February 28th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यत्र नार्यस्तु पूज्यन्ते रमन्ते तत्र देवताः ।
यत्रैतास्तु न पूज्यन्ते सर्वास्तत्राफलाः क्रियाः ॥
- मनुस्मृति


Transliteration:
yatra nāryastu pūjyante ramante tatra devatāḥ ।
yatraitāstu na pūjyante sarvāstatrāphalāḥ kriyāḥ ॥
- manusmṛti

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Wherever women are worshipped, Gods revel. Wherever they (the women) are disrespected, every work (undertaken in that place) becomes fruitless (no efforts yield fruit).

Commentary:

Respect for women has been imbibed into the culture from eons. Their roles as mother, daughter, wife, sister, or friend have always been highly respected, from time immemorial. Their constant sacrifices, incessant toil for those around and most importantly, their compassion, love, and patience have always been revered. 

Every being's life begins in the womb of a female. As a mother, she nurtures and nourishes the child more than her own life. As a wife, she takes care of the entire household. As a daughter or sister, she binds the whole family and keeps it together. In any role, she forgives the follies of her loved ones and showers them with her unconditional love.

When women are treated respectfully, as prescribed in our ancient texts, there will be no need for women's empowerment initiatives. They are naturally empowered and respect would acknowledge it!!

This verse states with clairvoyance, that the Gods too, revel in a place where women are respected and worshipped. A place where the Gods revel is obviously one that is joyous and virtuous! Such is the presence of a woman. How can anyone disrespect her?!  

This verse also says that where women are not valued, the efforts of the people in that place do not yield fruit! In a place where there are no blessings from the Gods, hardly anything or anyone can see the fruition of their efforts...!

Respect is one of the greatest expressions of love.  Shower women with an abundance of love (respect)! 

pada vigrahaH:

यत्र नार्यः तु पूज्यन्ते रमन्ते तत्र देवताः ।
yatra nāryaḥ tu pūjyante ramante tatra devatāḥ ।

यत्र एताः तु न पूज्यन्ते सर्वाः तत्र अफलाः क्रियाः ॥
yatra etāḥ tu na pūjyante sarvāḥ tatra aphalāḥ kriyāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yatra naaryastu pUjyante ramante tatra devataaH ।
yatraitaastu na pUjyante sarvaastatraaphalaaH kriyaaH ॥
- manusmRuti

yatra naaryaH tu pUjyante ramante tatra devataaH ।

yatra etaaH tu na pUjyante sarvaaH tatra aphalaaH kriyaaH ॥

February 27th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
कृपणेन समो दाता न भूतो न भविष्यति ।
अस्पृशन्नेव वित्तानि यः परेभ्यः प्रयच्छति ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
kṛpaṇena samo dātā na bhūto na bhaviṣyati ।
aspṛśanneva vittāni yaḥ parebhyaḥ prayacchati ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A 'giver' parallel to a miser has never been nor will be!  Without ever touching the wealth he gives it to others!!

Commentary:

This is a very interesting scenario! The poet says a miser is the 'giver' of the best order! A miser is someone who hoards money and wealth, not sharing it with anyone or even using it for his own purposes. How can he be called the 'greatest philanthropist ever'?!

Wealth can have one of 3 contingencies—given to, indulged in, or destroyed. A miser neither gives nor indulges in his own wealth. Therefore, his collection is certain to attain the third advent and fall into the hands of someone else. It might get lost, stolen, or, even death may have the final word.

Under any of these circumstances, the miser's wealth falls into others' hands, without him even lifting a finger, so to speak. If one wants to give anything to anyone, he must pick it up and hand it to the other person. Therefore, the giver has to touch the object first. But a miser 'gives' without ever touching the object.  In that case, doesn't it make a miser a greater giver?! (Sarcastically said, of course!)

However, the real problem is that the miser is doing no good, knowingly or willingly. His wealth will fall into someone else's hands and therefore he cannot control how his wealth will be utilized. Instead, isn't it better to do good with one's own hands than be miserly?! This will aid in the betterment of those around him and certainly in the betterment of himself as well.

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. Blessed are those who can give without remembering, and take without forgetting! Give generously. 

pada vigrahaH:
कृपणेन समः दाता न भूतः न भविषयति ।
kṛpaṇena samaḥ dātā na bhūtaḥ na bhaviṣayati ।

अस्पृशन् एव वित्तानि यः परेभ्यः प्रयच्छति ॥
aspṛśan eva vittāni yaḥ parebhyaḥ prayacchati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kRupaNena samo daataa na bhUto na bhaviShyati ।
aspRushanneva vittaani yaH parebhyaH prayachChati ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

kRupaNena samaH daataa na bhUtaH na bhaviShayati ।

aspRushan eva vittaani yaH parebhyaH prayachChati ॥

February 26th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वयमिह परितुष्टा वल्कलैस्त्वं दुकूलैः
सम इह परितोषो निर्विशेषो विशेषः  ।
स तु भवति दरिद्रो यस्य तृष्णा विशाला
मनसि च परितुष्टे कोऽर्थवान् को दरिद्रः ॥
- वैराग्यशतक, भर्तृहरि


Transliteration:
vayamiha parituṣṭā valkalaistvaṃ dukūlaiḥ
sama iha paritoṣo nirviśeṣo viśeṣaḥ ।
sa tu bhavati daridro yasya tṛṣṇā viśālā
manasi ca parituṣṭe ko'rthavān ko daridraḥ ॥
- vairāgyaśataka, bhartṛhari

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Here, we (ascetics) are happy in our tree bark clothes (valkala) and you are happy in your silken robes. The contentment is equal, nothing special about that. He is poor whose thirst is endless. When there is contentment at heart - who is rich, who is poor?

Commentary:

Richness and poverty don't come from the number of possessions one has!

This is a beautiful shloka by Bhartṛhari where he says there is no big difference between the sages and the rich. It doesn't matter if one lives in a huge bungalow or in the wilderness of the forests. It also doesn't matter if one eats from golden plates and silver cutlery or just plucks fruit from the trees. It doesn't matter if one lives in rags or in riches. One's wealth is measured on the scale of contentment rather than the monetary scale. He who is content with his possessions is the richest being. He who is discontent and tirelessly thirsts for more is really poor. Even if he is the king of the world, if he does not have तृप्ति (tṛpti - contentment), he is the poorest, neediest person on earth.

Being satisfied and thankful for what we have is the way to go!

pada vigrahaH:
वयम् इह परितुष्टाः वल्कलैः त्वं दुकूलैः
vayam iha parituṣṭāḥ valkalaiḥ tvaṃ dukūlaiḥ

समः इह परितोषः निर्विशेषः विशेषः ।
samaḥ iha paritoṣaḥ nirviśeṣaḥ viśeṣaḥ ।

स तु भवति दरिद्रः यस्य तृष्णा विशाला
sa tu bhavati daridraḥ yasya tṛṣṇā viśālā

मनसि च परितुष्टे कः अर्थवान् कः दरिद्रः ॥
manasi ca parituṣṭe kaḥ arthavān kaḥ daridraḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
vayamiha parituShTaa valkalaistvaM dukUlaiH
sama iha paritoSho nirvisheSho visheShaH ।
sa tu bhavati daridro yasya tRuShNaa vishaalaa
manasi cha parituShTe ko.rthavaan ko daridraH ॥
- vairaagyashataka, bhartRuhari

vayam iha parituShTaaH valkalaiH tvaM dukUlaiH

samaH iha paritoShaH nirvisheShaH visheShaH ।

sa tu bhavati daridraH yasya tRuShNaa vishaalaa

manasi cha parituShTe kaH arthavaan kaH daridraH ॥

February 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
निःसारस्य पदार्थस्य प्रायेणाडम्बरो महान्  ।
न हि स्वर्णे ध्वनिस्तादृक् यादृक् कांस्ये प्रजायते ॥
- यशस्तिलक


Transliteration:
niḥsārasya padārthasya prāyeṇāḍambaro mahān ।
na hi svarṇe dhvanistādṛk yādṛk kāṃsye prajāyate ॥
- yaśastilaka

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Things of lesser quintessential value probably catch more attention. Gold doesn't make noise like brass.

Commentary:

Brass pots make noise generously at the slightest instigation! Gold, on the other hand, doesn't draw noisy attention to itself. It is a rarer metal that has more value in terms of quality. Unlike brass, gold doesn't lose luster over time. (Although brass can gain its shine back when cleaned, it also tarnishes fast.) Yet, clinking gold does not generate much noise. 

The poet has used this fact as a metaphor for things of more qualitative essence, and that they do not propagate much clamor about themselves. Mundane things like gossip are not proactive towards the betterment of anyone.  However, they will come in all kinds of flashy hues and shades. They generate noise in the minds of people and become topics of interest. But in reality, they are distractive just like brass.

This applies to people as well. Learned people do not blow their own horns. They do not show off their prowess with glitz and glamor! Their purpose is to learn more, share their knowledge with their fellow beings, and use their learning for the betterment of society, silently. They are not concerned about who is walking away with credit! As someone said, "There is no limit to what can be accomplished if it doesn't matter who gets the credit." Such people work towards a higher goal, humbly, without being pompous about their endeavors.

Work hard in silence and let your success be your noise! 

pada vigrahaH:
निःसारस्य पदार्थस्य प्रायेण अडम्बरः महान् ।
niḥsārasya padārthasya prāyeṇa aḍambaraḥ mahān ।

न हि स्वर्णे ध्वनिः तादृक् यादृक् कांस्ये प्रजायते ॥
na hi svarṇe dhvaniḥ tādṛk yādṛk kāṃsye prajāyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
niHsaarasya padaarthasya praayeNaaDambaro mahaan ।
na hi svarNe dhvanistaadRuk yaadRuk kaaMsye prajaayate ॥
- yashastilaka

niHsaarasya padaarthasya praayeNa aDambaraH mahaan ।

na hi svarNe dhvaniH taadRuk yaadRuk kaaMsye prajaayate ॥

February 24th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यत् स्यादहिंसासंयुक्तं स धर्म इति निश्चयः ।
अहिंसार्थाय भूतानां धर्मप्रवचनं कृतम् ॥
- महाभारत, कर्णपर्व


Transliteration:
yat syādahiṃsāsaṃyuktaṃ sa dharma iti niścayaḥ ।
ahiṃsārthāya bhūtānāṃ dharmapravacanaṃ kṛtam ॥
- mahābhārata, karṇaparva

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Anything that involves 'ahiṃsā' (non-violence) is decidedly deemed 'dharma' (virtue). Dharma has been expounded so that there is no violence among beings.

Commentary:

Violence in any shape or form is never approved of. Violence always sows bad seeds that deter the growth of beings. Hence, the definition of 'dharma' is very simple—that which does not involve violence!

The whole purpose of the expression and elucidation of 'dharma' is to protect beings from acts of violence. Otherwise, there would be no reason to have multitudes of scriptures, focusing on this topic! Even a carnivorous animal who kills other animals for food does not kill for entertainment; it only hunts when hungry. This is the way nature intended it to be. (Otherwise, herbivores would grow in multitudes and take over the entire planet!)  If animals behave this way, nature certainly did not intend for humans to torture other life forms for recreation.

When God created humans, He generated in their hearts a sense of right from wrong, good from bad, and violence from non-violence. Dharma is that which the heart says is right, good, and non-violent! Inherently, a human's heart will not approve of violence towards other forms of life.

There is little inner voice that may sound feeble at times but is firm and undeterred. One needs to heed that conscience!

pada vigrahaH:
यत् स्यात् अहिंसा-संयुक्तं सः धर्मः इति निश्चयः ।
yat syāt ahiṃsā-saṃyuktaṃ saḥ dharmaḥ iti niścayaḥ ।

अहिंसा-अर्थाय भूतानां धर्म-प्रवचनं कृतम् ॥

ahiṃsā-arthāya bhūtānāṃ dharma-pravacanaṃ kṛtam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yat syaadahiMsaasaMyuktaM saH dharma iti nishchayaH ।
ahiMsaarthaaya bhUtaanaaM dharmapravachanaM kRutam ॥
- mahaabhaarata, karNaparva

yat syaat ahiMsaa-saMyuktaM saH dharmaH iti nishchayaH ।

ahiMsaa-arthaaya bhUtaanaaM dharma-pravachanaM kRutam ॥

February 23rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
तमःपरिवृतं वेश्म यथा दीपेन दीप्यते ।
तथा बुद्धिप्रदीपेन शक्य आत्मा निरीक्षितुम् ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि

Transliteration:
tamaḥparivṛtaṃ veśma yathā dīpena dīpyate ।
tathā buddhipradīpena śakya ātmā nirīkṣitum ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Just as a house engulfed in darkness shines with a lamp, so can the soul be seen with the light called intellect.

Commentary:

A house can be immersed in darkness. But lighting a small lamp spreads the glow instantaneously. It illumines the whole house, allowing one to see where the walls are, where he can step without tripping, etc. But he needs to find the lamp and light it, to be able to look around the house.

Similarly, to see the soul that is engulfed in darkness (of ignorance), one needs to light the lamp of wisdom. When he opens his ज्ञान चक्षुस् (jñāna cakṣus - the eye of wisdom), however feeble, the awareness of the soul emerges immediately. With this sight, he can find his way around. He can step away from unwanted distractions of the mundane world. And as he familiarizes himself with his tread, the light of knowledge will get stronger and stronger, giving more visibility into his own real nature.

Knowledge of any other topic won't be able to shed light on the soul. (Just as knowledge of medicine won't obviously mean that a person can fix computers, but it is knowledge nonetheless!) Hence, in this context,  intellect, knowledge, and wisdom are all in relation to the soul alone. Knowing oneself is the direct route to salvation.

Knowledge is power!  Knowledge is light!  May we all kindle the light of knowledge within ourselves!!

pada vigrahaH:
तमः-परिवृतं वेश्म यथा दीपेन दीप्यते ।
tamaḥ-parivṛtaṃ veśma yathā dīpena dīpyate ।

तथा बुद्धि प्रदीपेन शक्य आत्मा निरीक्षितुम् ॥
tathā buddhi pradīpena śakya ātmā nirīkṣitum ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
tamaHparivRutaM veshma yathaa deepena deepyate ।
tathaa buddhipradeepena shakya aatmaa nireekShitum ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

tamaH-parivRutaM veshma yathaa deepena deepyate ।

tathaa buddhi pradeepena shakya aatmaa nireekShitum ॥

February 22nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
जन्मेदं वन्ध्यतां नीतं भवभोगोपलिप्सया ।
काचमूल्येन विक्रीतः हन्त चिन्तामणिर्मया ॥
- शान्तिशतक


Transliteration:
janmedaṃ vandhyatāṃ nītaṃ bhavabhogopalipsayā ।
kācamūlyena vikrītaḥ hanta cintāmaṇirmayā ॥
- śāntiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

This birth went futile in worldly indulgences. Alas! A 'cintāmaṇi' (precious stone) has been traded by me at the price of glass.

Commentary:

A 'cintāmaṇi' is supposedly a stone stronger than penetrating radium and its dynamic rays instantly increase a person's vibratory frequencies.  They are known to bestow upon him/her the ability to see into the past and future and even make one evolve into an immortal being. With this description, a 'cintāmaṇi' is, beyond doubt, a rare and precious gem.

So is life! It is a gift from God and is put to use best by learning, doing good to the people around us, and bettering ourselves, every day. In this verse, the poet says that he foolishly indulged in mundane pleasures and threw away a precious lifetime that he could have used for the betterment of his soul.  

Life is a gift that we often take for granted.  The poet says he whiled away such a precious birth, as if, trading off the rare and precious 'cintāmaṇi' callously, like it were a piece of glass! Whether one realizes it or not, the cintāmaṇi stone is ever precious. The trader is the loser if he trades it off for peanuts without knowing its worth. The same applies to life. It is up to oneself to make use of it for the betterment of himself, for the betterment of the people around him, and to make society a nicer place to live in. If this aspect is not valued, he will pay the price.  

Life is precious! Don't waste!!  

pada vigrahaH:

जन्म-इदं वन्ध्यतां नीतं भवभोग-उपलिप्सया ।
janma-idaṃ vandhyatāṃ nītaṃ bhavabhoga-upalipsayā ।

काच-मूल्येन विक्रीतः हन्त चिन्तामणिः मया ॥
kāca-mūlyena vikrītaḥ hanta cintāmaṇiḥ mayā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
janmedaM vandhyataaM nItaM bhavabhogopalipsayaa ।
kaachamUlyena vikrItaH hanta chintaamaNirmayaa ॥
- shaantishataka

janma-idaM vandhyataaM nItaM bhavabhoga-upalipsayaa ।

kaacha-mUlyena vikrItaH hanta chintaamaNiH mayaa ॥

February 21st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
न स्वल्पस्य कृते भूरि नाशयेन्मतिमान् नरः ।
एतदेवात्रपाण्डित्यं यत्स्वल्पाद्‍भूरिरक्षणम् ॥
- पञ्चतन्त्र, मित्रभेद


Transliteration:
na svalpasya kṛte bhūri nāśayenmatimān naraḥ ।
etadevātrapāṇḍityaṃ yatsvalpād‍bhūrirakṣaṇam ॥
- pañcatantra, mitrabheda

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A prudent man won't trade a big gain for the sake of a small one. It is prudence here, to give up the smaller for the protection of the bigger interest.

Commentary:

Don't be penny wise and pound foolish!

Many times, when we focus on minute details the bigger picture gets lost. That is not prudent, says the verse. In achieving the higher good, even if a couple of smaller interests have to be sacrificed, it is quite alright.

This reminds the saying, 'Lose the battle but win the war'.  While accomplishing trivial agendas, make sure to not forget the main goal/purpose of the entire task. This is what wise people do.

Great achievements are born of great sacrifices.  Who knows?!  Today's sacrifice may be the greatest investment for tomorrow! 

pada vigrahaH:

न स्वल्पस्य कृते भूरि नाशयेत् मतिमान् नरः ।
na svalpasya kṛte bhūri nāśayet matimān naraḥ ।

एतत् एव अत्र पाण्डित्यं यत् स्वल्पात् भूरि रक्षणम् ॥
etat eva atra pāṇḍityaṃ yat svalpāt bhūri rakṣaṇam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
na swalpasya kRute bhUri naashayenmatimaan naraH ।
etadevaatrapaaNDityaM yatsvalpaadbhUrirakShaNam ॥
- pa~nchatantra, mitrabheda

na swalpasya kRute bhUri naashayet matimaan naraH ।

etat eva atra paaNDityaM yat svalpaat bhUri rakShaNam ॥

February 20th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अनभ्यासे विषं विद्या अजीर्णे भोजनं विषम् ।
मूर्खस्य च विषं गोष्ठी वृद्धस्य तरुणी विषम् ॥
- समयोचितपद्यमालिका


Transliteration:
anabhyāse viṣaṃ vidyā ajīrṇe bhojanaṃ viṣam ।
mūrkhasya ca viṣaṃ goṣṭhī vṛddhasya taruṇī viṣam ॥
- samayocitapadyamālikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Knowledge (turns) poisonous without practice; food is (like) poison (during) indigestion; an assembly is (like) poison for the foolish; a young girl is (equal to) poison for an ageing man.

Commentary:

Poison is disastrous whether it causes death or not. This verse has examples of things that can be as fatal as poison (even if they don't cause death).

1. Practice makes perfect!  Knowledge that has lost touch, out of tune, or not updated - is a disaster waiting to happen. A person cannot claim authority over a vidyā that he has not practiced. Because, chances are, he might have forgotten bits and pieces, and not even be aware of it. He may not be abreast with the latest facts on the subject. He may not be as skillful either, due to lack of practice. Such knowledge can be dangerous.

2. On occasions of indigestion, the best rule to follow is - लङ्घनं परमौषधम् (laṅghanaṃ paramauṣadham). This means that 'skipping a meal is the best medicine'!  Given a little time, nature sets itself right quickly. To make an avenue for that, the best remedy is to not stuff the stomach with more food. Otherwise, food can turn as painful as poison.

3. An assembly of people where thoughts are being discussed and ideas exchanged, is not a place a foolish person enjoys going to. He may not have the required knowledge, material, or oratory skills essential for such a setting. For him, such a place is as unpleasant as poison.

4. A young girl brings distress to an old man. She reminds him of his lost years of youth and therefore brings unhappiness.

If one can identify his shortcomings, it will become easy to avoid getting into stressful situations like those stated above.

pada vigrahaH:
अनभ्यासे विषं विद्या अजीर्णे भोजनं विषम् ।
anabhyāse viṣaṃ vidyā ajīrṇe bhojanaṃ viṣam ।

मूर्खस्य च विषं गोष्ठी वृद्धस्य तरुणी विषम् ॥
mūrkhasya ca viṣaṃ goṣṭhī vṛddhasya taruṇī viṣam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
anabhyaase viShaM vidyaa ajIrNe bhojanaM viSham ।
mUrkhasya cha viShaM goShThI vRuddhasya taruNI viSham ॥
- samayochitapadyamaalikaa

anabhyaase viShaM vidyaa ajIrNe bhojanaM viSham ।

mUrkhasya cha viShaM goShThI vRuddhasya taruNI viSham ॥

February 19th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
धर्मार्थौ यत्र न स्यात्तां शुश्रूषावाऽपि तद्विधा ।
तत्र विद्या न वक्तव्या शुभं बीजमिवोषरे ॥
- मनुस्मृति


Transliteration:
dharmārthau yatra na syāttāṃ śuśrūṣāvā'pi tadvidhā ।
tatra vidyā na vaktavyā śubhaṃ bījamivoṣare ॥
- manusmṛti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Do not teach vidyā (knowledge) in a place where there is no dharma (righteousness), purpose, or tending. (Because), it will be as agreeable as planting a (perfectly) robust seed in a barren land.

Commentary:

Every effort has a result. Though one should not be attached or desirous of a certain outcome, one should certainly be thoughtful about the fruitfulness of his efforts.

There are some basic requirements for a recipient of vidyā. He should have value for values, act righteously, have a purpose in life, be humble, and be prepared to serve. An absence of any of these qualities will not qualify him as a good student. These qualities are essential because they aid in his quest for knowledge and in turn, his growth.

The verse says that giving vidyā (knowledge) to someone without these qualifications is as futile as planting a flourishing seed in a barren land. Although the seed is good, it can't yield anything due to its circumstances and surroundings. Similarly, educating an unqualified person is a waste of time and energy.

pada vigrahaH:
धर्म अर्थौ यत्र न स्यात् तां शुश्रूषौ वा अपि तत् विधा ।
dharma arthau yatra na syāt tāṃ śuśrūṣau vā api tat vidhā ।

तत्र विद्या न वक्तव्या शुभं बीजम् इव ओषरे ॥
tatra vidyā na vaktavyā śubhaṃ bījam iva oṣare ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
dharmaarthau yatra na syaattaaM shushrUShaavaa.pi tadvidhaa ।
tatra vidyaa na vaktavyaa shubhaM bIjamivoShare ॥
- manusmRuti

dharma arthau yatra na syaat taaM shushrUShau vaa api tat vidhaa ।

tatra vidyaa na vaktavyaa shubhaM bIjam iva oShare ॥

February 18th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
क्षुत्क्षामोऽपि जराकृशोऽपि शिथिलप्रायोऽपि कष्टां दशाम्
आपन्नोऽपि विपन्नदीधितिरपि प्राणेषु नश्यत्स्वपि ।
मत्तेभेन्द्रविभिन्नकुम्भपिशितग्रासैकबद्धस्पृहः
किं जीर्णं तृणमत्ति मानमहतामग्रेसरः केसरी ॥
- नीतिशतक


Transliteration:
kṣutkṣāmo'pi jarākṛśo'pi śithilaprāyo'pi kaṣṭāṃ daśām
āpanno'pi vipannadīdhitirapi prāṇeṣu naśyatsvapi ।
mattebhendravibhinnakumbhapiśitagrāsaikabaddhaspṛhaḥ
kiṃ jīrṇaṃ tṛṇamatti mānamahatāmagresaraḥ kesarī ॥
- nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Would a lion—the frontrunner among the respectable, who is desirous of eating the flesh from the slit forehead of a mad elephant, even when emaciated with hunger, haggard with age, slacking (in energy), distressed abundantly, troubled and losing salubrity—eat dilapidated grass?!

Commentary:

A lion is not called the king of the jungle for no reason. He keeps his head high because he is strong, ferocious, and majestic. He doesn't bow down under any circumstance, or lose his self-esteem. Just because he is waning with hunger, lean with age, weak in his pounce, and facing multitudes of troubles while losing life's vital energy, he will not succumb to his state of affairs. He will still be desirous of eating flesh by slitting open the forehead of an elephant—not just any elephant, but a jagged one who is rut with rage. His physical state won't put a dent in his valor! He would never settle for eating dry grass because it is easily and abundantly available.

The point here is not herbivores versus carnivores. The aspect of interest here is that what doesn't come naturally to him, will not come to him in times of dire circumstance either. No compromise whatsoever!  Nobility comes from being steady, strong, and firm through all kinds of circumstances like the lion.  Stooping down from our own values, morals, virtues, and views due to external situations should not be an option. 

Keep thy values and standards at all times.  

pada vigrahaH:

क्षुत् क्षामः अपि जरा कृशः अपि शिथिल-प्रायः अपि कष्टां दशाम्
kṣut kṣāmaḥ api jarā kṛśaḥ api śithila-prāyaḥ api kaṣṭāṃ daśām

आपन्नः अपि विपन्न-दीधितिः अपि प्राणेषु नश्यत्सु अपि ।
āpannaḥ api vipanna-dīdhitiḥ api prāṇeṣu naśyatsu api ।

मत्ते-भेन्द्र-विभिन्न-कुम्भ-पिशित-ग्रास-एक-बद्ध-स्पृहः
matte-bhendra-vibhinna-kumbha-piśita-grāsa-eka-baddha-spṛhaḥ

किं जीर्णं तृणम् अत्ति मान-महताम् अग्रेसरः केसरी ॥
kiṃ jīrṇaṃ tṛṇam atti māna-mahatām agresaraḥ kesarī ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kShutkShaamo.pi jaraakRusho.pi shithilapraayo.pi kaShTaaM dashaam
aapanno.pi vipannadIdhitirapi praaNeShu nashyatsvapi ।
mattebhendravibhinnakumbhapishitagraasaikabaddhaspRuhaH
kiM jIrNaM tRuNamatti maanamahataamagresaraH kesarI ॥
- nItishataka

kShut kShaamaH api jaraa kRushaH api shithila-praayaH api kaShThaaM dashaam

aapannaH api vipanna-dIdhitiH api praaNeShu nashyatsu api ।

matte-bhendra-vibhinna-kumbha-pishita-graasa-eka-baddha-spRuhaH

kiM jIrNaM tRuNam atti maana-mahataam agresaraH kesarI ॥

February 17th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
मन्त्रबलेन भुजङ्गाः मुग्धकुरगाश्च कूटयन्त्रेण ।
स्थलजालेन विहङ्गाः गृह्यते मानवाश्च दम्भेन ॥
- कलाविलास


Transliteration:
mantrabalena bhujaṅgāḥ mugdhakuragāśca kūṭayantreṇa ।
sthalajālena vihaṅgāḥ gṛhyate mānavāśca dambhena ॥
- kalāvilāsa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Snakes through spells; innocent deer through crafty devices; birds through ground traps; and humans are (all) captured through deceit (hypocrisy).

Commentary:

The snake charmer's mystical spells and musical rhythms capture reptiles. A snare or trap is set to catch an unsuspecting, innocent deer. Birds flying high in the sky are easily trapped by laying a net with seeds on the ground. Some type of physical tool is required to catch these creatures. 

People, however, are taken down through deceit. Human tendencies are strange. Flattery makes people fall for tricks easily.  A few nice words and incentives (no matter how false) are sufficient to win people over. Falsities and charades are everywhere, the problem is in identifying them. Because there are two ingredients to deceit—a good bit of truth and a few little lies. One needs to be aware and identify falsehoods. 

The cheater must be aware of a major issue too—deceit and hypocrisy might work in winning something, but it is the hypocrite who will end up being a loser. Over time, he will lose the trust of people.  He can eventually find it hard to trust himself too. He who doesn't trust himself will lose self-confidence. One without self-confidence is a cripple and stops himself from achieving his very best!

Stay away from hypocrisy! Beware of hypocrites! And at the same time, be cautious about becoming a hypocrite yourself!! Be true to yourself.

pada vigrahaH:

मन्त्र-बलेन भुजङ्गाः मुग्ध-कुरगाः च कूट-यन्त्रेण ।
mantra-balena bhujaṅgāḥ mugdha-kuragāḥ ca kūṭa-yantreṇa ।

स्थल-जालेन विहङ्गाः गृह्यते मानवाः च दम्भेन ॥
sthala-jālena vihaṅgāḥ gṛhyate mānavāḥ ca dambhena ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
mantrabalena bhuja~ngaaH mugdhakuragaashcha kUTayantreNa ।
sthalajaalena viha~ngaaH gRuhyate maanavaashcha dambhena ॥
- kalaavilaasa

mantra-balena bhuja~ngaaH mugdha-kuragaaH cha kUTa-yantreNa ।

sthala-jaalena viha~ngaaH gRuhyate maanavaaH cha dambhena ॥

February 16th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
शोको नाशयते धैर्यं शोको नाशयते श्रुतम् ।
शोको नाशयते सर्वं नास्ति शोकसमो रिपुः ॥
- रामायण, अयोध्याकाण्ड


Transliteration:
śoko nāśayate dhairyaṃ śoko nāśayate śrutam ।
śoko nāśayate sarvaṃ nāsti śokasamo ripuḥ ॥
- rāmāyaṇa, ayodhyākāṇḍa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Anguish extinguishes courage, anguish destroys discrimination, anguish ruins everything—there is no enemy comparable to anguish.

Commentary:

Do not cry over spilt milk!

Who is not familiar with anguish, grief, sorrow, worry, and pain?! These emotions, in all their different forms, are a part and parcel of life. But the difference becomes apparent in how one deals with it. One shouldn't let life's fleeting incidents bury him under their pressure. Hardships and bad times come and go in everyone's life. But if we don't pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off, then nobody else will do it for us. If we let sorrow take over, it will kill all courage to face life. Intellect succumbs to grief, every lesson learnt flies out the window, and more blunders come along. 

Anguish is not fruitful from any angle. It is an adversary to clear thinking. Hence, the verse says that worry is the biggest enemy in one's life! 

Don't worry, be happy!

pada vigrahaH:

शोकः नाशयते धैर्यं शोकः नाशयते श्रुतम् ।
śokaḥ nāśayate dhairyaṃ śokaḥ nāśayate śrutam ।

शोकः नाशयते सर्वं न अस्ति शोक-समः रिपुः ॥
śokaḥ nāśayate sarvaṃ na asti śoka-samaḥ ripuḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
shoko naashayate dhairyaM shoko naashayate shrutam ।
shoko naashayate sarvaM naasti shokasamo ripuH ॥
- raamaayaNa, ayodhyaakaaNDa

shokaH naashayate dhairyaM shokaH naashayate shrutam ।

shokaH naashayate sarvaM na asti shoka-samaH ripuH ॥

February 15th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
गर्भे व्याधौ श्मशाने च पुराणे या मतिर्भवेत् ।
सा यदि स्थिरतां याति को न मुच्येत बन्धनात् ॥
- गरुडपुराण


Transliteration:
garbhe vyādhau śmaśāne ca purāṇe yā matirbhavet ।
sā yadi sthiratāṃ yāti ko na mucyeta bandhanāt ॥
- garuḍapurāṇa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Who will not be freed from bondage if the attitude/disposition pertinent - when in the womb, during sickness, at a funeral, and while (listening to) spiritual teachings -  remains undeterred?!

Commentary:

Moods and temperaments are like monkeys, jumping from one branch to another. It is very difficult to predict how they will change or what they land on next. But apathy is inherently ingrained in every being. It surfaces occasionally -

1. When in the womb, it is said that the जीव (jīva, soul) is filled with detachment. After spending months in the womb, the jīva feels like it never wants to come back into the world and go through all that pain ever again. (This is प्रसूति-वैराग्य (prasūti-vairāgya)).  It could also mean - during labor pains, it is so painful that a woman thinks she will never again give birth to another child!  But then, the pain is soon forgotten. Life moves on and family grows again. 

2. In sickness, we automatically pray to the Lord and feel dispassionate towards worldly comforts and pleasures. No one wants to deck themselves up and be pompous when unwell. No indulgence with favorite foods either.  During these times, all vanities and delicacies look meaningless. (This is आपद्-वैराग्य (āpad-vairāgya)).

3. At a funeral, everyone sees the momentariness of life when a loved one is being taken away. They see that when a person passes away, he doesn't take any of his worldly possessions with him. Although this is common knowledge, it will aid as a reality check and induce the feeling of detachment in the onlookers. (This is श्मशान-वैराग्य (śmaśāna-vairāgya)).

4. While listening to mythological teachings or spiritual scriptures, there is a sudden stir in the mind and the mind then simulates an aversion to materialistic indulgences. There is instantaneous dispassion towards mundane possessions. (This is पुराण-वैराग्य (purāṇa-vairāgya)).

Although tentatively, these situations go beyond the mundane level and break all bondages.  When there are no bondages, there is a sense of dispassion.  All these situations bring out what is already in us - a feeling of apathy (this word is not as effective as - वैराग्य 'vairāgya'). The verse says, that if only this detachment/dispassion attains firm rooting and remains unwavering, then there is no stopping from achieving mokṣa (salvation).

We already have in us, what is needed to attain nirvāṇa, but if we desire it, we need to be consistent!

pada vigrahaH:

गर्भे व्याधौ श्मशाने च पुराणे या मतिः भवेत् ।
garbhe vyādhau śmaśāne ca purāṇe yā matiḥ bhavet ।

सा यदि स्थिरतां याति कः न मुच्येत बन्धनात् ॥
sā yadi sthiratāṃ yāti kaḥ na mucyeta bandhanāt ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
garbhe vyaadhau shmashaane cha puraaNe yaa matirbhavet ।
saa yadi sthirataaM yaati ko na muchyeta bandhanaat ॥
- garuDapuraaNa

garbhe vyaadhau shmashaane cha puraaNe yaa matiH bhavet ।

saa yadi sthirataaM yaati kaH na muchyeta bandhanaat ॥

February 14th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
न किञ्चिदपि कुर्वाणः सौख्यैर्दुःखान्यपोहति ।
तत्तस्य किमपि द्रव्यं यो हि यस्य प्रियो जनः ॥
- उत्तररामचरित


Transliteration:
na kiñcidapi kurvāṇaḥ saukhyairduḥkhānyapohati ।
tattasya kimapi dravyaṃ yo hi yasya priyo janaḥ ॥
- uttararāmacarita

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Loved ones — without even doing anything, just by their proximity — drive away sorrows. Such is the substance (wealth) of love!

Commentary:

Love is patient, love is kind. Love is the beauty of the soul. All beings are born with a natural ability to love. Above all, love is in offering oneself!

It can be a husband and a wife; a lover with a lover; a friend with a friend; a parent and a child; a grandparent and a grandchild, or vice versa! Whatever be the name of the relationship, the cornerstone of each one is love!

We tend to be our true selves with our loved ones.  Just their presence makes all the difference.  A comforting word or a soothing hug from them can melt away our sorrows and suffering, and make all our troubles look trivial and baseless.  Such is the power of love.  It is such an empowering entity; it brings serenity and calmness to the mind.

The one thing that frees us all from the weight and pain of life is love!  Let's not forget to express our love for our loved ones. Not just once, but every single day. Let's acknowledge their impact on our lives and what they mean to us always. Let's not take them for granted. Without their presence, life wouldn't be the same! 

pada vigrahaH:

न किञ्चित् अपि कुर्वाणः सौख्यैः दुःखानि अपोहति ।
na kiñcit api kurvāṇaḥ saukhyaiḥ duḥkhāni apohati ।

तत् तस्य किम् अपि द्रव्यं यः हि यस्य प्रियः जनः ॥
tat tasya kim api dravyaṃ yaḥ hi yasya priyaḥ janaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
na ki~nchidapi kurvaaNaH saukhyairduHkhaanyapohati ।
tattasya kimapi dravyaM yo hi yasya priyo janaH ॥
- uttararaamacharita

na ki~nchit api kurvaaNaH saukhyaiH duHkhaani apohati ।

tat tasya kim api dravyaM yaH hi yasya priyaH janaH ॥

February 13th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
इन्द्रियाणि पुरा जित्वा जितं त्रिभुवनं त्वया ।
स्मरद्भिरिव तद्वैरम् इन्द्रियैरेव निर्जितः ॥
- रामायण, युद्धकाण्ड

Transliteration:
indriyāṇi purā jitvā jitaṃ tribhuvanaṃ tvayā ।
smaradbhiriva tadvairam indriyaireva nirjitaḥ ॥
- rāmāyaṇa, yuddhakāṇḍa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Formerly, after winning over your senses, the three worlds were conquered by you. As if in memory of that enmity you were defeated by those same senses.
(A verse by lamenting Maṇḍodarī to Rāvaṇa's cadaver).

Commentary:

In the great first epic Rāmāyaṇa, we see that Rāvaṇa was an exceptional scholar who had performed numerous penances. He had the intellect and the endurance required to perform them but for all wrong reasons. These achievements don't come easy. One has to win over his sense organs, defeat and restrain them to show them who the boss is—so to speak! But Rāvaṇa had achieved all of these quite easily.  He had become a jitendriya, by winning over his sense organs.  

Yet he gave in and yielded to his sense-pleasures when he heard about Sītā from his sister (Śūrpanakhā). Chastity was blown to the wind. He succumbed so much to his sense organs that he wouldn't listen to any advice from anyone, including his own brother (Vibhīṣaṇa), or his wife (Maṇḍodarī). Upon his death, Maṇḍodarī lamented saying, "To him who had won over them earlier, they became the cause for his downfall now.  He had conquered his senses earlier. Now it was as if his senses came back to avenge their defeat!" 

Sense pleasures are the entities that bring bondage. For example, if one yields to his sense organ—tongue, he will either like or dislike the food he eats. The minute there is राग-द्वेष (rāga-dveṣa, love or hate) there is a reaction to it. Along with that comes bondage constraints and so on. Hence, the objects of pleasure for the sense organs are nothing but harbingers of trouble. It is not an easy task to win over them. They are so powerful that if they are not kept under check constantly, even after winning over them once, they will return to strike harder than ever.

Awareness and incessant अनुष्ठान (anuṣṭhāna, practice) are keys to keeping a level head.  There are many traps along the way.  Hence, being vigilant of ourselves is very essential.  

pada vigrahaH:
इन्द्रियाणि पुरा जित्वा जितं त्रिभुवनं त्वया ।
indriyāṇi purā jitvā jitaṃ tribhuvanaṃ tvayā ।

स्मरद्भिः इव तत् वैरम् इन्द्रियैः एव निर्जितः ॥
smaradbhiḥ iva tat vairam indriyaiḥ eva nirjitaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
indriyaaNi puraa jitvaa jitaM tribhuvanaM tvayaa ।
smaradbhiriva tadvairam indriyaireva nirjitaH ॥
- raamaayaNa, yuddhakaaNDa

indriyaaNi puraa jitvaa jitaM tribhuvanaM tvayaa ।

smaradbhiH iva tat vairam indriyaiH eva nirjitaH ॥

February 12th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
धारणाद्धर्म इत्याहुः धर्मो धारयते प्रजाः ।
यत् स्याद्धारणसंयुक्तं स धर्म इति निश्चयः ॥
- महाभारत, कर्ण पर्व


Transliteration:
dhāraṇāddharma ityāhuḥ dharmo dhārayate prajāḥ ।
yat syāddhāraṇasaṃyuktaṃ sa dharma iti niścayaḥ ॥
- mahābhārata, karṇa parva

Meaning of the subhAShita:

(Due to) bearing, (it) is called 'dharma', dharma supports people. That which is associated with upholding (the creation) is called dharma.

Commentary:

Certain words communicate their meaning most effectively in their original language alone. 'धर्म' (dharma) is one such word! No matter how we translate it into English—virtue, righteousness, moral merit, attribute, etc..., it simply doesn't have the same effect as the original word dharma!! The strength and weight carried in this word are..., well..., too heavy to be carried over with translation! Hence, we will refer to it using the original word itself.

The verse says it is called 'dharma' due to its attribute of upholding, bearing, and supporting! (These words don't have the same effect as the word 'धारण' (dhāraṇa) either! 'Dharma' is the backbone of a working society. It is the aspect that keeps faith in people and keeps the world going. It is that which propitiates life and is the very basis for the existence of life itself!

But what is considered 'dharma'? What actions come under the umbrella of 'dharma'? Well, the answer is quite simple—whatever has the potential to uphold, support, endure, and be the backbone of the whole creation is defined as 'dharma'!

Discovering your dharma is not about going somewhere and finding something. It is not outside of you, but rather, it arises from going within. 'Dharma' is that faculty that is existent in the conscience of each and every living being. Whether one accepts it or not, acts according to it or not, it is there! Its presence is felt by every creature at every step of life. We only need to pay attention and heed to it.  

pada vigrahaH:

धारणात् धर्मः इति आहुः धर्मः धारयते प्रजाः ।
dhāraṇāt dharmaḥ iti āhuḥ dharmaḥ dhārayate prajāḥ ।

यत् स्यात् धारण-संयुक्तं सः धर्मः इति निश्चयः ॥
yat syāt dhāraṇa-saṃyuktaṃ saḥ dharmaḥ iti niścayaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
dhaaraNaaddharma ityaahuH dharmo dhaarayate prajaaH ।
yat syaaddhaaraNasaMyuktaM sa dharma iti nishchayaH ॥
- mahaabhaarata, karNa parva

dhaaraNaat dharmaH iti aahuH dharmaH dhaarayate prajaaH ।

yat syaat dhaaraNa-saMyuktaM saH dharmaH iti nishchayaH ॥

February 11th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
न यत्रास्ति गतिर्वायोः रश्मीनां च विवस्वतः ।
तत्रापि प्रविशत्याशु बुद्धिर्बुद्धिमतां सदा ॥
- पञ्चतन्त्र, अपरीक्षितकारक


Transliteration:
na yatrāsti gatirvāyoḥ raśmīnāṃ ca vivasvataḥ ।
tatrāpi praviśatyāśu buddhirbuddhimatāṃ sadā ॥
- pañcatantra, aparīkṣitakāraka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The intellect of the intelligent always enters quickly even (in places) where there is no movement of air nor where sun's rays can reach. 

Commentary:

There can be deep valleys or creeks where the sun's rays never reach. There can be space in which wind can never blow. But there is no place beyond the reach of an intelligent being.

Physically speaking, man has explored the deepest caves which have never seen sunlight. He has conquered the vacuum of outer space and is still trying to reach farther.  However, there are various parts of the universe unknown to him.  He is restricted by physical limitations. Nonetheless, man's intellect is a very powerful instrument.  It has no bounds and if put to use correctly, there is no stopping it!  It is free from all restrictions.

Can we ever be grateful enough for the wonderful gift of intellect that the Lord has blessed us with?!  Nothing is more attractive in this world than intelligence! 

pada vigrahaH: 

न यत्र अस्ति गतिः वायोः रश्मीनां च विवस्वतः ।
na yatra asti gatiḥ vāyoḥ raśmīnāṃ ca vivasvataḥ ।

तत्र अपि प्रविशति आशु बुद्धिः बुद्धिमतां सदा ॥
tatra api praviśati āśu buddhiḥ buddhimatāṃ sadā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
na yatraasti gatirvaayoH rashmInaaM cha vivaswataH ।
tatraapi pravishatyaashu buddhirbuddhimataaM sadaa ॥
- pa~nchatantra, aparIkShitakaaraka

na yatra asti gatiH vaayoH rashmInaaM cha vivaswataH ।

tatra api pravishati aashu buddhiH buddhimataaM sadaa ॥

February 10th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अहोरात्राणि गच्छन्ति सर्वेषां प्राणिनामिह ।
आयूम्षि क्षपयन्त्याशु ग्रीष्मे जलमिवाम्शवः ॥
- रामायण, अयोध्याकाण्ड


Transliteration:
ahorātrāṇi gacchanti sarveṣāṃ prāṇināmiha ।
āyūmṣi kṣapayantyāśu grīṣme jalamivāmśavaḥ ॥
- rāmāyaṇa, ayodhyākāṇḍa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Days and nights pass for all beings here (on earth). Their salubrity (life's vital energy) runs out just like water particles (evaporate) due to the Sun's rays in the summer.

Commentary:

Days and nights come and go. Days turn to weeks, weeks to years, and years to decades. Like this, a whole lifespan runs out just like that. 

Unfortunately, selfish motives get higher priority than helping fellow beings. Doing a good deed or two is saved for another day. Spiritual growth and learning are the last things on the agenda. All deeds aiding one's progress are procrastinated for a later time and date. In doing so, a whole lifespan slides by, and nothing is achieved by the end of it. 

The simile given is that of water in the summer. When it comes in contact with sun rays, it evaporates quickly and runs out fast. As does life! It is up to oneself to use it or lose it. 

One could utilize every day to accumulate virtues and knowledge, little by little. One can move towards achieving a higher goal, inch by inch, every single day with every single opportunity; without allowing life to run out, like the water particles in summer.

pada vigrahaH:

अहः रात्राणि गच्छन्ति सर्वेषां प्राणिनाम् इह ।
ahaḥ rātrāṇi gacchanti sarveṣāṃ prāṇinām iha ।

आयूम्षि क्षपयन्ति आशु ग्रीष्मे जलम् इव अम्शवः ॥
āyūmṣi kṣapayanti āśu grīṣme jalam iva amśavaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ahoraatraaNi gachChanti sarveShaaM praaNinaamiha ।
aayUmShi kShapayantyaashu grIShme jalamivaamshavaH ॥
- raamaayaNa, ayodhyaakaaNDa

ahaH raatraaNi gachChanti sarveShaaM praaNinaam iha ।

aayUmShi kShapayanti aashu grIShme jalam iva amshavaH ॥

February 9th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सर्पाणां च खलानां च परद्रव्यापहारिणाम् ।
अभिप्राया न सिध्यन्ति तेनेदं वर्तते जगत् ॥
- पञ्चतन्त्र, मित्रभेद


Transliteration:
sarpāṇāṃ ca khalānāṃ ca paradravyāpahāriṇām ।
abhiprāyā na sidhyanti tenedaṃ vartate jagat ॥
- pañcatantra, mitrabheda

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Snakes and evil-doers (aim for) others' possessions. Their actions will never succeed.  Hence the world is still surviving.

Commentary:

An entire colony of ants works extremely hard to build an ant hill. They collect enough food to nourish the whole colony. Come one day, a sneaky snake will destroy all the ants and annex their home!

Evildoers are no different. They are interested in capturing the possessions of others. They use all their talent and wisdom in plotting devious plans to possess the object of their interest.

Evil intentions never bring benefit, though. Sooner or later, their sins will catch up with them and they will have to pay for their wrongdoings. The repercussions may not be apparent immediately but are certainly lurking, waiting for the right time to teach them right from wrong. Sometimes, it may not even happen in the same birth. But the accounts of sins and virtues won't fade. No deed will be missed and all consequences will be handed out. 

Perhaps, this is the reason why the world keeps going. Despite all the misdeeds of people, the world and its societies survive. Evil can never surpass virtue. It can't.  It's not in its nature! 

Keep the faith and do not fear the evildoers. Do good unto others and others will do the same unto you.

pada vigrahaH:

सर्पाणां च खलानां च पर द्रव्य अपहारिणाम् ।
sarpāṇāṃ ca khalānāṃ ca para dravya apahāriṇām ।

अभिप्रायाः न सिध्यन्ति तेन इदं वर्तते जगत् ॥
abhiprāyāḥ na sidhyanti tena idaṃ vartate jagat ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sarpaaNaaM cha khalaanaaM cha paradravyaapahaariNaam ।
abhipraayaa na sidhyanti tenedaM vartate jagat ॥
- pa~nchatantra, mitrabheda

sarpaaNaaM cha khalaanaaM cha para dravya apahaariNaam ।

abhipraayaaH na sidhyanti tena idaM vartate jagat ॥

February 8th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
पारुष्यमनृतं चैव पैशुन्यं चापि सर्वशः ।
असम्बद्धप्रलापश्च वाङ्मयं स्याच्चतुर्विधम् ॥
- मनुस्मृति


Transliteration:
pāruṣyamanṛtaṃ caiva paiśunyaṃ cāpi sarvaśaḥ ।
asambaddhapralāpaśca vāṅmayaṃ syāccaturvidham ॥
- manusmṛti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Perhaps reproachful words, lies, tattling (backbiting), and unnecessary gossip are the four issues always associated with speech.

Commentary:

Speech is a very powerful gift received from God. He bestowed this faculty to only one species - humans! (Other species communicate amongst each other, but there is hardly any other species with so many languages, dialects, scripts, and scriptures!)

1. It is very easy to speak reproachful, and insulting words to our fellow beings. Many times we do not think about what it does to the person on the receiving end. Harsh words are often forgotten by the afflictor but remain etched forever in the mind of the afflicted.

2. Telling lies to get out of a situation creates the worst damage. It not only damages the credibility of the person but his faith in himself too! One may escape a difficult situation, but the guilt within him is larger than he acknowledges! (Actually, lying is harder than telling the truth! One has to keep track of what lies he has told and to whom, just so he doesn't get caught. In that case, why bother with lies?!)

3. Nobody benefits from defaming others, talking behind people's backs, and using treacherous/devious/slanderous speech. This action not only hurts the emotions of both parties involved but also hinders the spiritual growth of everyone around. In short, it is not an honorable act.

4. Unconnected, unnecessary, unwanted gossip is the most wasteful kind of speech! What does one achieve by talking about somebody's something, to somebody who is somewhere else? There is absolutely no productivity in this kind of conversation. It simply kills time and resources.

The verse says that engaging in these four types of speech is the most harmful for our well-being. Every sound and syllable has innate energy in it and we must respect the 'śabdabrahma' (cosmic energy of sound). Every word pronounced has the strength to change lives, because 'spoken words and sped arrows can never be taken back'.

Let us speak nicely and vow to not inflict harm upon others or hinder our own spiritual growth.

pada vigrahaH:

पारुष्यम् अनृतं च एव पैशुन्यं च अपि सर्वशः ।
pāruṣyam anṛtaṃ ca eva paiśunyaṃ ca api sarvaśaḥ ।

असम्बद्ध-प्रलापः च वाक्-मयं स्यात् चतुर्विधम् ॥
asambaddha-pralāpaḥ ca vāk-mayaṃ syāt caturvidham ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
paaruShyamanRutaM chaiva paishunyaM chaapi sarvashaH ।
asambaddhapralaapashcha vaa~nmayaM syaachchaturvidham ॥
- manusmRuti

paaruShyam anRutaM cha eva paishunyaM cha api sarvashaH ।

asambaddha-pralaapaH cha vaak-mayaM syaat chaturvidham ॥

February 7th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
निर्धनश्चापि कामार्थी दरिद्रः कलहप्रियः ।
मन्दशास्त्रो विवादार्थी त्रिविधं मूर्खलक्षणम् ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि


Transliteration:
nirdhanaścāpi kāmārthī daridraḥ kalahapriyaḥ ।
mandaśāstro vivādārthī trividhaṃ mūrkhalakṣaṇam ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Penniless yet desirous; poor yet contentious; weak in knowledge yet seeking disputes—(these) three characteristics are that of an idiot.

Commentary:

One should not stretch his wants and desires beyond his means. It will only get him in trouble. Desire is a strange thing. It will convince the mind to perform all kinds of unethical actions to fulfill itself. The wise are very aware of this fact. Only the foolish indulge in stretching beyond their means.

A contentious and quarrelsome attitude in anyone is not appreciated.  It is especially harmful to those who can't afford to expend extra energy instead of making ends meet. Their efforts will be spent on fighting, unnecessarily.  Only the silly engage in such actions.

To get into an argument, one should know what he is talking about. One needs to be knowledgeable to understand if there is validity to his argument.  There is no point in entering an argument if he does not have the required acumen.  The wise do not involve themselves in such situations; only the foolish do.

Hence, the above 3 characteristics do not suit the wise. It is a screaming indication of foolishness to engage in any of the above.

Now, it is up to us to determine whether we want to be foolish or wise!

pada vigrahaH:

निर्धनः च अपि कामार्थी दरिद्रः कलहप्रियः ।
nirdhanaḥ ca api kāmārthī daridraḥ kalahapriyaḥ ।

मन्दशास्त्रो विवादार्थी त्रिविधं मूर्ख लक्षणम् ॥
mandaśāstro vivādārthī trividhaṃ mūrkha lakṣaṇam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
nirdhanashchaapi kaamaarthI daridraH kalahapriyaH ।
mandashaastro vivaadaarthI trividhaM mUrkhalakShaNam ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

nirdhanaH cha api kaamaarthI daridraH kalahapriyaH ।

mandashaastro vivaadaarthI trividhaM mUrkha lakShaNam ॥

February 6th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
शरीरं ज्ञानजननं रोगो विष्णुस्मृतिप्रदः ।
विपद्वैराग्यजननी त्रयं सुखकरं सताम् ॥
- रसगङ्गाधर

Transliteration:
śarīraṃ jñānajananaṃ rogo viṣṇusmṛtipradaḥ ।
vipadvairāgyajananī trayaṃ sukhakaraṃ satām ॥
- rasagaṅgādhara

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The following three (aspects) are comforting to the noble: the mortal body—that houses knowledge, sickness–that brings to mind Lord Viṣṇu, trouble–that brings detachment. 

Commentary:

1. One would think that to attain salvation, one should be rid of the birth and death cycle.  But the noble are thankful for the mortal body. The reason is—it is impossible to attain knowledge without a body. So, they welcome the idea of being born, so they can acquire knowledge!

2. Nobody asks to fall sick. But when ill, as a natural response, the Lord is remembered in times of sickness and hardships. The noble feel blessed to fall sick if it will make them remember the Almighty!

3. Who wants trouble? Everyone tries to avoid coming face to face with trouble. But the noble have a different take on it. Along with trouble comes a valuable lesson: the lesson of detachment. When in trouble, we realize that we have no say in the final verdict and recognize how trivial our attachments are. The noble value this and hence welcome trouble with open arms.

The noble see the brighter side of any aspect of life when others would normally be unable to. They make the best of any situation and turn it into an opportunity to grow.

Is there any better way of seeing the best in everything?! There is always something to be grateful for! 

pada vigrahaH:
शरीरं ज्ञान-जननं रोगः विष्णु-स्मृतिप्रदः ।
śarīraṃ jñāna-jananaṃ rogaḥ viṣṇu-smṛtipradaḥ ।

विपत् वैराग्य-जननी त्रयं सुखकरं सताम् ॥
vipat vairāgya-jananī trayaṃ sukhakaraṃ satām ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sharIraM j~naanajananaM rogo viShNusmRutipradaH ।
vipadvairaagyajananI trayaM sukhakaraM sataam ॥
- rasaga~ngaadhara

sharIraM j~naana-jananaM rogaH viShNu-smRutipradaH ।

vipat vairaagya-jananI trayaM sukhakaraM sataam ॥

February 5th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
नीतिज्ञा नियतिज्ञाः वेदज्ञाऽपि भवन्ति शास्त्रज्ञाः ।
ब्रह्मज्ञा अपि लभ्याः स्वाज्ञानज्ञानिनो विरलाः ॥
- वैराग्यशतक, अप्पय्यदीक्षित


Transliteration:
nītijñā niyatijñāḥ vedajñā'pi bhavanti śāstrajñāḥ ।
brahmajñā api labhyāḥ svājñānajñānino viralāḥ ॥
- vairāgyaśataka, appayyadīkṣita

Meaning of the subhAShita:

There are many people (in this world) who know (about) morality, know the inner order of conduct, know the Vedas (sacred knowledge), know the scriptures, or know the Supreme Spirit Himself. But rare are those who know about their own ignorance.

Commentary:

In the world, we see people who are experts in many different arenas. They are well-versed in morality, the code of conduct, the Scriptures, and many other highly regarded subjects of life. They pride themselves in their prowess (and preach too!) We find such people in abundance.

But rare is a person who is aware of the ignorance of his true nature! No one wants to acknowledge that they do not know something. Ego blocks one's ability to accept his ignorance.  This arrogance then impedes personal growth.  Ignorance and arrogance feed off of each other.  Learning gets stunted as soon as ignorance is ignored.

Who is this semblance for?! By being arrogant, aren't we robbing ourselves of learning opportunities? Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity! 

Knowledge governs ignorance. Get learning! 

pada vigrahaH:

नीतिज्ञाः नियतिज्ञाः वेदज्ञाः अपि भवन्ति शास्त्रज्ञाः ।
nītijñāḥ niyatijñāḥ vedajñāḥ api bhavanti śāstrajñāḥ ।

ब्रह्मज्ञाः अपि लभ्याः स्व-अज्ञान-ज्ञानिनः विरलाः ॥
brahmajñāḥ api labhyāḥ sva-ajñāna-jñāninaḥ viralāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
nItij~naa niyatij~naaH vedaj~naa.pi bhavanti shaastraj~naaH ।
brahmaj~naa api labhyaaH swaaj~naanaj~naanino viralaaH ॥
- vairaagyashataka, appayyadIkShita

nItij~naaH niyatij~naaH vedaj~naaH api bhavanti shaastraj~naaH ।

brahmaj~naaH api labhyaaH swa-aj~naana-j~naaninaH viralaaH ॥

February 4th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
लालयेद्बालकं तावत् यावदत्र विमुग्धता ।
राजा प्रजास्विव प्रीतिं पश्चात् प्रच्छादयेत् पिता ॥
- हरिहरसुभाषित


Transliteration:
lālayedbālakaṃ tāvat yāvadatra vimugdhatā ।
rājā prajāsviva prītiṃ paścāt pracchādayet pitā ॥
- hariharasubhāṣita

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A child should be indulged only so long as he has innocence. After that, parents need to hide their love, like the king does for his subjects.

(Though the verse says 'bālaka' (son) and 'pitā' (father), it is to be understood as 'santāna' (children) and 'pitarau' (parents). Both parents have an equal role in nurturing both genders of children.)

Commentary:

As babies, children are as innocent as they can come. However, as they grow up and see the world around them, they lose their innocence and become little people with their own personalities. For better or worse, it is a part of growing up. There is no escaping that!

We cherish our little ones and indulge them too, because their innocence has that effect. More importantly, at that age, our pampering only nurtures them rather than affects them adversely. But if we want them to grow into good-natured, responsible adults, this type of nurturing cannot be carried on into their growing years. It only hinders their growth and the values they must learn. Their growing years are the right time when morals and values need to be instilled in them. Equipping them with the ability to make ethical choices by themselves is the smartest way to go. Then as adults, they will be confident about making good decisions, and at the same time, they will understand the consequences and repercussions of their choices. This certainly cannot happen by indulging them in all their wants and wishes.

The example given here is a king's love for his subjects. He has his subjects' best interests in mind. He runs his country in such a way that it becomes prosperous, and all his subjects are happy and contented. But it does not mean he will yield to each and every demand proposed by his subjects. He takes only the valid ones and makes the decisions in their favor, whether they like it or not! This should be the same way we raise our children and it is equally important to make them understand the validity of their demands.

When one understands the consequences of his choices, it is hard to make bad ones! Isn't this the one tool we want our children to be equipped with?!

pada vigrahaH:

लालयेत् बालकं तावत् यावत् अत्र विमुग्धता ।
lālayet bālakaṃ tāvat yāvat atra vimugdhatā ।

राजा प्रजासु इव प्रीतिं पश्चात् प्रच्छादयेत् पिता ॥
rājā prajāsu iva prītiṃ paścāt pracchādayet pitā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
laalayedbaalakaM taavat yaavadatra vimugdhataa ।
raajaa prajaasviva prItiM pashchaat prachChaadayet pitaa ॥
- hariharasubhaaShita

laalayet baalakaM taavat yaavat atra vimugdhataa ।

raajaa prajaasu iva prItiM pashchaat prachChaadayet pitaa ॥

February 3rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उत्त्पतन्नपि चाकाशं विशन्नपि रसातलम् ।
अटन्नपि महीं कृत्स्नं नादत्तमुपतिष्ठते ॥

Transliteration:
uttpatannapi cākāśaṃ viśannapi rasātalam ।
aṭannapi mahīṃ kṛtsnaṃ nādattamupatiṣṭhate ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

By jumping up to the sky, entering pātāla (lower netherworld), and roaming the entire earth, (one) cannot obtain that which he did not give.

Commentary:

As you sow, so shall you reap!

One begets what he gives.  He can jump all he wants, and run around the whole world like a maniac. He may even dig into the netherworlds but will not find something that he did not give! Like someone said, 'It's not what you gather, but what you scatter mindlessly that tells what kind of life you have lived!' It is those same scattered seeds of deeds that will come back to us. 'Do unto others as you want others to do unto you.'

Planting a neem tree won't yield sweet fruit of mango. (Neem is beneficial in its own robust way, but that is not the point!) If we haven't sown the seed of a mango, we can't expect to enjoy one from that tree. If we have been there for others in need, others will be there for us in times of need. If we are compassionate to others in crises, others will do the same during ours. Karma (action) is like a boomerang, but only, upon returning, it becomes karmaphala (fruit of action). Whether we intend it or not, whatever we throw comes right back at us, sometimes, with much more force!

Results, truly are a reflection of the amount of work we have put in.  Makes us rethink our thoughts and actions at every step, doesn't it?! 

pada vigrahaH:
उत्त्पतन् अपि च आकाशं विशन् अपि रसातलम् ।
uttpatan api ca ākāśaṃ viśan api rasātalam ।

अटन् अपि महीं कृत्स्नं न अदत्तम् उपतिष्ठते ॥
aṭan api mahīṃ kṛtsnaṃ na adattam upatiṣṭhate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
uttpatannapi chaakaashaM vishannapi rasaatalam ।
aTannapi mahIM kRutsnaM naadattamupatiShThate ॥

uttpatan api cha aakaashaM vishan api rasaatalam ।

aTan api mahIM kRutsnaM na adattam upatiShThate ॥

February 2nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
आरभन्तेऽल्पमेवाज्ञाः कार्यं व्यग्रा भवन्ति च ।
महारम्भाः कृतधियः तिष्ठन्ति च निराकुलाः ॥
- शिशुपालवध

Transliteration:
ārabhante'lpamevājñāḥ kāryaṃ vyagrā bhavanti ca ।
mahārambhāḥ kṛtadhiyaḥ tiṣṭhanti ca nirākulāḥ ॥
- śiśupālavadha

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Even when embarking upon a small job, the unwise get restless and anxious. (Whereas) the wise take up huge tasks and remain unperturbed!

Commentary:

Wisdom gives clarity and clarity gives serenity!

Wise people don't get shaken up even when they undertake huge challenges. They break it down to basics and work through the tasks gradually. Their calm approach to the job gives them more energy and courage towards becoming more productive. Nobody can pin down the enthusiasm of such people. Any task they undertake, they will emerge with flying colors. Such is the strength of wisdom.

However,  the unintelligent are shaken up with day-to-day chores. They find it tedious to go through their regular tasks. They end up being anxious and restless. That, in turn, makes them less productive. All the energy gets drained out in anxiety rather than on the actual chore itself!

Keeping a calm composure actually enhances the experience in many ways. It not only makes the end result better, but it actually makes the whole journey easier, happier, and more pleasant!  It's a win-win situation!! So, why not keep the sanity?! :)

Keep calm and carry on! 

pada vigrahaH:
आरभन्ते अल्पम् एव अज्ञाः कार्यं व्यग्राः भवन्ति च ।
ārabhante alpam eva ajñāḥ kāryaṃ vyagrāḥ bhavanti ca ।

महारम्भाः कृतधियः तिष्ठन्ति च निराकुलाः ॥
mahārambhāḥ kṛtadhiyaḥ tiṣṭhanti ca nirākulāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
aarabhante.lpamevaaj~naaH kaaryaM vyagraa bhavanti cha ।
mahaarambhaaH kRutadhiyaH tiShThanti cha niraakulaaH ॥
- shishupaalavadha

aarabhante alpam eva aj~jaaH kaaryaM vyagraaH bhavanti cha ।

mahaarambhaaH kRutadhiyaH tiShThanti cha niraakulaaH ॥