December 31st

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

Transliteration:
yadyadālikhati mano''śāvartikābhirhṛdayaphalake ।
tattadbāla iva vidhirnibhṛtaṃ hasitvā proñchati ॥
- sap‍taśati

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

Commentary:

Man proposes, God disposes!

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

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

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

pada vigrahaH:
यत् यत् आलिखति मनः आशा-वर्तिकाभिः हृदय-फलके ।
yat yat ālikhati manaḥ āśā-vartikābhiḥ hṛdaya-phalake ।

तत् तत् बाल इव विधिः निभृतं हसित्वा प्रोञ्छति ॥
tat tat bāla iva vidhiḥ nibhṛtaṃ hasitvā proñchati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yadyadaalikhati mano..shaavartikaabhirhRudayaphalake ।
tattadbaala iva vidhirnibhRutaM hasitvaa pro~nChati ॥
- saptashati

yat yat aalikhati manaH aashaa-vartikaabhiH hRudaya-phalake ।

tat tat baala iva vidhiH nibhRutaM hasitvaa pro~nChati ॥

December 24th

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

Transliteration:
kiṃ mitramante sukṛtaṃ na lokāḥ
kiṃ dhyeyamīśasya padaṃ na śokāḥ ।
kiṃ kāmyamavyājasukhaṃ na bhogāḥ
kiṃ jalpanīyaṃ harināma nānyat ॥
- rasagaṅgādhara

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

Commentary:

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

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

When there is a mind and there are thoughts in that mind, it is quite natural to want something desirable!  So, why not desire for something that is more eternal and long-lasting?  In aspiring for something trivial with a very small shelf life, isn't one wasting precious time that can be focused on acquiring something that lasts forever?  What lasts forever is the ultimate Bliss. It is attained by treading the path of dharma, not the chasing after sense pleasures.

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

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

pada vigrahaH:
किं मित्रम् अन्ते सुकृतं न लोकाः
kiṃ mitram ante sukṛtaṃ na lokāḥ

किं ध्येयम् ईशस्य पदं न शोकाः  ।
kiṃ dhyeyam īśasya padaṃ na śokāḥ ।

किं काम्यम् अव्याज-सुखं न भोगाः 
kiṃ kāmyam avyāja-sukhaṃ na bhogāḥ

किं जल्पनीयं हरि-नाम न अन्यत् ॥
kiṃ jalpanīyaṃ hari-nāma na anyat ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kiM mitramante sukRutaM na lokaaH
kiM dhyeyamIshasya padaM na shokaaH ।
kiM kaamyamavyaajasukhaM na bhogaaH
kiM jalpanIyaM harinaama naanyat ॥
- rasaga~ngaadhara

kiM mitram ante sukRutaM na lokaaH

kiM dhyeyam Ishasya padaM na shokaaH ।

kiM kaamyam avyaaja-sukhaM na bhogaaH

kiM jalpanIyaM hari-naama na anyat ॥

December 17th

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

Transliteration:
ahanyahani bhūtāni gacchantīha yamālayam ।
śeṣāḥ sthāvaramicchanti kimāścaryamataḥ param ॥
- mahābhārata, vanaparva

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

Commentary:

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

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

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

pada vigrahaH:
अहनि अहनि भूतानि गच्छन्ति इह यम-आलयम् ।
ahani ahani bhūtāni gacchanti iha yama-ālayam ।

शेषाः स्थावरम् इच्छन्ति किम् आश्चर्यम् अतः परम् ॥
śeṣāḥ sthāvaram icchanti kim āścaryam ataḥ param ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ahanyahani bhUtaani gachChantIha yamaalayam ।
sheShaaH sthaavaramichChanti kimaashcharyamataH param ॥
- mahaabhaarata, vanaparva

ahani ahani bhUtaani gachChanti iha yama-aalayam ।

sheShaaH sthaavaram ichChanti kim aashcharyam ataH param ॥

December 10th

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

Transliteration:
lobhāt krodhaḥ prabhavati lobhāt kāmaḥ prajāyate ।
lobhāt mohaśca nāśaśca lobhaḥ pāpasya kāraṇam ॥
- hitopadeśa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

Commentary:

Poverty wants much, but avarice... everything!  A poor person wants many things to make his ends meet.  He is satiated after that.  But he who is greedy is always wanting something.  Greed is like a monster, standing with his mouth wide open, to devour everything that comes its way.  The more that greed is fed, the more hungry it gets!

Apart from all the havoc that greed causes, it is the originator of anger.  When the greedy do not get what their heart desires, the first response is to get angry.  Anger breeds resentment, another unhealthy emotion.  Anger first burns the one who is angry even before causing any harm to the person he is angry with!

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

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

pada vigrahaH:
लोभात् क्रोधः प्रभवति लोभात् कामः प्रजायते ।
lobhāt krodhaḥ prabhavati lobhāt kāmaḥ prajāyate ।

लोभात् मोहः च नाशः च लोभः पापस्य कारणम् ॥
lobhāt mohaḥ ca nāśaḥ ca lobhaḥ pāpasya kāraṇam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
lobhaat krodhaH prabhavati lobhaat kaamaH prajaayate ।
lobhaat mohashcha naashashcha lobhaH paapasya kaaraNam ॥
- hitopadesha

lobhaat krodhaH prabhavati lobhaat kaamaH prajaayate ।

lobhaat mohaH cha naashaH cha lobhaH paapasya kaaraNam ॥

December 3rd

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

Transliteration:
piṇḍe piṇḍe matirbhinnā kuṇḍe kuṇḍe navaṃ payaḥ ।
jātau jātau navācārāḥ navā vāṇī mukhe mukhe ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

Commentary:

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

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

pada vigrahaH:
पिण्डे पिण्डे मतिः भिन्ना कुण्डे कुण्डे नवं पयः ।
piṇḍe piṇḍe matiḥ bhinnā kuṇḍe kuṇḍe navaṃ payaḥ ।

जातौ जातौ नव आचाराः नवा वाणी मुखे मुखे ॥
jātau jātau nava ācārāḥ navā vāṇī mukhe mukhe ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
piNDe piNDe matirbhinnaa kuNDe kuNDe navaM payaH ।
jaatau jaatau navaachaaraaH navaa vaaNI mukhe mukhe ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

piNDe piNDe matiH bhinnaa kuNDe kuNDe navaM payaH ।

jaatau jaatau nava aachaaraaH navaa vaaNI mukhe mukhe ॥

November 26th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सुजनो न याति वैरं परहितबुद्धिर्विनाशकालेऽपि ।
छेदेऽपि चन्दनतरुः सुरभयति मुखं कुठारस्य ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि

Transliteration:
sujano na yāti vairaṃ parahitabuddhirvināśakāle'pi ।
chede'pi candanataruḥ surabhayati mukhaṃ kuṭhārasya ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

Commentary:

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

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

pada vigrahaH:
सुजनः न याति वैरं पर-हित-बुद्धिः विनाश-काले अपि ।
sujanaḥ na yāti vairaṃ para-hita-buddhiḥ vināśa-kāle api ।

छेदे अपि चन्दन-तरुः सुरभयति मुखं कुठारस्य ॥
chede api candana-taruḥ surabhayati mukhaṃ kuṭhārasya ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sujano na yaati vairaM parahitabuddhirvinaashakaale.pi ।
Chede.pi chandanataruH surabhayati mukhaM kuThaarasya ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

sujanaH na yaati vairaM para-hita-nirataH vinaasha-kaale api ।

Chede api chandana-taruH surabhayati mukhaM kuThaarasya ॥

November 19th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
जीर्यन्ति जीर्यतः केशाः दन्ता जीर्यन्ति जीर्यतः ।
चक्षुःश्रोत्रे च जीर्येते तृष्णैका तु न जीर्यते ॥
- महाभारत, अनुशासनपर्व

Transliteration:
jīryanti jīryataḥ keśāḥ dantā jīryanti jīryataḥ ।
cakṣuḥśrotre ca jīryete tṛṣṇaikā tu na jīryate ॥
- mahābhārata, anuśāsana parva

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Hairs ripen with age; teeth wear out with age; eyes and ears get feeble too.  But alas! (Thirst of) desire is not placated!

Commentary:

Hair becomes gray, teeth fall out and hearing and vision are not in their prime either.  The skin gets wrinkled, the back gets hunched and the limbs get weak too.  The effects of age can be seen on all faculties of the body!  At least then, one would think that he has lived his life and realized the impermanence of all material things, including his own body.  But no!!  His desires are stronger and his persistence...well, more persistent than ever!  The need for self-gratification and acquisition of material possessions come with much more force as if there is a time crunch to fit in all his needs into the short amount of time left!  On the other hand, the nature of desires is such that the more they are indulged, the more they grow!  There is no end to wants.  Quenching an unquenchable thirst drains out all the energy and the true purpose of life is lost in the process...

Come old age, can one cut out all his desires?  Not a chance!  It is all in the training of the mind.  If one is used to rolling in likes and dislikes from childhood, youth or adulthood, he cannot magically change in old age and decide to renounce everything to become a saint!  One has to keep a level head constantly, instructing the mind the higher purpose of life and remind its ephemeral nature.

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

pada vigrahaH:
जीर्यन्ति जीर्यतः केशाः दन्ताः जीर्यन्ति जीर्यतः ।
jīryanti jīryataḥ keśāḥ dantāḥ jīryanti jīryataḥ ।

चक्षुः-श्रोत्रे च जीर्येते तृष्णा एका तु न जीर्यते ॥
cakṣuḥ-śrotre ca jīryete tṛṣṇā ekā tu na jīryate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
jIryanti jIryataH keshaaH dantaa jIryanti jIryataH ।
chakShuHshrotre cha jIryete tRuShNaikaa tu na jIryate ॥
- mahaabhaarata, anushaasanaparva

jIryanti jIryataH keshaaH dantaaH jIryanti jIryataH ।

chakShuH-shrotre cha jIryete tRuShNaa ekaa tu na jIryate ॥

November 12th

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

Transliteration:
tatkarma yanna bandhāya sā vidyā yā vimuktaye ।
āyāsāyāparaṃ karma vidyā'nyā śilpanaipuṇam ॥
- viṣṇupurāṇa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

Commentary:

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

Only that which leads one towards the path of liberation is knowledge.  Only that action is fruitful that is not binding.  All other wisdom and actions are mere arduous craftsmanship, says the poet.  Any other learning is just another skill.  It might be the skill of the hand, heart or head.  But that which does not emancipate one from the bindings of the world, mainly his ego, is no true learning.

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

pada vigrahaH:
तत् कर्म यत् न बन्धाय सा विद्या या विमुक्तये ।
tat karma yat na bandhāya sā vidyā yā vimuktaye ।

आयासाय अपरं कर्म विद्या अन्या शिल्प-नैपुणम् ॥
āyāsāya aparaṃ karma vidyā anyā śilpa-naipuṇam ॥

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

tat karma yat na bandhaaya saa vidyaa yaa vimuktaye ।

aayaasaaya aparaM karma vidyaa anyaa shilpa-naipuNam ॥

November 5th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
शुभं करोति कल्याणम् आरोग्यं धनसम्पदा ।
शत्रुबुद्धिविनाशाय दीपज्योतिर्नमोस्तुते ॥

Transliteration:
śubhaṃ karoti kalyāṇam ārogyaṃ dhanasampadā ।
śatrubuddhivināśāya dīpajyotirnamostute ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

O light of the lamp! The one who bestows auspiciousness, fortune, health, (and) wealth; prostrations (and prayers) to you, for the destruction of the attitude of enmity.

Commentary:

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

It is a prayer requesting 'to kill the feeling of enmity in oneself', not that 'the enemy's intellect should be killed' (śatrubuddhivināśāya can be interpreted either way, depending on how the words are split :).

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

pada vigrahaH:
शुभं करोति कल्याणम् आरोग्यं धन-सम्पदा  ।
śubhaṃ karoti kalyāṇam ārogyaṃ dhana-sampadā ।

शत्रु-बुद्धि-विनाशाय दीप-ज्योतिः नमोस्तु ते ॥
śatru-buddhi-vināśāya dīpa-jyotiḥ namostu te ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
shubhaM karoti kalyaaNam aarogyaM dhanasampadaa ।
shatrubuddhivinaashaaya deepajyotirnamostute ॥

shubhaM karoti kalyaaNam aarogyaM dhana-sampadaa  ।

shatru-buddhi-vinaashaaya deepa-jyotiH namostu te ॥

October 29th

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

Transliteration:
naṣṭaṃ mṛtamatikrāntaṃ nānuśocanti paṇḍitāḥ ।
paṇḍitānāñca mūrkhāṇāṃ viśeṣo'yaṃ yataḥ smṛtaḥ ॥
- pañcatantra, mitrabheda

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

Commentary:

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

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

pada vigrahaH:
नष्टं मृतम् अतिक्रान्तं न अनुशोचन्ति पण्डिताः ।
naṣṭaṃ mṛtam atikrāntaṃ na anuśocanti paṇḍitāḥ ।

पण्डितानां च मूर्खाणां विशेषः अयं यतः स्मृतः ॥
paṇḍitānāṃ ca mūrkhāṇāṃ viśeṣaḥ ayaṃ yataḥ smṛtaḥ ॥

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

naShTaM mRutam atikraantaM na anushochanti paNDitaaH ।

paNDitaanaaM cha mUrkhaaNaaM visheShaH ayaM yataH smRutaH ॥

October 22nd

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

Transliteration:
svabhāvasundaraṃ vastu na saṃskāramapekṣate ।
muktāratnasya śāṇāśmagharṣaṇaṃ nopayujyate ॥
- dṛṣṭāntakalikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

Commentary:

In its original form, a pearl is lustrous.  One does not have to scrub or polish it to make it shine brighter.  In fact, grinding only harms the pearl because it chips away its layers!  By its very nature, it has the shine that it has.  Any method of processing can neither make it shine less nor more!

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

Trust your nature and let it shine, all on its own accord!  At the same time, let the nature of others shine through in all their glories as well.

pada vigrahaH:
स्वभाव-सुन्दरं वस्तु न संस्कारम् अपेक्षते ।
svabhāva-sundaraṃ vastu na saṃskāram apekṣate ।

मुक्तारत्नस्य शाण-अश्म-घर्षणं न उपयुज्यते ॥
muktāratnasya śāṇa-aśma-gharṣaṇaṃ na upayujyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
svabhaavasundaraM vastu na saMskaaramapekShate ।
muktaaratnasya shaaNaashmagharShaNaM nopayujyate ॥
- dRuShTaantakalikaa

svabhaava-sundaraM vastu na saMskaaram apekShate ।

muktaaratnasya shaaNa-ashma-gharShaNaM na upayujyate ॥

October 15th

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

Transliteration:
aṇubhyaśca mahadbhyaśca śāstrebhyaḥ kuśalo naraḥ ।
sarvataḥ sāramādadyāt puṣpebhya iva ṣaṭpadaḥ ॥
-bhāgavata

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Whether the indoctrination is infinitesimal or ginormous, a skilled person learns the essence of everything, just as the bees collect nectar.

Commentary:

Bees do not discriminate.  Whether it is a huge sunflower or a tiny little jasmine, they suck the nectar from it with the same eagerness and alertness!  For the bee, each drop of nectar is precious irrespective of its origin.  In the end, each drop collectively makes the hive complete!

Such should be the interest, attentiveness, and curiosity while learning any kind of knowledge.  Be it a profound text or a small law of nature, each doctrine has its own special place and need.  Certainly, one must extract the essence of all knowledge with all eagerness.

Being conscious of one's own ignorance is the greatest step towards knowledge. Knowledge is power.  Get powerful!

pada vigrahaH:
अणुभ्यः च महद्भ्यः च शास्त्रेभ्यः कुशलः नरः ।
aṇubhyaḥ ca mahadbhyaḥ ca śāstrebhyaḥ kuśalaḥ naraḥ ।

सर्वतः सारम् आदद्यात् पुष्पेभ्यः इव षट्पदः ॥
sarvataḥ sāram ādadyāt puṣpebhyaḥ iva ṣaṭpadaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
aNubhyashcha mahadbhyashcha shaastrebhyaH kushalo naraH ।
sarvataH saaramaadadyaat puShpebhya iva ShaTpadaH ॥
- bhaagavata

aNubhyaH cha mahadbhyaH cha shaastrebhyaH kushalaH naraH ।

sarvataH saaram aadadyaat puShpebhyaH iva ShaTpadaH ॥

October 8th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
गुणाः सन्ति नराणां चेत् विकसन्त्येव ते स्वयम् ।
न हि कस्तूरिकामोदः शपथेन निवार्यते ॥

Transliteration:
guṇāḥ santi narāṇāṃ cet vikasantyeva te svayam ।
na hi kastūrikāmodaḥ śapathena nivāryate ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

Commentary:

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

Inherent attribute of an object is ingrained in its very existence!  That is true for the nature of people as well.  The intrinsic nature of a person cannot be masked for very long.  It shall surface one day or the other.  Whether it is a person's good attributes or evil ones, they can't lay low forever.

The moral here - intrinsic characteristics don't have to be advertised.  They will shine on their own.  Nothing or nobody can dilute them!  Have faith in your innate strength and keep going!

pada vigrahaH:
गुणाः सन्ति नराणां चेत् विकसन्ति एव ते स्वयम् ।
guṇāḥ santi narāṇāṃ cet vikasanti eva te svayam ।

न हि कस्तूरिका आमोदः शपथेन निवार्यते ॥
na hi kastūrikā āmodaḥ śapathena nivāryate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
guNaaH santi naraaNaaM chet vikasantyeva te svayam ।
na hi kastUrikaamodaH shapathena nivaaryate ॥

guNaaH santi naraaNaaM chet vikasanti eva te svayam ।

na hi kastUrikaa aamodaH shapathena nivaaryate ॥

October 1st

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

Transliteration:
kṛtasya karaṇaṃ nāsti mṛtasya maraṇaṃ tathā ।
gatasya śocanaṃ nāsti hyetadvedavidāṃ matam ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

Commentary:

Do not cry over spilt milk!

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

Again, it is not worth crying over spilt milk.

pada vigrahaH:
कृतस्य करणं न अस्ति मृतस्य मरणं तथा ।
kṛtasya karaṇaṃ na asti mṛtasya maraṇaṃ tathā ।

गतस्य शोचनं न अस्ति हि एतत् वेदविदां मतम् ॥
gatasya śocanaṃ na asti hi etat vedavidāṃ matam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kRutasya karaNaM naasti mRutasya maraNaM tathaa ।
gatasya shochanaM naasti hyetadvedavidaaM matam ॥

kRutasya karaNaM na asti mRutasya maraNaM tathaa ।

gatasya shochanaM na asti hi etat vedavidaaM matam ॥

September 25th

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

Transliteration:
dharmo yaśo nayo dākṣyaṃ manohāri subhāṣitam ।
ityādi guṇaratnānāṃ saṅgrahī nāvasīdati ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

He who collects jewels of merits such as dharma (virtue), fame, principles, politeness, mind captivating subhāṣitas, etc, will never decline.

Commentary:

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

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

How does one collect subhāṣitas? Well, to build a ship, one doesn't need to collect wood or put down timelines to build, but rather, needs to learn to long for the endless immensity of the sea. Then, the task of building the ship will automatically get propelled! To collect subhāṣitas, if one develops a love for learning the deep-set values in them, appreciates their brevity and acknowledges their immense importance in shaping the culture and society, then the collection will happen naturally.  Essentially, develop a value for the values!

Collect these invaluable treasures that make life precious and treasure them dearer than life. As the poet says, such a person shall never slacken. Success will come looking for that person.

May each of us travel in that direction. We will meet like-minded people with similar interests along the path, because 'bird of the same feather flock together!'

pada vigrahaH:
धर्मः यशः नयः दाक्ष्यं मनोहारि सुभाषितम् ।
dharmaḥ yaśaḥ nayaḥ dākṣyaṃ manohāri subhāṣitam ।

इत्यादि गुण-रत्नानां सङ्ग्रही न अवसीदति ॥
ityādi guṇa-ratnānāṃ saṅgrahī na avasīdati ॥

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

dharmaH yashaH nayaH daakShyaM manohaari subhaaShitam ।

ityaadi guNa-ratnaanaaM sa~ngrahI na avasIdati ॥

September 24th

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

Transliteration:
ātmānaṃ rathinaṃ viddhi śarīraṃ rathameva ca ।
buddhiṃ tu sārathiṃ viddhi manaḥ pragrahameva ca ॥
- kaṭhopaniṣat

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

Commentary:

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

Hearing only what pleases the ear will not end well. For, the ear wants to hear only praises! It doesn't want to heed any advice from anyone, whether valid or not.

Seeing only what pleases the eye isn't the best choice. For, the eye only likes to see what appeals to it, not the reality of things.

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

The best way is to let the charioteer (intellect) have the reins (mind) in his control and make sure that the intellect listens to the voyager, the Self (finding this Self itself, is a quest of many lifetimes, with a much deeper import!)  Then, there will be no case of runaway horses or chariots and the traveler can safely reach his destination, of attaining liberation.  When the charioteer is the Lord himself, there is no doubt that the journey, as well as the destination, become pleasant!

pada vigrahaH:
आत्मानं रथिनं विद्धि शरीरं रथम् एव च ।
ātmānaṃ rathinaṃ viddhi śarīraṃ ratham eva ca ।

बुद्धिं तु सारथिं विद्धि मनः प्रग्रहम् एव च ॥
buddhiṃ tu sārathiṃ viddhi manaḥ pragraham eva ca ॥

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

aatmaanaM rathinaM viddhi sharIraM ratham eva cha ।

buddhiM tu saarathiM viddhi manaH pragraham eva cha ॥

September 23rd

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

Transliteration:
ācāryāt pādamādatte pādaṃ śiṣyaḥ svamedhayā ।
kālena pādamādatte pādaṃ sabrahmacāribhiḥ ॥
-mahābhārata, udyoga

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A (student) acquired a quarter from the teacher, a quarter from his own intelligence, a quarter is grasped over time (and) a quarter from the classmates.

Commentary:

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

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

pada vigrahaH:
आचार्यात् पादम् आदत्ते पादं शिष्यः स्व-मेधया ।
ācāryāt pādam ādatte pādaṃ śiṣyaḥ sva-medhayā ।

कालेन पादम् आदत्ते पादं सब्रह्मचारिभिः ॥
kālena pādam ādatte pādaṃ sabrahmacāribhiḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
aachaaryaat paadamaadatte paadaM shiShyaH svamedhayaa ।
kaalena paadamaadatte paadaM sabrahmachaaribhiH ||
- mahaabhaarata, udyoga

aachaaryaat paadam aadatte paadaM shiShyaH sva-medhayaa ।

kaalena paadam aadatte paadaM sabrahmachaaribhiH ||

September 22nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अवज्ञया न दातव्यं कस्यचिल्लीलयापि वा ।
अवज्ञया कृतं हन्यात् दातारं नात्र संशयः ॥
- रामायण, बाल

Transliteration:
avajñayā na dātavyaṃ kasyacillīlayāpi vā ।
avajñayā kṛtaṃ hanyāt dātāraṃ nātra saṃśayaḥ ॥
- rāmāyaṇa, bāla

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

Commentary:

'Giving' is an act that is done out of the goodness of one's heart, not for name and fame. It should be done with humility and modesty. The benefit of giving is not for the receiver as much as it is for the giver. The giver was blessed with a little more than the receiver. Hence, he is able to share. But then, the giver benefits more because it teaches him selflessness. Therefore, the attitude with which he gives is very important. Giving with contempt, arrogance or displaying apathy are the worst kinds of giving. One give never give with contempt, for, it is certain to destroy the giver! Isn't giving futile if the purpose is defeated? If the giving is bringing down the standards of one's moral ground, might as well not give!

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

pada vigrahaH:
अवज्ञया न दातव्यं कस्यचित् लीलया अपि वा ।
avajñayā na dātavyaṃ kasyacit līlayā api vā ।

अवज्ञया कृतं हन्यात् दातारं न अत्र संशयः ॥
avajñayā kṛtaṃ hanyāt dātāraṃ na atra saṃśayaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
avaj~nayaa na daatavyaM kasyachillIlayaapi vaa ।
avaj~nayaa kRutaM hanyaat daataaraM naatra saMshayaH ॥
- raamaayaNa, baala

avaj~nayaa na daatavyaM kasyachit lIlayaa api vaa ।

avaj~nayaa kRutaM hanyaat daataaraM na atra saMshayaH ॥

September 21st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
श्रेयांसि बहु विघ्नानि भवन्ति महतामपि ।
अश्रेयसि प्रवृत्तानां दूरं यान्ति विनायकाः ॥

Transliteration:
śreyāṃsi bahu vighnāni bhavanti mahatāmapi ।
aśreyasi pravṛttānāṃ dūraṃ yānti vināyakāḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

Commentary:

There are always at least two choices or two paths to take. One is easy, the other is difficult. The easy route's only reward is that - it's easy! The poet says that the reason is - even obstacles prefer to stay out of the way of the person vested in disgraceful interests! He says if obstacles were to be personified, even they would rather be in the company of the noble! That is probably why there are lot more pit stops on the path to nobility and why the noble see a lot more hardships along the way. That is probably why the noble become, well.., noble! This verse is a call to be in the pursuit of dharma, despite any hurdles encountered!

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

It is choice, not chance that determines one's destiny.  So, make your destiny by making the right choices!

pada vigrahaH:
श्रेयांसि बहु विघ्नानि भवन्ति महताम् अपि ।
śreyāṃsi bahu vighnāni bhavanti mahatām api ।

अश्रेयसि प्रवृत्तानां दूरं यान्ति विनायकाः ॥
aśreyasi pravṛttānāṃ dūraṃ yānti vināyakāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
shreyaaMsi bahu vighnaani bhavanti mahataamapi ।
ashreyasi pravRuttaanaaM dUraM yaanti vinaayakaaH ॥

shreyaaMsi bahu vighnaani bhavanti mahataam api ।

ashreyasi pravRuttaanaaM dUraM yaanti vinaayakaaH ॥

September 20th

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

Transliteration:
rohate sāyakairviddhaṃ vanaṃ paraśunā hatam ।
vācā duruktaṃ bībhatsaṃ na samrohati vākkṣatam ॥
- mahābhārata, udyogaparva

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

Commentary:

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

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

pada vigrahaH:
रोहते सायकैः विद्धं वनं परशुना हतम् ।
rohate sāyakaiḥ viddhaṃ vanaṃ paraśunā hatam ।

वाचा दुर्-उक्तं बीभत्सं न सम्-रोहति वाक्-क्षतम् ॥
vācā dur-uktaṃ bībhatsaṃ na sam-rohati vāk-kṣatam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
rohate saayakairviddhaM vanaM parashunaa hatam ।
vaachaa duruktaM bIbhatsaM na samrohati vaakkShatam ॥
- mahaabhaarata, udyogaparva

rohate saayakaiH viddhaM vanaM parashunaa hatam ।

vaachaa dur-uktaM bIbhatsaM na sam-rohati vaak-kShatam ॥

September 19th

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


Transliteration:
śatrorapi guṇā vācyāḥ doṣā vācyā gurorapi ।
sarvadā sarvayatnena putre śiṣyavadācaret ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

Commentary:

Some dos and don'ts!

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

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

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

Choose the right tool, for the right trade!

pada vigrahaH:
शत्रोः अपि गुणाः वाच्याः दोषाः वाच्याः गुरोः अपि ।
śatroḥ api guṇāḥ vācyāḥ doṣāḥ vācyāḥ guroḥ api ।

सर्वदा सर्व-यत्नेन पुत्रे शिष्यवत् आचरेत् ॥
sarvadā sarva-yatnena putre śiṣyavat ācaret ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
shatrorapi guNaa vaachyaaH doShaa vaachyaa gurorapi ।
sarvadaa sarvayatnena putre shiShyavadaacharet ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

shatroH api guNaaH vaachyaaH doShaaH vaachyaaH guroH api ।

sarvadaa sarva-yatnena putre shiShyavat aacharet ॥

September 18th

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


Transliteration:
viṣasya viṣayāṇāñca dūramatyantamantaram ।
upabhuktaṃ viṣaṃ hanti viṣayāḥ smaraṇādapi ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

Commentary:

In Sanskrit, the words for 'poison' and 'objects of sense', sound almost similar. Poison is called viṣa, while sense objects are called viṣaya. The disparity in pronunciation is after all only one syllable, but their attributes have a ginormous divergence! They couldn't differ from each other more!

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

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

pada vigrahaH:
विषस्य विषयाणां च दूरम् अत्यन्तम् अन्तरम् ।
viṣasya viṣayāṇāṃ ca dūram atyantam antaram ।

उपभुक्तं विषं हन्ति विषयाः स्मरणात् अपि ॥
upabhuktaṃ viṣaṃ hanti viṣayāḥ smaraṇāt api ॥

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

viShasya viShayaaNaaM cha dUram atyantam antaram ।

upabhuktaM viShaM hanti viShayaaH smaraNaat api ॥

September 17th

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

Transliteration:
satyānusāriṇī lakṣmīḥ kīrtistyāgānusāriṇī ।
abhyāsasāriṇī vidyā buddhiḥ karmānusāriṇī ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Wealth follows truthfulness, fame follows benefaction, knowledge follows practice, intellect follows implementation (action).

Commentary:

Where there is honesty, Goddess Lakṣmī (Goddess of wealth) resides. Goddess Lakṣmī is known for her affinity for honesty and cleanliness. Where there is no honesty, prosperity might seem to reside tentatively. But in the long run, he is certain to end up paying the price, one way or another. It is better to let prosperity take its course by being truthful because 'wealth follows honesty'.

Both the good guys and the bad guys make it to the newspaper. But which one becomes famous and which one become infamous? The morality and the liberality of actions of the good person take him to fame because 'fame follows benefaction'.

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

Intellect is something that comes along with one's implementation of his knowledge. An architect can think of how to design a given space meticulously. That intellect comes to him due to constantly thinking in that module and working toward it. Hence, 'intellect follows implementation'.

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

pada vigrahaH:
सत्य-अनुसारिणी लक्ष्मीः कीर्तिः त्याग-अनुसारिणी ।
satya-anusāriṇī lakṣmīḥ kīrtiḥ tyāga-anusāriṇī ।

अभ्यास-सारिणी विद्या बुद्धिः कर्म-अनुसारिणी ॥
abhyāsa-sāriṇī vidyā buddhiḥ karma-anusāriṇī ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
satyaanusaariNI lakShmIH kIrtistyaagaanusaariNI ।
abhyaasasaariNI vidyaa buddhiH karmaanusaariNI ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

satya-anusaariNI lakShmIH kIrtiH tyaaga-anusaariNI ।

abhyaasa-saariNI vidyaa buddhiH karma-anusaariNI ॥

September 16th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
शनैःशनैर्विनीयन्ते तर्जनैस्तोषणैरपि ।
नवा इवाश्वाः कुशलैः बालाश्चपलचेतसः ॥
- हरिहरसुभाषित


Transliteration:
śanaiḥśanairvinīyante tarjanaistoṣaṇairapi ।
navā ivāśvāḥ kuśalaiḥ bālāścapalacetasaḥ ॥
- hariharasubhāṣita

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Skillful people discipline their agile minded children slowly and gradually through both reprimands and rewards, (just) as they would, (train) new horses.

Commentary:

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

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

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

pada vigrahaH:
शनैः शनैः विनीयन्ते तर्जनैः तोषणैः अपि ।
śanaiḥ śanaiḥ vinīyante tarjanaiḥ toṣaṇaiḥ api ।

नवाः इव अश्वाः कुशलैः बालाः चपल-चेतसः ॥
navāḥ iva aśvāḥ kuśalaiḥ bālāḥ capala-cetasaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
shanaiHshanairvinIyante tarjanaistoShaNairapi ।
navaa ivaashvaaH kushalaiH baalaashchapalachetasaH ॥
- hariharasubhaaShita

shanaiH shanaiH vinIyante tarjanaiH toShaNaiH api ।

navaaH iva ashvaaH kushalaiH baalaaH chapala-chetasaH ॥

September 15th

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


Transliteration:
duḥkhe duḥkhādhikānpaśyet sukhe paśyetsukhādhikān ।
ātmānaṃ śokaharṣābhyāṃ śatrubhyāmiva nārpayet ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

Commentary:

When in sorrow, one should see someone in more distress and console himself that he is better off. Be reminded of this line someone said, "I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet!" That will be humbling enough.

Similarly, when one is rolling in riches and feeling proud of his possessions, he should think of the king who has seen lot many more riches but is still humble. That will put his arrogance in check!

When facing an enemy, would one succumb and give himself up as an offering? No!  Then why offer ourselves to the enemy called mundane pains/pleasures and let ourselves be carried away in its drift?! Always be reminded - this too shall pass. Be it pain or pleasure, it comes with an expiration date. Once it is reached, the tide shall change. So, what is the use of getting caught up in something so impermanent!

An hour of pain can feel as long as a day of pleasure if we let it. The secret of success is learning how to use pain and pleasure instead of having pain and pleasure use us. When we do that, we are in control of our life. If not, life controls us!

pada vigrahaH:
दुःखे दुःख-अधिकान् पश्येत् सुखे पश्येत् सुख-अधिकान् ।
duḥkhe duḥkha-adhikān paśyet sukhe paśyet sukha-adhikān ।

आत्मानं शोक-हर्षाभ्यां शत्रुभ्याम् इव न अर्पयेत् ॥
ātmānaṃ śoka-harṣābhyāṃ śatrubhyām iva na arpayet ॥

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

duHkhe duHkha-adhikaan pashyet sukhe pashyet sukha-adhikaan ।

aatmaanaM shoka-harShaabhyaaM shatrubhyaam iva na arpayet ॥

September 14th

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

Transliteration:
vaidyānāṃ śāradī mātā pitā ca kusumākaraḥ ।
yamadamṣṭrā svasā proktā hitabhuk mitabhuk ripuḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

For a doctor, Autumn is the mother, and Spring is the father. Winter is said to be the sister. One who eats suitable and measured portions is his enemy!

Commentary:

When does one go to a doctor? When he is sick. A doctor earns his living because sick people come to him. People fall sick easily when the weather gets cold or fluctuates constantly, like in autumn, spring, and winter. That is pretty much the whole year.  We see that except during summer, people do get sick often!  

Kith and kin come to the aid of one's prosperity. Likewise, winter, autumn, and spring assist a doctor in keeping his practice alive (by getting people sick)! Hence, the poet very humorously says that these seasons are like family to him.  

On the contrary, the poet proceeds to say that he who eats suitable food in limited portions is an enemy to a doctor! No matter what season, such a person will not require medical attention. Such a person will stay fit and healthy, and won't need to see a doctor often.  Isn't it enemies who curtail the growth and prosperity of another person! So, the poet quips that such a person is a doctor's enemy ;).

Moral of the story: eat healthily and eat within limits.  This will aid in staying away from the doctor.  It is the biggest open secret to good health! Simply, by being conscious and aware of what is going into the mouth, one can keep illnesses at bay.

He who has health has hope. He who has hope has everything! May everyone have everything!

pada vigrahaH:
वैद्यानां शारदी माता पिता च कुसुमाकरः ।
vaidyānāṃ śāradī mātā pitā ca kusumākaraḥ ।

यम-दम्ष्ट्रा स्वसा प्रोक्ता हितभुक् मितभुक् रिपुः ॥
yama-damṣṭrā svasā proktā hitabhuk mitabhuk ripuḥ ॥

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

vaidyaanaaM shaaradI maataa pitaa cha kusumaakaraH ।

yama-damShTraa svasaa proktaa hitabhuk mitabhuk ripuH ॥

September 13th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
रिक्तपाणिर्नपश्येत राजानं दैवतं गुरुम् ।
दैवज्ञं पुत्रकं मित्रं फलेन फलमादिशेत्॥
Transliteration:
riktapāṇirnapaśyeta rājānaṃ daivataṃ gurum ।
daivajñaṃ putrakaṃ mitraṃ phalena phalamādiśet॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

Commentary:

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

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

A gift should be thoughtfully picked and respectfully offered.  A wise person values the love of the giver more than the object.  The manner of giving is worth more than the gift itself. 

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

pada vigrahaH:
रिक्त-पाणिः न पश्येत राजानं दैवतं गुरुम् ।
rikta-pāṇiḥ na paśyeta rājānaṃ daivataṃ gurum ।

दैवज्ञं पुत्रकं मित्रं फलेन फलम् आदिशेत् ॥
daivajñaṃ putrakaṃ mitraṃ phalena phalam ādiśet ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
riktapaaNirnapashyeta raajaanaM daivataM gurum ।
daivaj~naM putrakaM mitraM phalena phalamaadishet ॥

rikta-paaNiH na pashyeta raajaanaM daivataM gurum ।

daivaj~naM putrakaM mitraM phalena phalam aadishet ॥

September 12th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अक्षराणि परीक्ष्यन्ताम् अम्बराडम्बरेण किम् ।
शंभुरम्बरहीनोऽपि सर्वज्ञः किं न कथ्यते ॥
- अप्पय्यदीक्षित


Transliteration:
akṣarāṇi parīkṣyantām ambarāḍambareṇa kim ।
śaṃbhurambarahīno'pi sarvajñaḥ kiṃ na kathyate ॥
- appayyadīkṣita

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Scrutinize based on vidyā.  What is the point in (examining) the flashy robes?! Even though He is digambara (one whose robes are the 4 directions), isn't Lord Shiva considered sarvajna (all-knowing)?!

Commentary:

Language is the dress of thought. One's mindset and thinking can be gauged through his speech. Working on that is a much better effort than time spent in improving superficial appearance and attire. One can be the best dressed in town, but the minute he opens his mouth to speak, his language can be foul, uncultured, uneducated, or misinformed! His clothes can earn him only so much value. But after that, his learning and the culture imbibed will weigh in.

Lord Shiva is never in flashy attire or jewelry. His robes are elephant/tiger skin, and snakes are His jewelry, at best! But isn't He worshipped and revered as all-knowing and all-pervading! It is His knowledge that carries more weight.  'akṣara' also means - immutable, imperishable.  Lord Shiva stands for that immutable knowledge of the Self.  Our true identity is the same immortal Self!  Hence, a perishable body, its appearance, and its accessories don't come into account when the imperishable is given the highest regard!

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

pada vigrahaH:
अक्षराणि परीक्ष्यन्ताम् अम्बर-आडम्बरेण किम् ।
akṣarāṇi parīkṣyantām ambara-āḍambareṇa kim ।

शंभुः अम्बर-हीनः अपि सर्वज्ञः किं न कथ्यते ॥
śaṃbhuḥ ambara-hīnaḥ api sarvajñaḥ kiṃ na kathyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
akSharaaNi parIkShyantaam ambaraaDambareNa kim ।
shaMbhurambarahIno.pi sarvaj~naH kiM na kathyate ॥
- appayyadIkShita

akSharaaNi parIkShyantaam ambara-aaDambareNa kim ।

shaMbhuH ambara-hInaH api sarvaj~naH kiM na kathyate ॥