December 31st


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
स्वगृहे पूज्यते मूर्खः स्वग्रामे पूज्यते प्रभुः ।
स्वदेशे पूज्यते राजा विद्वान् सर्वत्र 
पूज्यते ॥

Transliteration:
svagṛhe pūjyate mūrkhaḥ svagrāme pūjyate prabhuḥ ।
svadeśe pūjyate rājā vidvān sarvatra pūjyate ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:
An idiot is celebrated in his own home; a lord is respected in his own town; a king is worshipped in his own country; a learned man is honored everywhere.

Commentary:
Although a person is foolish, he is valued in his own home. His near and dear ones still adore him. The town leader is looked up to by the whole town. Whereas, the king commands respect from his entire nation. Although each of them is valued in different boundaries, their name and fame are limited to that which they can call their own.

But a learned and well-educated person has no such boundaries. He is respected and honored in every place he goes. There is no place where his glory is diminished. He is universally accepted and valued for his knowledge.

Such is the power of learning.

pada vigrahaH:
स्वगृहे पूज्यते मूर्खः स्वग्रामे पूज्यते प्रभुः ।
svagṛhe pūjyate mūrkhaḥ svagrāme pūjyate prabhuḥ ।

स्वदेशे पूज्यते राजा विद्वान् सर्वत्र पूज्यते ॥
svadeśe pūjyate rājā vidvān sarvatra pūjyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
svagRuhe pUjyate mUrkhaH svagraame pUjyate prabhuH ।
svadeshe pUjyate raajaa vidvaan sarvatra pUjyate ॥

svagRuhe pUjyate mUrkhaH svagraame pUjyate prabhuH ।
svadeshe pUjyate raajaa vidvaan sarvatra pUjyate ॥

December 30th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
विद्या मित्रं प्रवासेषु भार्या मित्रं गृहेषु च ।
व्याधितस्यौषधं मित्रं धर्मो मित्रं मृतस्य च ॥

- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
vidyā mitraṃ pravāseṣu bhāryā mitraṃ gṛheṣu ca ।
vyādhitasyauṣadhaṃ mitraṃ dharmo mitraṃ mṛtasya ca ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Knowledge is a friend when on a journey; a wife is the friend at home; medicine is the friend of the sick; and virtue is the friend of the dead.

Commentary:
When travelling, knowledge is one thing that can be carried painlessly. Knowledge is the tool that can help one thrive in a foreign land.

At home, the wife is the best friend one can trust and rely upon. She is the cornerstone of the family and can withstand any kind of weathering the family has to face.

For a sick person, medicine is the friend. The medicine may taste bitter, but it is in the person's best interest to gulp it down because it is only going to make him feel better.

The virtuous deeds and actions performed during one's lifetime are his friends after passing on. No amount of wealth, family or friends will accompany him beyond the graveyard. It is only his merits and demerits that will follow him and decide his path of onward travel.

Know thy friends at every step!

pada vigrahaH:
विद्या मित्रं प्रवासेषु भार्या मित्रं गृहेषु च ।
vidyā mitraṃ pravāseṣu bhāryā mitraṃ gṛheṣu ca ।

व्याधितस्य औषधं मित्रं धर्मः मित्रं मृतस्य च ॥
vyādhitasya auṣadhaṃ mitraṃ dharmaḥ mitraṃ mṛtasya ca ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
vidyaa mitraM pravaaseShu bhaaryaa mitraM gRuheShu cha ।
vyaadhitasyauShadhaM mitraM dharmo mitraM mRutasya cha ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

vidyaa mitraM pravaaseShu bhaaryaa mitraM gRuheShu cha ।
vyaadhitasya auShadhaM mitraM dharmaH mitraM mRutasya cha ॥

December 29th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
पिपीलिकार्जितं धान्यं मक्षिकासञ्चितं मधु ।
लुब्धेन सञ्चितं द्रव्यं समूलं हि विनश्यति ॥

-सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:

pipīlikārjitaṃ dhānyaṃ makṣikāsañcitaṃ madhu ।
lubdhena sañcitaṃ dravyaṃ samūlaṃ hi vinaśyati ॥
-subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Grain collected by an ant, honey collected by bees, and wealth accumulated by an avarice; will all be destroyed along with its source.

Commentary:
Ants gather grains continuously; bees tirelessly collect honey from flowers. The greedy hoard money and wealth incessantly.

If we really think about it, what happens in nature to the ants and the bees is exactly what happens to stingy people. As a result of their hard work and perseverance, the ants are able to build their ant hill.  They collect enough food to feed the whole colony and then some! But one fine day, a snake enters the hole and destroys everything, along with the colony. Similarly, honeybees work constantly to build their hive and make sweet honey. However, one day a human being or animal (i.e., bear) will bring down the whole hive along with all the bees, just for acquiring the honey.

The same kind of destruction is attained by the wealth of a greedy, stingy, avarice (albeit a redundancy of words). He spends his entire life accumulating wealth. He doesn't revel in it; neither using it for his own enjoyment or the benefit of others. Such a person's wealth will be destroyed one fine day. It will be lost or stolen. Even if he succeeds in protecting his possessions, Death, the leveller, will even it all out. When one dies, there is no guarantee that his wealth will be used for good causes, and he certainly can't carry it with him to the netherworld.

"It's not what was gathered, but what was scattered mindlessly, that illustrates the kind of life that was lived!"

pada vigrahaH:
पिपीलिका-अर्जितं धान्यं मक्षिका-सञ्चितं मधु ।
pipīlikā-arjitaṃ dhānyaṃ makṣikā-sañcitaṃ madhu ।

लुब्धेन सञ्चितं द्रव्यं समूलं हि विनश्यति ॥
lubdhena sañcitaṃ dravyaṃ samūlaṃ hi vinaśyati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
pipIlikaarjitaM dhaanyaM makShikaasa~nchitaM madhu ।
lubdhena sa~nchitaM dravyaM samUlaM hi vinashyati ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

pipIlikaa-arjitaM dhaanyaM makShikaa-sa~nchitaM madhu ।
lubdhena sa~nchitaM dravyaM samUlaM hi vinashyati ॥

December 28th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
ज्येष्ठत्वं जन्मना नैव गुणैर्ज्येष्ठत्वमुच्यते ।
गुणाद्गुरुत्वमायाति दुग्धं दधि घृतं क्रमात् ॥
Transliteration:
jyeṣṭhatvaṃ janmanā naiva guṇairjyeṣṭhatvamucyate ।
guṇādgurutvamāyāti dugdhaṃ dadhi ghṛtaṃ kramāt ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:
They say seniority doesn't come by birth, it comes through efficacy. Respectability comes from merit, (just as) milk, yogurt, ghee - in this order.

Commentary:
Milk comes first. From milk comes yogurt. Yogurt is churned to get butter and in turn, the butter is melted perfectly to get ghee. Ghee is the 'cream of the crowd', literally and figuratively as well. Milk or yogurt can't claim that spot, just because they came first and aided the production of the ghee. Milk can spoil in one day; yogurt in a couple of days; butter in a week.  But ghee derived from butter can last forever!  Ghee which comes last has better quality in terms of longevity.  Its order of origination is immaterial.

Similarly, the order of birth alone will have no significance when it comes to nature or qualities in people. Each individual develops his or her own qualities along the way and attains greatness or shallowness on their own accord. Just because one is born ahead of others doesn't mean he will attain respect forever. One can only gain so much respect for his age. After that, he has to command his respect due to his deeds or misdeeds, attitudes and attributes.

Respect has to be commanded not demanded!

pada vigrahaH:
ज्येष्ठत्वं जन्मना न एव गुणैः ज्येष्ठत्वम् उच्यते ।
jyeṣṭhatvaṃ janmanā na eva guṇaiḥ jyeṣṭhatvam ucyate ।

गुणात् गुरुत्वम् आयाति दुग्धं दधि घृतं क्रमात् ॥
guṇāt gurutvam āyāti dugdhaṃ dadhi ghṛtaṃ kramāt ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
jyeShThatvaM janmanaa naiva guNairjyeShThatvamuchyate ।
guNaadgurutvamaayaati dugdhaM dadhi ghRutaM kramaat ॥

jyeShThatvaM janmanaa na eva guNaiH jyeShThatvam uchyate ।
guNaat gurutvam aayaati dugdhaM dadhi ghRutaM kramaat ॥

December 27th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
कर्ता कारयिता चैव प्रेरकश्चानुमोदकः ।
सुकृते दुष्कृते चैव चत्वारः समभागिनः ॥


Transliteration:
kartā kārayitā caiva prerakaścānumodakaḥ ।
sukṛte duṣkṛte caiva catvāraḥ samabhāginaḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Be it a misdeed or meritorious one, the following four have an equal share (of the fruit): the executor; the promoter; the stimulator (the one who inspires); and the supporter.

Commentary:
The fruit of either a meritorious deed or a misdeed is shouldered by four people: the person who carries out the act; the person who organizes the enterprise; the person who initiates the idea; and the person who approves of the feat.  They all share the fruit of the deed.

One cannot say, "I only instigated the deed, and didn't actually do it" and sulk away from the responsibilities!  The doer is only an instrument.  Any kind of repercussion must be shouldered by all.

One has to give each action serious thought before partaking in any aspect of it, because, he will have to bear the brunt or the merit of the deed.

Look before you leap, think before you speak!

pada vigrahaH:
कर्ता कारयिता च एव प्रेरकः च अनुमोदकः ।
kartā kārayitā ca eva prerakaḥ ca anumodakaḥ ।

सुकृते दुष्कृते च एव चत्वारः सम-भागिनः ॥
sukṛte duṣkṛte ca eva catvāraḥ sama-bhāginaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kartaa kaarayitaa chaiva prerakashchaanumodakaH ।
sukRute duShkRute chaiva chatvaaraH samabhaaginaH ॥

kartaa kaarayitaa cha eva prerakaH cha anumodakaH ।
sukRute duShkRute cha eva chatvaaraH sama-bhaaginaH ॥

December 26th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
गिरिर्महान् गिरेरब्धिः महानब्धेर्नभो महत् ।
नभसोऽपि महद्ब्रह्मा ततोप्याशा गरीयसी ॥

- कुवलयानन्द

Transliteration:
girirmahān girerabdhiḥ mahānabdhernabho mahat ।
nabhaso'pi mahadbrahmā tatopyāśā garīyasī ॥
- kuvalayānanda

Meaning of the subhAShita:
A mountain is huge; an ocean is larger than the mountain, the sky is larger than the ocean, Brahma is larger than the sky, and desire is even bigger than Him (Brahma).

Commentary:
It is a known fact that mountains are huge. The oceans are vaster because they can easily hide many mountains in them. The sky is even larger, as it spans many such oceans and the whole earth. The 'brahma tatva' that created all of these, is certainly greater - for being able to make all of these.

But there is one little thing which doesn't have a form and is born in one's mind.  It is even greater than Brahma himself! It is 'DESIRE'. This is not easy to quench the thirst of desire. If one wish is satisfied, another pops up. If that is satiated then a different one arises. This is a never-ending cycle. Brahma himself can get tired of quenching one's desires.

The only remedy for desire, arises from the same place where the desire arises from - one's mind. When mindlessness of desires is understood, the mind finds a surefire cure for its endless problems.

Do not let desires rule (and ruin) your life!

pada vigrahaH:
गिरिः महान् गिरेः अब्धिः महान् अब्धेः नभः महत् ।
giriḥ mahān gireḥ abdhiḥ mahān abdheḥ nabhaḥ mahat ।

नभसः अपि महत् ब्रह्मा ततः अपि आशा गरीयसी ॥
nabhasaḥ api mahat brahmā tataḥ api āśā garīyasī ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
girirmahaan girerabdhiH mahaanabdhernabho mahat ।
nabhaso.pi mahadbrahmaa tatopyaashaa garIyasI ॥
- kuvalayaananda

giriH mahaan gireH abdhiH mahaan abdheH nabhaH mahat ।
nabhasaH api mahat brahmaa tataH api aashaa garIyasI ॥

December 25th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अश्वस्य भूषणं वेगं मत्तं स्याद्गजभूषणम् ।
चातुर्यं भूषणं नार्या उद्योगं नरभूषणम् ॥

Transliteration:
aśvasya bhūṣaṇaṃ vegaṃ mattaṃ syādgajabhūṣaṇam ।
cāturyaṃ bhūṣaṇaṃ nāryā udyogaṃ narabhūṣaṇam ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Speed is a horse's adornment; jaggedness suits well for an elephant; prudence is an adornment for a woman; profession is an adornment for a man.

Commentary:
A horse is known for its skill in running. No matter how fancy a horse's saddle and tack are, if the horse doesn't have speed it is not very appealing. Speed is hence the adornment for a horse. For an elephant, his ruttish state suits well. That is when he accomplishes more tasks.

Similarly, having prudence and skillfulness is essential for a woman just like profession is for a man. These particular adornments for men and women are given for a reason, gender bias not being one of them. In today's world where men and women are working as equals, this might seem outdated at first. Although women work outside the home, it is still not easy to accept an unemployed man. Similarly, if the woman of the house is not judicious about how the resources of the house are put to use, there isn't much of a chance for the family to prosper.

If one ponders more deeply, they will see that no matter what century or generation is being looked at, certain chores are best executed as nature intended.  Although one might enter into the faculty of the other, it is better to master in their own arena first, and then step into the shoe of the other. In that case, wouldn't the basic embellishments still remain the same?!

pada vigrahaH:
अश्वस्य भूषणं वेगं मत्तं स्यात् गज-भूषणम् ।
aśvasya bhūṣaṇaṃ vegaṃ mattaṃ syāt gaja-bhūṣaṇam ।

चातुर्यं भूषणं नार्या उद्योगं नर-भूषणम् ॥
cāturyaṃ bhūṣaṇaṃ nāryā udyogaṃ nara-bhūṣaṇam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ashvasya bhUShaNaM vegaM mattaM syaadgajabhUShaNam ।
chaaturyaM bhUShaNaM naaryaa udyogaM narabhUShaNam ॥

ashvasya bhUShaNaM vegaM mattaM syaat gaja-bhUShaNam ।
chaaturyaM bhUShaNaM naaryaa udyogaM nara-bhUShaNam ॥

December 24th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
भुक्त्वा तृणानि शुष्कानि पीत्वा तोयं जलाशयात् ।
दुग्धं ददति लोकेभ्यः गावो लोकस्य मातरः ॥

Transliteration:
bhuktvā tṛṇāni śuṣkāni pītvā toyaṃ jalāśayāt ।
dugdhaṃ dadati lokebhyaḥ gāvo lokasya mātaraḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:
After eating dry grass and drinking water from the stream, cows give milk to people. (They truly) are (like) mothers to the world.

Commentary:
Cows do not look forward to choosing from fancy lunch and dinner menus. They'll eat whatever dry grass and leaves come their way and drink water from any available source of water - whether it is a lake, pool, pond or stream. They do not expect much from anyone. Yet at the same time, they don't live life indifferently. They still work to provide an abundance of milk, as well as other products; yogurt, butter, ghee, etc.

Although they do not receive too much from the world, they do more than their fair share for society. They are like a mother who works tirelessly for her child without expecting anything in return. A mother always has the child's best interest at heart and continues to work towards putting forth her best possible efforts. Cows provide not just to one person, but to the entire world. Hence, they are considered as mothers of the world.

No wonder cows are worshipped as Gods!  They are so divine!

pada vigrahaH:
भुक्त्वा तृणानि शुष्कानि पीत्वा तोयं जलाशयात् ।
bhuktvā tṛṇāni śuṣkāni pītvā toyaṃ jalāśayāt ।

दुग्धं ददति लोकेभ्यः गावो लोकस्य मातरः ॥
dugdhaṃ dadati lokebhyaḥ gāvo lokasya mātaraḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
bhuktvaa tRuNaani shuShkaani pItvaa toyaM jalaashayaat ।
dugdhaM dadati lokebhyaH gaavo lokasya maataraH ॥

bhuktvaa tRuNaani shuShkaani pItvaa toyaM jalaashayaat ।
dugdhaM dadati lokebhyaH gaavo lokasya maataraH ॥

December 23rd


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वने रणे शत्रुजलाग्निमध्ये
महार्णवे पर्वतमस्तके वा ।
सुप्‍तं प्रमत्तं विषमस्थितं वा
रक्षन्ति पुण्यानि पुराकृतानि ॥
- नीतिशतक

Transliteration:
vane raṇe śatrujalāgnimadhye
mahārṇave parvatamastake vā ।
sup‍taṃ pramattaṃ viṣamasthitaṃ vā
rakṣanti puṇyāni purākṛtāni ॥
- nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:
In a forest, in a battle, amongst enemies, amidst water or fire, in a vast ocean or on the tip of a mountain, while asleep, awake or in danger - virtuous deeds from (our) past are the protectors.

Commentary:
You will reap what you sow!

If one has performed virtuous deeds in the past, the fruits of those deeds will come to his rescue in times of trouble. karma is like a bank. If we have a positive balance, we can withdraw cash in times of need. But if it is marked in red with a negative balance, there is no chance of getting any returns from that account.

When a person is facing any calamity, whether it be natural or man-made, he will not have to worry about coming out of the situation. His prior deeds of virtue will bring him out unscathed at the end of the tunnel.

Keep the faith and do good to others!

pada vigrahaH:
वने रणे शत्रु-जल-अग्नि-मध्ये
vane raṇe śatru-jala-agni-madhye

महार्णवे पर्वत-मस्तके वा ।
mahārṇave parvata-mastake vā ।

सुप्‍तं प्रमत्तं विषम-स्थितं वा
sup‍taṃ pramattaṃ viṣama-sthitaṃ vā

रक्षन्ति पुण्यानि पुरा कृतानि ॥
rakṣanti puṇyāni purā kṛtāni ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
vane raNe shatrujalaagnimadhye
mahaarNave parvatamastake vaa ।
suptaM pramattaM viShamasthitaM vaa
rakShanti puNyaani puraakRutaani ॥
- neetishataka

vane raNe shatru-jala-agni-madhye
maha arNave parvata-mastake vaa ।
suptaM pramattaM viShama-sthitaM vaa
rakShanti puNyaani puraa kRutaani ॥

December 22nd


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अभिवादनशीलस्य नित्यं वृद्धोपसेविनः ।
चत्वारि तस्य वर्धन्ते आयुर्विद्यायशोबलम् ॥
- महाभारत, उद्योगपर्व

Transliteration:
abhivādanaśīlasya nityaṃ vṛddhopasevinaḥ ।
catvāri tasya vardhante āyurvidyāyaśobalam ॥
- mahābhārata, udyogaparva

Meaning of the subhAShita:
One who always prostrates and serves the elderly, prospers in 4 (arenas): longevity, knowledge, fame and vigor.

Commentary:
Here vṛddha (elderly) doesn't mean only people who are ripe with age (vayo vṛddha). Elderliness can be understood in a few other aspects too, apart from age - jñāna vṛddha (ripe with spiritual knowledge), vidyā vṛddha (ripe with knowledge), tapo vṛddha (ripe with austerity, penance), etc.

Our elders have been valuable resources in transcending our rich heritage from eons ago. Everything can't be learnt at school or from books. Life essential skills have been passed down to us through practice, from our elders. Therefore, respecting our elders and serving them to our best possible extent becomes our foremost duty.

He who serves such people with the utmost respect and devotion has nothing to lose, but a lot to gain. He will be blessed with prosperity in four kinds of wealth which can't be lost or stolen: a long healthy life; abundance of knowledge; honor and glory; and last but not least, strength.

pada vigrahaH:
अभिवादनशीलस्य नित्यं वृद्ध-उपसेविनः ।
abhivādanaśīlasya nityaṃ vṛddha-upasevinaḥ ।

चत्वारि तस्य वर्धन्ते आयुः विद्या यशः बलम् ॥
catvāri tasya vardhante āyuḥ vidyā yaśaḥ balam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
abhivaadanashIlasya nityaM vRuddhopasevinaH ।
chatvaari tasya vardhante aayurvidyaayashobalam ॥
- mahaabhaarata, udyogaparva

abhivaadanashIlasya nityaM vRuddha-upasevinaH ।
chatvaari tasya vardhante aayuH vidyaa yashaH balam ॥

December 21st


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
भार्गवेण हता माता एकजायाश्च पाण्डवाः ।
परदाररतः कृष्णो न देवचरितं चरेत् ॥

Transliteration:
bhārgaveṇa hatā mātā ekajāyāśca pāṇḍavāḥ ।
paradārarataḥ kṛṣṇo na devacaritaṃ caret ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Paraśurāma killed his mother; (five) Pāṇḍava-s had one wife; and Kṛṣṇa indulged with others' wives.  Do not follow in the footsteps of the noble.

Commentary:
On first thought, this shloka seems like a misfit of words. However, one needs to delve deeper into the inner meaning of the shloka.
  • Bhārgava was another name for Paraśurāma. He cut off his own mother's head with his paraśu (axe) as per his father's orders. His only reason for that was because his father told him to.  The father was pleased and offered him a boon. Paraśurāma then asked his father to revive his mother, which he did. One needs to know the whole episode before simply saying that he killed his mother! (In today's world, there are no children who are so obedient, nor are there fathers who can bring back people to life.) 
  • The 5 Pāṇḍava-s married one Draupadī, in order to keep their mother's word. That was Lord's way of fulfilling a boon that Draupadī herself had asked for. She wanted a husband with 5 of the best qualities. The Lord responded to her request by giving her 5 husbands - since it was simply impossible, even for the Lord, to create one man with all 5 qualities.
  • Lord Kṛṣṇa wed 16,000 gopikās! He was liberating them from an asura (demon) named Narakāsura. However, we humans can't liberate our own sorrows, let alone liberate others from theirs. So, don't blindly take notes that Kṛṣṇa married so many gopis.
The moral is: We cannot comprehend all the actions of the noble, and therefore, we should not blindly follow in their footsteps.  Their actions should be seriously considered before we mimic them.

Know how, why, and which actions of the noble should be emulated!

pada vigrahaH:
भार्गवेण हता माता एक-जायाः च पाण्डवाः ।
bhārgaveṇa hatā mātā eka-jāyāḥ ca pāṇḍavāḥ ।

पर-दार-रतः कृष्णः न देव-चरितं चरित ॥
para-dāra-rataḥ kṛṣṇaḥ na deva-caritaṃ carita ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
bhaargaveNa hataa maataa ekajaayaashcha paaNDavaaH ।
paradaararataH kRuShNo na devacharitaM charet ॥

bhaargaveNa hataa maataa eka-jaayaaH cha paaNDavaaH ।
para-daara-rataH kRuShNaH na deva-charitaM charet ॥

December 20th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
पृथिव्यां त्रीणि रत्नानि जलमन्नं सुभाषितम् ।
मूर्खैः पाषाणखण्डेषु रत्नसंज्ञा विधीयते ॥


Transliteration:
pṛthivyāṃ trīṇi ratnāni jalamannaṃ subhāṣitam ।
mūrkhaiḥ pāṣāṇakhaṇḍeṣu ratnasaṃjñā vidhīyate ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:
On this earth, there are 3 precious things: water, food and subhāṣita-s.  Pieces of stone are deemed as precious by the foolish!

Commentary:
It is a well-known fact that gems such as sapphire, ruby, amethyst, etc. are deemed precious. The poet opines that only fools think so. According to him, there are only 3 things in this world that should be called precious: water, food and subhāṣitas-s.

Water is precious because it is a necessity. Life can't exist without it. In fact, it is the first thing researchers look for on a newly discovered planet, even before looking for the existence of life! Hence, water is a very precious commodity.

Food is also essential for the sustenance of life. No food equals no survival!  Therefore, food also is considered precious.

But how about subhāṣita-s? A subhāṣita has disciplines, principles, morals, ethics, and values that are life essentials! Humans need more in life than just eating, drinking and existing.  We need values and principles because God blessed us with something very exclusive: intelligence and speech. To put these faculties to use, we need material to learn from! And subhāṣita-s provide essential life skills, therefore they are very precious!

Such is the eminence of subhāṣita-s. Earn them, learn them, and persevere through them!

pada vigrahaH:
पृथिव्यां त्रीणि रत्नानि जलम् अन्नं सुभाषितम् ।
pṛthivyāṃ trīṇi ratnāni jalam annaṃ subhāṣitam ।

मूर्खैः पाषाण-खण्डेषु रत्न-संज्ञा विधीयते ॥
mūrkhaiḥ pāṣāṇa-khaṇḍeṣu ratna-saṃjñā vidhīyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
pRuthivyaaM trINi ratnaani jalamannaM subhaaShitam ।
mUrkhaiH paaShaaNakhaNDeShu ratnasaMj~naa vidhIyate ॥

pRuthivyaaM trINi ratnaani jalam annaM subhaaShitam ।
mUrkhaiH paaShaaNa-khaNDeShu ratna-saMj~naa vidhIyate ॥

December 19th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वरमेको गुणी पुत्रः न च मुर्खश्शतान्यपि ।
एकश्चन्द्रस्तमो हन्ति न च तारा गणोऽपि च ॥

- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
varameko guṇī putraḥ na ca murkhaśśatānyapi ।
ekaścandrastamo hanti na ca tārā gaṇo'pi ca ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:
(Even) one progeny with efficacy is a blessing, not a hundred that are foolish. One moon drives out darkness, not a whole constellation of stars.

Commentary:
More isn't always better! Billions and billions of stars can be seen in the night sky. But on a moonless night, the stars don't do much to brighten the skies. However, one moon, although alone, can light up the night.

This metaphor is used very appropriately to depict the value of values! Even if one is the lone offspring, if he has good values and efficacy he will always bring more joy to his parents than a hundred dull and foolish children.

Values carry the most value!

pada vigrahaH:

वरम् एकः गुणी पुत्रः न च मुर्खः शतानि अपि ।
varam ekaḥ guṇī putraḥ na ca murkhaḥ śatāni api ।

एकः चन्द्रः तमः हन्ति न च तारा-गणः अपि च ॥
ekaḥ candraḥ tamaḥ hanti na ca tārā-gaṇaḥ api ca ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
varameko guNI putraH na cha murkhashshataanyapi ।
ekashchandrastamo hanti na cha taaraa gaNo.pi cha ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

varam ekaH guNI putraH na cha murkhaH shataani api ।
ekaH chandraH tamaH hanti na cha taaraa-gaNaH api cha  ॥

December 18th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सम्पूर्णकुम्भो न करोति शब्दम्
अर्धोघटो घोषमुपैति नूनम्  ।
विद्वान्कुलीनो न करोति गर्वं
मूढास्तु जल्पन्ति गुणैर्विहीनाः ॥

- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
sampūrṇakumbho na karoti śabdam
ardhoghaṭo ghoṣamupaiti nūnam ।
vidvānkulīno na karoti garvaṃ
mūḍhāstu jalpanti guṇairvihīnāḥ ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:
A completely filled pot will not make any noise.  (Whereas), a half-filled pot will make noise.  The learned/noble do not pride themselves (on their accomplishments), but fools prattle as if devoid of efficacy.

Commentary:
The metaphor of a pot is given very efficiently to depict the difference between the learned and the ignorant. A pot which is filled to the brim does not swish water around and make noise. Whereas if a pot is half full, it has enough room to swish around even the smallest amount of water since it has so much empty space!  This creates a lot of noise.

Similarly, the noble do not brag about their prowess, even though they are filled to the brim with knowledge.  Whereas, fools, possessing only a little bit of knowledge, make great noise just to show off their insignificant skills.

Isn't humility the adornment of the noble?!

pada vigrahaH:
सम्पूर्ण-कुम्भः न करोति शब्दम्
sampūrṇa-kumbhaḥ na karoti śabdam

अर्धः घटः घोषम् उपैति नूनम् ।
ardhaḥ ghaṭaḥ ghoṣam upaiti nūnam ।

विद्वान् कुलीनः न करोति गर्वं
vidvān kulīnaḥ na karoti garvaṃ

मूढाः तु जल्पन्ति गुणैः विहीनाः ॥
mūḍhāḥ tu jalpanti guṇaiḥ vihīnāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sampUrNakumbho na karoti shabdam
ardhoghaTo ghoShamupaiti nUnam ।
vidvaankulIno na karoti garvaM
mUDhaastu jalpanti guNairvihInaaH ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

sampUrNa-kumbhaH na karoti shabdam
ardhaH ghaTaH ghoSham upaiti nUnam ।
vidvaan kulInaH na karoti garvaM
mUDhaaH tu jalpanti guNaiH vihInaaH ॥

December 17th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
लालयेत् पञ्चवर्षाणि दशवर्षाणि ताडयेत् ।
प्राप्‍ते तु षोडशे वर्षे पुत्रं मित्रवदाचरेत् ॥

- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
lālayet pañcavarṣāṇi daśavarṣāṇi tāḍayet ।
prāp‍te tu ṣoḍaśe varṣe putraṃ mitravadācaret ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Indulge a child for the first 5 years; discipline him for the next 10; upon attaining the age of 16, treat him like a friend.

Commentary:
'Pampering' isn't the only way to shower children with affection.

When children are young, under the age of five, they are very innocent and divine. Indulging them and yielding to their desires and whims are acceptable at that age.

However, as they start growing up, they begin to see the world around them and start exploring their limits. Yielding to all their desires, right or wrong, will only bring harm to them. If they do not have a parent or adult that guides and helps them to make the right choices, chances are they will make the wrong ones!  That's human tendency. Children might find it uncalled for; but will soon realize the reasons behind the discipline as they mature into responsible adults. Discipline is essential, especially in setting moral grounds - telling lies, being hurtful to others, etc. should be nipped in the bud. When the right morals are instilled in a child at a young age, the parents can be sure that they have carried out their duties effectively.

Once children attain sixteen years of age, they are almost adults. That is the right time to start treating them as friends while having faith that all the indulgences and disciplining performed in the past years have taken part in sculpting a loving, caring and responsible adult.

Children brought up like this turn out to be wonderful contributions to society!

pada vigrahaH:
लालयेत् पञ्च वर्षाणि दश वर्षाणि ताडयेत् ।
lālayet pañca varṣāṇi daśa varṣāṇi tāḍayet ।

प्राप्‍ते तु षोडशे वर्षे पुत्रं मित्रवत् आचरेत् ॥
prāp‍te tu ṣoḍaśe varṣe putraṃ mitravat ācaret ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
laalayet pa~nchavarShaaNi dashavarShaaNi taaDayet ।
praapte tu ShoDashe varShe putraM mitravadaacharet ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

laalayet pa~ncha varShaaNi dasha varShaaNi taaDayet ।
praapte tu ShoDashe varShe putraM mitravat aacharet ॥

December 16th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सत्कुले योजयेत् कन्यां पुत्रं विद्यासु योजयेत् ।
व्यसने योजयेच्छत्रुम् इष्टं धर्मे नियोजयेत् ॥

- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
satkule yojayet kanyāṃ putraṃ vidyāsu yojayet ।
vyasane yojayecchatrum iṣṭaṃ dharme niyojayet ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Alliance of a daughter (should be) to a noble lineage; children (should be) connected to vidyā (knowledge); associate with an enemy during adversity; match loved ones with dharma (righteousness).

Commentary:
Associations in life make all the difference!

When parents look for a groom for their daughter, they look for a family with a good lineage. Although they may lack in possessions, the parents believe that their daughter will live happily among people with good ethical values.

Children should be well educated. Even if the parents fall short in accumulating wealth and properties for their children, their life will be set if they are endowed with vidyā. Nothing is more important than giving a good value-based education to our children in today's world.

When in times of need, even an enemy can come to one's rescue. So, one can never say "never".

Loved ones should always be kept on the path of virtue. Proper guidance to live their lives on the path of dharma is the best gift one can give to their near and dear ones!

pada vigrahaH:
सत्कुले योजयेत् कन्यां पुत्रं विद्यासु योजयेत् ।
satkule yojayet kanyāṃ putraṃ vidyāsu yojayet ।

व्यसने योजयेत् शत्रुम् इष्टं धर्मे नियोजयेत् ॥
vyasane yojayet śatrum iṣṭaṃ dharmeṇa yojayet ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
satkule yojayet kanyaaM putraM vidyaasu yojayet ।
vyasane yojayechChatrum iShTaM dharme niyojayet ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

satkule yojayet kanyaaM putraM vidyaasu yojayet ।
vyasane yojayet shatrum iShTaM dharme niyojayet ॥

December 15th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वित्तं बन्धुर्वयः कर्म विद्या भवति पञ्चमी ।
एतानि मान्यस्थानानि गरीयो यद्यदुत्तरम् ॥

- मनुस्मृति

Transliteration:
vittaṃ bandhurvayaḥ karma vidyā bhavati pañcamī ।
etāni mānyasthānāni garīyo yadyaduttaram ॥
- manusmṛti

Meaning of the subhAShita:
These are the 5 domains of recognition, in order of their progression: Money, relatives, age, work,  and good education.

Commentary:
1. The way of the world is to value money, no matter if it is right or wrong. In turn, the person who possesses the money is valued.  Therefore, the wealthy are respected.

2. But then, having good kin brings even more respect - even if they don't have much money.

3. Whether one has the money or not, whether one has respectable kin or not, a person is given respect for his age.  Elders are always respected, no matter what.

4. If one's actions are respectable, then neither his financial status, his kin nor his age will come into the picture. He will be respected for his work or actions.

5. However, the most respected value of all is a good education. A well-educated person is highly respected and his other possessions become obscure. His wealth, relatives, age or work all become obsolete and he is esteemed for his knowledge and education alone.

Hence, vidyā (knowledge) is the one true adornment that upholds as the most prized possession!

pada vigrahaH:
वित्तं बन्धुः वयः कर्म विद्या भवति पञ्चमी ।
vittaṃ bandhuḥ vayaḥ karma vidyā bhavati pañcamī ।

एतानि मान्य-स्थानानि गरीयः यत् यत् उत्तरम् ॥
etāni mānya-sthānāni garīyaḥ yat yat uttaram ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
vittaM bandhurvayaH karma vidyaa bhavati pa~nchamI ।
etaani maanyasthaanaani garIyo yadyaduttaram ॥
- manusmRuti

vittaM bandhuH vayaH karma vidyaa bhavati pa~nchamI ।
etaani maanya-sthaanaani garIyaH yat yat uttaram ॥

December 14th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अलसस्य कुतो विद्या अविद्यस्य कुतो धनम् ।
अधनस्य कुतो मित्रम् अमित्रस्य कुतः सुखम् ॥

Transliteration:
alasasya kuto vidyā avidyasya kuto dhanam ।
adhanasya kuto mitram amitrasya kutaḥ sukham ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Where is vidyā for the lazy? Where is wealth for the unlearned? Where are friends for the un-wealthy? Where is the pleasure for the friendless?

Commentary:
Industriousness is the cornerstone of nearly every aspect of life. One should have the zeal and enthusiasm to work and learn each and every day. Only when one has the thirst to learn more can he gain more vidyā (knowledge). Vidyā could bring in more wealth. Wealth, in turn, attracts friends. (Friends made through wealth is not necessarily a nice thing. However, that is the way of the world. Noble-minded people befriend anyone irrespective of financial status.) It is a pleasant feeling to have friends; man is a social being. He enjoys being around people. Delight comes automatically with enjoyment.

Therefore, in order to be cheerful, one needs to be industrious and not be lazy. Step by step, alertness and industriousness will lead to delight.

pada vigrahaH:
अलसस्य कुतः विद्या अविद्यस्य कुतः धनम् ।
alasasya kutaḥ vidyā avidyasya kutaḥ dhanam ।

अधनस्य कुतः मित्रम् अमित्रस्य कुतः सुखम् ॥
adhanasya kutaḥ mitram amitrasya kutaḥ sukham ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
alasasya kuto vidyaa avidyasya kuto dhanam ।
adhanasya kuto mitram amitrasya kutaH sukham ॥

alasasya kutaH vidyaa avidyasya kutaH dhanam ।
adhanasya kutaH mitram amitrasya kutaH sukham ॥

December 13th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
आशायाः ये दासाः ते दासास्सर्वलोकस्य ।
आशा येषां दासी तेषां दासायते लोकः ॥

- समयोचितपद्यमालिका

Transliteration:
āśāyāḥ ye dāsāḥ te dāsāssarvalokasya ।
āśā yeṣāṃ dāsī teṣāṃ dāsāyate lokaḥ ॥
- samayocitapadyamālikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Those who are enslaved to desire, are enslaved to the whole world; (but) for those to whom desire is enslaved, to them the entire world is enslaved.

Commentary:
'Desire' has a strange power. Once it gets its hold on a person, he will act as if he's possessed by it! His sole purpose in life becomes fulfilling that desire. In due course, he will throw his true goals in life, values, morals and self-esteem to the wind. A person with no self-esteem or morals will stoop to any level just to achieve his desires. He would be willing to be a slave to anyone or anything just so his desires are met!  Hence, he is considered a slave to the whole world.

To a person who has the willpower to overcome his 'desires', life is merry. He will have higher and nobler goals in mind and will strive to achieve them. Naturally, he earns the respect of those around him. He can grow to heights where the whole world is ready to work with him, look up to him, and is willing to serve him!

Brutal is the power of desire! But, once that threshold is overcome, then there is no stopping the growth and magnanimity of the person.

pada vigrahaH:
आशायाः ये दासाः ते दासाः सर्व लोकस्य ।
āśāyāḥ ye dāsāḥ te dāsāḥ sarva lokasya ।

आशा येषां दासी तेषां दासायते लोकः ॥
āśā yeṣāṃ dāsī teṣāṃ dāsāyate lokaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
aashaayaaH ye daasaaH te daasaassarvalokasya ।
aashaa yeShaaM daasI teShaaM daasaayate lokaH ॥
- samayochitapadyamaalikaa

aashaayaaH ye daasaaH te daasaaH sarva lokasya ।
aashaa yeShaaM daasI teShaaM daasaayate lokaH ॥

December 12th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वित्ते त्यागः, क्षमा शक्तौ दुःखे दैन्यविहीनता ।
निर्दम्भता सदाचारे स्वभावोऽयं महात्मनाम् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
vitte tyāgaḥ, kṣamā śaktau duḥkhe dainyavihīnatā ।
nirdambhatā sadācāre svabhāvo'yaṃ mahātmanām ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:
The nature of the noble is: liberality when wealthy, forgiveness in spite of strength, non-affliction although in misery, pridelessness in comportment.

Commentary:
The nobility of the noble comes from their nature!

1. When they have wealth, they will share it with their fellow beings.

2. Although capable of confrontation (physical or verbal), they will forgive the opponent.

3. When they are in grief and suffering from misery themselves, they will not plead. They will still keep their composure and go through the hardships with a smile.

4. Their conduct and mannerisms are exquisite. But they don't pride themselves on their mannerisms or noble nature.

These values come as second nature to the honorable. They do not have to work hard or pretend to have these attributes. It flows out naturally from them and that is what makes them noble.

pada vigrahaH:
वित्ते त्यागः, क्षमा शक्तौ दुःखे दैन्यविहीनता ।
vitte tyāgaḥ, kṣamā śaktau duḥkhe dainyavihīnatā ।

निर्दम्भता सदाचारे स्वभावः अयं महात्मनाम् ॥
nirdambhatā sadācāre svabhāvaḥ ayaṃ mahātmanām ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
vitte tyaagaH, kShamaa shaktau duHkhe dainyavihInataa ।
nirdambhataa sadaachaare svabhaavo.yaM mahaatmanaam ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

vitte tyaagaH, kShamaa shaktau duHkhe dainyavihInataa ।
nirdambhataa sadaachaare svabhaavaH ayaM mahaatmanaam ॥

December 11th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वस्त्रेण वपुषा वाचा विद्यया विनयेन च ।
वकारैः पञ्चभिर्हीनः नरो नायाति गौरवम् ॥
Transliteration:
vastreṇa vapuṣā vācā vidyayā vinayena ca ।
vakāraiḥ pañcabhirhīnaḥ naro nāyāti gauravam ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:
A person without all these 5 'va' kaaraa-s (words starting with 'va') does not attain respect: clothes, appearance, speech, knowledge and humility.

Commentary:
For a person to attain respect, there are a few basic requirements. All the five requirements quoted here start with the Sanskrit alphabet 'va'.

1. vastra (clothes). For humans, being robed in society is necessary. It doesn't have to be extravagant and expensive, just decent and appropriate.

2. vapuṣā (appearance). This is not just referring to physical beauty, but more the presentability of a person, in reference to inner beauty and cleanliness.

3.  (speech). One's speech should be pleasant, appealing and harmless.

4. vidyaa (knowledge, education). This is very important for a person to have in order to possess the above three 'va'kāra-s. Education gives one awareness of the world (and himself). It is also the one surefire way to attain liberation (mukti).

5. vinaya (humility). This is the most important adornment to any human being. Whether he is rich or poor, young or old - humility is the one adornment he can carry with him at all times.

A person who has all the above 5 qualities automatically attains respect wherever he goes.

pada vigrahaH:
वस्त्रेण वपुषा वाचा विद्यया विनयेन च ।
vastreṇa vapuṣā vācā vidyayā vinayena ca ।

वकारैः पञ्चभिः हीनः नरः न आयाति गौरवम् ॥
vakāraiḥ pañcabhiḥ hīnaḥ naraḥ na āyāti gauravam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
vastreNa vapuShaa vaachaa vidyayaa vinayena cha ।
vakaaraiH pa~nchabhirhInaH naro naayaati gauravam ॥

vastreNa vapuShaa vaachaa vidyayaa vinayena cha ।
vakaaraiH pa~nchabhiH hInaH naraH na aayaati gauravam ॥

December 10th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
क्षणशः कणशश्चैव विद्यामर्थं च साधयेत् ।
क्षणत्यागे कुतो विद्या कणत्यागे कुतो धनम् ॥

- सुभाषितावलि

Transliteration:
kṣaṇaśaḥ kaṇaśaścaiva vidyāmarthaṃ ca sādhayet ।
kṣaṇatyāge kuto vidyā kaṇatyāge kuto dhanam ॥
- subhāṣitāvali

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Knowledge and wealth are procured with every moment and grain (respectively). (If) a moment is wasted, how can knowledge (be accrued); (if a) grain is wasted, how can wealth (be accumulated)?

Commentary:
There is no limit to knowledge. If one is willing to further his quest for knowledge, he has to work constantly towards achieving that goal. Every moment lost is equivalent to vidyā (knowledge) lost. The message is for a vidyārthī (one yearning for vidyā, literally) is: he has to strive continuously and have his focus set on learning more each day, each hour, each moment.

If one is willing to harvest more, then he has to value every grain that he has grown. He can't be negligent and scatter his harvest around. The advocacy here is not for becoming stingy, but to be mindful of the value of the grain as well as the hard work that went into growing it. Only then can one be prosperous!

Just as every drop of water adds to make the mighty ocean, every moment of learning adds to one's knowledge.  Every ounce of grain contributes to making one prosperous!

pada vigrahaH:
क्षणशः कणशः च एव विद्याम् अर्थं च साधयेत् ।
kṣaṇaśaḥ kaṇaśaḥ ca eva vidyām arthaṃ ca sādhayet ।

क्षण-त्यागे कुतः विद्या कण-त्यागे कुतः धनम् ॥
kṣaṇa-tyāge kutaḥ vidyā kaṇa-tyāge kutaḥ dhanam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kShaNashaH kaNashashchaiva vidyaamarthaM cha saadhayet
kShaNatyaage kuto vidyaa kaNatyaage kuto dhanam
- subhaaShitaavali

kShaNashaH kaNashaH cha eva vidyaam arthaM cha saadhayet ।
kShaNa tyaage kutaH vidyaa kaNa tyaage kutaH dhanam ॥

December 9th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अज्ञः सुखमाराध्यः सुखतरमाराध्यते विशेषज्ञः ।
ज्ञानलवलेशदुर्विदग्धं ब्रह्मापि नरं न रञ्जयति ॥

- नीतिशतक

Transliteration:
ajñaḥ sukhamārādhyaḥ sukhataramārādhyate viśeṣajñaḥ ।
jñānalavaleśadurvidagdhaṃ brahmāpi naraṃ na rañjayati ॥
- nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:
The ignorant can be appeased easily, the wise can be won over even more easily. But Lord Brahmā (the Creator) also can not amuse the ones that are audacious due to the little bit of knowledge they have.

Commentary:
Ignorant people, due to their lack of knowledge, submit to the knowledge of others.

The well learned, due to their knowledge, are humble and accommodating.

But those who are in between the above two categories, with their little bit of knowledge, are arrogant and audacious. It is extremely hard to please such people. The poet even says that Lord Brahmā, the Creator himself, finds it difficult to appease such people.

Humility is an adornment of the learned!

pada vigrahaH:
अज्ञः सुखम् आराध्यः सुखतरम् आराध्यते विशेषज्ञः ।
ajñaḥ sukham ārādhyaḥ sukhataram ārādhyate viśeṣajñaḥ ।

ज्ञान-लव-लेश-दुर्विदग्धं ब्रह्मा अपि नरं न रञ्जयति ॥
jñāna-lava-leśa-durvidagdhaṃ brahmā api naraṃ na rañjayati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
aj~naH sukhamaaraadhyaH sukhataramaaraadhyate visheShaj~naH ।
j~naanalavaleshadurvidagdhaM brahmaapi naraM na ra~njayati ॥
- neetishataka

aj~naH sukham aaraadhyaH sukhataram aaraadhyate visheShaj~naH ।
j~naana lava lesha durvidagdhaM brahmaa api naraM na ra~njayati ॥

December 8th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
दुर्लभं त्रयमेवैतत् दैवानुग्रहहेतुकम्  ।
मनुष्यत्वं मुमुक्षुत्वं महापुरुषसंश्रयः ॥

- विवेकचूडामणि

Transliteration:
durlabhaṃ trayamevaitat daivānugrahahetukam ।
manuṣyatvaṃ mumukṣutvaṃ mahāpuruṣasaṃśrayaḥ ॥
- vivekacūḍāmaṇi

Meaning of the subhAShita:
These 3 are hard to come by and come only with God's grace - human birth, desire for liberation, company of the learned noble.

Commentary:
1. In this life, so much is taken for granted. What one does not realize is that just being born as a human being is a rare blessing in itself. Amongst the multitudes of billions of organisms (living beings), only a few are given the opportunity to be born as humans. It should be considered a privilege and utilized with utmost respect.

2. Even if one is born as a human, not everyone gets the desire or drive to seek liberation (mokSha).  'Liberation' referred here is not liberation from life, but liberation from suffering!  It is said that pain is common but suffering is optional.  Liberation can be achieved only due to an intense desire to be liberated from mundane afflictions. Very few of us are driven by this desire.

3. In spite of being inspired to attain mokṣa, not everyone is lucky enough to get the company and the proximity of the learned and enlightened.  Only through learning from their experience, can one attain that state.  No amount of toil will lead towards the goal of liberation, but the company of the wise and enlightened will.

Those who are blessed with all the above 3 are truly fortunate! They should make use of every ounce of opportunity and count their blessings along the way.

pada vigrahaH:
दुर्लभं त्रयम् एव एतत् दैव-अनुग्रह हेतुकम् ।
durlabhaṃ trayam eva etat daiva-anugraha hetukam ।

मनुष्यत्वं मुमुक्षुत्वं महापुरुष-संश्रयः ॥
manuṣyatvaṃ mumukṣutvaṃ mahāpuruṣa-saṃśrayaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
durlabhaM trayamevaitat daivaanugrahahetukam ।
manuShyatvaM mumukShutvaM mahaapuruShasaMshrayaH ॥
- vivekachUDaamaNi

durlabhaM trayam eva etat daiva-anugraha hetukam ।
manuShyatvaM mumukShutvaM mahaapuruSha-saMshrayaH ॥

December 7th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
आरम्भगुर्वी क्षयिणी क्रमेण
लघ्वी पुरा वृद्धिमती च पश्चात् ।
दिनस्य पूर्वार्धपरार्धभिन्ना
छायेव मैत्री खलसज्जनानाम् ॥
- नीतिशतक

Transliteration:
ārambhagurvī kṣayiṇī krameṇa
laghvī purā vṛddhimatī ca paścāt ।
dinasya pūrvārdhaparārdhabhinnā
chāyeva maitrī khalasajjanānām ॥
- nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Long to begin with, but diminishes later; (then again), it is small to start off but increases gradually - just the way a shadow differs in the first half of the day from the second half (of the day), so does the friendship of a wicked person vs. a good person.

Commentary:
Early in the morning, the shadow cast by the sun is longer than the object itself.  As the day progresses and the Sun is directly above, the shadow is hardly evident and lies right at the base of the object. During the second half of the day - it starts off small, at the base of the object and grows gradually, to be bigger than the object itself by the end of the day.

Such is the difference between the friendships of a rogue and a noble person. With a rogue, it starts off on a very high note, only to diminish and disappear over time. Whereas, with the noble, although it starts on a low key, it grows bigger and stronger by the end.

Time is, the true testing ground of friendship!  Make lasting friendships.

pada vigrahaH:
आरम्भ गुर्वी क्षयिणी क्रमेण
ārambha gurvī kṣayiṇī krameṇa

लघ्वी पुरा वृद्धिमती च पश्चात् ।
laghvī purā vṛddhimatī ca paścāt ।

दिनस्य पूर्व-अर्ध-पर-अर्ध-भिन्ना
vyagrāḥdinasya pūrva-ardha-para-ardha-bhinnā

छाया इव मैत्री खल-सज्जनानाम् ॥
chāyā iva maitrī khala-sajjanānām ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
aarambhagurvI kShayiNI krameNa
laghvI puraa vRuddhimatI cha pashchaat ।
dinasya pUrvaardhaparaardhabhinnaa
Chaayeva maitrI khalasajjanaanaam ॥
- neetishataka

aarambha-gurvI kShayiNI krameNa
laghvI puraa vRuddhimatI cha pashchaat ।
dinasya pUrva-ardha-para-ardha-bhinnaa
Chaayaa iva maitrI khala-sajjanaanaam ॥

December 6th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यस्मिन् देशे न सम्मानो न प्रीतिर्न च बान्धवाः । 
न च विद्यागमः कश्चिन्न तत्र दिवसं वसेत् ॥
- हितोपदेश, मित्रलाभ

Transliteration:
yasmin deśe na sammāno na prītirna ca bāndhavāḥ ।
na ca vidyāgamaḥ kaścinna tatra divasaṃ vaset ॥
- hitopadeśa, mitralābha

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Do not live in such a place even for a day where there is no respect, no affection, no relatives, nor an avenue for learning.

Commentary:
The place we call home should have something more than just material comforts. One can live in a palatial building, sleep on the softest bed, eat from a golden plate and still not be happy. For happiness to be present in a home, there needs to be respect and love for one another. There also needs to be dear ones around. (Family doesn't necessarily mean related by blood. It is all the kin who one considers close to their heart.)

Wherever we are, we need to learn and grow each and every day. If there is no avenue for learning and growing as individuals, then such a place will not be suitable as a home, either. The poet advises: do not live in such a place even for a single day.

The lesson to be learnt here is: don't run away from home if these things are not available, rather work towards making conditions better! It is a reminder to make sure that a home is a happy place where everyone respects, loves, understands and allows each other to grow as individuals.

Growing and allowing everyone to flourish is the key to happiness!

pada vigrahaH:
यस्मिन् देशे न सम्मानः न प्रीतिः न च बान्धवाः ।
yasmin deśe na sammānaḥ na prītiḥ na ca bāndhavāḥ ।

न च विद्यागमः कश्चित् न तत्र दिवसं वसेत् ॥
na ca vidyāgamaḥ kaścit na tatra divasaṃ vaset ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yasmin deshe na sammaano na preetirna cha baandhavaaH ।
na cha vidyaagamaH kashchinna tatra divasaM vaset ॥
- hitopadesha, mitralaabha

yasmin deshe na sammaanaH na preetiH na cha baandhavaaH ।
na cha vidyaagamaH kashchit na tatra divasaM vaset ॥

December 5th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अष्टादशपुराणानं सारं व्यासेन कीर्तितम् ।
परोपकारः पुण्याय पापाय परपीडनम् ॥

Transliteration:
aṣṭādaśapurāṇānaṃ sāraṃ vyāsena kīrtitam ।
paropakāraḥ puṇyāya pāpāya parapīḍanam ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:
The essence of all the 18 purāNās (scriptures) is sung by maharṣi Vyāsa: benevolence leads to virtue; torturing others leads to vice.

Commentary:
The great sage Veda Vyāsa summarizes the essence of the entire 18 purāNās in one sentence!  A person can be proficient in all the purāNās and know them like the back of his hand. But if he needs a shortcut to all the teachings, without knowing any of the scriptures, there is one simple rule: do good unto others and don't cause hurdles for others. Tormenting others is a surefire way of collecting more sin. Selfishness and self-centeredness don't get much merit either.

Living for the benefit of the world and those around us is the one and only true way to eternal happiness.

pada vigrahaH:
अष्टादश-पुराणानं सारं व्यासेन कीर्तितम् ।
aṣṭādaśa-purāṇānaṃ sāraṃ vyāsena kīrtitam ।

पर-उपकारः पुण्याय पापाय पर-पीडनम् ॥
para-upakāraḥ puṇyāya pāpāya para-pīḍanam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
aShTaadashapuraaNaanaM saaraM vyaasena keertitam ।
paropakaaraH puNyaaya paapaaya parapeeDanam ॥

aShTaadasha-puraaNaanaM saaraM vyaasena keertitam ।
para-upakaaraH puNyaaya paapaaya para-peeDanam ॥