November 28th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सत्यं ब्रूयात् प्रियं ब्रूयात् न ब्रूयात् सत्यमप्रियम् ।
प्रियञ्च नानृतं ब्रूयात् एष धर्मस्सनातनः ॥
-मनुस्मृति


Transliteration:
satyaṃ brūyāt priyaṃ brūyāt na brūyāt satyamapriyam ।
priyañca nānṛtaṃ brūyāt eṣa dharmassanātanaḥ ॥
-manusmṛti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Speak the truth, and speak favorably. Do not tell the truth if it is not favorable. Also, do not tell an untruth (though) it is favorable.  This is the eternal dharma.

Commentary:

The discipline of life should be -

1. to always speak the truth, but not twist the truth for one's own benefit;
2. to speak pleasant, endearing, and agreeable words;
3. not to speak words that although true, are hurtful;
4. not to speak untruth either, just because it sounds favorable and loving.

These are the ways of life suggested in the book Manusmṛti for a person to lead a significant, meaningful, and purposeful life as a human being. In life, one comes across many difficult situations.  A person who wants to live with a clear conscience and work towards the goals of life has no choice but to keep up this discipline in speaking the truth! The intent behind the words must be pure as well. 

When the very quest of human life is to realize the ultimate truth, how can one work with lies, deceit, etc., and expect to reach their goal?! Keeping focus on the goal is important to reach it. 

Truth is not for comfort, truth is for liberation. Because, in the end, truth is the only thing that truly matters. 

pada vigrahaH:

सत्यं ब्रूयात् प्रियं ब्रूयात् न ब्रूयात् सत्यम् अप्रियम् ।
satyaṃ brūyāt priyaṃ brūyāt na brūyāt satyam apriyam ।

प्रियं च न अनृतं ब्रूयात् एषः धर्मः सनातनः ॥
priyaṃ ca na anṛtaṃ brūyāt eṣaḥ dharmaḥ sanātanaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
satyaM brUyaat priyaM brUyaat na brUyaat satyamapriyam ।
priya~ncha naanRutaM brUyaat eSha dharmassanaatanaH ॥
- manusmRuti

satyaM brUyaat priyaM brUyaat na brUyaat satyam apriyam ।

priyaM cha na anRutaM brUyaat eShaH dharmaH sanaatanaH ॥