate vaa karoti vaa |
tatsvapne.pi tadabhyaasaadbrUte vaatha karoti vaa ||
- pa~nchatantra, mitrabheda

Meaning of the subhAShita:

That which is desired, viewed or done by a mortal during day, (he) speaks or does the same, due to practice, even in dreams.

Commentary:

Habituation is what it is! If one is constantly entertaining a certain kind of thoughts or actions, they are sure to manifest more intensely at a subconscious level. A psychiatrist opines that dreams are either very strong desires or very strong fears. When one goes to sleep, whatever had very strongly influenced him when awake, is sure to kick into high gear. Many inventors have awoken from sleep, with an answer to their quest. That is because of their constant thinking in that direction. In sleep, somehow the pieces of the puzzle they had been juggling got put into place!

Whether they are good thoughts or bad, the mind does not discriminate. It just gives shape and form to those dormant thoughts in the dream world.

Dreams are like stars...you may never touch them, but if you follow them they will lead you unseen heights! Make sure you dream big! To dream big, make sure you see, think as well as do BIG during your waking hours! Then you can readily go ahead and make your dreams come true :).

pada vigrahaH:
यत् वाञ्छति दिवा मर्त्यो वीक्षते वा करोति वा ।
yat vaa~nChati divaa martyo vIkShate vaa karoti vaa |

तत् स्वप्ने अपि तत् अभ्यासात् ब्रूते वा अथ करोति वा ॥
tat svapne api tat abhyaasaat brUte vaa atha karoti vaa ||

February 4th

2011-02-04T00:01:00.088-05:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यदीच्छसि वशीकर्तुं जगदेकेन कर्मणा ।
परापवादसस्येभ्यो गां चरन्तीं निवारय ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
yadIchChasi vashIkartuM jagadekena karmaNaa |
paraapavaadasasyebhyo gaaM charantIM nivaaraya ||
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

Meaning of the subhAShita:

If desirous of captivating the world with just one action, avert the cow grazing on the pastures of berating others.

Commentary:

What if there is one magic trick, that doesn't cost any money nor big talent, but yields the results just the same!! What if it promises one that it will lead one towards a successful life, filled with acceptance, admiration and acclaim! It doesn't need one to acquire degrees from prestigious colleges nor win accolades from reputed universities! Doesn't it sound enticing? Wouldn't everyone flock to acquire it?!

There really is one such mantra! If there is only one thing that a person has to acquire to be adored by one and all around him, all he needs to do is, ward himself from the tongue enticing habit of castigating others! When gossip, criticism and chiding others come as easy as breathing, one can not expect to be a front-runner in the good books of others.

In this verse, the poet wonderfully compares this habit to the grazing of a cow. To a cow, grazing is a natural instinct and hence it does not think twice before it heads out to the pastures. So the poet says, ward off that cow who mindlessly grazes on the pastures of berating others! Then life shall become a bed of roses very easily. Passing the buck around is the easiest task. When one takes responsibility for his actions, the way he sees himself shall change.

Blame is just a lazy man's way of making sense of the chaos around him. Someone once said, a man can fail many times, but he isn't a failure until he begins to blame somebody else. Let each one be a success story of his own. One doesn't have to pull the rest down to be on top of the world. He can feel on top of the world only by being in harmony with the world around him. Or he will be a lonely man stuck only with himself!

pada vigrahaH:
यदि इच्छसि वशीकर्तुं जगत् एकेन कर्मणा ।

yadi ichChasi vashIkartuM jagat ekena karmaNaa |

पर-अपवाद-सस्येभ्यः गां चरन्तीं निवारय ॥
para-apavaada-sasyebhyaH gaaM charantIM nivaaraya ||

January 28th

2011-01-28T00:01:00.070-05:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यदशक्यं न तच्छक्यं यच्छक्यं शक्यमेव तत् ।
नोदके शकटं याति न नौका गच्छति स्थले ॥
- हितोपदेश, मित्रलाभ

Transliteration:
yadashakyaM na tachChakyaM yachChakyaM shakyameva tat |
nodake shakaTaM yaati na naukaa gachChati sthale ||
- hitopadesha, mitralaabha

Meaning of the subhAShita:

That which is not possible, is not possible; that which is possible, is certainly possible. A cart can not go in the water, a boat can not go on earth!

Commentary:

There is a purpose for everything and everyone here in this world. Each person or object has to cater to the world as per the attributes that come with them. It is called a boat for a reason, it goes in water. One can not expect it to transport load via land! A cart can move on land, it can not be expected to aid in water conveyance! It is what it is. It is not its 'vastu dharma', its basic attribute, to be otherwise.

There is no point fretting or exerting energies in the wrong directions. But the problem in real life is, not everything comes with a tag about its attributes! Sometimes, it is a thin line between possible and not possible. It is for us to figure out what is doable and what is just plain impossible. Another problem with real life, it does not come with back ground music :). When watching a movie or a play, many a times, the bgm (back ground music) helps us comprehend the scenario. In reality, such hints are not dropped here and there for us. It is for us to figure what should be pursued an what should be given up!

Hence, God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference!

pada vigrahaH:
यत् अशक्यं न तत् शक्यं यत् शक्यं शक्यम् एव तत् ।

yat ashakyaM na tat shakyaM yat shakyaM shakyam eva tat |

न उदके शकटं याति न नौका गच्छति स्थले ॥
na udake shakaTaM yaati na naukaa gachChati sthale ||

January 21st

2011-01-21T00:01:00.067-05:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यदेव तीव्रसम्वेगात् दृढं कर्म कृतं पुरा ।
तदेव दैवशब्देन पर्यायेणेह कथ्यते ॥

- योगवासिष्ठ

Transliteration:
yadeva tIvrasamvegaat dRuDhaM karma kRutaM puraa |
tadeva daivashabdena paryaayeNeha kathyate ||
- yogavaasiShTha

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Whatever actions were performed with steadfast effort before, the same perhaps are alternatively referred to as 'destiny' today.

Commentary:

Someone once said, 'I seldom end up where I wanted to go, but almost always end up where I need to be!' That is so true for all beings, only acknowledging it is essential. But then, can one resign himself to fate and say that he had no influence? Well, may be to some extent. But the buck stops there. The place where one stands today may be because of his prior actions, which he doesn't have much of a say. But then, doesn't what he makes of the circumstances today, dictate his fate for his tomorrow! One needs to accept the situations to a certain level. But then, making the best out of those scenarios and sowing seeds for a better tomorrow, is entirely in his making.

Actions are the seeds of fate that eventually grow into destiny! It is the choices, not chances, that form one's destiny. Destiny is shaped in those decisive moments. So it is certainly not beyond one's control, rather, it is very much in one's own restraint! Make the best of today, for a better tomorrow.

pada vigrahaH:
यत् एव तीव्र-सम्वेगात् दृढं कर्म कृतं पुरा ।
yat eva tIvra-samvegaat dRuDhaM karma kRutaM puraa |

तत् एव दैव-शब्देन पर्यायेण इह कथ्यते ॥
tat eva daiva-shabdena paryaayeNa iha kathyate ||

January 14th

2011-01-14T00:01:00.105-05:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
तिलवत् स्निग्धं मनोऽस्तु वाण्यां गुडवन्माधुर्यम्
तिलगुडलड्डुकवत् सम्बन्धेऽस्तु सुवृत्तत्त्वम् ।
अस्तु विचारे शुभसङ्क्रमणं मङ्गलाय यशसे
कल्याणी सङ्क्रान्तिरस्तु वः सदाहमाशम्से ॥
- अज्ञात

Transliteration:
tilavat snigdhaM mano.stu vaaNyaaM guDavanmaadhuryam
tilaguDalaDDukavat sambandhe.stu suvRuttattvaM |
astu vichAre shubhasankramaNaM ma~ngalaaya yashase
kalyaaNI sa~nkraantirastu vaH sadaahamaashamse ||
- aj~naata

Meaning of the subhAShita:

May the mind be affectionate like sesame seeds, may there be sweetness in thy words as in jaggery.
May there be goodness in thy relations as is in the relation of sesame and jaggery in a laddoo.
May there be in thy thoughts a concurrence towards auspicious glory.
I always wish that may the festival of sankraanti prove to be blessed and auspicious for one and all.

Commentary:

The festival of harvest, sankraanti, is celebrated on January 14th generally. (Occasionally, it falls on the 15th of Jan). This is one of those festivals that follow the solar axis and hence the date doesn't change much with every year, like with other festivals that follow the lunar calendar. It is the time when the axis of the Sun enters the zodiac sign Capricorn (makara). Hence it is also referred to as 'makara sankraanti'. sankraanti literally means - proceeding well - samyak kraanti iti sankraanti.

A celebration of harvest and crop is unanimous with the Sun, he being the basic originator of the entire food chain! Without Him, there would be no energy for the plant sources and without plant sources, there would be no energy transmission to the carnivores either. The Sun being the sustainance for the very life on earth, is worshiped and thanked on this day.

Many people throw away old clothes and buy new ones, marking the beginning of good times. Sharing til-gud (a mixture of sesame seeds and jaggery) is customary among many people who celebrate this festival. The combination of til-gud is not only tongue tickling, but very enticing as well. The poet beautifully wishes that kind of enticement into the spoken words and relationships of everyone! When there is harmony in mind thoughts, actions and words, then there is no stopping, the un-abound happiness one can attain in his very being. What better can one wish for his near and dear ones!

May the Sun radiate Health, Happiness and Harmony into the lives of one and all.

pada vigrahaH:
तिलवत् स्निग्धं मनः अस्तु वाण्यां गुडवत् माधुर्यम्
tilavat snigdhaM manaH astu vaaNyaaM guDavat maadhuryam
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तिल-गुड-लड्डुकवत् सम्बन्धे अस्तु सु-वृत्तत्त्वम् ।
tila-guDa-laDDukavat sambandhe astu su-vRuttattvaM |

अस्तु विचारे शुभ-सङ्क्रमणं मङ्गलाय यशसे
astu vichAre shubha-sa~nkramaNaM ma~ngalaaya yashase

कल्याणी सङ्क्रान्तिः अस्तु वः सद अहम् आशम्से ॥
kalyaaNI sa~nkrAntiH astu vaH sada aham aashamse ||

January 7th

2011-01-07T00:01:00.084-05:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
द्वाविमौ पुरुषौ राजन् स्वर्गस्योपरि तिष्ठतः ।
प्रभुश्च क्षमया युक्तो दरिद्रश्च प्रदानवान् ॥
- विदुरनीति

Transliteration:
dvaavimau puruShau raajan swargasyopari tiShThataH |
prabhushcha kShamayaa yukto daridrashcha pradaanavaan ||
- viduranIti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

O king! These two people surpass even heaven - a master associated with forgiveness (and) an impoverished who is giving.

Commentary:

A master, a lord or a king, has in his power to do anything. He could deal with his subordinates however he wishes. But if he chooses to forgive, that makes him grander! For, to forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you. When one holds resentment, he is bound by an emotional link stronger than steel! Forgiveness is the only way to dissolve that link and break free. One who can set himself and the other person free consciously, despite having it in his power to do otherwise, indeed has an enormous heart. His life becomes lot simpler, happier and merrier. Isn't such a person creating his own living heaven!

When someone impoverished and is grazing by the day to day requirements himself, gives, it shows how big and generous of a heart he has! To give despite his own reduction to further poverty takes enormous selflessness. It is this emotion that links one to humanity and humility. Not only that, it only this kind of attitude that brings internal and eternal peace as well. Such a person experiences the deepest, truest joys of life now and beyond. That raises him above all paradises even when here.

Heaven is both under our feet and above our heads. Plant thy feet on the heaven below, reaching the one above shall be a breeze :).

pada vigrahaH:
द्वौ इमौ पुरुषौ राजन् स्वर्गस्य उपरि तिष्ठतः ।

dvau imau puruShau raajan swargasya upari tiShThataH |

प्रभुः च क्षमया युक्तः दरिद्राः च प्रदानवान् ॥
prabhuH cha kShamayaa yuktaH daridraaH cha pradaanavaan ||

December 31st

2010-12-31T00:01:00.078-05:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यद्यदालिखति मनः आशावर्तिकाभीः हृदयफलके ।
तत्तद्बाल इव विधिर्निभृतं हसित्वा प्रोञ्छति ॥
- सप्‍तशति

Transliteration:
yadyadaalikhati manaH aashaavartikaabhIH hRudayaphalake |
tattadbaala iva vidhirnibhRutaM hasitvaa pro~nChati ||
- saptashati

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Whatever the mind inscribes (paints), with the brushes of desire, on the board of the heart, fate, stealthily, smilingly, wipes it all out, like a little child!

Commentary:

Man proposes, God disposes!

Not all desires of everyone burgeon and culminate in bearing fruit. One may paint his heart in all hues and shades of his desires, but only destiny has the final say. The poet beautifully compares destiny to a little child, who stealthily, yet with a smile on his face, does some mischief and leaves the site without a trace :). Similarly, destiny sneaks up noiselessly, wipes out all efforts and desires without a trace and leaves unperturbed!

What does this say? That no matter what one longs for, his say is only until he puts forth his efforts. Whether they yield results or not, is entirely up to his destiny. Many a times, if an aspiration is not fulfilled, may be there is a higher reason. If one gives in to this kind of an attitude, failure to attain the expected outcome won't seem so hard after all. But he needs to put forth his best of best efforts, no doubt. And destiny is based on one's own prior vices and virtues. Each person is the architect of his own fate.

Someone once said, 'Fate is nothing but the deeds committed in a prior state of existence'. If better results are aspired for the future, make the present better. So may all proceed with their best foot forward!

pada vigrahaH:
यत् यत् आलिखति मनः आशा-वर्तिकाभीः हृदय-फलके ।
yat yat aalikhati manaH aashaa-vartikaabhIH hRudaya-phalake |

तत् तत् बाल इव विधिः निभृतं हसित्वा प्रोञ्छति ॥
tat tat baala iva vidhiH nibhRutaM hasitvaa pro~nChati ||

December 24th

2010-12-24T00:01:00.002-05:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
किं मित्रमन्ते सुकृतं न लोकाः
किं ध्येयमीशस्य पादं न शोकाः ।
किं काम्यमव्याजसुखं न भोगाः
किं जल्पनीयं हरिनाम नान्यत् ॥
- रसगङ्गाधर

Transliteration:
kiM mitramante sukRutaM na lokaaH
kiM dhyeyamIshasya paadaM na shokaaH |
kiM kaamyamavyaajasukhaM na bhogaaH
kiM jalpanIyaM harinaama naanyat ||
- rasaga~ngaadhara

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Who is a friend in the end? Good deed(s), not people. What should be contemplated upon? The Lord's feet, not sorrows. What should be desired? Un-abound happiness, not indulgences. What should be prattled? Only the name of shrI hari, nothing else.

Commentary:

A friend in need is a friend indeed. True friends are hard to find. A single rose can be my garden, a single friend, my world! All these statements are nice to quote and very true as well. But they can only go so far. When passing on, one's best friends are his vices & virtues, and his vices & virtues alone! One needs to keep this in mind, at all times, when here. Earn as many friends here, but at the same time, keep thy sight on the friends that accompany through the entire journey!

Given the nature of the mind, it constantly keeps churning up thoughts. It is its very nature. It does not stay still. Through out the waking hours, it jumps from one thought to another, from one town to another, even one world to another. There is no stopping it. (Isn't that why it is not only said to be faster than the wind , but compared to a monkey, too :). Thoughts are the very existence and thriving purposes of the mind. In that case, why not feed it something healthy? Think of the Lord's lotus feet. Contemplate and meditate on His prowess and presence in the very existence of all beings!

When there is a mind and there are thoughts in that mind, it is quite but natural to want something desirable! Then why not desire for something that is more eternal and long lasting. In aspiring for something trivial with a very small shelf life, isn't one wasting precious time that could have been focused on acquiring something that lasts forever? What lasts forever is the bliss, the one attained by treading the path of dharma, not the pleasures of the senses.

A mind which has thoughts, thoughts oriented towards desires and what can be said about the speech coming forth? With so many thoughts and desires, it is only predictable that there will be a lot of chattering. Many a times, mindless too... Instead of gossip, why not make it the Lord's name!

With virtue as friend, the mind and desires under check, even the mindless prattling automatically becomes the name of the Lord, nothing else! Knowing the goals and priorities shall put the traveler on the right path, without a doubt.

pada vigrahaH:
किं मित्रम् अन्ते सुकृतं न लोकाः
kiM mitram ante sukRutaM na lokaaH

किं ध्येयम् ईशस्य पादं न शोकाः ।
kiM dhyeyam Ishasya paadaM na shokaaH |

किं काम्यम् अव्याज-सुखं न भोगाः
kiM kaamyam avyaaja-sukhaM na bhogaaH

किं जल्पनीयं हरि-नाम न अन्यत् ॥
kiM jalpanIyaM hari-naama na anyat ||

December 17th

2010-12-17T00:01:00.115-05:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अहन्यहनि भूतानि गच्छन्तीह यमालयम् ।
शेषाः स्थावरमिच्छन्ति किमाश्चर्यमतः परम् ॥
- महाभारत, वन पर्व

Transliteration:
ahanyahani bhUtaani gachChantIha yamaalayam |
sheShaaH sthaavaramichChanti kimaashcharyamataH param ||
- mahaabhaarata, vana parva

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Every day, beings go to the abode of yama (death). The rest desire for immortality. What can be more astonishing than this!

Commentary:

Day in and day out, beings see death in one form or another. It could be the passing of a near and dear one, or a road kill on the street. Although the reality of life, rather death, is evident from the very moment of birth, beings want to believe that somehow, they shall be spared that trouble! What can be more a more astonishing phenomenon than that! Isn't this denial the biggest wonder of the world!

If we really think about it, the root cause for all fears anyone ever has is, the fear of death. Be it claustrophobia, hydrophobia, or whatever other phobia, the main underlying cause is the fear that one might die in those circumstances. The 'fear of unknown' is so intense, that it overbears all other knowledge. One wants to embrace the 'ignorance is bliss' philosophy and pretend that the unknown shall never come to him, so he doesn't have to face that 'fear of unknown'! Someone once asked, "If death meant just leaving the stage long enough to change costume and come back as a new character...Would you slow down? Or speed up?" If one knew a little more about what happens after life, the fear probably might not become so gripping. This probably is one arena where science has not been able to explain or prove much. Science believes only on seeing proof. But philosophy first totally believes and then, perceives its authenticity! That is the key to this knowledge. Scriptures given by the rishis (sages) come to aid here. They were scientists of the highest order who experienced life beyond life. Guess there should be some bearing to what they have written then!

“One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure its worth watching.”

pada vigrahaH:
अहनि अहनि भूतानि गच्छन्ति इह यम आलयम् ।
ahani ahani bhUtaani gachChanti iha yama aalayam |

शेषाः स्थावरम् इच्छन्ति किम् आश्चर्यम् अतः परम् ॥
sheShaaH sthaavaram ichChanti kim aashcharyam ataH param ||

December 10th

2010-12-10T00:01:00.048-05:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
लोभात् क्रोधः प्रभवति लोभात् कामः प्रजायते
लोभात् मोहश्च नाशश्च लोभः पापस्य कारणम्
- अज्ञात

Transliteration:
lobhaat krodhaH prabhavati lobhaat kaamaH prajaayate
lobhaat mohashcha naashashcha lobhaH paapasya kaaraNam
- aj~naata

Meaning of the subhAShita:

From greed originates anger; greed gives rise to lust/desire; from greed (come) attachment and ruin; greed is the cause for sin.

Commentary:

Poverty wants much, but avarice... everything! There is no end or means to justify them either. He who is greedy is always wanting something. It is like a monster, standing with his mouth wide open, to devour everything that comes its way. The more that greed is fed, the more hungry it gets!

Apart from all these havoc that greed causes, it is the originator of anger. When the greedy doesn't get what his heart desires, the first response is to get angry. Anger breeds resentment, another unhealthy emotion, to go along with it. Anger burns the angry first, before causing any harm to the person he is angry with!

Greed gives rise to lust. Lust is never quenched and is inflamed further with indulgence.

Greed conjoined with lust and anger can only lead towards attachment and destruction, all of which, lead one towards committing sin. They say hell has 3 gates - lust; anger and greed, all of which can originate from greed. The best way to keep away from spiraling down this road, is keeping greed at bay.

pada vigrahaH:
लोभात् क्रोधः प्रभवति लोभात् कामः प्रजायते
lobhaat krodhaH prabhavati lobhaat kaamaH prajaayate

लोभात् मोहः च नाशः च लोभः पापस्य कारणम्
lobhaat mohaH cha naashaH cha lobhaH paapasya kaaraNam

December 3rd

2010-12-03T00:01:00.081-05:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
पिण्डे पिण्डे मतिर्भिन्ना कुण्डे कुण्डे नवं पयः
जातौ जातौ नवाचारा नवा वाणी मुखे मुखे
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
piNDe piNDe matirbhinnaa kuNDe kuNDe navaM payaH
jaatau jaatau navaachaaraa navaa vaaNI mukhe mukhe
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Varied is the intellect in different people; varied is the (taste in) water from different sources; varied are the customs for different descents; varied are the speech from different visages.

Commentary:

Water from each well, pond and lake taste different. Each lineage of people have different customs, practices and beliefs. Each individual speaks differently and sounds differently. Similarly, each person is different and each has a different perspective. It is these varied perspectives that make the world different and beautiful! Else, imagine a world full of people like oneself!! That is not only impractical and boring, but also impossible at the same time. If one person is exactly like the other, each with his own ego, imagine the outcome of such a situation! Neither shall give up, neither shall win. End of the day neither likes each other, which implies that they both hate themselves! So, thank God! for making variety the spice of life :). Inspite of being born out of the same energy and shining through the light of the same supreme power, each individual is different . It is best when the surroundings are accepted in their varied colors and hues.

The essence of all beings is the same, only their approaches different. Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects ;). When received with an open mind, the world around seems quite amusing and entertaining too. No point hanging on to a stringent mindset and fretting about every fleeting thought that arises in the mind, isn't it!

pada vigrahaH:
पिण्डे पिण्डे मतिः भिन्ना कुण्डे कुण्डे नवं पयः
piNDe piNDe matiH bhinnaa kuNDe kuNDe navaM payaH

जातौ जातौ नव आचाराः नवा वाणी मुखे मुखे
jaatau jaatau nava aachaaraaH navaa vaaNI mukhe mukhe

November 26th

2010-11-26T00:01:00.088-05:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सुजनो न याति वैरं परहितनिरतो विनाशकालेऽपि
छेदेऽपि चन्दनतरुः सुरभयति मुखं कुठारस्य
- भर्तृहरि

Transliteration:
sujano na yaati vairaM parahitanirato vinaashakaale.pi
Chede.pi chandanataruH surabhayati mukhaM kuThaarasya
- bhartRuhari

Meaning of the subhAShita:

An affable person, (who is) always engrossed in the benefaction of others, shall not resort to hostility, even in times of (his own) downfall. Upon chopping, the sandal tree only smears its fragrance onto the blade of the axe.

Commentary:

When an axe fells a sandal tree, it does not pick up a sword to fight, nor a shield to protect itself. It not only gets felled, but also graces the blade of the axe that is chopping it, with its wonderful fragrance! Such is the grace of a benevolent person. He does not resort to hostility or aggression even in times of his own downfall, so as to say. Such a person never really falls down in the real sense. It may look like a downfall in worldly measures, but then, they are the true heroes. For, on the scale of benevolence and graciousness, they shall always stand up high! Their honor and repute shall never see a descent. Isn't that the true measure of eminence!

A person whose amicability factor doesn't change with adversity is the most amicable of all! Isn't that also an indication that, affability of a person, has more to do with what he gives 'of' himself, rather than what he takes 'for' himself? Give, with a good heart and intention. That will be thy savior for a long time to come.

pada vigrahaH:
सुजनः न याति वैरं पर-हित-निरतः विनाश-काले अपि
sujanaH na yaati vairaM para-hita-nirataH vinaasha-kaale api

छेदे अपि चन्दन-तरुः सुरभयति मुखं कुठारस्य
Chede api chandana-taruH surabhayati mukhaM kuThaarasya

November 19th

2010-11-19T00:01:00.087-05:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
जीर्यन्ति जीर्यतः केशा दन्ता जीर्यन्ति जीर्यतः
चक्षुःश्रोत्रे च जीर्येते तृष्णैका तु न जीर्यते
- महाभारत, अनुशासन पर्व

Transliteration:
jIryanti jIryataH keshaa dantaa jIryanti jIryataH
chakShuHshrotre cha jIryete tRuShNaikaa tu na jIryate
- mahaabhaarata, anushaasana parva

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The hair ripen with age; the teeth wear out with age; eyes and ears get feeble too; but desire (thirst) is not appeased!

Commentary:

The hair gray out, teeth fall out, hearing and vision cannot be vouched for either. The skin gets wrinkled, back gets hunched, limbs get weak too. The effects of age can be seen on all faculties! At least then, one would think that he has lived his life and realized the impermanence of all material things, including his own body. But no!! His desires are stronger than ever, his persistence...well, persistent than ever! The need for self gratification and acquisition of material possessions come with so much more force, as if there is a time crunch to fit in all his needs into the short span left over! But then, if one desires many things, all the many shall yet look too few. There is no end to these wants. Quenching an unquenchable thirst drains out too much energy and the true purpose of life is lost in the process...

Come old age, can one cut out all his desires? Not a chance! It is all in the training of the mind. If one is used to rolling in likes and dislikes from childhood, youth through adulthood, he can not flip over in old age and decide to renounce everything to become a saint! It is in keeping a level head and constantly instructing the mind, the ephemerality of life and reminding it the higher purpose.

Put a leash on desires from the get go. Isn't it easier to train a horse already under the reigns than a wild one, running recklessly!

pada vigrahaH:
जीर्यन्ति जीर्यतः केशाः दन्ताः जीर्यन्ति जीर्यतः
jIryanti jIryataH keshaaH dantaaH jIryanti jIryataH

चक्षुः श्रोत्रे च जीर्येते तृष्णा एका तु न जीर्यते
chakShuH shrotre cha jIryete tRuShNaa ekaa tu na jIryate

November 12th

2010-11-12T00:01:00.108-05:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
तत्कर्म यन्न बन्धाय सा विद्या या विमुक्तये
आयासायापरं कर्म विद्याऽन्या शिल्पनैपुणम्
- विष्णुपुराण

Transliteration:
tatkarma yanna bandhaaya saa vidyaa yaa vimuktaye
aayaasaayaaparaM karma vidyaa,nyaa shilpanaipuNam
- viShNupuraaNa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

That is action, which doesn't lead to binding; that is knowledge, which leads to liberation. All other actions are mere chores of arduousness; all other sciences are plain craftsmanship.

Commentary:

Each and every action executed should be done with a feeling of detachment. For any deed done, any chore preformed, the motive behind should not be a selfish one. It should be performed with the attitude of duty and responsibility alone. Not because it brings oneself name and fame, nor because it makes one feel entitled and accomplished. Any action performed as food for the ego, is as good as not done, says the poet! One is even hurting himself more by indulging in such actions, for he is only tying himself up further. It is as if a free bird, willfully flying itself into a cage, closing the door, locking itself up and throwing away the keys! Obviously, it would take the bird forever to free itself up and enjoy the unbound skies again!!

Only that is knowledge which leads one towards the path of liberation. Everything else, is mere craftsmanship, says the poet. Any other learning is just another skill. It might be the skill of the hand, heart or head. But that which does not emancipate one from the bindings of the world, mainly his ego, is no learning.

The essences of these two definitions are essentially, a call for a shift in attitude. The same chores and skills can lead to the ultimate goal, when the attitude towards the doing and the result itself, are that of detachment. For, he who would be pristine and pure, needs but one thing - detachment! There is no pain, hatred or sadness where there is detachment. It is a win-win situation!

pada vigrahaH:
तत् कर्म यत् न बन्धाय सा विद्या या विमुक्तये
tat karma yat na bandhaaya saa vidyaa yaa vimuktaye

आयासाय अपरं कर्म विद्या अन्या शिल्प-नैपुणम्
aayaasaaya aparaM karma vidyaa anyaa shilpa-naipuNam

November 5th

2010-11-05T00:01:00.053-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
शुभं करोति कल्याणम् आरोग्यं धनसम्पदः
शत्रुबुद्धि विनाशाय दीपज्योतिर्नमोस्तुते

Transliteration:
shubhaM karoti kalyaaNam aarogyaM dhanasampadaH
shatrubuddhi vinaashaaya deepajyotirnamostute

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The bestow-er of auspiciousness, fortune, health, wealth, prostrations to thee, O light of the lamp, for the destruction of the attitude of enmity.

Commentary:

A lamp is a symbol of not only light, but also knowledge. Just as it eradicates darkness where it is, the light of knowledge eradicates ignorance. It is the ignorance of the ego which differentiates - one's from others', his from her's, mine from yours. Where there is differentiation, there is either an inferiority or superiority complex. That leads to jealousy, which in turn to enmity. The light of knowledge cuts out this cycle in the very bud. For the one who is aware that there is the same light of the Supreme power in everyone, there is no room for enmity!

May the light of that lamp flourish in each home and heart. May it bestow good fortune, health, wealth and austerity to all. May the spiritual growth and wealth of all increase abundantly now and always.

pada vigrahaH:
शुभं करोति कल्याणम् आरोग्यं धन-सम्पदः
shubhaM karoti kalyaaNam aarogyaM dhana-sampadaH

शत्रु-बुद्धि विनाशाय दीप-ज्योतिः नमोस्तु ते
shatru-buddhi vinaashaaya deepa-jyotiH namostu te

October 29th

2010-10-29T00:01:00.084-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
नष्टं मृतमतिक्रान्तं नानुशोचन्ति पण्डिताः
पण्डितानाञ्च मूर्खाणां विशेषोऽयं यतः स्मृतः
- पञ्चतन्त्र, मित्रभेद

Transliteration:
naShTaM mRutamatikraantaM naanushochanti paNDitaaH
paNDitaanaa~ncha mUrkhaaNaaM visheSho.yaM yataH smRutaH
- pa~nchatantra, mitrabheda

Meaning of the subhAShita:

(For) that which is lost, dead or has passed - the intelligent do not bemoan. It is deemed, that is the difference between the intelligent and the imbecile.

Commentary:

That which is lost cannot be brought back, the dead cannot be revived nor can the past be changed! That which is inevitable cannot be altered. The only thing one can do is, play the one string in his hand, his attitude. It is only the imbecile that invest any time in worrying about the past. The poet says that the intelligent do not bemoan and bewail such things. That is what sets him apart from the rest. The intelligent clearly understand that the past has passed and shall stay there. They do everything they can, to make a difference in today and take only the lessons from yesterday. They take further steps with that resolve in their mind. It takes a lot of strength, courage and grace to move on into the future, despite the past!

No man is rich enough to buy back the past :). No amount of fretting will put a dent in what is already history! Don't make the future an experiment and past a regret. Even God, cannot change the past. Hence, keep the lessons from the past, live in the present and shape a bright future!

pada vigrahaH:
नष्टं मृतम् अतिक्रान्तं न अनुशोचन्ति पण्डिताः
naShTaM mRutam atikraantaM na anushochanti paNDitaaH

पण्डितानां च मूर्खाणां विशेषः अयं यतः स्मृतः
paNDitaanaaM cha mUrkhaaNaaM visheShaH ayaM yataH smRutaH

October 22nd

2010-10-22T00:01:00.058-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
स्वभावसुन्दरं वस्तु न संस्कारमपेक्षते
मुक्तारत्नस्य शाणाश्मघर्षणं नोपयुज्यते
- दृष्टान्तकलिका

Transliteration:
svabhaavasundaraM vastu na saMskaaramapekShate
muktaaratnasya shaaNaashmagharShaNaM nopayujyate
- dRuShTaantakalikaa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

That which is beautiful by nature, does not need further refinement. For a pearl, grinding on a touch stone will do no good!

Commentary:

A pearl, in its original form is lustrous. One does not have to scrub or polish it, to make it shine brighter. Infact, such grinding harms the pearl, for it chips away its layers! By it's very nature, it has the shine that it has. Any kind of processing can make it no less nor no more!

That is true for the characteristics of a person too. They shall shine all on their own, whether he is sitting on a king's throne or living in some obscure thatch, his originality, his attributes, his nature, shall not change. Just as sweetness is inseparable from sugar, just as saltiness is inseverable from salt, so is the inherent intrinsic characteristic of anyone or anything. No contentions there. So, trust thy nature and let it shine, all on its own accord!

pada vigrahaH:
स्वभाव-सुन्दरं वस्तु न संस्कारम् अपेक्षते
svabhaava-sundaraM vastu na saMskaaram apekShate

मुक्तारत्नस्य शाण-अश्म-घर्षणं न उपयुज्यते
muktaaratnasya shaaNa-ashma-gharShaNaM na upayujyate

October 15th

2010-10-15T00:01:00.058-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अणुभ्यश्च महद्भ्यश्च शास्त्रेभ्यः कुशलो नरः
सर्वतः सारमादद्यात् पुष्पेभ्य इव शट्पदः
-भागवत

Transliteration:
aNubhyashcha mahadbhyashcha shaastrebhyaH kushalo naraH
sarvataH saaramaadadyaat puShpebhya iva shaTpadaH
- bhaagavata

Meaning of the subhAShita:

May the indoctrination be infinitesimal or ginormous, the skilled learn the essence from all, just as the bees collect nectar.

Commentary:

The bees do not discriminate. Whether the it is a huge sunflower or a tiny little jasmine, they suck the nectar from it with the same eagerness and alertness! For the bee, each drop of nectar as precious, irrespective of its origin. For, each drop, collectively, makes up the honey in the hive!

Such should be the interest, attentiveness and curiosity while learning any kind of knowledge. Each doctrine has its own special place and need. So, certainly extract the essence of all knowledge with all eagerness.

Being conscious about one's own ignorance is the greatest step towards knowledge, for ignorance is never better than knowledge! Knowledge is power. So, get powerful!

pada vigrahaH:
अणुभ्यः च महद्भ्यः च शास्त्रेभ्यः कुशलः नरः
aNubhyaH cha mahadbhyaH cha shaastrebhyaH kushalaH naraH

सर्वतः सारम् आदद्यात् पुष्पेभ्यः इव शट्पदः
sarvataH saaram aadadyaat puShpebhyaH iva shaTpadaH

October 8th

2010-10-08T00:01:00.054-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
गुणाः सन्ति नराणां चेद्विकसन्त्येव ते स्वयम्
न हि कस्तूरिकामोदः शपथेन निवार्यते
- अज्ञात

Transliteration:
guNaaH santi naraaNaaM chedvikasantyeva te svayam
na hi kastUrikaamodaH shapathena nivaaryate
- aj~naata

Meaning of the subhAShita:

If there are efficacies in people, they shall blossom on their own. It is not possible to ward off the perfume of the musk by any means.

Commentary:

What is inherent, can for no reason, stay hidden, nor can it be changed! Can any amount of washing or drying in the sun, wash away the innate fragrance of musk? Can any amount of coaxing, make a nightingale sing any less sweetly? Can any amount of bleaching, strip away the colors from the feathers of a peacock?

The attribute which is inherent, is as good as engrained in its very existence! That is true for the nature of people as well. The intrinsic nature of a person can not be masked for very long. One day or another, it shall surface. Whether it is a person's good attributes or the evil ones, they can't lay low for ever.

Moral here, if something is an integral characteristic, one doesn't have to put up a commercial for it. It shall shine on its own. Nobody or nothing can dilute that! Have faith in that innate strength and keep going!

pada vigrahaH:
गुणाः सन्ति नराणां चेत् विकसन्ति एव ते स्वयम्
guNaaH santi naraaNaaM chet vikasanti eva te svayam

न हि कस्तूरिका आमोदः शपथेन निवार्यते
na hi kastUrikaa aamodaH shapathena nivaaryate

October 1st

2010-10-01T00:01:00.045-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
कृतस्य करणं नास्ति मृतस्य मरणं तथा
गतस्य शोचनं नास्ति ह्येतद्वेदविदां मतम्
- अज्ञात

Transliteration:
kRutasya karaNaM naasti mRutasya maraNaM tathaa
gatasya shochanaM naasti hyetadvedavidaaM matam
- aj~naata

Meaning of the subhAShita:

There is no doing of that which is (already) done; also there is no death to the already dead; there is no sorrow for that which has passed - this is the opinion of those that are cognizant of the vedas.

Commentary:

Do not cry over spilt milk!

Once a task is done, there is no re-doing it. Once a seed sprouts, there is no re-sprouting for that seed. Once a child grows up, there is no re-growing for that child. Similarly, there is no death to the already dead. When these concepts are accepted, why not the fact that there is no sorrow for that which has already passed. When there is no option of un-doing or re-doing, what is the purpose of sulking in sorrow! Those that are aware of the vedas, clearly know and understand that this is an essence from the vedas directly. They accept the past as past and leave the sorrow behind as well.

Again, it is not worth crying over spilt milk.

pada vigrahaH:
कृतस्य करणं न अस्ति मृतस्य मरणं तथा
kRutasya karaNaM na asti mRutasya maraNaM tathaa

गतस्य शोचनं न अस्ति हि एतत् वेदविदां मतम्
gatasya shochanaM na asti hi etat vedavidaaM matam

September 25th

2010-09-25T00:01:00.007-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
धर्मो यशो नयो दाक्ष्यं मनोहारि सुभाषितम्
इत्यादि गुणरत्नानां सङ्ग्रही नावसीदति
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
dharmo yasho nayo daakShyaM manohaari subhaaShitam
ityaadi guNaratnaanaaM sa~ngrahI naavasIdati
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

Meaning of the subhAShita:

He who collects jewels of merits such as dharma (virtue), fame, principles, politeness, mind captivating subhaaShitaa-s, etc, will never perish.

Commentary:

Why do people collect anything? People collect, in an effort to remember and relive, for a connection to the past and memories! Objects can connect the collector to the historic, valued past. Hence, one's collections should be towards extracting the cream of the past, time tested treasures, from the experience of his elders and ancestors.

The question now is, what should one collect to flourish in life? Not real estate, not cash, not jewels nor property. A good collection of merit is what he needs. The best of them are - dharma (virtue), fame, principles, politeness, mind captivating subhaaShitaa-s and the like. One may lead a life without money or property or embellishments. But without principles, virtues and politeness, there is no life. How about subhaaShitaa-s? The wisdom of a culture lies in its proverbs and sayings, although brief and pithy. They have much to say in very little. They save time in speaking and upon occasion, may be the fullest and safest answers. Collect and learn them; they are notable measures of directions for human life!

How does one collect subhaaShitaa-s? Well, to build a ship, one doesn't need to collect wood or put down schedules, but rather, learn to long for the endless immensity of the sea. Then the task of building the ship will automatically be simplified! To collect subhaaShitaa-s, if one develops a love for learning the deep set values in them, appreciation for their brevity and their immense importance in shaping the culture and the society, then the collection will happen naturally!

Collect such invaluable treasures that make life precious and treasure them dearer than life. As the poet says, such a person will never perish. Success will come looking for that person. May each of us travel in that direction. We will meet like minded people, with similar interests along the path, for, bird of same feather flock together! Hope we cut paths somewhere, sometime :).

pada vigrahaH:
धर्मः यशः नयः दाक्ष्यं मनोहारि सुभाषितम्
dharmaH yashaH nayaH daakShyaM manohaari subhaaShitam

इत्यादि गुण-रत्नानां सङ्ग्रही न अवसीदति
ityaadi guNa-ratnaanaaM sa~ngrahI na avasIdati

September 24th

2010-09-24T00:01:00.010-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
आत्मानं रथिनं विद्धि शरीरं रथमेव च
बुद्धिं तु सारथिं विद्धि मनः प्रग्रहमेव च
- कठोपनिषत्

Transliteration:
aatmaanaM rathinaM viddhi sharIraM rathameva cha
buddhiM tu saarathiM viddhi manaH pragrahameva cha
- kaThopaniShat

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Know thyself as the traveler and body as the chariot. Perceive intellect as the charioteer and mind as the reigns.

Commentary:

Who should be in charge? While riding in a chariot, who should have the final say? Should it be the chariot, the charioteer, the reigns or the horses! Actually, none of the above! The chariot, charioteer, the horses, all are required to take orders from the rider. He is the one who knows his goal, his destination. So, he is the one required to know the path as well. The 5 senses are the horses and the sense objects are only few of the various paths. One can take charge of his horses and lead them in the right path, or allow the horses to stray according to their own whims and fancies, choosing their own roads towards success or downfall. When this scenario can't procure great results, then how can letting oneself to be led by the senses, be appropriate!

Hearing only what pleases the ear, can't do good, for the ear wants to hear only praises. It doesn't want to hear any advice from anyone, whether valid or not.

Seeing only what pleases the eye, isn't the best choice, for the eye only likes to see what appeals to it, not the reality of things like they actually are.

Letting the tongue taste all it wants can only bring harm to the person's health. Just because the tongue doesn't relish healthy food, one can't provide it with processed convenience fodder that is harmful on a longer run. So on, and so forth.

The best way is to keep the charioteer (intellect) have the reigns (mind) in his control and make sure that the intellect listens to the voyager, the self! Then, there will be no case of run away horses or chariots :), the traveler can safely reach his destination, which is, attaining liberation. When the charioteer is the Lord himself, there is no doubt that the journey, as well as the destination become pleasant!

pada vigrahaH:
आत्मानं रथिनं विद्धि शरीरं रथम् एव च
aatmaanaM rathinaM viddhi sharIraM ratham eva cha

बुद्धिं तु सारथिं विद्धि मनः प्रग्रहम् एव च
buddhiM tu saarathiM viddhi manaH pragraham eva cha

September 23rd

2010-09-23T00:01:00.006-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
आचार्यात् पादमादत्ते पादं शिष्यः स्वमेधया
कालेन पादमादत्ते पादं सब्रह्मचारिभिः
- महाभारत, उद्योगपर्व

Transliteration:
aachaaryaat paadamaadatte paadaM shiShyaH svamedhayaa
kaalena paadamaadatte paadaM sabrahmachaaribhiH
- mahaabhaarata, udyogaparva

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A (student acquires a) quarter from the teacher, a quarter from his own intelligence, a quarter over time, a quarter from classmates.

Commentary:

For one's learning, sources are many. He can not rely just upon a teacher to prepare a potion of the lessons and feed it to him all at once. The teacher's contribution to one's learning is only twenty five percent. The other twenty five comes from the student's own interest and perceptions. The other quarter comes over time. Although one has learnt by heart all the chapters and scriptures, new meanings shall dawn to him over a period of time. With age and maturity, come a deeper understanding of the concepts learnt in grade school sometimes! The last quarter comes from his fellow mates. Due to differences in perception, they might have a different outlook. That, many a times gives insight into the topic in a different angle. Hence, even classmates contribute to one's learning.

Also, learning doesn't stop after graduation. Like the poet says, over time, they gain a quarter of the knowledge. Learning is a constant process. Someone once said, I am learning all the time; my tombstone will be my diploma! Anyone who stops learning is old; his chronological age doesn't matter. There is something new to learn everyday, if one pays attention. Learning is a treasure that follows its owner everywhere. Why not earn it with all effort!

pada vigrahaH:
आचार्यात् पादम् आदत्ते पादं शिष्यः स्व-मेधया
aachaaryaat paadam aadatte paadaM shiShyaH sva-medhayaa

कालेन पादम् आदत्ते पादं सब्रह्मचारिभिः
kaalena paadam aadatte paadaM sabrahmachaaribhiH

September 22nd

2010-09-22T00:01:00.006-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अवज्ञया न दातव्यं कस्यचिल्लीलयापि वा
अवज्ञया कृतं हन्याद्दातारं नात्र संशयः

Transliteration:
avaj~nayaa na daatavyaM kasyachillIlayaapi vaa
avaj~nayaa kRutaM hanyaaddaataaraM naatra saMshayaH

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Never give (charity) to anyone with contempt, even for pretense. Charity done in contempt will obliterate the giver, there is no doubt about that.

Commentary:

'Giving' is an act that is done out of the goodness of one's heart, not for name and fame. It should be done with humility and modesty. Giving is not for the benefit of the receiver, as much as it is for the giver, actually. The giver was blessed with a little more than the receiver. Hence he is able to share. But then, the giver benefits more because it teaches him selflessness. So, the attitude with which he gives is very important. Giving with contempt or arrogance is the worst kind of giving. The poet says, not even the sake of pretense should one give with contempt, for it is certain to destroy the giver! Isn't giving futile if one is putting an axe on his own feet? If the giving is bringing down one's moral and value grounds, might as well not give!

Like they say, you get the best out of others, when you give the best of yourself. And that begins with the attitude with which it is given. Humility is the only way. The value of a person resides in what and how he gives; not is what he is capable of receiving. For, it is in giving that we receive! And, the manner of giving is worth much more than the gift itself.

pada vigrahaH:
अवज्ञया न दातव्यं कस्यचित् लीलयापि वा
avaj~nayaa na daatavyaM kasyachit lIlayaapi vaa

अवज्ञया कृतं हन्यात् दातारं न अत्र संशयः
avaj~nayaa kRutaM hanyaat daataaraM na atra saMshayaH

September 21st

2010-09-21T00:01:00.006-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
श्रेयाम्सि बहु विघ्नानि भवन्ति महतामपि
अश्रेयसि प्रवृत्तानां दूरं यान्ति विनायकाः

Transliteration:
shreyaamsi bahu vighnaani bhavanti mahataamapi
ashreyasi pravRuttaanaaM dUraM yaanti vinaayakaaH

Meaning of the subhAShita:

For the noble who perform laudable deeds, there are many a hurdles. From those involved in disgraceful deeds, even obstacles stay away!

Commentary:

There are always two choices, two paths to take. One is easy, the other difficult. The easy route's only reward is that, it's easy! The reason being, even obstacles prefer to stay out of the way of the person vested in disgraceful interests! The poet says, if obstacles were personified, even they, would rather be in the company of the noble :). That is probably why there are lot more pit stops on the path to nobility. That is probably why the noble see lot more hardships in the due course. That is probably why the noble become, well.., noble :).

In other words, do not lose heart due meeting hardships on the way. Do not compromise ethics for entertainment. Do not trade morals for matter. If there are impediments on the way, that means life is giving an opportunity to learn! If there are stumbling blocks, that means nobility and strength are being tested! If there are struggles, that means you did not choose an easy, rosy, unethical path! Hang in there. The light at the end of the tunnel will soon be visible.

Because..., it's choice, not chance, that determines one's destiny!!

pada vigrahaH:
श्रेयाम्सि बहु विघ्नानि भवन्ति महताम् अपि
shreyaamsi bahu vighnaani bhavanti mahataam api

अश्रेयसि प्रवृत्तानां दूरं यान्ति विनायकाः
ashreyasi pravRuttaanaaM dUraM yaanti vinaayakaaH

September 20th

2010-09-20T00:01:00.004-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
रोहते सायकैर्विद्धं वनं परशुना हतम्
वाचा दुरुक्तं भीभत्सं न सम्रोहति वाक्क्षतम्
- महाभारत, उद्योगपर्व

Transliteration:
rohate saayakairviddhaM vanaM parashunaa hatam
vaachaa duruktaM bhIbhatsaM na samrohati vaakkShatam
- mahaabhaarata, udyogaparva

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The (injury) caused by an arrow might heal; a forest felled with an axe may sprout. (But) the (wound) caused by a spiteful, mean word shall barely ever recover.

Commentary:

Physical injuries are quick to mend. The body has the natural ability to try and fix the wound at the earliest. Even plants, when chopped with an axe, have the strength in their roots to sprout the plant again to its lush green self. But when a spiteful word is spoken, the damage caused is tremendous. Without any physical contact, one can easily hurt someone's heart and kill their spirit. Words have colossal power in them. They could either make or break the listener on many levels. One has to be very cautious at all times and watch his words. For, sped arrows and spoken words can never be taken back. Once out of the mouth, it could be. as permanent as, written on stone. It gets etched in the mind of the listener for ever.

Sticks and stones may break the bones, but spiteful words can kill the heart! Speech is often regretted. Taking a moment before saying something might save a lot of grief for everyone.

pada vigrahaH:
रोहते सायकैः विद्धं वनं परशुना हतम्
rohate saayakaiH viddhaM vanaM parashunaa hatam

वाचा दुर्-उक्तं भीभत्सं न सम्-रोहति वाक् क्षतम्
vaachaa dur-uktaM bhIbhatsaM na sam-rohati vaak kShatam

September 19th

2010-09-19T00:01:00.011-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
शत्रोरपि गुणा वाच्या दोषा वाच्या गुरोरपि
सर्वदा सर्वयत्नेन पुत्रे शिष्यवदाचरेत्
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
shatrorapi guNaa vaachyaa doShaa vaachyaa gurorapi
sarvadaa sarvayatnena putre shiShyavadaacharet
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Merits should be spoken of, even in an enemy; wrongdoings are to be pointed out, even in a teacher; with all effort, deal with offspring as you would with students.

Commentary:

Everyone has their own merits and demerits, even enemies. Just because he is not one's favorite person, it doesn't mean that his merits should be discounted. Great kings have always admired the valor of other powerful kings, although they were going head to head against each other. The value is given to the merit, not the person himself. Always see the best in others.

Follies are follies, whether coming from a layman, a scholar, an uneducated or for that matter, even a teacher. In order to uphold dharma, the scriptures too give the liberty to students or youngsters to call out on anyone taking a wrong step, even if he is an educator himself. dharma has the last word, always! Have the courage and confidence to speak up against wrongdoings.

The responsibility of any parent is to equip their offspring with life essential skills, rich with morals and values that lead them towards leading a spiritually rich, peaceful lifestyle. For that, the parents need to be detached while teaching them. Their merits rewarded and follies penalized, just as they would their students. Indulging them at all times will teach them no life lessons. If one wants their offspring to be ready to take on the world as young adults, they need to build that confidence in them, while growing up. That can come only when they are dealt as one would, their students, without any attachment and the main goal being, teaching them life skills! Such adults make a much contented, peaceful and happy society, which in turn makes the world a much happier place.

Right tool, for the right trade :).

pada vigrahaH:
शत्रोः अपि गुणा वाच्या दोषा वाच्या गुरोः अपि
shatroH api guNaa vaachyaa doShaa vaachyaa guroH api

सर्वदा सर्व-यत्नेन पुत्रे शिष्यवत् आचरेत्
sarvadaa sarva-yatnena putre shiShyavat aacharet

September 18th

2010-09-18T00:01:00.005-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
विषस्य विषयाणाञ्च दूरमत्यन्तमन्तरम्
उपभुक्तं विषं हन्ति विषयाः स्मरणादपि

Transliteration:
viShasya viShayaaNaa~ncha dUramatyantamantaram
upabhuktaM viShaM hanti viShayaaH smaraNaadapi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The disparity between 'viSha' (poison) and 'viShaya' (object of sense) is enormous. viSha kills on consumption; viShaya kills just by reminiscing.

Commentary:

In sanskrit, the words for 'poison' and 'objects of sense', sound almost similar. Poison is called viSha, sense objects are called viShaya. The disparity in pronunciation is of only one syllable in the end. But then, their attributes have a ginormous divergence! They couldn't differ from each other more!

viSha kills on consumption. One can safely hold it, see it, hear about it or sometimes, smell it even. It kills only when tasted ;). But then, viShaya on the contrary, kills at the very recollection or thought of it!! For example, if one thinks of a piece of jewelry, he does not have to touch it, see it, hold it, hear the details about it and obviously, smell or taste it either. The very thought can entrap the person in its grasp! If his vaasana-s are such, then his entire day, week or years, can go by, in being caught up about acquiring that article. Such is the power of a sense object. Even without being physically present in front of the person, it can take him through a vicious trap with barely any outlet. Hence, the poet says, viShaya-s are far more hazardous than even poison!!

Let not the materials possess you, in your quest to possess the materials! viShaya is the only form of distraction from true bliss. Find thy way to thy bliss.

pada vigrahaH:
विषस्य विषयाणां च दूरम् अत्यन्तम् अन्तरम्
viShasya viShayaaNaaM cha dUram atyantam antaram

उपभुक्तं विषं हन्ति विषयाः स्मरणात् अपि
upabhuktaM viShaM hanti viShayaaH smaraNaat api

September 17th

2010-09-17T00:01:00.008-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सत्यानुसारिणी लक्ष्मीः कीर्तिस्त्यागानुसारिणी
अभ्याससारिणी विद्या बुद्धिः कर्मानुसारिणी
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
satyaanusaariNI lakShmIH kIrtistyaagaanusaariNI
abhyaasasaariNI vidyaa buddhiH karmaanusaariNI
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Wealth follows truthfulness; fame follows liberality; knowledge follows practice; intellect follows implementation (action).

Commentary:

Where there is honesty, Goddess lakShmI (Goddess of wealth) lives. Goddess lakShmI is known for her affinity to honesty and cleanliness. Where there is no honesty, tentatively, prosperity might seem to reside. But on a longer run, he is certain to end up paying the price, one way or another. It is better to let prosperity take its course, following honesty.

Both the good guys and the bad guys make it to the news paper. But which one gets the fame? It is the good guy who did a noble deed. It is the morality and the liberality of action that takes him to fame.

Knowledge is not a ready dish to be served up for the taking. It comes only through practicing over and over again. Learning and relearning until one has perfected the knowledge, is the only way to go.

Intellect is something that comes along with one's implementation of his knowledge. An architect can think very well, how he can design a space. That intellect comes to him due to constantly thinking in that module. Hence intellect follows implementation.

No shortcuts. Take the right path, reap the right results!

pada vigrahaH:
सत्य अनुसारिणी लक्ष्मीः कीर्तिः त्याग अनुसारिणी
satya anusaariNI lakShmIH kIrtiH tyaaga anusaariNI

अभ्यास-सारिणी विद्या बुद्धिः कर्म अनुसारिणी
abhyaasa-saariNI vidyaa buddhiH karma anusaariNI

September 16th

2010-09-16T00:01:00.010-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
शनैःशनैर्विनीयन्ते तर्जनैस्तोषणैरपि
नवा इवाश्वाः कुशलैर्बालाश्चपलचेतसः
- हरिहरसुभाषित

Transliteration:
shanaiHshanairvinIyante tarjanaistoShaNairapi
navaa ivaashvaaH kushalairbaalaashchapalachetasaH
- hariharasubhaaShita

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The skillful discipline the agile minded children slowly and gradually, with both reprovals and rewards, as they would, new horses.

Commentary:

Taming a new horse is a skillful job. The trainer handles the horse with both love and sternness. He talks very lovingly to the horse while feeding it and training it. But if it does not heed, he gets very stern with the horse as well! It is an integral part of training a horse. A horse so tamed could then be handled by anyone and not just the trainer!

Almost the same rules apply in raising children. By nature, their minds are agile and nimble. If one has to discipline them, he can not always please them. Their demands might, many a times, be far from being satiable. Just because it upsets the child, one can not bring a tiger home, for his asking!! Children need to understand that every demand they put forth cannot be met. Showering them with sweet words can be saved for another time, when they are not throwing tantrums. Showing them that they are loved and cared for, is a very essential part as well. The hugs and kisses are for a later time, when they are not being disciplined. Raising children is not a 'one rule for all situations' policy.

Only then, shall the child grow up to be a confident adult, who can not only take care of himself, but also value the values. He would grow up to be a respectful human being, who also respects the thoughts and needs of those around him. Such children can be easily compatible with most people later on in their lives. Isn't that the cherished treasure children should be left with!

pada vigrahaH:
शनैः शनैः विनीयन्ते तर्जनैः तोषणैः अपि
shanaiH shanaiH vinIyante tarjanaiH toShaNaiH api

नवा इव अश्वाः कुशलैः बालाः चपल-चेतसः
navaa iva ashvaaH kushalaiH baalaaH chapala-chetasaH

September 15th

2010-09-15T00:01:00.007-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
दुःखे दुःखाधिकान्पश्येत् सुखे पश्येत्सुखाधिकान्
आत्मानं शोकहर्षाभ्यां शत्रुभ्यामिव नार्पयेत्
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि

Transliteration:
duHkhe duHkhaadhikaanpashyet sukhe pashyetsukhaadhikaan
aatmaanaM shokaharShaabhyaaM shatrubhyaamiva naarpayet
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

When in sorrow, see those that are in more sorrow; in times of pleasure, see those that have more pleasure. Just as you wouldn't offer yourself to the enemies, do not give into pleasures and sorrows.

Commentary:

When in sorrow, one should see someone in more distress and console himself that he is better off. When complaining of having to walk with feet that are bare, think of someone who has no legs for shoes to wear! That will be humbling enough.

Similarly, when rolling in riches and feeling proud of the possessions, think of the king who has seen lot many more riches but humble yet. That will put a check on arrogance in the bud!

When facing an enemy, would one succumb and give up himself as a offering to the enemy? Then why offer ourselves to the mundane pains/pleasures and let ourselves be caught and carried away in their drift! Always be reminded - this too shall pass. Be it pain or pleasure, it comes with an expiration date on it. Once that is reached, the tide shall change. Then what is use of getting caught in something that is so impermanent!

An hour of pain can feel as long as a day of pleasure, if we let it. The secret of success is learning how to use pain and pleasure instead of having pain and pleasure use you. If you do that, you're in control of your life. If you don't, life controls you!

pada vigrahaH:
दुःखे दुःख अधिकान् पश्येत् सुखे पश्येत् सुख अधिकान्
duHkhe duHkha adhikaan pashyet sukhe pashyet sukha adhikaan

आत्मानं शोक-हर्षाभ्यां शत्रुभ्याम् इव न अर्पयेत्
aatmaanaM shoka-harShaabhyaaM shatrubhyaam iva na arpayet

September 14th

2010-09-14T00:01:00.006-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वैद्यानां शारदी माता पिता च कुसुमाकरः
यमदम्ष्ट्रा स्वसा प्रोक्ता हितभुक् मितभुक् रिपुः

Transliteration:
vaidyaanaaM shaaradI maataa pitaa cha kusumaakaraH
yamadamShTraa svasaa proktaa hitabhuk mitabhuk ripuH

Meaning of the subhAShita:

For a doctor, autumn is the mother, cupid is the father. The teeth of yama (Lord of death) is the sister. One who eats suitable and measured portions, is the enemy!

Commentary:

When does one go to a doctor? Obviously when he is sick. The doctor earns a living due to people that get sick. People fall sick when the weather changes, like in autumn. They fall sick when they are love struck and are not eating or sleeping well. Those in the clutches of death will certainly visit a doctor in an effort to get better. Kith and kin aid to one's prosperity. Likewise, autumn, cupid and clutches of death help the doctor to keep his practice alive! Hence, the poet very humorously says that, they are like family to him. The poet proceeds to say, he who eats suitable food in limited portions is an enemy to the doctor! For, he will stay fit and healthy, and will not need to see a doctor. Isn't it only the enemies that curtail the growth and prosperity of another person! So, he is a doctor's enemy ;).

Moral of the story, eat healthy, eat in limits. It is the biggest open secret to good health! Just by being conscious and aware of what is going into the mouth, one can keep illnesses at bay.

He who has health, has hope. He who has hope, has everything! May everyone have everything :).

pada vigrahaH:
वैद्यानां शारदी माता पिता च कुसुमाकरः
vaidyaanaaM shaaradI maataa pitaa cha kusumaakaraH

यम-दम्ष्ट्रा स्वसा प्रोक्ता हितभुक् मितभुक् रिपुः
yama-damShTraa svasaa proktaa hitabhuk mitabhuk ripuH

September 13th

2010-09-13T00:01:00.005-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
रिक्तपाणीर्नपश्येत राजानं दैवतं गुरुम्
दैवज्ञं पुत्रकं मित्रं फलेन फलमादिशेत्

Transliteration:
riktapaaNIrnapashyeta raajaanaM daivataM gurum
daivaj~naM putrakaM mitraM phalena phalamaadishet

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Do not go empty handed to see a king, God, teacher, a learned person, a child or a friend. Invoke fruitfulness with fruit!

Commentary:

There is a purpose for going to see someone. It could be love, reverence, devotion, affection or even fear! Without a purpose, one would have not taken the pain and effort to go to see anyone. For the visit to be fruitful, why not start with a fruit! Meaning, take some fruit to offer to the person.

When one goes to see a king, God in the temple, his teacher, a learned person, a child or a friend, it is a nice gesture to take something along. Going empty handed to such places is not customary. It shows the person that you cared to think of them even before actually seeing them! That is enough to make them happy. Whether it is a fruit, a flower, a dish or a snack - it doesn't matter. It is the thought that counts.

A wise person values not so much the gift, as the love of the giver. Also, the manner of giving is worth more than the gift itself.

When giving, give thoughtfully. When receiving, receive the giver's thoughts!

pada vigrahaH:
रिक्त-पाणीः न पश्येत राजानं दैवतं गुरुम्
rikta-paaNIH na pashyeta raajaanaM daivataM gurum

दैवज्ञं पुत्रकं मित्रं फलेन फलम् आदिशेत्
daivaj~naM putrakaM mitraM phalena phalam aadishet

September 12th

2010-09-12T00:01:00.002-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अक्षराणि परीक्ष्यन्तामम्बराडम्बरेण किम्
शम्भुरम्बरहीनोऽपि सर्वज्ञः किं न कथ्यते
- अप्पय्यदीक्षित

Transliteration:
akSharaaNi parIkShyantaamambaraaDambareNa kim
shambhurambarahIno.pi sarvaj~naH kiM na kathyate
- appayyadIkShita

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Examine the vidyaa, what is the point in flashy robes? Even though He is digambara (one whose robes are the 4 directions), isn't Lord shiva considered a sarvajna (all knowing)!

Commentary:

Language, is the dress of thought. One's mind set and thinking can be gauged through his speech. Working on that is a much better effort than time spent in superficial attire. One can be the best dressed in town, but the minute he opens his mouth to speak, the language could be foul or uncultured. His dress can earn him only so much value. But after that, it is the learning and the culture he has imbibed that come into picture.

Lord shiva is never in flashy robes or jewelry. His robes are elephant/tiger skin and snakes are His jewelry, at best! But isn't He worshiped and revered as all-knowing and all-pervading! It is the knowledge that carries more weight.

There may be those that dress better or eat better, but those that enjoy and appreciate the value of learning, sleep better! Think about it - elegance is not putting on a new dress, as much as putting on good values.

pada vigrahaH:
अक्षराणि परीक्ष्यन्ताम् अम्बर-आडम्बरेण किम्
akSharaaNi parIkShyantaam ambara-aaDambareNa kim

शम्भुः अम्बर-हीनः अपि सर्वज्ञः किं न कथ्यते
shambhuH ambara-hInaH api sarvaj~naH kiM na kathyate

September 11th

2010-09-11T00:01:00.004-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सर्वतीर्थमयी माता सर्वदेवमयः पिता
मातरं पितरं तस्मात् सर्वयत्नेन पूजयेत्

Transliteration:
sarvatIrthamayI maataa sarvadevamayaH pitaa
maataraM pitaraM tasmaat sarvayatnena pUjayet

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Mother is (the embodiment) of all pilgrimages, father is (the embodiment) of all deities. Hence, mother and father are to be revered with all efforts.

Commentary:

To get the same virtues as one would, on visiting all holy places, all he has to do is, revere his mother. Father is an embodiment of all the deities themselves. They are the sole cause for us being here in this world today. It is hard to imagine one's life without them, their nurture and care. Parents constantly strive to provide the best that they could possibly give, for their children at all times. There is no well wisher better than parents!

Isn't that why even Lord gaNesha, being the remover of all hurdles Himself, bowed down to His parents! They posed a challenge to Him and His brother Lord subrahmaNya, as to who will be the first to circle the world. Lord subrahmaNya immediately took off on His peacock, all around to world. But gaNesha, who was very aware of the strengths and weaknesses :) of His speed, simply circled around His parents, paarvati and parameShwara, and prostrated to them. He had indeed won the challenge! For, it is true that parents think the world of their children and they are worth more than the world to the children!

Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future. Let parents bequeath to their children not riches, but the spirit of reverence! May love and respect be the most important cornerstones of parenting.

pada vigrahaH:
सर्व-तीर्थमयी माता सर्व-देवमयः पिता
sarva-tIrthamayI maataa sarva-devamayaH pitaa

मातरं पितरं तस्मात् सर्व-यत्नेन पूजयेत्
maataraM pitaraM tasmaat sarva-yatnena pUjayet

September 10th

2010-09-10T00:01:00.002-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
तपः परं कृतयुगे त्रेतायां ज्ञानमुच्यते
द्वापरे यज्ञमित्यूचुः दानमेकं कलौ युगे
- पराशरस्मृति

Transliteration:
tapaH paraM kRutayuge tretaayaaM j~naanamuchyate
dvaapare yaj~namityUchuH daanamekaM kalau yuge
- paraasharasmRuti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

In the kRuta yuga penance was the best; in tretaa yuga, knowledge it is said; they say fire sacrifices in the dwaapara yuga; in kali yuga, it is only giving.

Commentary:

kRuta yuga or the satya yuga, is the first of the cycle of 4 eras. It is a very significant one, where the Gods govern the mankind. During that era, very tough and rigid penances were deemed as most rewarding. dharma was very well established and to be most virtuous, one needed to perform penances and meditations.

After some declension of dharma, came the tretaa yuga. During that epoch, one could attain liberation through the mode of jnaana (knowledge). Learning the scriptures and following a pious life was sufficient to be virtuous.

Further fall of dharma gave rise to the dwapara yuga. In this age, one was required to perform sacrifices and give offerings through the fire to the deities, in order to increase their virtues.

After almost the downfall of dharma, the eon called kali yuga started. In this time and era, to be virtuous, all one needs to do is, give selflessly! Gaining virtue has been made so simple. One doesn't have to perform very rigorous penances nor understand multitudes of scriptures nor perform tough sacrifices. Giving up the attachment to possessions and sharing with fellow beings generously, is all that is required to make one virtuous! Is that too much to ask for?

Giving can be at various levels. If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart. It is not what is given that matters as much as how it is given. You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give. Give heartily!

pada vigrahaH:
तपः परं कृत-युगे त्रेतायां ज्ञानम् उच्यते
tapaH paraM kRuta-yuge tretaayaaM j~naanam uchyate

द्वापरे यज्ञम् इति ऊचुः दानम् एकं कलौ युगे
dvaapare yaj~nam iti UchuH daanam ekaM kalau yuge

September 9th

2010-09-09T00:01:00.005-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
किमप्यस्ति स्वभावेन सुन्दरं वाप्यसुन्दरम्
यदेव रोचते यस्मै तद्भवेत्तस्य सुन्दरम्
- हितोपदेष, सुहृद्भेद

Transliteration:
kimapyasti svabhaavena sundaraM vaapyasundaram
yadeva rochate yasmai tadbhavettasya sundaram
- hitopadeSha, suhRudbheda

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Is there anything that is beautiful or ugly inherently? Whatever appeals to whomever, that looks beautiful to him.

Commentary:

Beauty lies is in the eyes of the beholder! There is nothing on earth that comes bearing a beautiful or ugly tag. The inherent nature of anything does not include this tag. In the creator's eye, everything is equally beautiful and each has its own special place and requirement in this world. Or, He would not have taken the time and energy in creating it.

But then, to the onlooker's eye, some things are appealing, some are not. No object is so beautiful that, under certain conditions, it will not look ugly, or vice versa. Who is most beautiful in this world? There is no best answer to this question. To someone, the person voted as the most beautiful in the world, may not be as appealing as their simple looking spouse. One does not love a person because of their beauty, but the person looks beautiful because of their love!

All said and done, physical beauty is only skin deep. The real beauty of a person comes from the inner depths of his existence. It is a blend of his integrity, solidarity, modesty, kindness and humility. Cultivate those traits to make thyself beautiful!

pada vigrahaH:
किम् अपि अस्ति स्वभावेन सुन्दरं वा अपि असुन्दरम्
kim api asti svabhaavena sundaraM vaa api asundaram

यदेव रोचते यस्मै तत् भवेत् तस्य सुन्दरम्
yadeva rochate yasmai tat bhavet tasya sundaram

September 8th

2010-09-08T00:01:00.011-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
क्षन्तव्यो मन्दबुद्धीनामपराधो मनीषिणा
न हि सर्वत्र पाण्डित्यं सुलभं पुरुषे क्वचित्

Transliteration:
kShantavyo mandabuddhInaamaparaadho manIShiNaa
na hi sarvatra paaNDityaM sulabhaM puruShe kvachit

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The follies of the dull witted should be forgiven. For, erudition doesn't come easy to people everywhere.

Commentary:

Erudition and eloquence are God given gifts. It does not come easily to all. Those that are blessed with that gift, have no reason to be proud of it. They did not have much of a say in being intelligent, it was given to them! At the same time, the intelligent need to be tolerant to the follies of the less intelligent. They deserve forgiveness for, fastidiousness in not their best trait!

A wise man can learn more from a foolish question than a fool can learn from a wise answer. There is learning everywhere alright! Even if a question seems foolish, be tolerant! Pray the Lord to give him the understanding and maturity. At the same time, thank God for the wisdom you have been blessed with.

pada vigrahaH:
क्षन्तव्यः मन्द-बुद्धीनाम् अपराधः मनीषिणा
kShantavyaH manda-buddhInaam aparaadhaH manIShiNaa

न हि सर्वत्र पाण्डित्यं सुलभं पुरुषे क्वचित्
na hi sarvatra paaNDityaM sulabhaM puruShe kvachit

September 7th

2010-09-07T00:01:00.009-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
षट्कर्णो भिद्यते मन्त्रश्चतुष्कर्णः स्थिरो भवेत्
द्विकर्णस्य च मन्त्रस्य ब्रह्माप्यन्तन्न गच्छति

Transliteration:
ShaTkarNo bhidyate mantrashchatuShkarNaH sthiro bhavet
dvikarNasya cha mantrasya brahmaapyantanna gachChati

Meaning of the subhAShita:

That which is (heard) by six ears gets shattered; that which is (heard) by four ears gets affirmed. That which stays between the two ears, even Lord brahma can not meet the end of it!

Commentary:

Spells, thoughts or secrets! That which is heard by six or more ears, (meaning, including the speaker, two others), gets broken. Although humans have two ears and one mouth, the tendency is, to speak more than listen! News and rumors travel faster than wind. They get transmitted from one mouth to another, with the inclusions of others' versions and exaggerations as well. Within no time, it will be the talk of the town!

That which is heard by four ears, (meaning, the speaker and only one other person), gets affirmed. When a guru teaches a mantra to his disciple, he teaches him in the ear. That strengthens the potency of the mantra. On a more mundane level, if a thought is shared with the spouse, a parent, a friend or a well wisher, he gets a re-affirmation as well as a second opinion to his thoughts. Depending on that he could either continue further in the direction or abandon it.

But the thought that stays between two ears, (meaning, in one's own head), even Lord brahma can not foresee the outcome of it! The thoughts kept within are unbreakable and predicting their outcome is impossible. For every thought, the connecting thoughts can take many a different turns and branch out further with many more possibilities and probabilities. The mind is so complex that it could go any which way, depending on the mindset of the person, at that given time. Then how can anyone guess the end result?

If publicizing is the idea, talk about it with two people. Also remember, he who gossips with you, gossips of you!

If reassurance or advice about something is the quest, discuss it with one near or dear person. For, affirmation without disciple is the beginning of delusion!

If ultimate secrecy is the goal, do not open thy mouth! Then even Lord brahma can't figure it out :).

Choice is yours!

pada vigrahaH:
षट्-कर्णः भिद्यते मन्त्रः चतुष्-कर्णः स्थिरः भवेत्
ShaT-karNaH bhidyate mantraH chatuSh-karNaH sthiraH bhavet

द्वि-कर्णस्य च मन्त्रस्य ब्रह्मा अपि अन्तं न गच्छति
dvi-karNasya cha mantrasya brahmaa api antaM na gachChati

September 6th

2010-09-06T00:01:00.005-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
बलाद्दत्तं बलाद्भुक्तं बलद्यच्चापि लेखितम्
सर्वान् बलकृतानर्थान् अकृतान् मनुरब्रवीत्
- मनुस्मृति

Transliteration:
balaaddattaM balaadbhuktaM baladyachchaapi lekhitam
sarvaan balakRutaanarthaan akRutaan manurabravIt
- manusmRuti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

That which is given forcefully, that which is possessed (enjoyed) forcefully, also that which is written forcefully; all affairs extracted by force are wretched, said manu.

Commentary:

Any action should be performed willingly by anyone! 'Force', should not be the driving force behind any deed, else it goes futile.

Giving should be beneficial to the receiver. Giving something for the sake of giving and forcing the other to receive it, no matter what, is a wasteful effort. It could be material object or monetary help or even an advice for that matter; giving by force, is not appreciated.

Taking by force is an obvious 'no, no'. Nobody wants anything snatched from them, for any reason!

Using strength to make one write anything is not useful either. One might be given an imposition to write 'I shall not lie', a hundred times. But that forced writing does not help inculcate that value in the person. One can be forced to sign off his entire property by force. That, if proven, does not hold up in the court of law even.

Manu says, any affair that is achieved through force, is wretched. No good fruit can be expected from such deeds. Pressurizing one to give into the others' strength, can yield nothing but contempt and fear. Neither is beneficial for the betterment of either of the involved individuals. It only makes one a tyrant and the other, the threatened. Neither grows spiritually. It curtails the blossoming of the soul in both. Then, what is the purpose of showing unwanted force?

Force, is all-conquering; but its victories, short-lived! Plan long term :).

pada vigrahaH:
बलात् दत्तं बलात् भुक्तं बलत् यत् चापि लेखितम्
balaat dattaM balaat bhuktaM balat yat chaapi lekhitam

सर्वान् बलकृतान् अर्थान् अकृतान् मनुः अब्रवीत्
sarvaan balakRutaan arthaan akRutaan manuH abravIt

September 5th

2010-09-05T00:01:00.003-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
देहे पातिनि का रक्षा यशो रक्ष्यमपातवत्
नरः पातितकायोऽपि यशःकायेन जीवति
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
dehe paatini kaa rakShaa yasho rakShyamapaatavat
naraH paatitakaayo.pi yashaHkaayena jIvati
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Why protect the body that is bound to fall off, protect the honor without falling. Even when the body is thrown, the being lives through his honor.

Commentary:

Immortality is not for the body. If one wishes to live eternally, the foot prints he needs to leave are not his physical ones, but those of his deeds. Many a beings have performed penances, desirous of physical immortality, in vain. What is the point in protecting the physical body that is bound to be discarded at some point or the other. Whether alive or have passed on, the seeds of the deeds one has sown live on. His valor and honor never die. Not only his glory lives on, his deeds live on too. For, his life would have been an inspiration for many a beings, for generations to come! That way, the society at large benefits from not only his deeds directly, but from the deeds of those that are inspired by him. As such, he becomes immortal through his deeds of honor!

What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and that, is immortal. We all shall die. May the goal not be to live forever, but to create something that will!

pada vigrahaH:
देहे पातिनि का रक्षा यशः रक्ष्यम् अपातवत्
dehe paatini kaa rakShaa yashaH rakShyam apaatavat

नरः पातित-कायः अपि यशः-कायेन जीवति
naraH paatita-kaayaH api yashaH-kaayena jIvati

September 4th

2010-09-04T00:01:00.005-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
मधु पश्यति मूढात्मा प्रपातं नैव पश्यति
करोति निन्दितं कर्म नरकान्न बिभेति च
- देवीभागवत

Transliteration:
madhu pashyati mUDhaatmaa prapaataM naiva pashyati
karoti ninditaM karma narakaanna bibheti cha
- devIbhaagavata

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The imbecile sees the honey, not the chasm (he is falling into), performs despicable deeds and is not afraid of going to hell either.

Commentary:

With his sight fixated upon the honey in the hive above, the imbecile does not watch his step to see if he is falling off the cliff! Only an imbecile can undertake such a task. In real lives, many a times, the honorable and despicable actions are not as well defined as the honey and the cliff. One needs to be aware of his actions constantly and avoid those that are not virtuous. The scriptures all say that one indulging in such deeds goes to hell. A dull witted person, although he knows his deeds are detestable, engages in them, without even the fear of the consequences. The act itself is so enticing to him, (like the sweetness of the honey draws his attention), the crevice on the land he is standing itself goes unnoticed!

Each of us bears his own hell. They say, 'Go to heaven for the climate and to hell for the company!' :). Let not that come true. Let each one make his own heaven and inspire those around to make their own as well.

pada vigrahaH:
मधु पश्यति मूढ-आत्मा प्रपातं न एव पश्यति
madhu pashyati mUDha-aatmaa prapaataM na eva pashyati

करोति निन्दितं कर्म नरकात् न बिभेति च
karoti ninditaM karma narakaat na bibheti cha

September 3rd

2010-09-03T00:01:00.008-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
साहित्यसङ्गीतकलाविहीनः
साक्षात्पशुः पुच्छविषाणहीनः
तृणं न खादन्नपि जीवमानः
तद्भागधेयं परमं पशूनाम्
- नीतिशतक

Transliteration:
saahityasa~ngItakalaavihInaH
saakShaatpashuH puchChaviShaaNahInaH
tRuNaM na khaadannapi jIvamaanaH
tadbhaagadheyaM paramaM pashUnaam
- nItishataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

He who is devoid of (the knowledge of) literary compositions, music/melody or art forms, is an embodiment of an animal without a tail and horns. The animals are fortunate that he survives without eating up the grass!

Commentary:

The poet opines that those devoid of literature/scriptures, a flair for music or other art forms, (vidyaa in short), is as good as an animal. He is just short on the tail and horns faculty :). The poet furthermore says that, the real animals should be thankful that such a human being doesn't consume grass for food! Or the animals would run short on their feed too :).

The essence here being the fact that a human being needs not only to be appreciative of different art forms, he should value learning of all forms. vidyaa(knowledge) is one faculty that sets humans apart from animals. If that is not valued, isn't he same as animals?

Knowledge is the food for the soul! Feed the soul healthy food in heavenly portions :).

pada vigrahaH:
साहित्य-सङ्गीत-कला-विहीनः
saahitya-sa~ngIta-kalaa-vihInaH

साक्षात् पशुः पुच्छ-विषाण-हीनः
saakShaat pashuH puchCha-viShaaNa-hInaH

तृणं न खादन्न् अपि जीवमानः
tRuNaM na khaadann api jIvamaanaH

तत् भागधेयं परमं पशूनाम्
tat bhaagadheyaM paramaM pashUnaam

September 2nd

2010-09-02T00:01:00.008-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सर्वेषामेव शौचानां अर्थशौचं परं स्मृतम्
योऽर्थे शुचिर्हि स शुचिर्न मृद्वारिशुचिः शुचिः
- मनुस्मृति

Transliteration:
sarveShaameva shauchaanaaM arthashauchaM paraM smRutam
yo.rthe shuchirhi sa shuchirna mRudvaarishuchiH shuchiH
- manusmRuti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Amongst all kinds of purities, purity in matters of wealth is deemed the highest. He who is lucid in matters of money is only lucid. Cleanliness is not achieved through bathing with mud and water. (Mud was used as a scrub to cleanse).

Commentary:

Give and take are supposed to have a spiritual aspect to them. Taking wealth that does not belong to one, is considered a crime. Be it in any which way or form, taking wealth is stealing! It not only adds additional burden to one's own karma, but also increases his RuNa (debt) as well.

He who is lucid in matters of money is considered as most lucid. Bathing with fragrant oils and applying perfumes are all only superficial cleansing. Purity in dealing with wealth, is an affair of a different order. It has more to do with one's integrity and morale. Hence, it is considered superior.

Money often costs too much! Let not the price be one's solidarity and integrity!!

pada vigrahaH:
सर्वेषाम् एव शौचानां अर्थ-शौचं परं स्मृतम्
sarveShaam eva shauchaanaaM artha-shauchaM paraM smRutam

यः अर्थे शुचिः हि स शुचिः न मृत्-वारि-शुचिः शुचिः
yaH arthe shuchiH hi sa shuchiH na mRut-vaari-shuchiH shuchiH

September 1st

2010-09-01T00:01:00.006-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यशोदया समा कापि देवतानास्ति भूतले
उलूखले यया बद्धो मुक्तिदो मुक्तिमिच्छति

Transliteration:
yashodayaa samaa kaapi devataanaasti bhUtale
ulUkhale yayaa baddho muktido muktimichChati

Meaning of the subhAShita:

There is no deity on this earth equal to yashodaa. He who liberates everyone, is asking her to release him, from the mortar that she has tied him to!

Commentary:

Who else can claim that they had tied down the liberator of all worlds. Only Lord Krishna's mother yashodaa can! She although did not give birth to Him, she enjoyed the best of his childhood years!! She rocked Him to sleep, she held Him when He was hurt (or He pretended to be hurt). She fed Him when he was hungry, she watched Him when He playfully bothered the gopi-s of vRundaavan. She watched Him drink milk, she caught Him stealing butter. She watched Him in His sleep, she kept an eye on Him when He was naughty. She hugged Him with love and she punished Him too, when he was mischievous!!

Once she even tied Him up with a rope, to a mortar, as she could not bear to hear anymore complaints about his mischief, from the villagers. The puppeteer that He is, He pretended to be bothered by the ropes and begged her to relive Him of the ties! He who liberates one and all, from all kinds of ties, implored yashodaa to release Him!! Isn't she the most envious of all beings! She had one blissful and blessed life, where she enjoyed motherhood of the ultimate order!

May He, Lord Krishna, bestow and shower such incredible joy on one and all!

pada vigrahaH:
यशोदया समा का अपि देवता न अस्ति भूतले
yashodayaa samaa kaa api devataa na asti bhUtale

उलूखले यया बद्धः मुक्तिदः मुक्तिम् इच्छति
ulUkhale yayaa baddhaH muktidaH muktim ichChati

August 31st

2010-08-31T00:01:00.012-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अयुक्तं स्वामिनो युक्तं युक्तं नीचस्य दूषणम्
अमृतं राहवे मृत्युर्विषं शङ्करभूषणम्
- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
ayuktaM svaamino yuktaM yuktaM nIchasya dUShaNam
amRutaM raahave mRutyurviShaM sha~nkarabhUShaNam
- chaaNakya nIti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Even that which is inappropriate is suitable for a master, (but), even that which is approved is a misfit for the inferior. The divine nectar brought death to raahu, where as, poison became an adornment to Lord shiva.

Commentary:

'One size fits all', isn't the rule always! Even that which is grossly inappropriate may fit quite alright with the master. But even that which is deemed perfectly perfect, brings disgrace to the inferior!

The example given by the poet is that of raahu and shiva. Being a demon, raahu, stealthily sat amidst the devas (demi Gods) and consumed the divine nectar (which bestows immortality). Seeing this, Lord vishNu slew his head off. But as he had already consumed a portion of the nectar, he lived on, with his head separated from his body! Hence, even the divine nectar proved disastrous for raahu! On the other hand, Lord shiva drunk the poison that ensued in the process of churning out the nectar, in order to save the world of its ill effects. His wife, Goddess paarvati, held it down at his neck, making him neelakaNTa (the blue necked one). Even poison became an adornment for Lord shiva.

It is not the action itself that makes the difference. It is the worthiness of the person performing the act, that has a major say. Many a times, that which is right and appropriate for one person can not be acceptable for another.

A master can wing anything in a breeze. Mastery comes with a good heart and good intentions. When one's intentions are in the right direction, all else falls in place and everything works well for him.

pada vigrahaH:
अयुक्तं स्वामिनः युक्तं युक्तं नीचस्य दूषणम्
ayuktaM svaaminaH yuktaM yuktaM nIchasya dUShaNam

अमृतं राहवे मृत्युः विषं शङ्कर-भूषणम्
amRutaM raahave mRutyuH viShaM sha~nkara-bhUShaNam

August 30th

2010-08-30T00:01:00.005-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अन्तःसारविहीनानामुपदेशो न जायते
मलयाचल सम्सर्गान्न वेणुश्चन्दनायते
- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
antaHsaaravihInaanaamupadesho na jaayate
malayaachala samsargaanna veNushchandanaayate
- chaaNakya nIti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

No point advising those devoid of inner essence. A bamboo does not become sandal wood in company of the malaya mountain!

Commentary:

Many a times, company isn't everything. If there is no inner essence, the company they keep won't put a dent in their persona. The example the poet uses is, just because a shoot of bamboo grows on the malaya mountain (which bears an abundant population of sandal trees), it doesn't qualify it to acquire the qualities of sandal wood! If seen on a more trivial level, just because a child keeps company of a research scholar, he will not be able to understand a word if he starts lecturing the child. The child lacks a certain maturity to grasp the concepts the scholar is talking about. No matter how hard he tries, his efforts shall go futile. Similarly, there is no point advising those devoid of inner essence. Growing physically is certainly different from growing spiritually and emotionally. If that prior readiness to receive the knowledge given by others is missing, then the effort in teaching such a person is futile.

Conserve thy resources. Know when to spend, on what to spend and how to spend thy energy.

pada vigrahaH:
अन्तः-सार-विहीनानाम् उपदेशः न जायते
antaH-saara-vihInaanaam upadeshaH na jaayate

मलयाचल सम्सर्गात् न वेणुः चन्दनायते
malayaachala samsargaat na veNuH chandanaayate

August 29th

2010-08-29T00:01:00.000-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
न पश्यति च जन्मान्धः कामान्धो नैव पश्यति
न पश्यति मदोन्मत्तो स्वार्थी दोषान्न पश्यति
- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
na pashyati cha janmaandhaH kaamaandho naiva pashyati
na pashyati madonmatto svaarthI doShaanna pashyati
- chaaNakya nIti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A person born blind can not see; one blinded by desire does not see; he who is intoxicated with pride does not see; nor does a selfish see - blemishes.

Commentary:

Blindness is of many orders. There are 4 types of blindnesses.

One who is born with a physical deficiency, where his eyes do not function the way they should, who is blind, can obviously not see anything, let alone blemishes. If that is one type of actual blindness, there are other figurative blindnesses. The only thing worse than blindness is, having vision but no sight :(.

One who has excessive desires, can not see beyond his desires. He will stop at nothing to achieve his heart's wants and needs. All he can think of, is how to acquire the objects of his interest. How can he see any blemishes?

One who is intoxicated with pride can see nothing but himself! He sees no one or anything else beyond himself. For him, he is the best that there is! With such an attitude, how can he see any blemishes?

A selfish being is even worse. He can see nothing beyond himself and his needs. He is tirelessly working towards his own best interest. How can such a person see blemishes?

The huge difference is, 'cannot' see and 'does not' see! If it is actual blindness that can not be fixed, that can be accepted. But, there is no respite from self-inflicted fallacies!

pada vigrahaH:
न पश्यति च जन्म-अन्धः काम-अन्धो न एव पश्यति
na pashyati cha janma-andhaH kaama-andho na eva pashyati

न पश्यति मद उन्मत्तः स्वार्थी दोषान् न पश्यति
na pashyati mada unmattaH svaarthI doShaan na pashyati

August 28th

2010-08-28T00:01:00.000-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
बुद्धिर्यस्य बलं तस्य निर्बुद्धेस्तु कुतो बलम्
वने सिम्हो मदोन्मत्तः शशकेन निपातितः
- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
buddhiryasya balaM tasya nirbuddhestu kuto balam
vane simho madonmattaH shashakena nipaatitaH
- chaaNakya nIti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

He who has wisdom has the strength. Where is the strength for the imbecile? The intoxicated lion in the forest got thrown down by the rabbit. (In the panchatantra story of the Lion and the rabbit.)

Commentary:

One doesn't always have to be physically strong to win over his opponent. Many a times, a little extra wisdom has gone a long way! If one is wise enough and can think on his toes, he can bring himself out of the toughest situations. Like in the panchatantra story, a little hare fells a huge lion. He tells the lion that there is another lion dwelling inside the well. The dumb lion, not seeing that it is his own image, pounces into the well, to bring about his own end!

To him who is not wise, even his physical power proves useless. He needs wisdom to know and decide how to channelize his energies effectively, else, all his efforts will prove futile.

It is not always muscle power that comes out victorious. Be wise!

pada vigrahaH:
बुद्धिः यस्य बलं तस्य निर्-बुद्धेः तु कुतः बलम्
buddhiH yasya balaM tasya nir-buddheH tu kutaH balam

वने सिम्हः मद उन्मत्तः शशकेन निपातितः
vane simhaH mada unmattaH shashakena nipaatitaH

August 27th

2010-08-27T00:01:00.005-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
प्रातरुत्थानं च युद्धं च सम्विभागं च बन्धुषु
स्वयमाक्रम्य भुक्तं च शिक्षेच्चत्वारि कुक्कुटात्
- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
praatarutthaanaM cha yuddhaM cha samvibhaagaM cha bandhuShu
svayamaakramya bhuktaM cha shikShechchatvaari kukkuTaat
- chaaNakya nIti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Waking up in the morning, belligerence, sharing with kin, feeding oneself - learn these 4 from a rooster.

Commentary:

Waking up early, readiness to fight, sharing and not ignoring oneself - 4 precious lessons anyone could use!

Waking up early not only keeps one healthy and alert, it also gives him more time to undertake productive tasks through out the day. Who doesn't want an extra hour to finish up the day's chores? Best way to do is, waking up in the early hours of the day.

One needs to have faith in himself and his beliefs. If need be, he should be able to defend himself. 'If need be' is instrumental. 'Standing ready to fight for no good reason', is not being spoken of here. When one's rudimental beliefs are being questioned, he should have the confidence to stand up for himself. That is very essential.

Whether it is a morsel of grain or whole barn full, sharing with friends and family makes it more enticing! Recognizing this, fells selfish motives. Be it food or knowledge or resources, sharing makes it more delectable.

Not ignoring oneself is very essential as well. When one pays attention to himself and his needs as well, he can have the confidence he needs within. That confidence can be the driving force behind many an achievements.

Isn't there a lesson to be learnt from each and every being? That is what makes each being special and also essential to the creation at large. Or He, would not have made an effort in creating that being!!

pada vigrahaH:
प्रातः उत्थानं च युद्धं च सम्-विभागं च बन्धुषु
praataH utthaanaM cha yuddhaM cha sam-vibhaagaM cha bandhuShu

स्वयम् आक्रम्य भुक्तं च शिक्षेत् चत्वारि कुक्कुटात्
svayam aakramya bhuktaM cha shikShet chatvaari kukkuTaat

August 26th

2010-08-26T00:01:00.005-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
दह्यमानाः सुतीव्रेण नीचाः परयशोऽग्निना
अशक्तास्तत्पदं गन्तुं ततो निन्दां प्रकुर्वते
- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
dahyamaanaaH sutIvreNa nIchaaH parayasho.gninaa
ashaktaastatpadaM gantuM tato nindaaM prakurvate
- chaaNakya nIti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The lowly burn intensely in the fire (of jealousy) on others' prosperity. Incapable of taking those measures themselves, they criticize (tirelessly).

Commentary:

Envy is the most stupidest of vices, for there is not a single advantage to be gained from it!. By envying others, one can only bring torment on to himself! It is unnecessary self-inflicted pain, that comes with absolutely no gain! Why host and entertain such feelings? Jealousy originates from inferiority/insecurity, and are projected in the form of constantly criticizing the envied. He is well aware that he can not live up to those measures, so his only escape is finding fault with the one that has achieved something he always wanted for himself!

Like they say, "The envious die not once, but as often as the envied win applause." "Envy is the art of counting the other fellow's blessings instead of your own."

Why give rise to such self destructive emotions? If the rudimental faculty for the origination of it is recognized, doesn't it make it easier to quell it?

Be thyself and leave the rest to Him! Each one gets his share of whatever he deserves. Envying doesn't put a dent in the other person's faculties, but certainly eats up the envious from within!

pada vigrahaH:
दह्यमानाः सु-तीव्रेण नीचाः पर-यशः अग्निना
dahyamaanaaH su-tIvreNa nIchaaH para-yashaH agninaa

अशक्ताः तत् पदं गन्तुं ततो निन्दां प्रकुर्वते
ashaktaaH tat padaM gantuM tato nindaaM prakurvate

August 25th

2010-08-25T00:01:00.006-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
श्रुत्वा धर्मम्विजानाति श्रुत्वा त्यजति दुर्मतिम्
श्रुत्वा ज्ञानमवाप्नोति श्रुत्वा मोक्षमवाप्नुयात्
- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
shrutvaa dharmamvijaanaati shrutvaa tyajati durmatim
shrutvaa j~naanamavaapnoti shrutvaa mokShamavaapnuyaat
- chaaNakya nIti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

By taking heed to dharma, one understands; by hearing dharma, one quits his bad disposition; by comprehending dharma, one attains knowledge (awareness); by listening to dharma, one attain salvation too.

Commentary:

The best way to understand life's essence, is by heeding to dharma. Without following the path of virtue, there is no way one can understand the essence of life.

By talking and hearing about dharma, one's thoughts and dispositions get cleansed. His bad intents and basal instincts get crushed to trivial nothings.

When one understands and comprehends dharma in its true sense, one attains the highest knowledge. There is nothing higher or better than that.

By listening to dharma, one can attain anything and everything. He can be happy not just now, but thereafter as well! It is the path of dharma that leads one to salvation as well!

The greatest virtues are those which are most useful to other persons. Be virtuous!

pada vigrahaH:
श्रुत्वा धर्मम् विजानाति श्रुत्वा त्यजति दुर्-मतिम्
shrutvaa dharmam vijaanaati shrutvaa tyajati dur-matim

श्रुत्वा ज्ञानम् अवाप्नोति श्रुत्वा मोक्षम् अवाप्नुयात्
shrutvaa j~naanam avaapnoti shrutvaa mokSham avaapnuyaat

August 24th

2010-08-24T00:01:00.007-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
भारते संस्कृता भाषा कामधेनुः प्रकीर्तिता
जननी विश्वभाषाणां विज्ञानस्योपकारिणी

Transliteration:
bhaarate saMskRutaa bhaaShaa kaamadhenuH prakIrtitaa
jananI vishvabhaaShaaNaaM vij~naanasyopakaariNI

Meaning of the subhAShita:

In India, Sanskrit language is reputed as 'kaamadhenu' (the celestial cow which bestows all desires). Mother of world languages, it is the benefactor of wisdom.

Commentary:

Sanskrit is renowned as the 'devabhaaShaa' for good reason. In India, it is reputed as 'kaamadhenu', the celestial cow that bestows all desires. It caters to the needs of everyone. The language and its literature can quench the thirst of anyone, in any field. It is not just a store house for spiritual knowledge, but has literature pertaining to all fields from nyaaya shaastra to neeti shaastra, from architecture to science, from medicine to astronomy! The variety and range knows no bounds.

It is also deemed as the mother of most world languages. The roots to many a languages can be found in Sanskrit. It is the easiest benefactor for wisdom. The literature in the language is such!

Let's celebrate Sanskrit and make an effort to drink at least an ounce from the mighty ocean the language has to offer!

P.S: 'World Sanskrit Day' is celebrated on the full moon day of shraavaNa month according to the Hindu calendar, i.e., today, this year.

pada vigrahaH:
भारते संस्कृता भाषा कामधेनुः प्रकीर्तिता
bhaarate saMskRutaa bhaaShaa kaamadhenuH prakIrtitaa

जननी विश्व-भाषाणां विज्ञानस्य उपकारिणी
jananI vishva-bhaaShaaNaaM vij~naanasya upakaariNI

August 23rd

2010-08-23T00:01:00.005-04:00

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
दृष्टिपूतं न्यासेत्पादं वस्त्रपूतं पिबेज्जलम्
शास्त्रपूतं वदेद्वाक्यं मनः पूतं समाचरेत्
- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
dRuShTipUtaM nyaasetpaadaM vastrapUtaM pibejjalam
shaastrapUtaM vadedvaakyaM manaH pUtaM samaacharet
- chaaNakya nIti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Clear the path through sight; filter drinking water through a cloth; purify speech through knowledge of scriptures; cleanse actions through thought.

Commentary:

While setting his foot, one visually makes sure his path is clear. He does this, so that he doesn't falter. There might be a stone he could trip on or a pit he could fall in! If he has visually cleared the path he is treading on, he can reach his destination faster.

Drinking water needs to be filtered. A cloth was used to strain it, in the olden days. Rain water is not drinkable directly unless it is from the springs directly. It needs to be purified of all sediments before consumption.

One's words should be wise and compassionate. This can happen when it is purified through the study of scriptures and the knowledge gained by them. One who is whetted by the knowledge in the scriptures speaks pleasantly and appropriately.

Look before you leap, think before you act! Mind would never allow one to perform wrongful deeds. If one thinks his actions through his mind and applies his heart, he would not put a wrong step.

Think thy actions through and do not hesitate to execute anything that is purified through thy thoughts.

pada vigrahaH:
दृष्टि-पूतं न्यासेत् पादं वस्त्र-पूतं पिबेत् जलम्
dRuShTi-pUtaM nyaaset paadaM vastra-pUtaM pibet jalam

शास्त्र-पूतं वदेत् वाक्यं मनः पूतं समाचरेत्
shaastra-pUtaM vadet vaakyaM manaH pUtaM samaacharet