March 31st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
माता शत्रुः पिता वैरी येन बालो न पाठितः ।
न शोभते सभामध्ये हंसमध्ये बको यथा ॥
- चाणक्यनीति


Transliteration:
mātā śatruḥ pitā vairī yena bālo na pāṭhitaḥ ।
na śobhate sabhāmadhye haṃsamadhye bako yathā ॥
- cāṇakyanīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Mother is an enemy, father is a foe—by whom children are not taught. He (the child) does not shine in a gathering, just as a stork amidst swans.

Commentary:

As parents, the prime duty of a mother and father is to educate their children and equip them with necessary life skills. Parents need to take a very active role in helping their children become good-hearted, responsible adults with deep-rooted values. This is what keeps society strong and surviving. This is the gift parents give to their children and leave to the world. It is alright if they do not make a small fortune to last 3 generations, but they must educate their children. Such children make the world a happier place to live in and will be happy people themselves.

Otherwise, children will not shine in their lives and might even become a bane of society. They will prove to be misfits in their surroundings, just as a limp stork is amidst a group of graceful swans. Swans are known for their grace. A crane is wobbly and limps in comparison to a swan. A crane in the middle of a group of swans would stick out like a sore thumb. Nobody wants to be a sore thumb. While growing up, children do not realize the importance of learning or its applicability. So, it becomes all the more important for parents to teach them all the tricks and trades for leading a successful life. This includes—education, good values, and self-confidence.

Parents who do not do this for their children are as good as their foes because they are contributing to their downfall, just as rivals would.

Adults, equip youngsters with knowledge. Youngsters, allow them to!

pada vigrahaH:
माता शत्रुः पिता वैरी येन बालः न पाठितः ।
mātā śatruḥ pitā vairī yena bālaḥ na pāṭhitaḥ ।

न शोभते सभा-मध्ये हंस-मध्ये बको यथा ॥
na śobhate sabhā-madhye haṃsa-madhye bako yathā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
maataa shatruH pitaa vairI yena baalo na paaThitaH ।
na shobhate sabhaamadhye haMsamadhye bako yathaa ॥
- chaaNakyanIti

maataa shatruH pitaa vairI yena baalaH na paaThitaH ।

na shobhate sabhaa-madhye haMsa-madhye bako yathaa ॥

March 30th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
रूपयौवनसम्पन्नाः विशालकुलसंभवाः ।
विद्याहीना न शोभन्ते निर्गन्धा इव किंशुकाः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
rūpayauvanasampannāḥ viśālakulasaṃbhavāḥ ।
vidyāhīnā na śobhante nirgandhā iva kiṃśukāḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Just like flowers without fragrance, those adorned with beauty and youth (although) born to a splendid lineage, do not shine if not learned.

Commentary:

The very thought of a flower brings to one's mind the image of colorful and artistic petals with mesmerizing fragrances. A flower without fragrance doesn't even attract bees. What is the use of a flower that doesn't attract bees?!

A person may be in the prime of his youth with the most beautiful face. He may be born to the most splendid of the families too. But if he doesn't have the one main adornment called vidyā (knowledge), none of the above qualities makes a lasting impression. Learning and knowledge have been given prime importance from time immemorial. This verse goes on to say that a person who is not adorned with vidyā (knowledge) does not shine!

Get learning! It is a win-win situation!!

pada vigrahaH:
रूप-यौवन सम्पन्नाः विशाल-कुल-संभवाः ।
rūpa-yauvana sampannāḥ viśāla-kula-saṃbhavāḥ ।

विद्या-हीना न शोभन्ते निर्गन्धाः इव किंशुकाः ॥
vidyā-hīnā na śobhante nirgandhāḥ iva kiṃśukāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
rUpayauvanasampannaaH vishaalakulasaMbhavaaH ।
vidyaahInaa na shobhante nirgandhaa iva kiMshukaaH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

rUpa-yauvana sampannaaH vishaala-kula-saMbhavaaH ।

vidyaa-hInaa na shobhante nirgandhaaH iva kiMshukaaH ॥

March 29th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
को हि भारः समर्थानां किं दूरं व्यवसायिनाम् ।
को विदेशः सविद्यानां कः परः प्रियवादिनाम् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
ko hi bhāraḥ samarthānāṃ kiṃ dūraṃ vyavasāyinām ।
ko videśaḥ savidyānāṃ kaḥ paraḥ priyavādinām ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

What is heavy for the strong?! What is distant for the untiring?! What is a foreign land for the knowledgeable?! Who is a stranger to an endearing speaker?!

Commentary:

A strong man is capable of lifting heavy loads efficiently and with the greatest of ease. For him, nothing is too heavy to handle. His muscular strength gives him tremendous confidence.

A persistent, untiring, industrious person can constantly focus on the task at hand. For such an individual, no goal is too hard, and no destination is too far. His tenacity and persistence make it easier for him to achieve anything.

An educated person can navigate himself through the strangest of lands. He can deal with unknown situations and circumstances as if he were in his own backyard. For him, no land is a foreign land. Knowledge stands as his backbone through thick and thin.

A person with pleasant speech can approach and communicate with anyone. For him, no man is a stranger! All beings are appeased by endearing pleasant words and reciprocate well, too. Anyone responds to such gentle words of speech. His heartful, sincere, and kind words become a tool to enter another person's heart. When one becomes dear to the heart, he is no longer called a stranger! Hence, no one remains a stranger to the person with pleasant speech. 

Speak nicely and sincerely. They don't cost anything but yet, achieve much! 

pada vigrahaH:
कः हि भारः समर्थानां किं दूरं व्यवसायिनाम् ।
kaḥ hi bhāraḥ samarthānāṃ kiṃ dūraṃ vyavasāyinām ।

कः विदेशः स-विद्यानां कः परः प्रिय-वादिनाम् ॥
kaḥ videśaḥ sa-vidyānāṃ kaḥ paraḥ priya-vādinām ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ko hi bhaaraH samarthaanaaM kiM dUraM vyavasaayinaam ।
ko videshaH savidyaanaaM kaH paraH priyavaadinaam ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

kaH hi bhaaraH samarthaanaaM kiM dUraM vyavasaayinaam ।

kaH videshaH sa-vidyaanaaM kaH paraH priya-vaadinaam ॥

March 28th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
चलन्ति गिरयः कामं युगान्तपवनाहताः ।
कृच्छ्रेऽपि न चलत्येव धीराणां निश्चलं मनः ॥
- चण्डकौशिक


Transliteration:
calanti girayaḥ kāmaṃ yugāntapavanāhatāḥ ।
kṛcchre'pi na calatyeva dhīrāṇāṃ niścalaṃ manaḥ ॥
- caṇḍakauśika

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Struck by the winds, mountains move willfully during the apocalypse. But even in difficult times, the mind of the steadfast remains unperturbed. 

Commentary:

The mountains are extremely steady and immobile, yet in an exceptional scenario, they lose this defining trait of theirs. Gusty winds will make them yield and mountains will move during an apocalypse. All their tenacity will be squashed to an obscure nothing when annihilation is underway.

However, those who are steadfast, brave, and courageous, will remain strong—no matter the circumstances. Impending hardships and calamities only make them stronger. There is no exception! Such is the strength of their willpower. Their minds remain steady, unperturbed, and immensely strong. For, if the mind succumbs to hardships, it just hijacks the person like a twig of grass caught in a whirlwind.

Keep your focus, remain steadfast, and dig your roots deep!

pada vigrahaH:
चलन्ति गिरयः कामं युग-अन्त-पवन-आहताः ।
calanti girayaḥ kāmaṃ yuga-anta-pavana-āhatāḥ ।

कृच्छ्रे अपि न चलति एव धीराणां निश्चलं मनः ॥
kṛcchre api na calati eva dhīrāṇāṃ niścalaṃ manaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
chalanti girayaH kaamaM yugaantapavanaahataaH ।
kRuchChre.pi na chalatyeva dhIraaNaaM nishchalaM manaH ॥
- chaNDakaushika

chalanti girayaH kaamaM yuga-anta-pavana-aahataaH ।

kRuchChre api na chalati eva dhIraaNaaM nishchalaM manaH ॥

March 27th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
विद्या नाम नरस्य रूपमधिकं प्रच्छन्नगुप्तं धनम्
विद्या भोगकरी यशस्सुखकरी विद्या गुरूणां गुरुः ।
विद्या बन्धुजनो विदेशगमने विद्याऽपरा देवता
विद्या राजसु पूजिता न हि धनं विद्याविहीनः पशुः ॥
- नीतिशतक

Transliteration:
vidyā nāma narasya rūpamadhikaṃ pracchannaguptaṃ dhanam
vidyā bhogakarī yaśassukhakarī vidyā gurūṇāṃ guruḥ ।
vidyā bandhujano videśagamane vidyā'parā devatā
vidyā rājasu pūjitā na hi dhanaṃ vidyāvihīnaḥ paśuḥ ॥
- nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:
'Knowledge' is the name of that which enhances the beauty of man; it is his hidden stash of treasure; knowledge brings him name, fame and happiness; knowledge is the teacher of all teachers; knowledge is his kith and kin when on foreign land; knowledge is God itself; knowledge is worshipped amongst kings, not money.  One without vidyā (knowledge) is equivalent to an animal.

Commentary:

Education and knowledge changes a person. It moulds and shapes him to have finesse and poise. A good fashion sense won't necessarily give him composure and equilibrium. The way one conducts himself, at all times, is a result of his vidyā, which gives him discipline and humility.

Vidyā is a hidden stash of treasure which can neither be lost nor stolen by anyone. A bag of coins can be destroyed due to many reasons, but knowledge is ingrained in oneself. The more knowledge he shares, the more it multiplies - contrary to any rule of math!

Knowledge also brings bliss, name and fame. The satisfaction that comes from learning is unmatched by anything else in this world. Man's basic nature is inquisitiveness. This unquenchable thirst for knowledge is quelled through learning. The mindset of a knowledgeable person is miles away from the one who is not knowledgeable. Knowledge is the teacher of all teachers.

Knowledge has no barriers or boundaries. It is universal all across the world. It has no limitations and helps one carry himself even in foreign lands. His vidyā becomes his friend and family.

Eons ago, kings have patronized learned people in their courts. Whatever be the job title, knowledge always gets higher priority than wealth. All presidents and politicians profess 'learning before earning'!

The poet even calls a person devoid of vidyā, equivalent to an animal.  The faculty that sets us apart from animals, is knowledge. Shouldn't we get learning and stay human?

Knowledge is divine! Emphasize learning!

pada vigrahaH:
विद्या नाम नरस्य रूपम् अधिकं प्रच्छन्न-गुप्तं धनम्
vidyā nāma narasya rūpam adhikaṃ pracchanna-guptaṃ dhanam

विद्या भोगकरी यशः सुखकरी विद्या गुरूणां गुरुः ।
vidyā bhogakarī yaśaḥ sukhakarī vidyā gurūṇāṃ guruḥ ।

विद्या बन्धु-जनः विदेश-गमने विद्या अपरा देवता
vidyā bandhu-janaḥ videśa-gamane vidyā aparā devatā

विद्या राजसु पूजिता न हि धनं विद्या-विहीनः पशुः ॥
vidyā rājasu pūjitā na hi dhanaṃ vidyā-vihīnaḥ paśuḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
vidyaa naama narasya rUpamadhikaM prachChannaguptaM dhanam
vidyaa bhogakarI yashassukhakarI vidyaa gurUNaaM guruH ।
vidyaa bandhujano videshagamane vidyaa&paraa devataa
vidyaa raajasu pUjitaa na hi dhanaM vidyaavihInaH pashuH ॥
- nItishataka

vidyaa naama narasya rUpam adhikaM prachChanna-guptaM dhanam

vidyaa bhogakarI yashaH sukhakarI vidyaa gurUNaaM guruH ।

vidyaa bandhu-janaH videsha-gamane vidyaa aparaa devataa

vidyaa raajasu pUjitaa na hi dhanaM vidyaa-vihInaH pashuH ॥

March 26th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
बह्वाशी अल्पसन्तुष्टः सुनिद्रः शीघ्रचेतनः ।
प्रभुभक्तिश्च शौर्यञ्च मन्तव्याः षट् शुनो गुणाः ॥
- चाण्क्य नीति


Transliteration:
bahvāśī alpasantuṣṭaḥ sunidraḥ śīghracetanaḥ ।
prabhubhaktiśca śauryañca mantavyāḥ ṣaṭ śuno guṇāḥ ॥
- cāṇkya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Has many desires; is satiated with little; sleeps deeply; quick to alert; faithfulness to the master; and courage—these 6 efficacies of a dog are honorable.

Commentary:

There is a lesson to learn from every being!

Actually 6, from a dog. A dog has many desires and eats well when food is offered. But if there isn't any food, he is just as happy. He is a sound sleeper, yet he stirs at the slightest noise. He is ever faithful to his master. The master's own kith and kin may leave his side, but the dog he fed will never leave him. Unlike some humans, backstabbing is a concept unknown to him. He is brave and will risk his life if required, to save his master.

Doesn't philosophy tell us to be happy with what we have?! Doesn't philosophy tell us to be aware and alert in the mind always?! Faithfulness is never put down in any school of thought. Courage is of course needed, not just for survival, but for venturing out into the unknown as well. Hence, there are valuable lessons to be learnt from every being, even a dog.

Great is his soul, who can recognize the greatness in another being, irrespective of his lineage, social stature, acquaintances, or even if it belongs to a different species! There is something of value in everyone. 

pada vigrahaH:
बहु-आशी अल्प-सन्तुष्टः सुनिद्रः शीघ्र-चेतनः ।
bahu-āśī alpa-santuṣṭaḥ sunidraḥ śīghra-cetanaḥ ।

प्रभु-भक्तिः च शौर्यं च मन्तव्याः षट् शुनः गुणाः ॥
prabhu-bhaktiḥ ca śauryaṃ ca mantavyāḥ ṣaṭ śunaḥ guṇāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
bahvaashI alpasantuShTaH sunidraH shIghrachetanaH ।
prabhubhaktishcha shaurya~ncha mantavyaaH ShaT shuno guNaaH ॥
- chaaNkya nIti

bahu-aashI alpa-santuShTaH sunidraH shIghra-chetanaH ।

prabhu-bhaktiH cha shauryaM cha mantavyaaH ShaT shunaH guNaaH ॥

March 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
गुरोरप्यवलिप्‍तस्य कार्याकार्यमजानतः ।
उत्पथं प्रतिपन्नस्य कार्यं भवति शासनम् ॥
- महाभारत


Transliteration:
gurorapyavalip‍tasya kāryākāryamajānataḥ ।
utpathaṃ pratipannasya kāryaṃ bhavati śāsanam ॥
- mahābhārata

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Even though he is a teacher or elderly, if he is haughty, astray, or doesn't distinguish between befitting and unfit deeds, one should not hesitate to chastise him.

Commentary:

As much as the culture professes—respecting elders and doing service to them—it also gives the youngsters the authority to call them out on their blunders and correct them when they go astray!

When a grown-up takes a wrong step, whether knowingly or unknowingly, youngsters are not just given the leniency to correct them, rather the verse says that it becomes their prime responsibility! Dharma should be upheld irrespective of age or position. The outcome of deeds will not change whether performed by a teacher, parent, or a king. That means virtue and righteousness (dharma) have no distinctions of designations. Whether it is a king, soldier, father, son, mother, daughter, teacher, or student—dharma has to be upheld and advocated by everyone.

Your dharma requires you to get out of your own way! Do not hesitate to stand up for and uphold dharma, no matter what.

pada vigrahaH:
गुरोः अपि अवलिप्‍तस्य कार्य-अकार्यम् अजानतः ।
guroḥ api avalip‍tasya kārya-akāryam ajānataḥ ।

उत्पथं प्रतिपन्नस्य कार्यं भवति शासनम् ॥
utpathaṃ pratipannasya kāryaṃ bhavati śāsanam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
gurorapyavaliptasya kaaryaakaaryamajaanataH ।
utpathaM pratipannasya kaaryaM bhavati shaasanam ॥
- mahaabhaarata

guroH api avaliptasya kaarya-akaaryam ajaanataH ।

utpathaM pratipannasya kaaryaM bhavati shaasanam ॥

March 24th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
पिता रत्नाकरो यस्य लक्ष्मीर्यस्य सहोदरी ।
शङ्खो भिक्षाटनं कुर्यात् नादत्तमुपतिष्ठते ॥
- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
pitā ratnākaro yasya lakṣmīryasya sahodarī ।
śaṅkho bhikṣāṭanaṃ kuryāt nādattamupatiṣṭhate ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

His father is the ocean, Goddess Lakshmi herself is his sister, (but) the conch is used for begging alms..., justice is not done by it.

Commentary:

A conch is born in the ocean. So, the ocean is his father.  Goddess Lakshmi, who is the Goddess of wealth, was also born from the ocean. Hence, she is considered the conch's sister. The ocean is also the maker of an abundance of precious gems. Despite a lineage of such order, in the hands of a beggar, a conch gets used for the purpose of begging. 

A beggar roams from door to door, begging for food. To grab the attention of the people inside, he picks up a conch and blows on it! To him, the origination or the kin of the conch does not matter. He puts it to best use according to his wisdom.

This is exactly what happens in the world. People apply available resources to the best of their knowledge. The value (worthiness) of the resources themselves does not matter. This happens day in and day out, whether it is devaluing people around or misusing natural resources—People get belittled and mistreated all the time!  For example, today's mankind does not realize the worth of natural resources nor the harm they are causing to future generations.  This does not denigrate the value of the resources or the future generations in any way! A diamond is a diamond, whether someone recognizes it or not.

In today's world teeming with multitudes of material comforts, shouldn't we give a little thought to the usability and liabilities of the luxuries we have around us today?! Be it material comforts or the people around us—how are we utilizing them and at what cost?! Something to ponder about deeply!

pada vigrahaH:
पिता रत्नाकरः यस्य लक्ष्मीः यस्य सह-उदरी ।
pitā ratnākaraḥ yasya lakṣmīḥ yasya saha-udarī ।

शङ्खो भिक्षा-अटनं कुर्यात् न अदत्तम् उपतिष्ठते ॥
śaṅkho bhikṣā-aṭanaṃ kuryāt na adattam upatiṣṭhate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
pitaa ratnaakaro yasya lakShmIryasya sahodarI ।
sha~nkho bhikShaaTanaM kuryaat naadattamupatiShThate ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

pitaa ratnaakaraH yasya lakShmIH yasya saha-udarI ।

sha~nkho bhikShaa-aTanaM kuryaat na adattam upatiShThate ॥

March 23rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अणुमात्रं मनस्तस्मात् आशा नाम लतोद्गता ।
तस्या नालमुपघ्नाय भुवनानि चतुर्दश ॥
- आश्चर्यचूडामणि व्याख्या


Transliteration:
aṇumātraṃ manastasmāt āśā nāma latodgatā ।
tasyā nālamupaghnāya bhuvanāni caturdaśa ॥
- āścaryacūḍāmaṇi vyākhyā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The mind is merely the size of an atom (and) in it a creeper named 'desire' sprouts. For its tendrils to spread, the fourteen worlds (fall short).

Commentary:

As per common knowledge, a pint-sized jug holds a pint of water; a quart-sized mug, a quart of juice; a gallon-sized pail, a gallon of liquid. Yet, man can turn this common sense rule upside down in a jiffy!

The mind is barely the size of an atom. It is imaginary and doesn't even take physical space. But when 'seeds of wants' are sown, a creeper named 'desire' sprouts. Very quickly, it encompasses everything that comes its way, obscuring the true value of the people around. Also, it keeps growing at such a monstrous pace that as much room is given, its potential to grow keeps increasing exponentially! The poet says that even the 14 worlds seem small under the radius of desire!! It encompasses anything and everything, without even considering its authenticity or validity.

All desire seeks only the end of desire! The best way to stop the weed of desire from spreading to destructive proportions is—by nipping it in the bud.

As soon as desire knocks on the door, hold up a sign: 'Desire, beware!' It prevents us from cognizing the true value of what we already possess! 

pada vigrahaH:

अणु-मात्रं मनः तस्मात् आशा नाम लता उद्गता ।
aṇu-mātraṃ manaḥ tasmāt āśā nāma latā udgatā ।

तस्याः नालम् उपघ्नाय भुवनानि चतुर्दश ॥
tasyāḥ nālam upaghnāya bhuvanāni caturdaśa ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
aNumaatraM manastasmaat aashaa naama latodgataa ।
tasyaa naalamupaghnaaya bhuvanaani chaturdasha ॥
- aashcharyachUDaamaNi vyaakhyaa

aNu-maatraM manaH tasmaat aashaa naama lataa udgataa ।

tasyaaH naalam upaghnaaya bhuvanaani chaturdasha ॥

March 22nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अभ्यासाद्धार्यते विद्या कुलं शीलेन धार्यते ।
गुणेन ज्ञायते त्वार्यः कोपो नेत्रेण गम्यते ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
abhyāsāddhāryate vidyā kulaṃ śīlena dhāryate ।
guṇena jñāyate tvāryaḥ kopo netreṇa gamyate ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Knowledge is borne by practice; a lineage is carried in its integrity; the honorable are held through efficacy; anger is expressed through the eyes.

Commentary:

1. Learning something is not sufficient; it needs to be put to use through practice. Per the popular saying, 'practice makes perfect'. The efficiency of knowledge is clearly evident when applied. One who has great practice will execute the task with more ease than the one who simply learnt it. Therefore, one's knowledge is graded according to their practice of it.

2. A family's morals and values are expressed through a person's integrity and conduct. His morality, respectability, and values shine through his personality more than his material possessions.

3. Whether one is born in a higher or lower caste (per social norms), does not define his nobility. His greatness comes from his character and how he conducts himself when dealing with others.

4. Interestingly, the poet says that one's anger and displeasure need not be expressed in words or deeds. No matter what one says or does, his true temperament is reflected in his eyes. As the saying goes, 'eyes are the windows to one's soul'.  Eyes give away one's true feelings, irrespective of the individual's speech or actions. Hence, the best way to communicate with another person is by looking into his eyes. An eye contact is capable of communicating a lot more than mere words. It not only reveals one's true feelings but also compels others to be honest. Now, that's a bonus!

Beware, take care.

pada vigrahaH:

अभ्यासात् धार्यते विद्या कुलं शीलेन धार्यते ।
abhyāsāt dhāryate vidyā kulaṃ śīlena dhāryate ।

गुणेन ज्ञायते तु आर्यः कोपः नेत्रेण गम्यते ॥
guṇena jñāyate tu āryaḥ kopaḥ netreṇa gamyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
abhyaasaaddhaaryate vidyaa kulaM shIlena dhaaryate ।
guNena j~naayate tvaaryaH kopo netreNa gamyate ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

abhyaasaat dhaaryate vidyaa kulaM shIlena dhaaryate ।

guNena j~naayate tu aaryaH kopaH netreNa gamyate ॥

March 21st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यथा काष्ठमयो हस्ती यथा चर्ममयो मृगः ।
पुमान्यश्चानधीयानः त्रयस्ते नाम बिभ्रति ॥
- मनुस्मृति


Transliteration:
yathā kāṣṭhamayo hastī yathā carmamayo mṛgaḥ ।
pumānyaścānadhīyānaḥ trayaste nāma bibhrati ॥
- manusmṛti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A man, who is not learned; an elephant made of wood; a deer made of leather—these 3 just hold the name (are for name sake only).

Commentary:

On seeing an elephant made of wood, do people stand aside and give way?! On seeing an artificially made deer, although from deerskin, does one react like they do upon seeing real deer?! They bear the names of a deer and an elephant only due to their similarity in appearance to the real animals.

Similarly, an uneducated person is a human for namesake alone. He is called a human due to his resemblance to the rest of the human race. He has two eyes, two ears, two hands, two feet, two thumbs, and no tail—just like everybody else! But these features alone are not enough to make him human. Just as the lifeless elephant and deer did not have the same value as their live counterparts, one who is not learned does not command the same respect as his scholarly peers. (Learned doesn't mean only 'educated'.  It means cultured and civilized.)

The faculty that distinguishes humans from animals is wisdom and speech. If they are not applied towards a higher goal, such people are as good as the lifeless animals who just bear a resemblance in their appearance to the real ones.

Stay focused.  Do not put off learning and become a namesake human!

pada vigrahaH:
यथा काष्ठमयः हस्ती यथा चर्ममयः मृगः ।
yathā kāṣṭhamayaḥ hastī yathā carmamayaḥ mṛgaḥ ।

पुमान् यः च अनधीयानः त्रयः ते नाम बिभ्रति ॥
pumān yaḥ ca anadhīyānaḥ trayaḥ te nāma bibhrati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yathaa kaaShThamayo hastI yathaa charmamayo mRugaH ।
pumaanyashchaanadhIyaanaH trayaste naama bibhrati ॥
- manusmRuti

yathaa kaaShThamayaH hastI yathaa charmamayaH mRugaH ।

pumaan yaH cha anadhIyaanaH trayaH te naama bibhrati ॥

March 20th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
धर्म एव हतो हन्ति धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः ।
तस्माद्धर्मो न हन्तव्यः मा नो धर्मो हतोऽवधीत् ॥
- मनुस्मृति


Transliteration:
dharma eva hato hanti dharmo rakṣati rakṣitaḥ ।
tasmāddharmo na hantavyaḥ mā no dharmo hato'vadhīt ॥
- manusmṛti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Dharma only destroys (those) that destroy it. Dharma protects those who protect it. Hence, dharma should not be destroyed. Know that, 'dharma that is destroyed, destroys!'

Commentary:

When a person or an animal is destroyed and killed, it will not have the vitality to come back and strike. When a person is protected, he takes refuge and shelters himself under its protector.

However, this rule does not apply to dharma (virtue). Virtue is such an entity that—when killed, it strikes back and kills its killer! These words look strong for a reason..., such IS the strength of dharma! One way or the other, one day or another, the offender of dharma will have to pay the price. No pardons, no excuses and no concessions!

Also, dharma protects its protectors. Those who abide by dharma will always be protected and taken care of. Like a mother who protects her child; like a bear that protects her cubs; dharma takes care of those who care to take care of dharma!

At all times, one's deeds and thoughts should be coherent with dharma. Doing dharmic actions not only protects the doer but also elevates him from his current platform. He grows as an individual, strengthens his visions, and broadens his outlook. He feels happy, contented, and peaceful. His heart is cheerful and he is always at ease. There is absolutely no downside to doing dharma.

Be virtuous, do dharma, and get protected by dharma!

pada vigrahaH:
धर्मः एव हतः हन्ति धर्मः रक्षति रक्षितः ।
dharmaḥ eva hataḥ hanti dharmaḥ rakṣati rakṣitaḥ ।

तस्मात् धर्मः न हन्तव्यः मा नः धर्मः हतः अवधीत् ॥
tasmāt dharmaḥ na hantavyaḥ mā naḥ dharmaḥ hataḥ avadhīt ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
dharma eva hato hanti dharmo rakShati rakShitaH ।
tasmaaddharmo na hantavyaH maa no dharmo hato.vadhIt ॥
- manusmRuti

dharmaH eva hataH hanti dharmaH rakShati rakShitaH ।

tasmaat dharmaH na hantavyaH maa naH dharmaH hataH avadhIt ॥

March 19th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
ईप्सितं मनसः सर्वं कस्य सम्पद्यते सुखम् ।
दैवाऽयुक्तं यतः सर्वं तस्मात्सन्तोषमाश्रयेत् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
īpsitaṃ manasaḥ sarvaṃ kasya sampadyate sukham ।
daivā'yuktaṃ yataḥ sarvaṃ tasmātsantoṣamāśrayet ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

How many (people) procure all the pleasures that are desired by the mind? Everything is as God appointed it to be. Hence, practice happiness (contentment).

Commentary:

Not everyone in this world gets all their desires fulfilled.  Or, must we say, NO ONE in this world fulfills all their desires! We wouldn't be called humans if every wish of ours would be a command and would be fruitful at every turn of life! Every outcome will be exactly as He, the Supreme Lord, desires it to be. His law is unquestionable as we are unaware of all the variables that go into an equation. A wish is either granted or rejected as per our efforts, our dedication, the lessons we need to learn, and also, per our deeds from previous births.

When an outcome can't be changed, one should learn to be happy with any result he gets. Because, no matter how much he frets, it won't change the end result. So, why not take it in stride and be happy always! That is why the poet says, 'practice happiness', 'take shelter in happiness'. Whether the result is desirable or not, happiness should remain unaltered.

Be Happy, no matter what the outcome is!

pada vigrahaH:
ईप्सितं मनसः सर्वं कस्य सम्पद्यते सुखम् ।
īpsitaṃ manasaḥ sarvaṃ kasya sampadyate sukham ।

दैव-आयुक्तं यतः सर्वं तस्मात् सन्तोषम् आश्रयेत् ॥
daiva-āyuktaṃ yataḥ sarvaṃ tasmāt santoṣam āśrayet ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
IpsitaM manasaH sarvaM kasya sampadyate sukham ।
daivaa.yuktaM yataH sarvaM tasmaatsantoShamaashrayet ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

IpsitaM manasaH sarvaM kasya sampadyate sukham ।

daiva-aayuktaM yataH sarvaM tasmaat santoSham aashrayet ॥

March 18th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
चला लक्ष्मीश्चलाः प्राणाः चलं जीवितयौवनम् ।
चलाचले च संसारे धर्म एको हि निश्चलः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
calā lakṣmīścalāḥ prāṇāḥ calaṃ jīvitayauvanam ।
calācale ca saṃsāre dharma eko hi niścalaḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Variable is wealth, unsteady is life's vital breath, and changeable is life and youth. In this world of steady and unsteady, virtue is the one and only firm (aspect).

Commentary:

One may be the richest person in town, but at any given instant his riches could be burnt to ashes. A healthy person could die with his breath stopping, without even giving a hint. It is a known fact that youth is short-lived and passes on fast, as does life. In such a world of uncertainties and variable factors, people tend to anchor on things that are unstable to begin with! How can a sinking boat save a person from drowning? 

In this ocean of saṃsāra, a shore is not in sight until absolution is attained. If one wants to stay above water, he needs to hang on to a boulder that will not get battered by the high winds or water. Virtue or dharma is the one lone boulder that is eternal and remains steady, whether one takes its support or not. 

Then why hang on to the impermanent materialistic comforts when we are offered reliable, steady support to get through life?! Having a firm anchor makes the journey through the ocean of saṃsāra much easier and very pleasant. Again, the choice is ours and ours alone!

pada vigrahaH:
चलाः लक्ष्मीः चलाः प्राणाः चलं जीवित-यौवनम् ।
calāḥ lakṣmīḥ calāḥ prāṇāḥ calaṃ jīvita-yauvanam ।

चला-अचले च संसारे धर्मः एकः हि निश्चलः ॥
calā-acale ca saṃsāre dharmaḥ ekaḥ hi niścalaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
chalaa lakShmIshchalaaH praaNaaH chalaM jIvita-yauvanam ।
chalaachale cha saMsaare dharma eko hi nishchalaH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

chalaaH lakShmIH chalaaH praaNaaH chalaM jIvita-yauvanam ।

chalaa-achale cha saMsaare dharmaH ekaH hi nishchalaH ॥

March 17th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अधना धनमिच्छन्ति वाचं चैव चतुष्पदाः ।
मानवाः स्वर्गमिच्छन्ति मोक्षमिच्छन्ति देवताः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
adhanā dhanamicchanti vācaṃ caiva catuṣpadāḥ ।
mānavāḥ svargamicchanti mokṣamicchanti devatāḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The penniless desire money, the four-footed desire speech, humans desire heaven, (and) the Gods desire absolution.

Commentary:

Desire is a very strong noose. Everybody comes under its grip and escaping its snare is a very tough ordeal.

1. The poor aspire for money. Money has an astonishing trait—no matter how much one has, he is not satiated. The more he indulges in it, the more his thirst increases!

2. Even the 4 legged animals are not spared from the clutches of desire. They long for the one faculty which was not bestowed upon them—the power of speech. They envy humans who possess this capability and constantly aspire to get this ability for themselves.

3. Humans have an idea of heaven as a place of bliss. They aspire to attain that. All their actions and thoughts are geared towards a ladder to raise them to that spot.

4. Gods are not spared from 'desire' either. The Gods in heaven too, shall run out of their virtues and come back into the circle of life. So, their aspiration is liberation, absolution, nirvāṇa.

Hence, no one is devoid of desires. Everyone has them in one form or the other. It is up to oneself to choose what kind of desire he wants to possess. It could be to acquire more wealth or to attain mokṣa (absolution).

If there is no choice but to have a desire, then why not have one that aims at a higher good?!

pada vigrahaH:

अधनाः धनम् इच्छन्ति वाचं च एव चतुष्पदाः ।
adhanāḥ dhanam icchanti vācaṃ ca eva catuṣpadāḥ ।

मानवाः स्वर्गम् इच्छन्ति मोक्षम् इच्छन्ति देवताः ॥
mānavāḥ svargam icchanti mokṣam icchanti devatāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
adhanaa dhanamichChanti vaachaM chaiva chatuShpadaaH ।
maanavaaH swargamichChanti mokShamichChanti devataaH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

adhanaaH dhanam ichChanti vaachaM cha eva chatuShpadaaH ।

maanavaaH swargam ichChanti mokSham ichChanti devataaH ॥

March 16th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सर्वथा सुकरं मित्रं दुष्करं परिपालनम् ।
अनित्यत्वात्तु चित्तानां मतिरल्पेऽपि भिद्यते ॥
- रामायण, किष्किन्धा


Transliteration:
sarvathā sukaraṃ mitraṃ duṣkaraṃ paripālanam ।
anityatvāttu cittānāṃ matiralpe'pi bhidyate ॥
- rāmāyaṇa, kiṣkindhā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

It is easy to earn friends, but very hard to keep them. As the mind is transient, it (friendship) can be broken by a petty conflict.

Commentary:

In this world, making friends is one of the easiest chores. Initially, the camaraderie can build nicely; one might find a lot of common interests with the other. But suddenly, a misunderstanding may arise and put an end to the whole relationship itself!

This verse says, "it is very easy to make friends but very hard to nurture and nourish the friendship." The reason for this is the mind. By nature, the mind is unstable, transient, uncertain and ephemeral. Therefore, the slightest conflict can cause a rift and pull people apart.

Beware of such causes. Do not ruin a good friendship due to petty misunderstandings. Rise above the petty mind!

pada vigrahaH:
सर्वथा सुकरं मित्रं दुष्करं परिपालनम् ।
sarvathā sukaraṃ mitraṃ duṣkaraṃ paripālanam ।

अनित्यत्वात् तु चित्तानां मतिः अल्पे अपि भिद्यते ॥
anityatvāt tu cittānāṃ matiḥ alpe api bhidyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sarvathaa sukaraM mitraM duShkaraM paripaalanam ।
anityatvaattu chittaanaaM matiralpe.pi bhidyate ॥
- raamaayaNa, kiShkindhaa

sarvathaa sukaraM mitraM duShkaraM paripaalanam ।

anityatvaat tu chittaanaaM matiH alpe api bhidyate ॥

March 15th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अपारे काव्यसंसारे कविरेकः प्रजापतिः ।
यथास्मै रोचते विश्वं तथेदं परिवर्तते ॥
- अग्नि पुराण


Transliteration:
apāre kāvyasaṃsāre kavirekaḥ prajāpatiḥ ।
yathāsmai rocate viśvaṃ tathedaṃ parivartate ॥
- agni purāṇa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

In the vast world of poetry, the poet alone is Lord Brahma. However he imagines, so does that world transpire.

Commentary:

Lord Brahma is the creator of the world. His creations are intangible to humans. One cannot change the laws of nature as they are defined. But there is nothing impalpable to the imagination of a poet! 

Logic may get us from one point to another.  Imagination can take us anywhere! A poet can make a monkey fly or an elephant skip. He can make waterfalls in thin air or horses travel to another planet! It is up to his wildest imagination how he creates an immense world of poetry and entices the reader. The reader, although knowing that the poet's imagination is fiction, immerses himself in the imaginary world and enjoys the ride too. The reader imagines the poetic world of fantasy and sees it through the eyes of the poet. Here, anything is possible!

The imaginary world can prove as a safe haven when the stress of real life runs high. Anyone can jump into the thoughts of the poet in you and let their imagination run wild!  It is almost like—imagination is the only redemptive power in this world.  

pada vigrahaH:

अपारे काव्य-संसारे कविः एकः प्रजापतिः ।
apāre kāvya-saṃsāre kaviḥ ekaḥ prajāpatiḥ ।

यथा अस्मै रोचते विश्वं तथा इदं परिवर्तते ॥
yathā asmai rocate viśvaṃ tathā idaṃ parivartate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
apaare kaavyasaMsaare kavirekaH prajaapatiH ।
yathaasmai rochate vishvaM tathedaM parivartate ॥
- agni puraaNa

apare kaavya-saMsaare kaviH ekaH prajaapatiH ।

yathaa asmai rochate vishvaM tathaa idaM parivartate ॥

March 14th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
मनसा चिन्तितं कार्यं वाचा नैव प्रकाशयेत् ।
मन्त्रेण रक्षयेद्‍गूढं  कार्ये चापि नियोजयेत् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
manasā cintitaṃ kāryaṃ vācā naiva prakāśayet ।
mantreṇa rakṣayed‍gūḍhaṃ kārye cāpi niyojayet ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Do not manifest the deed that was thought in your mind into words. Protect it as if it were a secret spell and enjoin it with action, too.

Commentary:

It is generally seen that when one thinks of performing a deed, especially a good one, he wants remuneration from everyone around him. So, well ahead of time, he creates a lot of commotion about it so that all eyes are on him while he is executing his idea. This is a big NO-NO, for many reasons—

• He may not start the job he spoke about for multiple reasons.
• His ideas may change.
• The available resources may change and hence alter the outcome he anticipated.
• He may not be able to complete the job due to unanticipated obstacles. 
• The very pressure to perform that particular task, to keep his word, may end up affecting his performance. 
• Many such unforeseen circumstances may be encountered. 

Feeding one's need for attention and appreciation will not allow him to offer his best to the task at hand. Most of all, bragging is done in the spirit of feeding the ego rather than doing the (good) deed itself!

Hence, work more and talk less. Just perform the task and let the outcome speak for you. 

pada vigrahaH:
मनसा चिन्तितं कार्यं वाचा न एव प्रकाशयेत् ।
manasā cintitaṃ kāryaṃ vācā na eva prakāśayet ।

मन्त्रेण रक्षयेत् गूढं कार्ये च अपि नियोजयेत् ॥
mantreṇa rakṣayet gūḍhaṃ kārye ca api niyojayet ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
manasaa chintitaM kaaryaM vaachaa naiva prakaashayet ।
mantreNa rakShayedgUDhaM kaarye chaapi niyojayet ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

manasaa chintitaM kaaryaM vaachaa na eva prakaashayet ।

mantreNa rakShayet gUDhaM kaarye cha api niyojayet ॥

March 13th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
कुग्रामवासः कुजनस्य सेवा
कुभोजनं क्रोधमुखी च भार्या  ।
मूर्खश्च पुत्रो विधवा च कन्या
दहन्ति चैतानि जनं विनाग्निम् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नसमुच्चय

Transliteration:
kugrāmavāsaḥ kujanasya sevā
kubhojanaṃ krodhamukhī ca bhāryā ।
mūrkhaśca putro vidhavā ca kanyā
dahanti caitāni janaṃ vināgnim ॥
- subhāṣitaratnasamuccaya

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Life in an ill-fated village; serving evil people; banal food; a wrathful wife; a stupid son; and a widowed daughter—these (six) burn one without the requirement of fire.

Commentary:

1. Living in unfavorable circumstances and conditions is not fun. Living among people who do not have value for dharma or living in an ambiance that brings misery is not pleasant either.

2. When subservient to evil people, one must kill his own conscience. There is no hell worse than having to silence one's inner voice and slug along life, under an evildoer.

3. All the efforts and endeavors one undertakes, are for the sake of his stomach. At the end of the day, whether one is rich or poor, his efforts are to satiate his palette. If the food is stale and unhealthy, that will negate all his efforts put into earning it.  He would neither enjoy eating such food nor does it assist in nurturing his health. It only aids in slowly killing the person.

4. A wife is the backbone of the household in many respects. She needs to be strong, yet pleasant because she serves as the shock absorber for the entire family. If the shock absorber is not efficient the family will not be cushioned from calamities. If the spouse is always wrathful and angry-faced instead of peaceful and relaxed, one will not look forward to coming to a place called home. The pleasantness of the husband and wife towards each other is an integral part of a successful household.

5. Every parent wants their children to prosper in life. With this in mind, they equip their children with education, for, that alone is the tool for leading a happy life. What if the son is an idiot and refuses to learn?! The parents of such children suffer anxiety throughout their lives.

6. No parent wants to see their offspring suffer pain of any order. How can parents see their daughter suffer the loss of her husband?!  Sorrow of the child is like a death sentence to the parents.

All these circumstances above are equated to death. When a person dies, he is burnt on a pyre with fire. However, all of these circumstances are capable of burning a person alive, without the need for external fire.

Some of these circumstances are destiny. But whatever is within our control, shouldn't we take charge of those?!  Shouldn't we make sure that our own lives and the lives of those around us, are as happy as we can make?!

pada vigrahaH:
कुग्राम-वासः कुजनस्य सेवा
kugrāma-vāsaḥ kujanasya sevā

कुभोजनं क्रोध-मुखी च भार्या ।
kubhojanaṃ krodha-mukhī ca bhāryā ।

मूर्खः च पुत्रः विधवा च कन्या
mūrkhaḥ ca putraḥ vidhavā ca kanyā

दहन्ति च एतानि जनं विना अग्निम् ॥
dahanti ca etāni janaṃ vinā agnim ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kugraamavaasaH kujanasya sevaa
kubhojanaM krodhamukhI cha bhaaryaa ।
mUrkhashcha putro vidhavaa cha kanyaa
dahanti chaitaani janaM vinaagnim ॥
- subhaaShitaratnasamuchchaya

kugraama-vaasaH kujanasya sevaa

kubhojanaM krodha-mukhI cha bhaaryaa ।

mUrkhaH cha putraH vidhavaa cha kanyaa

dahanti cha etaani janaM vinaa agnim ॥

March 12th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
परोपदेशे पाण्डित्यं सर्वेषां सुकरं नृणाम् ।
धर्मे स्वीयमनुष्ठानं कस्यचित्तु महात्मनः ॥
- समयोचितपद्यमालिका


Transliteration:
paropadeśe pāṇḍityaṃ sarveṣāṃ sukaraṃ nṛṇām ।
dharme svīyamanuṣṭhānaṃ kasyacittu mahātmanaḥ ॥
- samayocitapadyamālikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

When advising others it is very easy for everyone to show off their erudition. But when it comes to oneself, following the path of dharma is possible only for a select few mahātmās (noble people).

Commentary:

When one falters or makes the slightest mistake, everyone around offers their opinions and thoughts generously. They won't hesitate for a minute to stop and think if their advice is wanted or not. Everyone shares their expertise eagerly to show off their knowledge bank and make a big show of their aptitude.

When it comes to themselves staying on the path of dharma, only very few great souls (mahātmās) can keep their feet on the ground, while keeping their sights on higher goals. Instead of making huge speeches from a podium, their focus will remain on following the words of wisdom themselves, every step of the way, while analyzing their thoughts and actions incessantly. The strength of their words comes from the very fact that their thoughts, actions, and speech are all in sync and aligned. They follow what they say and they say what they think. They are not pompous about their scholarliness either. They are the true mahātmās.

Preach what you practice and practice what you preach!

pada vigrahaH:
पर-उपदेशे पाण्डित्यं सर्वेषां सुकरं नृणाम् ।
para-upadeśe pāṇḍityaṃ sarveṣāṃ sukaraṃ nṛṇām ।

धर्मे स्वीयम् अनुष्ठानं कस्यचित् तु महात्मनः ॥
dharme svīyam anuṣṭhānaṃ kasyacit tu mahātmanaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
paropadeshe paaNDityaM sarveShaaM sukaraM nRuNaam ।
dharme swIyamanuShThaanaM kasyachittu mahaatmanaH ॥
- samayochitapadyamaalikaa

para-upadeshe paaNDityaM sarveShaaM sukaraM nRuNaam ।

dharme swIyam anuShThaanaM kasyachit tu mahaatmanaH ॥

March 11th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
नमन्ति फलिता वृक्षाः नमन्ति च बुधा जनाः ।
शुष्ककाष्ठानि मूर्खाश्च भिद्यन्ते न नमन्ति च ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि


Transliteration:
namanti phalitā vṛkṣāḥ namanti ca budhā janāḥ ।
śuṣkakāṣṭhāni mūrkhāśca bhidyante na namanti ca ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Fruit bearing trees are bent in prostration and so are the learned people. Dry twigs and the foolish do not bend and are slit and broken.

Commentary:

A tree bearing lots of fruit cannot stand stiff and straight, as if in pride. It bends down, as if in humility, and offers its fruit to the world. Similarly, the wise bow down in prostration to the supreme power in each individual. They do not pride themselves and display arrogance towards others. They are neither haughty nor high-strung due to their knowledge. Rather, they are humble and compassionate.

On the other hand, dry sapless trees stand stiff and straight as if nothing can affect them. But one fine day, they get felled by someone, break due to wind, or become fuel for some wildfire! Similarly, only fools think highly of themselves and do not care for true knowledge. If they attain the same fate as the dry twigs of a sapless tree, why should one be surprised?!

Humility is an adornment of the wise. Be humble. It will open more doors than arrogance ever will! 

pada vigrahaH:
नमन्ति फलिताः वृक्षाः नमन्ति च बुधाः जनाः ।
namanti phalitāḥ vṛkṣāḥ namanti ca budhāḥ janāḥ ।

शुष्क-काष्ठानि मूर्खाः च भिद्यन्ते न नमन्ति च ॥
śuṣka-kāṣṭhāni mūrkhāḥ ca bhidyante na namanti ca ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
namanti phalitaa vRukShaaH namanti cha budhaa janaaH ।
shuShkakaaShThaani mUrkhaashcha bhidyante na namanti cha ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

namanti phalitaaH vRukShaa namanti cha budhaaH janaaH ।

shuShka-kaaShThaani mUrkhaaH cha bhidyante na namanti cha ॥

March 10th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
ईर्ष्यी घृणी त्वसन्तुष्टः क्रोधनो नित्यशङ्कितः ।
परभाग्योपजीवी च षडेते दुःखभागिनः ॥
- हितोपदेश, मित्रलाभ


Transliteration:
īrṣyī ghṛṇī tvasantuṣṭaḥ krodhano nityaśaṅkitaḥ ।
parabhāgyopajīvī ca ṣaḍete duḥkhabhāginaḥ ॥
- hitopadeśa, mitralābha

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The jealous, the repugnant, the un-contented, the resentful, the ever-doubting, and those living off of other people's wealth—these six are eligible for sorrow.

Commentary:

1. Jealousy towards other people yields no good. A jealous person is plotting constantly against his perceived enemy. Hence he can never be peaceful.

2. Repugnance, distaste, or aversion towards anyone or anything can breed no beautiful thoughts along with them. Such a person is always miserable.

3. One with no contentment is constantly working his mind towards acquiring something more to satisfy him. There is no calmness in such a mind.

4. A resentful and angry person is never happy with anything or anyone. He expresses displeasure every step of the way. How can pleasure even come near such a person?

5. A doubting Thomas, a skeptic, has no trust in any aspect of life. He needs constant assurance and physical evidence to make him believe every single dimension of his own life. Such an individual probably can't even sleep in peace.

6. A person living off of someone else's wealth has to constantly think of that someone literally! If the other person loses his source of income, so does he... The parasitic guilt that accompanies the scenario is a whole different issue to deal with. How can such a person be happy!

Any person who is—not at peace, always miserable, not calm, not happy, not pleasant nor satisfied—how can delight come near such an individual! The verse even says, such a person almost deserves to be sorrowful, meaning he can't escape sorrow.

Don't worry, be happy!

pada vigrahaH:
ईर्ष्यी घृणी तु असन्तुष्टः क्रोधनः नित्य-शङ्कितः ।
īrṣyī ghṛṇī tu asantuṣṭaḥ krodhanaḥ nitya-śaṅkitaḥ ।

पर-भाग्य-उपजीवी च षट् एते दुःख-भागिनः ॥
para-bhāgya-upajīvī ca ṣaṭ ete duḥkha-bhāginaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
IrShyI ghRuNI tvasantuShTaH krodhano nityasha~nkitaH ।
parabhaagyopajIvI cha ShaDete duHkhabhaaginaH ॥
- hitopadesha, mitralaabha

IrShyI ghRuNI tu asantuShTaH krodhanaH nitya-sha~nkitaH ।

para-bhaagya-upajIvI cha ShaT ete duHkha-bhaaginaH ॥

March 9th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अहंममाभिमानोत्थैः कामलोभादिभिर्मलैः ।
वीतं यदा मनः शुद्धम् अदुःखमसुखं समम् ॥
- भागवत


Transliteration:
ahaṃmamābhimānotthaiḥ kāmalobhādibhirmalaiḥ ।
vītaṃ yadā manaḥ śuddham aduḥkhamasukhaṃ samam ॥
- bhāgavata

Meaning of the subhAShita:

When the mind is purified of impurities like desire, avarice, etc., rising from the arrogant feelings of 'me' and 'mine', (then) the absence of pain and the absence of pleasure feels equal.

Commentary:

The minute ego enters one's mind, it wreaks havoc. It brings along a hoard of other unwanted faculties - desire, anger, greed, affliction, arrogance, and jealousy. Each one of these is capable of causing tremendous pain, so when all these come together as a package, it is just a disaster waiting to happen!  Due to these negative emotions, one would only be tending to the hurts of his own ego and stirring up unrest within himself, unnecessarily.  In reality, there is no conflict at all!

When the mind is purified of such impurities, the real picture and purpose of life become crystal clear. In that perspective, one doesn't feel any difference in the absence of pleasure or in the absence of pain. 

It is interesting how the poet says the 'absence of pain' is equal to the 'absence of pleasure'. The poet could have easily said 'pleasure and pain' are equal. Isn't the absence of pain: pleasure? And an absence of pleasure: pain? Not really! 

A pure mind doesn't get excited in the absence of pain, nor does it feel depressed in the absence of pleasure. But pain and pleasure by themselves would bring these emotions. Hence the poet has used such an expression to portray a composed person. 

An equanimous person will take all situations with the same approach and live life like a lotus leaf in water. Although a lotus leaf is born and thrives in water, it does not get attached.  The water does not affect or tarnish it either. Such is the approach of a pure mind towards life and its nature.

pada vigrahaH:

अहं मम अभिमान-उत्थैः काम-लोभ-आदिभिः मलैः ।
ahaṃ mama abhimāna-utthaiḥ kāma-lobha-ādibhiḥ malaiḥ ।

वीतं यदा मनः शुद्धम् अदुःखम् असुखं समम् ॥
vītaṃ yadā manaḥ śuddham aduḥkham asukhaṃ samam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ahaMmamaabhimaanotthaiH kaamalobhaadibhirmalaiH ।
vItaM yadaa manaH shuddham aduHkhamasukhaM samam ॥
- bhaagavata

ahaM mama abhimaana-utthaiH kaama-lobha-aadibhiH malaiH ।

vItaM yadaa manaH shuddham aduHkham asukhaM samam ॥

March 8th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अप्रार्थितानि दुःखानि यथैवायान्ति देहिनाम् ।
सुखान्यपि तथा मन्ये दैन्यमत्रातिरिच्यते ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि


Transliteration:
aprārthitāni duḥkhāni yathaivāyānti dehinām ।
sukhānyapi tathā manye dainyamatrātiricyate ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Just as sorrows come and unite with beings (ones with bodies) without being asked for, so do the pleasures, I deem. But, only (in sorrow), affliction is predominant.

Commentary:

As beings, the spontaneous response to sorrow is, 'Why me? Why do I get so much pain?!' Affliction and misery come by as if they are a package deal, accompanying the sorrow. We are depressed, tense, and anxious all the time...

When blissful we, almost NEVER, hear anyone say 'Why me?  Why did I get so much pleasure! Why does this always happen to me?!' One indulges in his comforts and happiness, blissfully!

The poet deems that pleasure and pain both come along, without being asked for. It is not in one's hands to pray for either joys or sorrows. Neither of them stops its advent because we don't want it to nor do they come by because we want them to! Both come naturally one after the other. 

Like a wheel, they turn cycles. What was at the highest point has to certainly go to the lowest too, before it comes back to the highest position again... There is no difference in the idiosyncracies of either of them. But the only difference is in the agony that one feels when in sorrow.

Why validate the misery by feeling miserable? Why not take it in a stride and say, 'This too shall pass!'. Because, no matter what we say, no state will linger on or stagnate forever. Then, why make the feeling linger?!

pada vigrahaH:

अप्रार्थितानि दुःखानि यथा एव आयान्ति देहिनाम् ।
aprārthitāni duḥkhāni yathā eva āyānti dehinām ।

सुखानि अपि तथा मन्ये दैन्यम् अत्र अतिरिच्यते ॥
sukhāni api tathā manye dainyam atra atiricyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
apraarthitaani duHkhaani yathaivaayaanti dehinaam ।
sukhaanyapi tathaa manye dainyamatraatirichyate ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

apraarthitaani duHkhaani yathaa eva aayaanti dehinaam ।

sukhaani api tathaa manye dainyam atra atirichyate ॥

March 7th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
आरोप्यते शिला शैले यथा यत्नेन भूयसा ।
निपात्यते सुखेनाधः तथात्मा गुणदोषयोः ॥
- हितोपदेश, सुहृद्भेद


Transliteration:
āropyate śilā śaile yathā yatnena bhūyasā ।
nipātyate sukhenādhaḥ tathātmā guṇadoṣayoḥ ॥
- hitopadeśa, suhṛdbheda

Meaning of the subhAShita:

With tremendous effort, a big stone can be raised onto the top of a mountain. (On the other hand), it can be rolled downhill very easily. Similar is the case of the Self, (due to) efficacies and defects.

Commentary:

If a stone is to be carried up a steep mountain, it needs a great deal of strenuous effort on one's part. But all it takes is one gentle push to bring it downhill—one push and then gravity is in charge. The stone rolls at high speed, all the way to the bottom, making it difficult to be stopped it in between!

The exact same is the scenario with the आत्मा (atmā—Self). The atmā needs to climb the huge, hard, steep, and rugged mountain of संसार (saṃsāra—worldly existence). It takes a lot of effort to climb uphill. That climbing is done with the assistance of गुणाः (guṇāḥ—efficacies, merits, virtues). It takes a lot of guṇas for the Self to put one step ahead of another and conquer the uphill trek. 

Whereas a small effort in the opposite direction, a gentle push given by the दोषाः (doṣāḥ—defects, blemishes, faults, weaknesses—can be given multitudes of names), very easily rolls the atmā downhill, in an instant, negating all the efforts in climbing up so far! At that point, the Self doesn't even have a hold on how far below it will reach. If there is a pivot strong enough on the way, it might stop midway, else, it will fall all the way down and then some (because of the potential gained during the rolling!

One needs to be very cautious about every action and thought. They can either be a guṇa or a doṣa. If the conquest of sasaṃsāra is the goal, guṇās and doṣās must be entertained or rejected accordingly!

pada vigrahaH:

आरोप्यते शिला शैले यथा यत्नेन भूयसा ।
āropyate śilā śaile yathā yatnena bhūyasā ।

निपात्यते सुखेन् आधः तथा अत्मा गुण-दोषयोः ॥
nipātyate sukhen ādhaḥ tathā atmā guṇa-doṣayoḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
aaropyate shilaa shaile yathaa yatnena bhUyasaa ।
nipaatyate sukhenaadhaH tathaatmaa guNadoShayoH ॥
- hitopadesha, suhRudbheda

aaropyate shilaa shaile yathaa yatnena bhUyasaa ।

nipaatyate sukhen aadhaH tathaa atmaa guNa-doShayoH ॥

March 6th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
लोभेनाविष्टो नरो वित्तं वीक्षते नैव चापदम् ।
दुग्धं पश्यति मार्जारः यथा न लगुडाहतिम् ॥
Transliteration:
lobhenāviṣṭo naro vittaṃ vīkṣate naiva cāpadam ।
dugdhaṃ paśyati mārjāraḥ yathā na laguḍāhatim ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A person filled with greed sees money, not troubles; just like a cat (that) sees the milk and not the baton blows. (To chase the cat from drinking milk, a stick is thrown at it.)

Commentary:

When a cat sees milk, it just wants to lap it all up. Not even for one moment will it think of the blows it will receive with the stick for doing so. (ASPCA - American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, will sue one for this action.) This is what happens when a cat spills over a vessel of milk in the kitchen. The cat will be chased out of the kitchen or sometimes, brandished with a stick. However, the cat will not think of this consequence when it sees the milk. It just focuses on getting the milk, not the hardship that accompanies its action. Moreover, it repeats the actions again and again, without learning its lesson.

Similarly, a person engulfed in greed sets his eyes only on acquiring more and more wealth. He will not stop to think about the repercussions he has to face or the troubles that will accompany his actions. He sets his focus on the materialistic pleasures and loses focus on the bigger picture repeatedly.

Think before you act, more than half the troubles will be eradicated!

pada vigrahaH:
लोभेन अविष्टः नरः वित्तं वीक्षते न एव च अपदम् ।
lobhena aviṣṭaḥ naraḥ vittaṃ vīkṣate na eva ca apadam ।

दुग्धं पश्यति मार्जारः यथा न लगुड-आहतिम् ॥
dugdhaṃ paśyati mārjāraḥ yathā na laguḍa-āhatim ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
lobhenaaviShTo naro vittaM vIkShate naiva chaapadam ।
dugdhaM pashyati maarjaaraH yathaa na laguDaahatim ॥

lobhena aviShTaH naraH vittaM vIkShate na eva cha apadam ।

dugdhaM pashyati maarjaaraH yathaa na laguDa-aahatim ॥

March 5th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अरे भज हरेर्नाम क्षेमधाम क्षणे क्षणे ।
बहिस्सरति निःश्वासे विश्वासः कः प्रवर्तते ॥
- गुरुकौमुदी

Transliteration:
are bhaja harernāma kṣemadhāma kṣaṇe kṣaṇe ।
bahissarati niḥśvāse viśvāsaḥ kaḥ pravartate ॥
- gurukaumudī

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Oh (self)! Chant the auspicious name of Śrīhari every second. Where is the faith that the breath that has gone out will come back in?!

Commentary:

One should be thinking of the Almighty (Nārāyaṇa) constantly. One can choose any deity, that is a personal choice. But connection and faith are common to all choices! The verse says, 'Do not procrastinate thinking of the Lord, even for one moment. What is the guarantee that the air that is breathed out will come back in?!' 

We breathe in and breathe out constantly which is proof enough that we are alive. But one thing that is certain for every being is—death. There is no saying who will breathe their last and at which moment. 

We cannot save good deeds for another day. Every single deed, action, and thought should always be accompanied by 'arpaṇa bhāva' (spirit of offering). It makes life worthwhile. There must be no selfishness.  This makes one live life without regrets because every action has already been executed with a higher perspective in mind.  One's life becomes satisfactory, significant, and meaningful.

Stay connected with the higher power always. Pray when you wake up, pray when you eat. Pray when you are sad, pray when you are happy. Pray when you laugh, pray when you go to sleep.

Remember, prayer is a powerful tool! 

pada vigrahaH:
अरे भज हरेः नाम क्षेम-धाम क्षणे क्षणे ।
are bhaja hareḥ nāma kṣema-dhāma kṣaṇe kṣaṇe ।

बहिः सरति निःश्वासे विश्वासः कः प्रवर्तते ॥
bahiḥ sarati niḥśvāse viśvāsaḥ kaḥ pravartate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
are bhaja harernaama kShemadhaama kShaNe kShaNe ।
bahissarati niHshvaase vishvaasaH kaH pravartate ॥
- gurukaumudI

are bhaja hareH naama kShema-dhaama kShaNe kShaNe ।

bahiH sarati niHshvaase vishvaasaH kaH pravartate ॥

March 4th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
चित्तस्य शुद्धये कर्म न तु वस्तूपलब्धये ।
वस्तुसिद्धिर्विचारेण न किञ्चित् कर्मकोटिभिः ॥
- विवेकचूडामणि


Transliteration:
cittasya śuddhaye karma na tu vastūpalabdhaye ।
vastusiddhirvicāreṇa na kiñcit karmakoṭibhiḥ ॥
- vivekacūḍāmaṇi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Action is for the cleansing of the mind, not the attainment of knowledge (आत्म-वस्तु विचार—ātma-vastu-vicāra—knowledge about the self). 'ātma-jñāna' is attained through self-inquiry, not by performing countless deeds.

Commentary:

Actions are essential for cleansing one's mind. However, performing numerous actions will not lead to true knowledge about oneself. This knowledge is attained only through constant self-inquiry and reflection about oneself constantly. 

It is not a dish that someone can prepare and present for someone else's consumption. This inquiry has to come from within and it stays with the inquirer. Scriptures, teachers, and books can only lead one in that direction. But what each person achieves using these tools is entirely up to himself. How he analyzes the teachings and reflects upon them, defines the depth of his understanding of 'ātma-jñāna' (knowledge about the Self).

Once knowledge is attained, this will drive him to do actions for the betterment of society without being attached to their fruit (result), which instantaneously makes him a 'yogi'.

pada vigrahaH:
चित्तस्य शुद्धये कर्म न तु वस्तु उपलब्धये ।
cittasya śuddhaye karma na tu vastu upalabdhaye ।

वस्तु-सिद्धिः विचारेण न किञ्चित् कर्म-कोटिभिः ॥
vastu-siddhiḥ vicāreṇa na kiñcit karma-koṭibhiḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
chittasya shuddhaye karma na tu vastUpalabdhaye ।
vastusiddhirvichaareNa na ki~nchit karmakoTibhiH ॥
- vivekachUDaamaNi

chittasya shuddhaye karma na tu vastu upalabdhaye ।

vastu-siddhiH vichaareNa na ki~nchit karma-koTibhiH ॥