September 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
संसारविषवृक्षस्य द्वे फले ह्यमृतोपमे ।
सुभाषितरसस्वादः सङ्गतिः सुजनैः सह ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:

saṃsāraviṣavṛkṣasya dve phale hyamṛtopame ।
subhāṣitarasasvādaḥ saṅgatiḥ sujanaiḥ saha ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

In this poisonous tree called 'saṃsāra' (life), only two fruits are equal to the divine nectar (amṛtam). One is the taste of subhāṣitas (and) the other is keeping company with good people. 

Commentary:

Subhāṣita, a celebrated genre of Saṃskṛtam (Sanskrit) literature, embodies the essence of timeless wisdom. These eloquent, compact verses distill profound truths and offer life lessons in a manner that is both poetic and practical. Their universal relevance transcends eras, cultures, and languages, making them a cornerstone of Sanskrit’s literary tradition. While every language has its share of aphorisms and proverbs, Sanskrit stands apart for the sheer abundance, depth, and refinement of its subhāṣitas, which continue to inspire generations.

A remarkable feature of Sanskrit literature is its self-reflective nature—there are even subhāṣitas that extol the importance of subhāṣitas! This is one such verse that beautifully likens worldly life to a poisonous tree, emphasizing its challenges and illusions. Yet, the poet highlights that even this metaphorical tree bears two divine fruits: the joy of keeping good company and the delight of savoring subhāṣitas. Together, these serve as an antidote to the hardships of life, offering a sense of purpose and perspective.

Good company enriches the soul, and the wisdom embedded in subhāṣitas sharpens the mind and nourishes the heart. Both remind us that amidst the chaos and fleeting distractions of the material world, it is these treasures—companionship, and wisdom of the subhāṣitas—which provide enduring solace and meaning. In the end, everything else pales in comparison, hence the poet so aptly declares, 'everything else in this world is as good as poison!'

pada vigrahaH:

संसार-विष-वृक्षस्य द्वे फले हि अमृत-उपमे ।
saṃsāra-viṣa-vṛkṣasya dve phale hi amṛta-upame ।

सुभाषित-रस-स्वादः सङ्गतिः सुजनैः सह ॥
subhāṣita-rasa-svādaḥ saṅgatiḥ sujanaiḥ saha ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

saMsaaraviShavRukShasya dve phale hyamRutopame ।

subhaaShitarasasvaadaH sa~ngatiH sujanaiH saha ॥

- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

saMsaara-viSha-vRukShasya dve phale hi amRuta-upame ।
subhaaShita-rasa-svaadaH sa~ngatiH sujanaiH saha ॥