October 31st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उत्तमा आत्मना ख्याताः पितुः ख्याताश्च मध्यमाः ।
अधमा मातुलात् ख्याताः श्वशुरात् चाधमाधमाः ॥


Transliteration:
uttamā ātmanā khyātāḥ pituḥ khyātāśca madhyamāḥ ।
adhamā mātulāt khyātāḥ śvaśurāt cādhamādhamāḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The noble are known by their own (noble deeds); the mediocre are famous because of their father; the inferior are known because of their maternal uncle; (and) the bottom of all are identified because of their father-in-law.

Commentary:

The message carried here is not tagging anyone as noble or mediocre. Rather, the main aim is to illustrate how the noble attain their status through their own prowess.

Children, especially, should not become arrogant because their parents or uncles or some other relatives are 'rich and famous'. The name, fame, and humility should emerge from their own acts and deeds, because of their own character.

This is a message for the grown-ups too.  It is not enough to pass down a name, fame, and some money as an inheritance to children.  It is better to leave them a legacy of morality and splendor which is needed to be solid individuals. This is more important than allowing them to plunder and splurge on their unearned inheritance.  We should let children make their own space and carve their own niche.  

An inheritance is what we leave for people.  Whereas, a legacy is what we leave in them.  Leave a legacy! 

pada vigrahaH:

उत्तमाः आत्मना ख्याताः पितुः ख्याताः च मध्यमाः ।
uttamāḥ ātmanā khyātāḥ pituḥ khyātāḥ ca madhyamāḥ ।

अधमाः मातुलात् ख्याताः श्वशुरात् च अधम-अधमाः ॥
adhamāḥ mātulāt khyātāḥ śvaśurāt ca adhama-adhamāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
uttamaa aatmanaa khyaataaH pituH khyaataashcha madhyamaaH ।
adhamaa maatulaat khyaataaH shvashuraat chaadhamaadhamaaH ॥

uttamaaH aatmanaa khyaataaH pituH khyaataaH cha madhyamaaH ।

adhamaaH maatulaat khyaataaH shvashuraat cha adhama-adhamaaH ॥

October 30th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उद्यमस्साहसं धैर्यं बुद्धिश्शक्तिः पराक्रमः ।
षडेते यत्र वर्तन्ते तत्र देवाः सहायकृत् ॥

Transliteration:
udyamassāhasaṃ dhairyaṃ buddhiśśaktiḥ parākramaḥ ।
ṣaḍete yatra vartante tatra devāḥ sahāyakṛt ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Industriousness, adventurousness, patience, wisdom, strength, courage - wherever these 6 (qualities) are operative, Gods are helpful.

Commentary:

Even Gods do not help the non-zealous and lazy!

If a person has the zeal to work; is patient enough to deal with situations as they come; and uses his wisdom, strength, and courage - only then shall the Gods help.

Like they say, 'success' is 90% perspiration and 10% luck. The 10% of luck will be useful only when one is ready to perspire!  But when not in the right direction, perspiration will only lead to futile efforts.  One's industriousness counts only when accompanied by adventurousness, patience, wisdom, strength, and courage.  When these 6 attributes come together, even Gods have no choice but to be on their side and bless them with success!

Chances come and go in everyone's life. But only the one with all the 6 qualities mentioned above will be able to seize opportunities and make the best of them.

Can't blame destiny for our lack of readiness after all!

pada vigrahaH:
उद्यमः साहसं धैर्यं बुद्धिः शक्तिः पराक्रमः ।
udyamaḥ sāhasaṃ dhairyaṃ buddhiḥ śaktiḥ parākramaḥ ।

षट् एते यत्र वर्तन्ते तत्र देवाः सहायकृत् ॥
ṣaṭ ete yatra vartante tatra devāḥ sahāyakṛt ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
udyamassaahasaM dhairyaM buddhishshaktiH paraakramaH ।
ShaDete yatra vartante tatra devaaH sahaayakRut ॥

udyamaH saahasaM dhairyaM buddhiH shaktiH paraakramaH ।

ShaT ete yatra vartante tatra devaaH sahaayakRut ॥

October 29th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
ईक्षणं द्विगुणं प्रोक्तं भाषणस्येति वेधसा ।
अक्षि द्वे मनुष्याणां जिह्वात्वैकेव निर्मिता ॥


Transliteration:
īkṣaṇaṃ dviguṇaṃ proktaṃ bhāṣaṇasyeti vedhasā ।
akṣi dve manuṣyāṇāṃ jihvātvaikeva nirmitā ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

It is said by the learned that seeing should be double the amount of speaking. (After all,) humans were made with two eyes but only one tongue.

Commentary:

'Seeing', here is observing. The Lord made humans with two eyes and one tongue for a good reason. The hidden message behind this is - one should observe more than one speaks! Well..., talking should be cut to half the amount of seeing. Mathematically speaking, we have only one tongue and two eyes after all. This message is hence justified :).

Being a 'mūka prekṣaka' or sākṣī' (silent observer) without reacting to events instantaneously, takes a lot of willpower.

This is reminiscent of the statement - 'Speech is silver, silence is gold'!  So, the rule of thumb should be - have more than you show, speak less than you know.  

pada vigrahaH:

ईक्षणं द्विगुणं प्रोक्तं भाषणस्य इति वेधसा ।
īkṣaṇaṃ dviguṇaṃ proktaṃ bhāṣaṇasya iti vedhasā ।

अक्षि द्वे मनुष्याणां जिह्वा तु एका एव निर्मिता ॥
akṣi dve manuṣyāṇāṃ jihvā tu ekā eva nirmitā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
eekShaNaM dviguNaM proktaM bhaaShaNasyeti vedhasaa ।
akShi dve manuShyaaNaaM jihvaatvaikeva nirmitaa ॥

eekShaNaM dviguNaM proktaM bhaaShaNasya iti vedhasaa ।

akShi dve manuShyaaNaaM jihvaa tu ekaa eva nirmitaa ॥

October 28th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उदये सविता रक्तः रक्तश्चास्तमये तथा ।
सम्पत्तौ च विपत्तौ च महतामेकरूपता ॥
Transliteration:
udaye savitā raktaḥ raktaścāstamaye tathā ।
sampattau ca vipattau ca mahatāmekarūpatā ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Sun (Savitā) is red as he rises and he is red as he sets. Similarly, great minds will be composed in happiness as well as in sadness.

Commentary:

The sun is the same red color at dawn as well as dusk. He is not ecstatic because he is rising and will soon reach the top of the world. Similarly, he is not bogged down with sadness while setting either. The rise and fall does not affect the sun. He keeps his same color and composure. He will simply do his dharma that is - giving light and warmth to the world, no matter what day or era.

Similarly, the noble will not bounce off the walls in times of happiness nor succumb to pain during hardships. They are level-headed always and keep doing their duties, leaving the rest up to Him. They understand clearly that there is a supreme power above who knows what's best for each and every one of us, no matter what happens.

No matter the situation, one should never let his emotions overpower his intelligence!  He should keep his composure always.  

pada vigrahaH:
उदये सविता रक्तः रक्तः च अस्तमये तथा ।

udaye savitā raktaḥ raktaḥ ca astamaye tathā ।

सम्पत्तौ च विपत्तौ च महताम् एक रूपता ॥
sampattau ca vipattau ca mahatām eka rūpatā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
udaye savitaa raktaH raktashchaastamaye tathaa ।
sampattau cha vipattau cha mahataamekarUpataa ॥

udaye savitaa raktaH raktaH cha astamaye tathaa ।

sampattau cha vipattau cha mahataam eka rUpataa ॥

October 27th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
ऋणश्शेषोऽग्निशेषश्च शतृशेषस्तथैव च ।
पुनः पुनः प्रवर्धन्ते तस्मात् शेषं न रक्षयेत् ॥


Transliteration:
ṛṇaśśeṣo'gniśeṣaśca śatṛśeṣastathaiva ca ।
punaḥ punaḥ pravardhante tasmāt śeṣaṃ na rakṣayet ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A balance of debt, remainder of fire, (and) residue of enemies too - keep growing again and again; hence do not protect these leftovers.

Commentary:

1. When a debt is not repaid, it just keeps growing. The interest incurred on it keeps accruing and turns out to be more than the principle itself! The debt mentioned here is not only monetary debt. If not repaid, any kind of debt will carry on to another life too.

2. If the last sparks of fire are ignored, in an instant, they can turn into a whole new raging flame, causing havoc.

3. Enemies left untreated bring misery as well.  They might come back to avenge with more vengeance.  

The advice here is - do not leave a trace of the remnants mentioned above. But the question is: How?

Any and all debt needs to be repaid in its appropriate manner. Flames should be put out in their entirety. But what about enemies? Does it mean 'destroy them'? Not necessarily! It means that the 'enmity' should be destroyed from its roots. Once the feeling of bitterness is thrown out, the person will no longer be called an enemy! So, it's definitely not a call for the destruction of the person who is an enemy, but more for the destruction of the cause (the emotion) of the enmity.  Once the source of enmity is uprooted, the person won't be termed an enemy anymore.  

Never try to destroy an enemy.  Destroy the enmity. 

pada vigrahaH:

ऋणः शेषः अग्नि-शेषः च शतृ-शेषः तथ एव च ।
ṛṇaḥ śeṣaḥ agni-śeṣaḥ ca śatṛ-śeṣaḥ tatha eva ca ।

पुनः पुनः प्रवर्धन्ते तस्मात् शेषं न रक्षयेत् ॥
punaḥ punaḥ pravardhante tasmāt śeṣaṃ na rakṣayet ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
RuNashsheShao.gnisheShashcha shatRusheShastathaiva cha ।
punaH punaH pravardhante tasmaat sheShaM na rakShayet ॥

RuNaH sheShaH agni-sheShaH cha shatRu-sheShaH tatha eva cha ।

punaH punaH pravardhante tasmaat sheShaM na rakShayet ॥

October 26th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उद्यमेन हि सिध्यन्ति कार्याणि न मनोरथैः ।
न हि सुप्‍तस्य सिंहस्य प्रविशन्ति मुखे मृगाः ॥
- पञ्चतन्त्र, मित्रसम्प्राप्ति

Transliteration:
udyamena hi sidhyanti kāryāṇi na manorathaiḥ ।
na hi sup‍tasya siṃhasya praviśanti mukhe mṛgāḥ ॥
- pañcatantra, mitrasamprāpti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Tasks can only be achieved through industriousness, not intentions. (Afterall,) prey will not fall into the mouth of a sleeping lion!

Commentary:

Intentions don't move mountains!

And rightfully so. Merely having good goals, thoughts, and strengths won't help one to realize his dreams. Industriousness, zealousness, alertness, and activity are also essential for success. 

A lion, only because he is the king of the jungle, can't sleep in his den and expect prey to come fall at his feet and beg him to eat them! He may have all the strength required to bring down an elephant, but that alone is not enough. He has to put his skills to use if he wants food.  He has to hunt for his own food. He has to crouch silently, watch the moves of his prey, and then pounce at the right time.  He has to work for his food.  

Similarly, to achieve a goal, one should plan his actions and execute his plans to attain the desired results.

Let's get working!

pada vigrahaH:
उद्यमेन हि सिध्यन्ति कार्याणि न मनोरथैः ।
udyamena hi sidhyanti kāryāṇi na manorathaiḥ ।

न हि सुप्‍तस्य सिंहस्य प्रविशन्ति मुखे मृगाः ॥
na hi sup‍tasya siṃhasya praviśanti mukhe mṛgāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
udyamena hi sidhyanti kaaryaaNi na manorathaiH ।
na hi suptasya siMhasya pravishanti mukhe mRugaaH ॥
- pa~nchatantra, mitrasampraapti

udyamena hi sidhyanti kaaryaaNi na manorathaiH ।

na hi suptasya siMhasya pravishanti mukhe mRugaaH ॥

October 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
शिशौ प्रविशतः प्रायः प्रतिवेशिगुणागुणौ ।
गन्धोऽन्यसन्निधेरेव सङ्क्रामति समीरणे ॥
- हरिहरसुभाषित


Transliteration:
śiśau praviśataḥ prāyaḥ prativeśiguṇāguṇau ।
gandho'nyasannidhereva saṅkrāmati samīraṇe ॥
- hariharasubhāṣita

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Probably the virtues and vices of the people (around a child) enter into the child just as naturally as odor into the air.

Commentary:

Keep good company!

The merits and demerits of the family and friends around a child will integrate into him very easily. The simile given is that of air. It carries along with it any odor in the vicinity, be it the fragrance of a flower or the smell of a rotten fruit. The air cannot discriminate between appealing and non-appealing scents. The air simply blends the odor into itself and spreads it wherever it travels. Similarly, children cannot differentiate between good and bad qualities; they simply pick up every attribute they come across.

It becomes the primary duty of the parents or the adults to make sure the child is in good company. Despite that, the child can pick up unwanted habits every now and again. Then it is the utmost responsibility of the parents to correct these habits right away and teach them what is approved of or disapproved of.  It is easier to prevent bad habits than to break them later. It should be quickly replaced with a good one. 

Change in habits leads to change in life. The sooner, the better. 

pada vigrahaH:

शिशौ प्रविशतः प्रायः प्रतिवेशि-गुण-अगुणौ ।
śiśau praviśataḥ prāyaḥ prativeśi-guṇa-aguṇau ।

गन्धः अन्य-सन्निधेः एव सङ्क्रामति समीरणे ॥
gandhaḥ anya-sannidheḥ eva saṅkrāmati samīraṇe ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
shishau pravishataH praayaH prativeshiguNaaguNau ।
gandho.nyasannidhereva sa~nkraamati samIraNe ॥
- hariharasubhaaShita

shishau pravishataH praayaH prativeshi-guNa-aguNau ।

gandhaH anya-sannidheH eva sa~nkraamati samIraNe ॥

October 24th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
मन्त्रे तीर्थे द्विजे दैवे दैवज्ञे भेषजे गुरौ ।
यादृशी भावना यत्र सिद्धिर्भवति तादृशी ॥
- समयोचितपद्यमालिका


Transliteration:
mantre tīrthe dvije daive daivajñe bheṣaje gurau ।
yādṛśī bhāvanā yatra siddhirbhavati tādṛśī ॥
- samayocitapadyamālikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The usefulness of mantras, pilgrimages, brāhmaṇas (knower of Brahman), deities, seekers/knowers of God, doctors, and teachers will be proportional to the faith we put in them.

Commentary:

Vedic chants, prayers, places of worship, brāhmaṇas (brāhmaṇa here is not a Brāhmin in the community, but a brāhmaṇa - one who knows Brahman) and their knowledge, Gods and Goddesses, ascetics, doctors, and teachers—all these groups contribute to society in their own special ways. How useful they are to us depends on how much faith we put in them!

There are lots of examples of this in real life where a particular treatment was fruitful to one person and not to another. In a Placebo effect, they are not even given a real medicine but they seem to get better just because they believe the medication will help them! 

A particular teacher might be thought of as a 'wonderful one' by one student, whereas a 'hopeless one' by another. The first student learns much more than the other one, from the same teacher.  

Miracles seem to happen to some people and not to others. The list goes on. 

The mysterious ingredient behind these differences in results is, probably, the faith with which they started off, in the first place. People who have more trust end up getting better results!

Trust is the highest form of human motivation. It brings out the very best in people. Begin with trust.  Even if the results end up being bad, accept it as God's will. He knows what's best for whom. He never lets anyone down, anywhere, anytime!

pada vigrahaH:
मन्त्रे तीर्थे द्विजे दैवे दैवज्ञे भेषजे गुरौ ।
mantre tīrthe dvije daive daivajñe bheṣaje gurau ।

यादृशी भावना यत्र सिद्धिः भवति तादृशी ॥
yādṛśī bhāvanā yatra siddhiḥ bhavati tādṛśī ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
mantre tIrthe dvije daive daivajne bheShaje gurou ।
yaadRushee bhaavanaa yatra siddhirbhavati taadRushee ॥
- samayochitapadyamaalikaa

mantre tIrthe dvije daive daivaj~je bheShaje gurou ।

yaadRushee bhaavanaa yatra siddhiH bhavati taadRushee ॥

October 23rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
गीती शीघ्री शिरःकम्पी यथालिखितपाठकः ।
अनर्थज्ञोऽल्पकण्ठश्च षडेते पाठकाधमाः ॥
- पाणिनीयशिक्षा


Transliteration:
gītī śīghrī śiraḥkampī yathālikhitapāṭhakaḥ ।
anarthajño'lpakaṇṭhaśca ṣaḍete pāṭhakādhamāḥ ॥
- pāṇinīyaśikṣā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

These are the six qualities of a bad reader—reading: like a song, in a hurry, shaking the head, just as it is written, without knowing the meaning,  and in a low tone.

Commentary:

Having the below 6 qualities do not give one the title of a 'Good Reader'.

1.  Reading with a tune, as if the text were a song
2.  Reading in a hurry and swallowing up the syllables
3.  Nodding the head or shaking some part of the body while reading
4.  Reading just as is written, even if there were errors
5.  Reading without understanding the meaning of the text
6.  Reading with a tone so low that even the person sitting in front has to perk up his ears

Obviously, to be a good reader, one should do exactly the opposite of the above qualities.

A good reader should read—with proper intonation, at a pace that others can understand, keep an alert and upright posture, correct errors if any, have a good grasp of the subject, and have a clear/crisp tone of voice with precision in pronunciation.

When a person is reading, the listener should be able to grasp the meaning instantly.  The reader should pay attention to the words and read them like he means them.

Reading is always a good idea.  Becoming a good reader is a greater one!

pada vigrahaH: 
गीती शीघ्री शिरः-कम्पी यथा लिखित पाठकः ।
gītī śīghrī śiraḥ-kampī yathā likhita pāṭhakaḥ ।

अनर्थज्ञः अल्प-कण्ठः च षट् एते पाठक अधमाः ॥
anarthajñaḥ alpa-kaṇṭhaḥ ca ṣaṭ ete pāṭhaka adhamāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
gItI shIghrI shiraHkampI yathaalikhitapaaThakaH ।
anarthajno.lpakaNThashcha ShaDete paaThakaadhamaaH ॥
- paaNineeyashikShaa

gItI shIghrI shiraH-kampI yathaa likhita paaThakaH ।

anarthaj~naH alpa-kaNThaH cha ShaT ete paaThaka adhamaaH ॥

October 22nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
निन्दन्तु नीतिनिपुणा यदि वा स्तुवन्तु
लक्ष्मीः समाविशतु गच्छतु वा यथेष्टम् ।
अद्यैव वा मरणमस्तु युगान्तरे वा
न्यायात् पथः प्रविचलन्ति पदं न धीराः ॥
- नीतिशतक

Transliteration:
nindantu nītinipuṇā yadi vā stuvantu
lakṣmīḥ samāviśatu gacchatu vā yatheṣṭam ।
adyaiva vā maraṇamastu yugāntare vā
nyāyāt pathaḥ pravicalanti padaṃ na dhīrāḥ ॥
- nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Whether the astute of morality commends or blames them; whether wealth comes to them or leaves them at will; whether death comes to them right now or in another era—the brave will not take a step away from the path of righteousness.

Commentary:

No compromises!

The brave (dhīra) will not be deterred from their path of virtue for any reason, whether they are criticized for their deeds, applauded, or blamed. Wealth is not a factor either—it could accumulate or dissipate. Death doesn't scare them—whether yama (Lord of death) comes right here, right now, or in a whole other era, it won't put a dent in their determination! They will still act as per their moral standards and continue to shine.

External factors do not affect the integrity of the inner self. It takes courage to heed one's inner voice and not be carried away by fleeting, momentary pleasures.

Wisdom is knowing the right path to take.  Integrity is to actually take it!  No matter what happens, the path of virtue should not be given up, because it is the only path that takes one to peace.  

pada vigrahaH:
निन्दन्तु नीतिनिपुणाः यदि वा स्तुवन्तु
nindantu nītinipuṇāḥ yadi vā stuvantu

लक्ष्मीः समाविशतु गच्छतु वा यथ इष्टम् ।
lakṣmīḥ samāviśatu gacchatu vā yatha iṣṭam ।

अद्य एव वा मरणम् अस्तु युग-अन्तरे वा
adya eva vā maraṇam astu yuga-antare vā

न्यायात् पथः प्रविचलन्ति पदं न धीराः ॥
nyāyāt pathaḥ pravicalanti padaṃ na dhīrāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
nindantu nItinipuNaa yadi vaa stuvantu
lakShmIH samaavishatu gachChatu vaa yatheShTam ।
adyaiva vaa maraNamastu yugaantare vaa
nyaayaat pathaH pravichalanti padaM na dhIraaH ॥
- neetishataka

nindantu nItinipuNaaH yadi vaa stuvantu

lakShmIH samaavishatu gachChatu vaa yatha iShTam ।

adya eva vaa maraNam astu yuga-antare vaa

nyaayaat pathaH pravichalanti padaM na dhIraaH ॥

October 21st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
दानेन पाणिर्न तु कङ्कणेन स्नानेन शुद्धिर्न तु चन्दनेन ।
मानेन तृप्‍तिर्न तु भोजनेन ज्ञानेन मुक्तिर्न तु पूजनेन ॥

Transliteration:
dānena pāṇirna tu kaṅkaṇena snānena śuddhirna tu candanena ।
mānena tṛp‍tirna tu bhojanena jñānena muktirna tu pūjanena ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Bestowal makes a hand (graceful), not bracelets; ablution purifies, not sandalwood paste; contentment comes from character, not food; absolution comes from knowledge, not (merely) worshipping.

Commentary:

Giving charity is a better adornment to a hand than beautiful shiny bangles. Nice perfumes or smearing sandalwood paste won't do a good job in cleansing, a bath is essential for that. Food won't satiate the soul, but integrity will. Mere chanting of mantras and worshipping will not bring salvation. True knowledge that removes ignorance (about our worldly existence vs. our true nature) is required to liberate the आत्मा (ātmā), soul.

Adornment is never anything except the true reflection of the heart!  The misnomers about adornments are thus put to rest.

pada vigrahaH:

दानेन पाणिः न तु कङ्कणेन स्नानेन शुद्धिः न तु चन्दनेन ।
dānena pāṇiḥ na tu kaṅkaṇena snānena śuddhiḥ na tu candanena ।

मानेन तृप्‍तिः न तु भोजनेन ज्ञानेन मुक्तिः न तु पूजनेन ॥
mānena tṛp‍tiḥ na tu bhojanena jñānena muktiḥ na tu pūjanena ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
daanena paaNirna tu ka~nkaNena snaanena shuddhirna tu chandanena ।
maanena tRuptirna tu bhojanena jnaanena muktirna tu pUjanena ॥

daanena paaNiH na tu ka~nkaNena snaanena shuddhiH na tu chandanena ।

maanena tRuptiH na tu bhojanena jnaanena muktiH na tu pUjanena ॥

October 20th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
त्यज दुर्जनसंसर्गं भज साधुसमागमम् ।
कुरु पुण्यमहोरात्रं स्मर सर्वेश्वरं सदा ॥


Transliteration:
tyaja durjanasaṃsargaṃ bhaja sādhusamāgamam ।
kuru puṇyamahorātraṃ smara sarveśvaraṃ sadā ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Leave the proximity of evildoers; resort to the company of the noble. Perform virtuous deeds day and night, (and) remember the Lord, all the time.

Commentary:

Leading a successful life doesn't mean having big bungalows and fancy cars. Success is a relative term, after all. If one can successfully avoid the company of evil, be in the company of good, do good deeds, and surrender to Him, that is more than a success story!

Every deed performed with the thought that it is an offering to the Lord is the true vedāntic (spiritual) way of living (not just chanting a series of mantras or performing various poojas).

Success is a journey, not a destination.  It is a sum of small efforts that are repeated day in and day out.  Be a success story in the right sense.

pada vigrahaH:

त्यज दुर्जन-संसर्गं भज साधु-समागमम् ।
tyaja durjana-saṃsargaṃ bhaja sādhu-samāgamam ।

कुरु पुण्यम् अहः रात्रं स्मर सर्व-इश्वरं सदा ॥
kuru puṇyam ahaḥ rātraṃ smara sarva-iśvaraṃ sadā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
tyaja durjanasaMsargaM bhaja saadhusamaagamam ।
kuru puNyamahoraatraM smara sarveshvaraM sadaa ॥

tyaja durjana-saMsargaM bhaja saadhu-samaagamam ।

kuru puNyam ahaH raatraM smara sarva-ishvaraM sadaa॥

October 19th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
नाभिषेको न संस्कारः सिंहस्य क्रियते मृगैः ।
विक्रमार्जितवित्तस्य स्वयमेव मृगेन्द्रता ॥
- हितोपदेश, सुह्रुद्भेद


Transliteration:
nābhiṣeko na saṃskāraḥ siṃhasya kriyate mṛgaiḥ ।
vikramārjitavittasya svayameva mṛgendratā ॥
- hitopadeśa, suhrudbheda

Meaning of the subhAShita:

No coronation or ritual is done by animals; Acquisition (of territory) due to natural prowess makes him King of the jungle.

Commentary:

"If you want to know someone’s mind, listen to their words. If you want to know their heart, watch their actions."

A lion majestically roaming in the jungle did not have a crowning ceremony, nor were any rituals performed by the other animals for him. He doesn't even have to be declared as the 'King of the Jungle'. He marks his territory in the jungle just by his majestic roar.  When he roams, all the other animals hide!  They all know him through his power, courage, valor, and fearlessness.  They know he is the rightful king! Such should be the effect of our actions.

Whatever be the quality: bravery, piety, generosity, nobility, or intelligence, the asset should be expressed through its respective deeds rather than just speech.

Actions speak louder than words.  Let actions speak for themselves!

pada vigrahaH:

न अभिषेकः न संस्कारः सिंहस्य क्रियते मृगैः ।
na abhiṣekaḥ na saṃskāraḥ siṃhasya kriyate mṛgaiḥ ।

विक्रम-अर्जित-वित्तस्य स्वयम् एव मृग-इन्द्रता ॥
vikrama-arjita-vittasya svayam eva mṛga-indratā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
naabhiSheko na saMskaaraH siMhasya kriyate mRugaiH ।
vikramaarjitavittasya svayameva mRugendrataa ॥
- hitopadesha, suhrudbheda

na abhiShekaH na saMskaaraH siMhasya kriyate mRugaiH ।

vikrama-arjita-vittasya svayam eva mRuga-indrataa ॥

October 18th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
विदेशेषु धनं विद्या व्यसनेषु धनं मतिः ।
परलोके धनं धर्मः शीलं सर्वत्र वै धनम् ॥
- भारतमञ्जरी

Transliteration:
videśeṣu dhanaṃ vidyā vyasaneṣu dhanaṃ matiḥ ।
paraloke dhanaṃ dharmaḥ śīlaṃ sarvatra vai dhanam ॥
- bhāratamañjarī

Meaning of the subhAShita:

In a foreign land, education is wealth; in adversity, intellect is wealth; in the netherworlds, moral merit is wealth; but one's character is wealth everywhere.

Commentary:

When in a foreign land, one's name or fame in his own country will not be of much use. But his knowledge and education come in handy.

Intellect and intuition will bring a person out of tough situations.

In the afterlife, one will not have any material possessions, except the moral merits he performed on earth.

Even though all of these things are essential for their respective circumstances, a person's integrity is needed everywhere! Be it a new country, hardships on earth, or even after passing on—conduct is one wealth that is upheld irrespective of place, circumstance, or situation.

'If money is lost, nothing is lost. If health is lost, something is lost. If character is lost, everything is lost'.  Mind your character!  Because character is what you have left when you have lost everything you can lose. 

pada vigrahaH:
विदेशेषु धनं विद्या व्यसनेषु धनं मतिः ।
videśeṣu dhanaṃ vidyā vyasaneṣu dhanaṃ matiḥ ।

पर-लोके धनं धर्मः शीलं सर्वत्र वै धनम् ॥
para-loke dhanaṃ dharmaḥ śīlaṃ sarvatra vai dhanam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
videsheShu dhanaM vidyaa vyasaneShu dhanaM matiH ।
paraloke dhanaM dharmaH sheelaM sarvatra vai dhanam ॥
- bhaaratama~njaree

videsheShu dhanaM vidyaa vyasaneShu dhanaM matiH ।

para-loke dhanaM dharmaH sheelaM sarvatra vai dhanam ॥

October 17th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
छायामन्यस्य कुर्वन्ति तिष्ठन्ति स्वयमातपे ।
फलन्त्यपि परार्थाय वृक्षाः सत्पुरुषा इव ॥
- विक्रमचरित

Transliteration:
chāyāmanyasya kurvanti tiṣṭhanti svayamātape ।
phalantyapi parārthāya vṛkṣāḥ satpuruṣā iva ॥
- vikramacarita

Meaning of the subhAShita:

(They) give shade to others (but) stand in the sun themselves; (and) bear fruit for the benefit of others; trees are like the noble people.

Commentary:

Save the trees!

Trees truly are noble. They are serving for the benefit of others in every way. They take the brunt and give the best to the rest. The shade of a tree is enjoyed only by others. A tree can never enjoy its own shade. Only if the tree stands in the Sun shall the rest of the world get its shade! The tree doesn't eat its own fruit either. It is enjoyed by the people, birds, and animals around it.

Similarly, noble people take the heat and make sure others are comfortable. They rejoice in doing good for others. This sets them apart from the rest.

True nobility is in giving happiness to others.

pada vigrahaH:
छायाम् अन्यस्य कुर्वन्ति तिष्ठन्ति स्वयम् आतपे ।
chāyām anyasya kurvanti tiṣṭhanti svayam ātape ।

फलन्ति अपि पर-अर्थाय वृक्षाः सत्पुरुषाः इव ॥
phalanti api para-arthāya vṛkṣāḥ satpuruṣāḥ iva ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
Chaayaamanyasya kurvanti tiShThanti swayamaatape ।
phalantyapi paraarthaaya vRukShaaH satpuruShaa iva ॥
- vikramacharita

Chaayaam anyasya kurvanti tiShThanti swayam aatape ।

phalanti api para-arthaaya vRukShaaH satpuruShaaH iva ॥

October 16th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वृथा वृष्टिः समुद्रेषु वृथा तृप्‍तस्य भोजनम् ।
वृथा दानं समर्थेभ्यः वृथा दीपो दिवापि च ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नसम्मुच्चय

Transliteration:
vṛthā vṛṣṭiḥ samudreṣu vṛthā tṛp‍tasya bhojanam ।
vṛthā dānaṃ samarthebhyaḥ vṛthā dīpo divāpi ca ॥
- subhāṣitaratnasammuccaya

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Rain on the ocean is futile; feeding the satiated is in vain; bestowal to an able person is unnecessary; lighting a lamp in sunlight is useless.

Commentary:

At the right place, at the right time!

Waste isn't waste until we waste it. When performing deeds, one should be aware of their usefulness.  Although the deed is performed in good faith, the recipient should be worthy of it, too. Money given as charity to the needy cannot be equated to money given to the already wealthy!

Similarly,
1. The cool fresh waters of rain go futile when showered on the salty ocean. There is more than sufficient water in an ocean in the first place, and the rainwater won't make the water any less salty either. Hence, it is a wasted effort. But the same shower of rain in a desert will be very welcome.

2. Feeding the already fed—even if an elaborate menu is laid out in front of them, they wouldn't be in a position to enjoy it. The needy and hungry are the ones who know the value of food, they should be fed instead.

3. Giving charity to the already rich and well-to-do doesn't even make sense!

4. What is the use of lighting a lamp during broad daylight when the Sun is shining bright? There is no requirement.

Our deeds should be—in the right place, at the right time. The waste of plenty is the resource of scarcity. Be judicious.

pada vigrahaH:
वृथा वृष्टिः समुद्रेषु वृथा तृप्‍तस्य भोजनम् ।
vṛthā vṛṣṭiḥ samudreṣu vṛthā tṛp‍tasya bhojanam ।

वृथा दानं समर्थेभ्यः वृथा दीपः दिवापि च ॥
vṛthā dānaṃ samarthebhyaḥ vṛthā dīpaḥ divāpi ca ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
vRuthaa vRuShTiH samudreShu vRuthaa tRuptasya bhojanam ।
vRuthaa daanaM samarthebhyaH vRuthaa deepo divaapi cha ॥
- subhaaShitaratnasammuchchaya

vRuthaa vRuShTiH samudreShu vRuthaa tRuptasya bhojanam ।

vRuthaa daanaM samarthebhayaH vRuthaa deepaH divaapi cha ॥

October 15th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
निर्गुणेष्वपि सत्त्वेषु दयां कुर्वन्ति साधवः ।
नहि संहरते ज्योत्स्नां चन्द्रश्चाण्डालवेश्मनः ॥

Transliteration:
nirguṇeṣvapi sattveṣu dayāṃ kurvanti sādhavaḥ ।
nahi saṃharate jyotsnāṃ candraścāṇḍālaveśmanaḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita: 

Noble (people) are kind to less worthy beings too. The moon does not withhold his moonlight from the house of an outcast.

Commentary: 

Nobility comes to the noble as second nature. They do not discriminate against those who are unworthy (as per social norms).  They treat everyone the same!

Society labels someone as worthy or worthless. Does the moon snatch away or withhold his light from the house of a lower caste person? It is again, the society that designates a caste as higher or lower. Noble people, like the moon, do not differentiate against color, caste, creed, or class while performing their deeds.

Rise above the basal quality of discrimination.  Treat everyone the same instead of acting upon bias.  Enhance thy nobility!

pada vigrahaH: 

निर्गुणेषु अपि सत्त्वेषु दयां कुर्वन्ति साधवः ।
nirguṇeṣu api sattveṣu dayāṃ kurvanti sādhavaḥ ।

नहि संहरते ज्योत्स्नां चन्द्रः चाण्डाल-वेश्मनः ॥
nahi saṃharate jyotsnāṃ candraḥ cāṇḍāla-veśmanaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
nirguNeShvapi sattveShu dayaaM kurvanti saadhavaH ।
nahi saMharate jyotsnaaM chandrashchaaNDaalaveshmanaH ॥

nirguNeShu api sattveShu dayaaM kurvanti saadhavaH ।

nahi saMharate jyotsnaaM chandraH chaaNDaala-veshmanaH ॥

October 14th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
केयूरा न विभूषयन्ति पुरुषं हारा न चन्द्रोज्ज्वलाः
न स्नानं न विलेपनं न कुसुमं नालङ्‍कृता मूर्धजाः ।
वाण्येका समलङ्करोति पुरुषं या संस्कृता धार्यते
क्षीयन्ते खलु भूषणानि सततं वाग्भूषणं भूषणम् ॥
- नीतिशतक

Transliteration:
kēyūrā na vibhūṣayanti puruṣaṃ hārā na candrojjvalāḥ
na snānaṃ na vilepanaṃ na kusumaṃ nālaṅ‍kṛtā mūrdhajāḥ ।
vāṇyekā samalaṅkaroti puruṣaṃ yā saṃskṛtā dhāryate
kṣīyante khalu bhūṣaṇāni satataṃ vāgbhūṣaṇaṃ bhūṣaṇam ॥
- nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A person's adornments are not just his armlets or necklaces, bright as the moon. It is also not in taking a bath or applying perfume, or even wearing flowers or fancy tresses. Speech embalmed with culture is the only ornament. Every other adornment will diminish over time. The adornment of speech is the only one true adornment.

Commentary:

One might think that wearing big bright jewellery, nice clothes, perfume, fancy hairstyles or shoes will make them look well-groomed or 'pulled together'. In reality, it doesn't!

All these ornaments and accessories wear out over time. They lose lustre, get lost or break. But practising well-constructed, well-formed, refined, polished speech is something which will never lose its value, charm or go out of fashion.

It is truly our words that either make friends or foes.  A superior person is always modest in his words.  Nice words don't cost much, yet they accomplish a lot!  What's the harm in cultivating the habit of speaking well?!

Think twice before speaking, because words carry the power to plant the seeds of either success or failure in the mind of another. Speak in such a way that others would love to listen to you. 

Make speech thy ornament!

pada vigrahaH:
केयूराः न विभूषयन्ति पुरुषं हारा न चन्द्र-उज्ज्वलाः
kēyūrāḥ na vibhūṣayanti puruṣaṃ hārā na candra-ujjvalāḥ

न स्नानं न विलेपनं न कुसुमं न अलङ्कृता मूर्धजाः । 
na snānaṃ na vilepanaṃ na kusumaṃ na alaṅ‍kṛtā mūrdhajāḥ ।

वाणी एका सम्-अलङ्करोति पुरुषं या संस्कृता धार्यते
vāṇī ekā sam-alaṅkaroti puruṣaṃ yā saṃskṛtā dhāryate

क्षीयन्ते खलु भूषणानि सततं वाक् भूषणं भूषणं ॥
kṣīyante khalu bhūṣaṇāni satataṃ vāk bhūṣaṇaṃ bhūṣaṇam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
keyUraa na vibhUShayanti puruShaM haaraa na chandrojjwalaaH
na snaanaM na vilepanaM na kusumaM naala~nkRutaa mUrdhajaaH ।
vaaNyekaa samala~nkaroti puruShaM yaa saMskRutaa dhaaryate
kSheeyante khalu bhUShaNaani satataM vaagbhUShaNaM bhUShaNaM ॥
- neetishataka

keyUraaH na vibhUShayanti puruShaM haaraa na chandra-ujjwalaaH
na snaanaM na vilepanaM na kusumaM na ala~nkRutaa mUrdhajaaH ।
vaaNI ekaa sam-ala~nkaroti puruShaM yaa saMskRutaa dhaaryate
kSheeyante khalu bhUShaNaani satataM vaak bhUShaNaM bhUShaNaM ॥

October 13th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
तैलाद्रक्ष जलाद्रक्ष रक्ष मां श्लथबन्धनात् ।
आखुभ्यः परहस्तेभ्यः एवं वदति पुस्तकम् ॥

Transliteration:
tailādrakṣa jalādrakṣa rakṣa māṃ ślathabandhanāt ।
ākhubhyaḥ parahastebhyaḥ evaṃ vadati pustakam ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita: 

"Protect (me) from oil, protect (me) from water, protect me from loose binding, from mice and from stranger's hands", so says the book.

Commentary: 

Books should always be handled gently and carefully. They are the source of 'vidyā' (knowledge) and should always be protected and preserved. The book here implores its owner to protect it from getting dirty from oil or spoilt from water spills. Books should also be bound well and not ripped off their bindings. Its pages should be handled gently. Making dog ears to bookmark the pages is never advocated.  Leaving behind books is not a great idea either, because mice might get to them or they may get stolen (taken by strangers). The owner should be responsible and take good care of his books. Only then can the vidyā in the books be accessible.

A book is a gift we can open again and again.  It is a storehouse of treasures like no other place in the world!  It is one of the best means for knowledge transfer from one person to another, and from one generation to another.  

"Handle with care" should be the motto with books!

pada vigrahaH: 

तैलात् रक्ष जलात् रक्ष रक्ष मां श्लथ-बन्धनात् ।
tailāt rakṣa jalāt rakṣa rakṣa māṃ ślatha-bandhanāt ।

आखुभ्यः पर-हस्तेभ्यः एवं वदति पुस्तकम् ॥
ākhubhyaḥ para-hastebhyaḥ evaṃ vadati pustakam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
tailaadrakSha jalaadrakSha rakSha maaM shlathabandhanaat ।
aakhubhyaH parahastebhyaH evaM vadati pustakam ॥

tailaat rakSha jalaat rakSha rakSha maaM shlatha-bandhanaat ।

aakhubhyaH para-hastebhyaH evaM vadati pustakam ॥

October 12th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
व्याघ्री यथा हरेत् पुत्रान् दंष्ट्राभ्यां न च पीडयेत् ।
भीता पतनभेदाभ्यां तद्वद्वर्णान् प्रयोजयेत् ॥
- पाणिनीयशिक्षा

Transliteration:
vyāghrī yathā haret putrān daṃṣṭrābhyāṃ na ca pīḍayet ।
bhītā patanabhedābhyāṃ tadvadvarṇān prayojayet ॥
- pāṇinīyaśikṣā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Just as a tigress carries its young with its teeth while not hurting or dropping it, so should be one's pronunciation of the syllables (alphabet).

Commentary:

Clarity of speech!

When one speaks, the pronunciation of every syllable should be absolutely precise and clear. The simile given in the verse is—just as a tigress carries her young in her mouth from place to place. Although she carries her young with her sharp teeth, she does not hurt her child one bit. Her grip is strong and cautious enough not to drop her cub, yet, gentle and nimble enough not to hurt her cub!

Such should be our speech: crystal clear and precise, while at the same time not too harsh or feeble!  That is what makes one's speech appealing to the listener!!  

Speak clearly, if you speak at all. Carve every word before you let it fall. 

pada vigrahaH:
व्याघ्री यथा हरेत् पुत्रान् दंष्ट्राभ्यां न च पीडयेत् ।
vyāghrī yathā haret putrān daṃṣṭrābhyāṃ na ca pīḍayet ।

भीता पतन-भेदाभ्यां तद्वत् वर्णान् प्रयोजयेत् ॥
bhītā patana-bhedābhyāṃ tadvat varṇān prayojayet ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
vyaaghrI yathaa haret putraan daMShTraabhyaaM na cha pIDayet ।
bhItaa patanabhedaabhyaaM tadvadvarNaan prayojayet ॥
- paaNineeyashikShaa

vyaaghrI yathaa haret putraan daMShTraabhyaaM na cha pIDayet ।

bhItaa patana-bhedaabhyaaM tadvat varNaan prayojayet ॥

October 11th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
लक्ष्मीर्वसति जिह्वाग्रे जिह्वाग्रे मित्रबान्धवाः ।
जिह्वाग्रे बन्धनं प्राप्तं जिह्वाग्रे मरणं ध्रुवम् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
lakṣmīrvasati jihvāgre jihvāgre mitrabāndhavāḥ ।
jihvāgre bandhanaṃ prāptaṃ jihvāgre maraṇaṃ dhruvam ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Lakṣmī resides at the tip of the tongue; at the tip of the tongue are friends and kin; the tip of the tongue can cause imprisonment; and certainly, the tip of the tongue can bring death!

Commentary:

The tongue is one of those few organs that have dual duties.  It is used to taste food, as well as speak.  And it can prove to be either disastrous or delightful in both respects! 

The tip of the tongue can cause either bliss or agony, depending on how it is used. It can be a source of comfort or a weapon. One can earn wealth (Lakṣmī) through nice words and keep his friends and relatives close to him through good speech. Misuse can even lead to a person's imprisonment or be the cause of his death. 

The tongue should always know its limits and be used effectively and efficiently. Thoughtful words must be spoken. Before speaking, the words must pass through three gates: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? The tongue should always be connected with the brain before it starts talking. 

All parts of the body get tired eventually, except the tongue.  Use that faculty wisely!

pada vigrahaH:
लक्ष्मीः वसति जिह्वा-अग्रे जिह्वा-अग्रे मित्र-बान्धवाः ।
lakṣmīḥ vasati jihvā-agre jihvā-agre mitra-bāndhavāḥ ।

जिह्वा-अग्रे बन्धनं प्राप्तं जिह्वा-अग्रे मरणं ध्रुवम् ॥
jihvā-agre bandhanaṃ prāptaṃ jihvā-agre maraṇaṃ dhruvam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
lakShmIrvasati jihvaagre jihvaagre mitrabaandhavaaH ।
jihvaagre bandhanaM praaptaM jihvaagre maraNaM dhruvam ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

lakShmIH vasati jihvaa-agre jihvaa-agre mitra-baandhavaaH ।

jihvaa-agre bandhanaM praaptaM jihvaa-agre maraNaM dhruvam ॥

October 10th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
धनवन्तमदातारं दरिद्रञ्चातपस्विनम् ।
मज्जयेदर्णवेऽशङ्कं कण्ठे बद्ध्वा दृढां शिलाम् ॥

Transliteration:
dhanavantamadātāraṃ daridrañcātapasvinam ।
majjayedarṇave'śaṅkaṃ kaṇṭhe baddhvā dṛḍhāṃ śilām ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Wealthy, but not charitable; needy, yet not ascetic; (such people) without a doubt, must be dipped in the ocean, with a massive rock tied to their neck.

Commentary:

No means of escape!

1. Wealthy people who are unwilling to do good with their assets: A wealthy person has the blessed opportunity to be beneficial to others in his community.  But if he refuses to do so, he has to reap the fruit of his actions. 
2. Needy people who are not austere and pious: Even the poorest person can practice austerity.  It doesn't cost him anything and he has no excuse not to!   

In this verse, both these categories of people are given quite a stern consequence for their respective vices.  The suggestion is that it is certainly not a bad idea if they are drowned in an ocean with a huge stone tied to their neck (making sure that they stay drowned!). 

The people addressed here are the intended targets for the shloka. (It is only an idea and not a recommendation. So, do not be encouraged by the shloka to drown thy neighbor!)  It is advice to such people to wake up and not be a burden on the face of the earth.  They have to define their own lives without waiting for others to write their script. 

pada vigrahaH:

धनवन्तम् अदातारं दरिद्रं च अतपस्विनम् ।
dhanavantam adātāraṃ daridraṃ ca atapasvinam ।

मज्जयेत् अर्णवे अशङ्कं कण्ठे बद्ध्वा दृढां शिलाम् ॥
majjayet arṇave aśaṅkaṃ kaṇṭhe baddhvā dṛḍhāṃ śilām ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
dhanavantamadaataaraM daridra~nchaatapaswinam ।
majjayedarNave.sha~nkaM kaNThe baddhvaa dRuDhaaM shilaam ॥

dhanavantam adaataaraM daridraM cha atapaswinam ।

majjayet arNave asha~nkaM kaNThe baddhvaa dRuDhaaM shilaam ॥

October 9th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
शीलं शौर्यमनालस्यं पाण्डित्यं मित्रसंग्रहः ।
अचोरहरणीयानि पञ्चैतान्यक्षयो निधिः ॥
Transliteration:
śīlaṃ śauryamanālasyaṃ pāṇḍityaṃ mitrasaṃgrahaḥ ।
acoraharaṇīyāni pañcaitānyakṣayo nidhiḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The following are the five (types of) imperishable treasures, that can't be stolen by thieves—Integrity, courage, activity, erudition, (and) a congregation of friends.

Commentary:

There is no point in collecting lots of wealth, assets, etc. They are all perishable and can be stolen easily. But the most valuable assets for a person are:

1. Integrity—character, dignity, conduct, morality
2. Courage—bravery
3. Activity—alertness, productive attitude
4. Erudition—scholarship, education
5. Collection of friends—friends accumulated, acquired, or earned

Whatever be the name used, these 5 are the most valuable and imperishable treasures. They never diminish with age. And the best part is, they can never be stolen by anyone.

Earn the right kind of wealth! Ordinary riches can be stolen, but these real riches cannot be. So, it is better to surround yourself with assets than liabilities. 

pada vigrahaH:
शीलं शौर्यम् अनालस्यं पाण्डित्यं मित्र-संग्रहः ।
śīlaṃ śauryam anālasyaṃ pāṇḍityaṃ mitra-saṃgrahaḥ ।

अचोर हरणीयानि पञ्च एतानि अक्षयः निधिः ॥
acora haraṇīyāni pañca etāni akṣayaḥ nidhiḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sheelaM shauryamanaalasyaM paaNDityaM mitrasaMgrahaH ।
achoraharaNIyaani pa~nchaitaanyakShayo nidhiH ॥

sheelaM shauryam anaalasyaM paaNDityaM mitra-saMgrahaH ।

achora haraNIyaani pa~ncha etaani akShayaH nidhiH ॥

October 8th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
एकमेवाक्षरं यस्तु गुरुः शिष्यं प्रबोधयेत् ।
पृथिव्यां नास्ति तद्द्रव्यं यद्दत्वा चानृणीभवेत् ॥

Transliteration:
ekamevākṣaraṃ yastu guruḥ śiṣyaṃ prabodhayet ।
pṛthivyāṃ nāsti taddravyaṃ yaddatvā cānṛṇībhavet ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Even when the teacher has given the student insight into one syllable, there is no such wealth on this earth (one can give) to become free from this debt. 

Commentary:

A 'teacher' is not just a person officially anointed as a teacher. Any person from whom we learn should be considered a teacher. It does not even have to involve a huge amount of learning. The poet says, that even in an instance where one has learned only one syllable (alphabet) from a teacher, there isn't any wealth on this earth, which he can give to free himself from that 'ṛṇa' (debt)!

One can only imagine how immensely indebted we are to our true gurus, parents, and ācārya-s!  They enlighten us and lead us on the right path.  They take us from darkness towards light.  By no means, can we pay off that debt and claim ourselves to have become debt-free!  The only way to repay our debt is by paying it forward.  We can do so by learning their teachings, applying them in our lives, and passing on the knowledge to others.

Great opportunities to help others seldom come by, but small ones surround us every day!  Giving back to society by whatever means or form should become second nature. 

pada vigrahaH:
एकम् एव अक्षरं यः तु गुरुः शिष्यं प्रबोधयेत् ।
ekam eva akṣaraṃ yaḥ tu guruḥ śiṣyaṃ prabodhayet ।

पृथिव्यां न अस्ति तत् द्रव्यं यत् दत्वा च अनृणी भवेत् ॥
pṛthivyāṃ na asti tat dravyaṃ yat datvā ca anṛṇī bhavet ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ekamevaakSharaM yastu guruH shiShyaM prabodhayet ।
pRuthivyaaM naasti taddravyaM yaddatvaa chaanRuNIbhavet ॥

ekam eva akSharaM yaH tu guruH shiShyaM prabodhayet ।

pRuthivyaaM naasti tat dravyaM yat datvaa cha anRuNI bhavet ॥

October 7th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
चिन्तनीया हि विपदाम् आदावेव प्रतिक्रिया ।
न कूपखननं युक्तं प्रदीप्ते वह्निना गृहे ॥
- समयोचितपद्यमालिका

Transliteration:
cintanīyā hi vipadām ādāveva pratikriyā ।
na kūpakhananaṃ yuktaṃ pradīpte vahninā gṛhe ॥
- samayocitapadyamālikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The remedy to a problem should be thought of ahead of time. It is not appropriate to dig a well when the house is on fire.

Commentary:

Fire hydrants! It is not a smart idea to start digging a well when the house is burning ablaze. The problem should be anticipated well ahead of time and appropriate plans should be made in case a crisis may occur. This is called planning.

Without planning, no job can be accomplished to its fullest potential. Crisis management should be given enough thought in the very beginning, else, the effort put into the actual job might go to waste.

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail!  Get proactive. Plan intelligently.

pada vigrahaH:
चिन्तनीया हि विपदाम् आदौ एव प्रतिक्रिया ।
cintanīyā hi vipadām ādau eva pratikriyā ।

न कूप-खननं युक्तं प्रदीप्ते वह्निना गृहे ॥
na kūpa-khananaṃ yuktaṃ pradīpte vahninā gṛhe ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
chintanIyaa hi vipadaam aadaaveva pratikriyaa ।
na kUpakhananaM yuktaM pradIpte vahninaa gRuhe ॥
- samayochitapadyamaalikaa

chintanIyaa hi vipadaam aadau eva pratikriyaa ।

na kUpa-khananaM yuktaM pradIpte vahninaa gRuhe ॥

October 6th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
रे रे चातक सावधानमनसा मित्र क्षणं श्रूयताम्
अम्भोदा बहवो वसन्ति गगने सर्वेऽपि नैकादृशाः ।
केचित् वृष्टिभिराद्रयन्ति वसुधां गर्जन्ति केचिद्वृथा
यं यं पश्यसि तस्य तस्य पुरतो मा ब्रूहि दीनं वचः ॥
- नीतिशतक


Transliteration:
re re cātaka sāvadhānamanasā mitra kṣaṇaṃ śrūyatām
ambhodā bahavo vasanti gagane sarve'pi naikādṛśāḥ ।
kecit vṛṣṭibhirādrayanti vasudhāṃ garjanti kecidvṛthā
yaṃ yaṃ paśyasi tasya tasya purato mā brūhi dīnaṃ vacaḥ ॥
- nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Hey Chātaka! My friend, listen mindfully for a minute. There are many clouds residing in the skies, but not all of them are the same. Some will dampen the earth with their waters, while some roar wastefully. Don't implore every (passing cloud) you see (in the sky).

Commentary:

Allegory says that Chātaka is a bird that has its beak on its head.  Hence, it is unable to drink any water that has already reached the ground but can only drink directly from the rain. It stands with its beak wide open, looking at the skies.

This subhāṣita is an advice to one such thirsty bird, crying for water. He begs every passing cloud to please show mercy on him and shower him with its waters. The poet is advising the bird to remain composed. There is no use pleading to every cloud because not all of them carry rain. Some simply roar while a few others quench the thirst of the earth with their cool waters.

Here the Chātaka bird is a metaphor used to advise people. We should be aware of whom to ask for help from.  Not everyone is willing or eager to offer a helping hand.  Beseeching such people who think it is beneath them to be kind, is only a waste of time.  It is pointless to implore or plead with them as it only demeans one's own self-respect.

Make proper judgment.  Do not lose self-respect. Otherwise, we will always be under someone else foot.  Self-respect has to be stronger than your passing feelings. 

pada vigrahaH:

रे रे चातक सावधान मनसा मित्र क्षणं श्रूयताम्
re re cātaka! sāvadhāna manasā mitra kṣaṇaṃ śrūyatām

अम्भोदाः बहवः वसन्ति गगने सर्वे अपि न एकादृशाः ।
ambhodāḥ bahavaḥ vasanti gagane sarve api na ekādṛśāḥ ।

केचित् वृष्टिभिः आद्रयन्ति वसुधां गर्जन्ति केचित् वृथा
kecit vṛṣṭibhiḥ ādrayanti vasudhāṃ garjanti kecit vṛthā

यं यं पश्यसि तस्य तस्य पुरतः मा ब्रूहि दीनं वचः ॥
yaṃ yaṃ paśyasi tasya tasya purataḥ mā brūhi dīnaṃ vacaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
re re chaataka! saavadhaanamanasaa mitra kShaNaM shrUyataam
ambhodaa bahavo vasanti gagane sarve.pi naikaadRushaaH ।
kechit vRuShTibhiraadrayanti vasudhaaM garjanti kechidvRuthaa
yaM yaM pashyasi tasya tasya purato maa brUhi dInaM vachaH ॥
- neetishataka

re re chaataka! saavadhaana manasaa mitra kShaNaM shrUyataam

ambhodaaH bahavaH vasanti gagane sarve api na ekaadRushaaH ।

kechit vRuShTibhiH aadrayanti vasudhaaM garjanti kechit vRuthaa

yaM yaM pashyasi tasya tasya purataH maa brUhi dInaM vachaH ॥

October 5th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
दीनगोचरदयापरिहीनं यस्य मानसमतीव कठोरम् ।
तेन भूमिरतिभारवतीयं न द्रुमैर्न गिरिभिर्न समुद्रैः ॥
- आश्चर्यचूडामणि व्याख्या


Transliteration:
dīnagocaradayāparihīnaṃ yasya mānasamatīva kaṭhoram ।
tena bhūmiratibhāravatīyaṃ na drumairna giribhirna samudraiḥ ॥
- āścaryacūḍāmaṇi vyākhyā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The trees, mountains, or the oceans are not the load on Earth. Those who are—oblivious to the helpless, merciless, and hard-hearted—are (truly the burden).

Commentary:

One might think, that huge mountains, deep oceans, or large trees are heavy and hence a burden on the earth. In reality, they aren't!  Mother Earth can easily bear their weight.

But people who are merciless, vindictive, and cruel at heart are the true burdens on earth. Such is the weight of cruelty and unkindness!  Cruelty is probably the worst kind of sin and unkindness is like a serial killer.  They keep brutally eliminating anyone or anything that comes their way.  The poet calls such people a burden on the planet.  

Don't become a dead weight on earth.

pada vigrahaH:

दीन-गोचर-दया-परिहीनं यस्य मानसम् अतीव कठोरम् ।
dīna-gocara-dayā-parihīnaṃ yasya mānasam atīva kaṭhoram ।

तेन भूमिः अति भारवती इयं न द्रुमैः न गिरिभिः न समुद्रैः ॥
tena bhūmiḥ ati bhāravatī iyaṃ na drumaiḥ na giribhiḥ na samudraiḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
dInagocharadayaaparihInaM yasya maanasamatIva kaThoram ।
tena bhUmiratibhaaravatIyaM na drumairna giribhirna samudraiH ॥
- aashcharyachUDaamaNi vyaakhyaa

dIna-gochara-dayaa-parihInaM yasya maanasam atIva kaThoram ।

tena bhUmiH ati bhaaravatI iyaM na drumaiH na giribhiH na samudraiH ॥

October 4th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यः पठति लिखति पश्यति परिपृच्छति पण्डितानुपाश्रयति ।
तस्य दिनकरकिरणैर्नलिनीदलमिव विकास्यते बुद्धिः ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार


Transliteration:
yaḥ paṭhati likhati paśyati paripṛcchati paṇḍitānupāśrayati ।
tasya dinakarakiraṇairnalinīdalamiva vikāsyate buddhiḥ ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A person who reads, writes, sees, inquires, (and) keeps the company of the learned—his intelligence blooms like the petals of a lotus upon seeing the sun.

Commentary:

There are many ways for a person to increase his knowledge base. A person's intelligence will expand effortlessly if he reads books, takes written notes, observes the happenings around him, inquires about the things he doesn't know, and keeps the company of the learned. These aspects factor in as learnability. If we inculcate these disciplines, then knowledge will come naturally.  

The simile given is: with these habits, learning will be as effortless as the blooming of the petals of a lotus when touched by the rays of the Sun. Even an expert in anything was once a beginner! His expertise is the direct result of this learnability.  

The capacity to learn is a gift, the ability to learn is a skill, and the willingness to learn is a choice! Learn the right way of learning. 

pada vigrahaH:

यः पठति लिखति पश्यति परिपृच्छति पण्डितान् उपाश्रयति ।
yaḥ paṭhati likhati paśyati paripṛcchati paṇḍitān upāśrayati ।

तस्य दिनकर-किरणैः नलिनी-दलम् इव विकास्यते बुद्धिः ॥
tasya dinakara-kiraṇaiḥ nalinī-dalam iva vikāsyate buddhiḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yaH paThati likhati pashyati paripRuchChati paNDitaanupaashrayati ।
tasya dinakarakiraNairnalinIdalamiva vikaasyate buddhiH ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

yaH paThati likhati pashyati paripRuchChati paNDitaan upaashrayati ।

tasya dinakara-kiraNaiH nalinI-dalam iva vikaasyate buddhiH ॥

October 3rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
मूलं भुजङ्गैः शिखरं प्लवङ्गैः
शाखा विहङ्गैः कुसुमानि भृङ्गैः ।
श्रितं सदा चन्दनपादपस्य
परोपकाराय सतां विभूतयः ॥


Transliteration:
mūlaṃ bhujaṅgaiḥ śikharaṃ plavaṅgaiḥ
śākhā vihaṅgaiḥ kusumāni bhṛṅgaiḥ ।
śritaṃ sadā candanapādapasya
paropakārāya satāṃ vibhūtayaḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The base with serpents, the tops with monkeys, the branches with birds, flowers with bees—(just) as (all these parts of) a sandal tree are always occupied, similarly, the wealth of the noble is for the benevolence (of others).

Commentary:

The description of the sandal tree here is very vivid. The tree not only makes its surroundings fragrant, but it also hosts a hoard of other beings. Snakes love to dwell by their roots, monkeys dangle from the high branches, an infinite number of birds make their nests in the cozy branches, and then, some bees are attracted to its flowers. The sandal tree is teeming with activity.  Its very existence is for the benefit of others. 

Such is the nature of the noble. Altruism is engrained in their every breath. Everything they do is for the good of others. paropakāra (para-upakāra - helping others) is their defining trait.

The highest benevolence acts without purpose, without selfishness.  Their selfless pursuits make the noble, well, 'noble'! 

pada vigrahaH:

मूलं भुजङ्गैः शिखरं प्लवङ्गैः
mūlaṃ bhujaṅgaiḥ śikharaṃ plavaṅgaiḥ

शाखाः विहङ्गैः कुसुमानि भृङ्गैः ।
śākhāḥ vihaṅgaiḥ kusumāni bhṛṅgaiḥ ।

श्रितं सदा चन्दन पादपस्य
śritaṃ sadā candana pādapasya

पर-उपकाराय सतां विभूतयः ॥
para-upakārāya satāṃ vibhūtayaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
mUlaM bhuja~ngaiH shikharaM plava~ngaiH
shaakhaa viha~ngaiH kusumaani bhRu~ngaiH ।
shritaM sadaa chandanapaadapasya
paropakaaraaya sataaM vibhUtayaH ॥

mUlaM bhuja~ngaiH shikharaM plava~ngaiH

shaakhaaH viha~ngaiH kusumaani bhRu~ngaiH ।

shritaM sadaa chandana paadapasya

para-upakaaraaya sataaM vibhUtayaH ॥

October 2nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
नरस्याभरणं रूपं रूपस्याभरणं गुणाः ।
गुणस्याभरणं ज्ञानं ज्ञानस्याभरणं क्षमा ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नसम्मुच्चय


Transliteration:
narasyābharaṇaṃ rūpaṃ rūpasyābharaṇaṃ guṇāḥ ।
guṇasyābharaṇaṃ jñānaṃ jñānasyābharaṇaṃ kṣamā ॥
- subhāṣitaratnasammuccaya

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Form (appearance) is an adornment to man, virtues are an adornment to the form, knowledge is an adornment to virtue, and forgiveness adorns knowledge.

Commentary:

We have all heard the saying, 'Beauty is skin deep'.  The verse says, 'It sure is!' True beauty must be adorned with virtues that come from within. The virtues themselves need to be accompanied by knowledge. Knowledge is also not enough if not accompanied by forgiveness.

History proves that violence breeds violence. An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind!  Doesn't it?  Forgiveness is the gift through which wounds heal and love blossoms again. The beauty of forgiveness is what makes a person, pleasant and appealing.  It is the trait that sets one apart.  It is the one true virtue that enhances all others. 

Forgive and forget!  It is an attribute of a strong person.  

pada vigrahaH:

नरस्य आभरणं रूपं रूपस्य आभरणं गुणाः ।
narasya ābharaṇaṃ rūpaṃ rūpasya ābharaṇaṃ guṇāḥ ।

गुणस्य आभरणं ज्ञानं ज्ञानस्य आभरणं क्षमा ॥
guṇasya ābharaṇaṃ jñānaṃ jñānasya ābharaṇaṃ kṣamā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
narasyaabharaNaM rUpaM rUpasyaabharaNaM guNaaH ।
guNasyaabharaNaM j~naanaM j~naanasyaabharaNaM kShamaa ॥
- subhaaShitaratnasammuchchaya

narasya aabharaNaM rUpaM rUpasya aabharaNaM guNaaH ।

guNasya aabharaNaM j~naanaM j~naanasya aabharaNaM kShamaa ॥