January 20th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वज्रादपि कठोराणि मृदूनि कुसुमादपि ।
लोकोत्तराणां चेतांसि को हि विज्ञातुमर्हति ॥
- उत्तररामचरित


Transliteration:
vajrādapi kaṭhorāṇi mṛdūni kusumādapi ।
lokottarāṇāṃ cetāṃsi ko hi vijñātumarhati ॥
- uttararāmacarita

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Who can understand the minds of the extraordinary, which are firmer than diamonds and as tender as flowers?

Commentary:

The firmness of a diamond and the tenderness of a flower are two contradictory aspects. Finding them together is a wonder in itself. The minds of exceptional people are a combination of both these natures. 

They are firm and hard in certain things.  For example, they do not trade their beliefs just because it is easier. They will fight hard with tenacity for what they firmly believe in. They are strong in times of crisis and will not fret about things beyond their control.

However, they do not exhibit the same tenacity regarding humanity and humility. They are very tender and compassionate towards their fellow beings. They cannot see the hardships of others and do nothing about it. They strive with all their might to put an end to their suffering. Their dedication to their endeavors is exemplary.

Aren't exceptional people a blend of extraordinary combinations?! They are firm and steadfast towards their goals while having a gentle and calm demeanor. 

pada vigrahaH:

वज्रात् अपि कठोराणि मृदूनि कुसुमात् अपि ।
vajrāt api kaṭhorāṇi mṛdūni kusumāt api ।

लोकोत्तराणां चेतांसि कः हि विज्ञातुम् अर्हति ॥
lokottarāṇāṃ cetāṃsi kaḥ hi vijñātum arhati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
vajraadapi kaThoraaNi mRudUni kusumaadapi ।
lokottaraaNaaM chetaaMsi ko hi vi~jnaatumarhati ॥
- uttararaamacharita

vajraat api kaThoraaNi mRudUni kusumaat api ।

lokottaraaNaaM chetaaMsi kaH hi vi~jnaatum arhati ॥