May 31st


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
दूरस्थोऽपि समीपस्थः यो यस्य हृदि वर्तते ।
यो यस्य हृदये नास्ति समीपस्थोऽपि दूरगः ॥

- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
dūrastho'pi samīpasthaḥ yo yasya hṛdi vartate ।
yo yasya hṛdaye nāsti samīpastho'pi dūragaḥ ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:
In whose heart one is, he is considered as 'near' even if he is far away. If not in the heart, even being close by (physically), he is distant.

Commentary:
One may sit with the same person, work with the same person, even live with the same person. If the well being of the other is not in your heart, what is the purpose of that proximity? If his company is not enjoyed and you are is not looking forward to seeing the person again, then the closeness of distance is of no use.

On the contrary, a person may live on the other side of the planet, but constantly be thinking of someone else and his welfare. He is always itching to see and talk to this person. He has a certain level of comfort with the other person that he feels like sharing everything with him. In such a case, the physical distance is no factor at all! They are held together tightly by the bond they carry in their hearts. That carries more value than anything else.

Distance never separates people who care for one another. It is not the physical proximity, but the emotional proximity that matters!

pada vigrahaH:
दूरस्थः अपि समीपस्थः यः यस्य हृदि वर्तते ।
dūrasthaḥ api samīpasthaḥ yaḥ yasya hṛdi vartate ।

यः यस्य हृदये न अस्ति समीपस्थः अपि दूरगः ॥
yaḥ yasya hṛdaye na asti samīpasthaḥ api dūragaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
dUrastho.pi samIpasthaH yo yasya hRudi vartate ।
yo yasya hRudaye naasti samIpastho.pi dUragaH ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

dUrasthaH api samIpasthaH yaH yasya hRudi vartate ।
yaH yasya hRudaye na asti samIpasthaH api dUragaH ॥

May 30th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
न कश्चिदपि जानाति किं कस्य श्वो भविष्यति ।
अतः श्वः करणीयानि कुर्यादद्यैव बुद्धिमान् ॥

Transliteration:
na kaścidapi jānāti kiṃ kasya śvo bhaviṣyati ।
ataḥ śvaḥ karaṇīyāni kuryādadyaiva buddhimān ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:
No one knows what happens to whom tomorrow. Hence, the intelligent do tomorrow's work right now!

Commentary:
How many times has one said, "this job should be done 'now', but, will do it later". When that 'later' comes, there will be a job assigned for that 'later', while the 'now' job is still pending. So, start working on the 'now' job. Something will come up in between, that needs immediate attention. The 'later' job is pushed 'further later' because the 'now' job needs more time as well. Then something else interesting comes up. When that 'further later comes', the 'now' job is still not done, the 'later' job is still pending and now the 'further later' job is added on to the clutter! So on and so forth... This will turn into a vicious cycle and a constant battle against the clock! There is no peace of mind, not to speak of the lack of productivity and poor quality of work on top of all these.

The wise understand this very basic concept and never get themselves entrapped in such a situation. There can be innumerous, unforeseen circumstances in our day to day lives. No one can predict what is in store for tomorrow. Hence, the wise keep themselves ahead. They do tomorrow's job today and today's job right now!

Be wise. Do not procrastinate!

pada vigrahaH:
न कश्चित् अपि जानाति किं कस्य श्वः भविष्यति ।
na kaścit api jānāti kiṃ kasya śvaḥ bhaviṣyati ।

अतः श्वः करणीयानि कुर्यात् अद्य एव बुद्धिमान् ॥
ataḥ śvaḥ karaṇīyāni kuryāt adya eva buddhimān ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
na kashchidapi jaanaati kiM kasya shvo bhaviShyati ।
ataH shvaH karaNIyaani kuryaadadyaiva buddhimaan ॥

na kashchit api jaanaati kiM kasya shvaH bhaviShyati ।
ataH shvaH karaNIyaani kuryaat adya eva buddhimaan ॥

May 29th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
चत्वारो धनदायादाः धर्माग्निनृपतस्कराः ।
तेषां ज्येष्ठावमानेन त्रयः कुप्यन्ति सोदराः ॥

- त्रिशतीव्याख्या, नीति

Transliteration:
catvāro dhanadāyādāḥ dharmāgninṛpataskarāḥ ।
teṣāṃ jyeṣṭhāvamānena trayaḥ kupyanti sodarāḥ ॥
- triśatīvyākhyā, nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:
The four cousins of wealth are - virtue, fire, king and thief. If the older one, virtue, is disrespected the other 3 brothers get livid!

Commentary:
The rivalry between cousins is very well established in the Mahābhārata. When a cousin shows negligence towards one of the brothers, all other brothers stand up against him until he is crushed to dust. The poet has beautifully extended this to compare money/wealth to the likes of Duryodhana. Virtue, fire, king, and thief (although only 4 here), are the Pāṇḍavas.  If the first brother (virtue) is disrespected by their cousin (wealth), then the rest of the brothers (fire, king and thief) are enraged.

If wealth is used to disrespect or humiliate virtue, meaning that wealth is put to use for unjust purposes, it will have to face the wrath of the other 3 brothers; fire, king and thief! These brothers will become the cause for the downfall of that wealth which is not put to use for performing good deeds. Such wealth can get destroyed:
  • by fire or another such natural calamity; 
  • a king or an official might annex it; or
  • a thief might lay his hands on it. 
Either way, the owner of such wealth would not be able to keep his wealth!

Wealth, like happiness, is never attained when sought after directly. It comes as a by-product of performing virtuous deeds.  Be righteous!

pada vigrahaH:
चत्वारः धन-दायादाः धर्म-अग्नि-नृप-तस्कराः ।
catvāraḥ dhana-dāyādāḥ dharma-agni-nṛpa-taskarāḥ ।

तेषां ज्येष्ठ-अवमानेन त्रयः कुप्यन्ति सोदराः ॥
teṣāṃ jyeṣṭha-avamānena trayaḥ kupyanti sodarāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
chatvaaro dhanadaayaadaaH dharmaagninRupataskaraaH ।
teShaaM jyeShThaavamaanena trayaH kupyanti sodaraaH ॥
- trishatIvyaakhyaa, nIti

chatvaaraH dhana-daayaadaaH dharma-agni-nRupa-taskaraaH ।
teShaaM jyeShTha-avamaanena trayaH kupyanti sodaraaH ॥

May 28th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यदेवोपनतं दुःखात् सुखं तद्रसवत्तरम् ।
निर्वाणाय तरुच्छाया तप्‍तस्य हि विशेषतः ॥

- विक्रमोर्वशीय

Transliteration:
yadevopanataṃ duḥkhāt sukhaṃ tadrasavattaram ।
nirvāṇāya tarucchāyā tap‍tasya hi viśeṣataḥ ॥
- vikramorvaśīya

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Attaining pleasure after being befallen with pain is more opulent. The shadow of a tree is more comforting to the one afflicted by the heat of the Sun.

Commentary:
What if a blind man suddenly got his sight?! How would a deaf person feel if he was able to hear?! Their joy would have no bounds!! This is because they know how it feels to not have that particular faculty. When a normal person wakes up in the morning and sees the sun rising in the skies, he wouldn't celebrate it with the same intensity!

Hence, the poet says that pleasure is much more appealing to those that have been crestfallen with sorrow. That pleasure is much more enjoyable and valuable to those that have actually missed it. For a poor man who has to slog to make ends meet every day, a meal is much more satiating for him than for a person who rolls in wealth with nothing beyond his reach.

Similarly, the shade of a tree is comforting to someone in the hot sun. Not that the shade is not comforting to others, but it is extra comforting to the one who is already scorched in the burning heat of the Sun.

Don't curse pain, thank it instead... When times change (which they always do), it will make pleasure that much more pleasurable!

pada vigrahaH:
यत् एव उपनतं दुःखात् सुखं तत् रसवत्तरम् ।
yat eva upanataṃ duḥkhāt sukhaṃ tat rasavattaram ।

निर्वाणाय तरोः छाया तप्‍तस्य हि विशेषतः ॥
nirvāṇāya taroḥ chāyā tap‍tasya hi viśeṣataḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yadevopanataM duHkhaat sukhaM tadrasavattaram ।
nirvaaNaaya taruchChaayaa taptasya hi visheShataH ॥
- vikramorvashIya

yat eva upanataM duHkhaat sukhaM tat rasavattaram ।
nirvaaNaaya taroH Chaayaa tap^tasya hi visheShataH ॥

May 27th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सुभाषितमयं द्रव्यं सङ्ग्रही न भवेन्नरः ।
स वाक्प्रस्तावयज्ञेषु कां प्रदास्यति दक्षिणाम् ॥

Transliteration:
subhāṣitamayaṃ dravyaṃ saṅgrahī na bhavennaraḥ ।
sa vākprastāvayajñeṣu kāṃ pradāsyati dakṣiṇām ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:
(If in case), one doesn't collect wealth in the form of 'subhaaShitaa's, what will he offer as 'dakṣiṇā' (offering with salutation), when a sacrifice (yajña) in the form of verbal discussions happens?

Commentary:
The very definition of a 'subhāṣita' is 'well spoken' or 'refined sayings'. They contain the essence of years of experience and eons of observations. They are offered to mankind in small, easily digestible, potent nugget forms. The task here is for everyone to accumulate wealth in the form of 'subhāṣitas'. Accumulating does not mean writing it down in a book or owning a book of subhāṣitas! This verse is essentially a call for people to learn, apply and practice the values in them.

When a yajña (sacrificial ritual) is undertaken, ghee (obtained from buttercream) is offered. Extending the same analogy, when a verbal discussion amidst intellectuals is taking place, one has to offer the cream of words. These are stored in the subhāṣitas! Therefore, one has to accrue subhāṣitas, so that he can offer the best during intellectual conversations.

Someone said, 'it is a good thing for a person to read a book of quotations.'  A book of subhāṣitas is a treasure house of quotations and beneficial maxims! So, acquire the habit of collecting the wealth of subhāṣitas.

pada vigrahaH:
सुभाषितमयं द्रव्यं सङ्ग्रही न भवेत् नरः ।
subhāṣitamayaṃ dravyaṃ saṅgrahī na bhavet naraḥ ।

सः वाक्-प्रस्ताव-यज्ञेषु कां प्रदास्यति दक्षिणाम् ॥
saḥ vāk-prastāva-yajñeṣu kāṃ pradāsyati dakṣiṇām ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
subhaaShitamayaM dravyaM sa~ngrahI na bhavennaraH ।
sa vaakprastaavayaj~neShu kaaM pradaasyati dakShiNaam ॥

subhaaShitamayaM dravyaM sa~ngrahI na bhavet naraH ।
saH vaak-prastaava-yaj~neShu kaaM pradaasyati dakShiNaam ॥

May 26th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
देहदण्डनमात्रेण का मुक्तिरविवेकिनाम् ।
वल्मीकताडनादेव मृतः कुत्र महोरगः ॥

- गरुडपुराण

Transliteration:
dehadaṇḍanamātreṇa kā muktiravivekinām ।
valmīkatāḍanādeva mṛtaḥ kutra mahoragaḥ ॥
- garuḍapurāṇa

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Only the imprudent think that they can achieve salvation by penalizing the body. How will patting the anthill kill the great snake?

Commentary:
Amongst many people, there is a practice of putting their body through rigorous rituals or actions. For example: fasting, wherein the body is starved for a long time; rigorous exercises to keep the body fit, etc. The poet says that only the imprudent think those practices will liberate them and lead them to salvation. Those practices only help in purifying of the body. But liberation is not attained by the body! It is the soul that attains nirvāṇa (salvation). In that case, isn't it the soul that should be cleansed?

The metaphor used by the poet is that of an anthill and a snake. A snake overtakes the anthill and makes it it's home. If the intention is to kill the great serpent residing inside, it is not sufficient to tap and pat the outside of the anthill. The body is just like the anthill where the monstrous serpent (ego) is residing. Enduring hardships of the body won’t put a dent in the resolve of the ego. It is the ego that has to be eliminated in order to attain mukti (salvation).

Treat the problem at the roots. Spraying the leaves will not restore the vitality of the tree!

pada vigrahaH:
देह-दण्डन मात्रेण का मुक्तिः अविवेकिनाम् ।
deha-daṇḍana mātreṇa kā muktiḥ avivekinām ।

वल्मीक-ताडनात् एव मृतः कुत्र महोरगः ॥
valmīka-tāḍanāt eva mṛtaḥ kutra mahoragaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
dehadaNDanamaatreNa kaa muktiravivekinaam ।
valmIkataaDanaadeva mRutaH kutra mahoragaH ॥
- garuDapuraaNa

deha-daNDana maatreNa kaa muktiH avivekinaam ।
valmIka-taaDanaat eva mRutaH kutra mahoragaH ॥

May 25th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
न कुलं वृत्तहीनस्य प्रमाणमिति मे मतिः ।
अन्तेष्वपि हि जातानां वृत्तमेव विशिष्यते ॥

- महाभारत, उद्योगपर्व

Transliteration:
na kulaṃ vṛttahīnasya pramāṇamiti me matiḥ ।
anteṣvapi hi jātānāṃ vṛttameva viśiṣyate ॥
- mahābhārata, udyogaparva

Meaning of the subhAShita:
In my opinion, the attestation for a person of low character is not his clan. Even for someone born of a lowly lineage, his conduct is more distinctive.

Commentary:
People are constantly judged and scrutinized in society. They are judged on all grounds starting from their clan to their attire.

But the poet clearly says, in his opinion, any person must be classified mainly according to his conduct, irrespective of his birth in a higher or lower lineage (as per definitions of the society). Just because one is born into a reputed family (higher clan) it will not establish his character.  A person's conduct comes from his value base, not his birth. What he has learnt along the way and what he has come to respect says a lot more about him as a human being. These thoughts and values differentiate him from others as either good or bad.

Value the values in a person, not his background.

pada vigrahaH:
न कुलं वृत्त-हीनस्य प्रमाणम् इति मे मतिः ।
na kulaṃ vṛtta-hīnasya pramāṇam iti me matiḥ ।

अन्तेषु अपि हि जातानां वृत्तम् एव विशिष्यते ॥
anteṣu api hi jātānāṃ vṛttam eva viśiṣyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
na kulaM vRuttahInasya pramaaNamiti me matiH ।
anteShvapi hi jaataanaaM vRuttameva vishiShyate ॥
- mahaabhaarata, udyogaparva

na kulaM vRutta-hInasya pramaaNam iti me matiH ।
anteShu api hi jaataanaaM vRuttam eva vishiShyate ॥

May 24th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
धन्या बधिरा अन्धाः स एव जीवन्ति मानुषे लोके ।
न शृण्वन्ति पिशुनजनं खलानाम् ऋद्धिं न प्रेक्षन्ते ॥

- सप्‍तशती

Transliteration:
dhanyā badhirā andhāḥ sa eva jīvanti mānuṣe loke ।
na śṛṇvanti piśunajanaṃ khalānām ṛddhiṃ na prekṣante ॥
- sap‍taśatī

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Blessed are those people who live in this world as deaf and blind, for, they do not have to listen to malicious words of the slanderers or see the prosperity of the evil.

Commentary:
In today's world, where the rat race is on, everyone is scrambling to get somewhere or do something. It is generally seen that people are backbiting, being peevish and speaking slanderous words to others. The poet opines that the deaf are blessed because their shortcoming actually saves them some pain. They do not have to listen to such malicious words and fret about them or come up with devious plans to return a defaming word to the offender. They can keep their hearts and minds away from such things. Hence, they are blessed.

Time and again, the evil are seen prospering, in the direction they should not be! They are seen growing and climbing up the ladders of prosperity by using unfair means. For those who are honest, times seem to keep going bad. The poet says that the blind are the happier lot as they do not have to see the sad sight where the evil gain prosperity.

The only thing worse than blindness is - having sight but no vision. Kindness is the language the deaf can hear and the blind can see! Imbibe kindness.

pada vigrahaH:
धन्याः बधिराः अन्धाः सः एव जीवन्ति मानुषे लोके ।
dhanyāḥ badhirāḥ andhāḥ saḥ eva jīvanti mānuṣe loke ।

न शृण्वन्ति पिशुन जनं खलानाम् ऋद्धिं न प्रेक्षन्ते ॥
na śṛṇvanti piśuna janaṃ khalānām ṛddhiṃ na prekṣante ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
dhanyaa badhiraa andhaaH sa eva jIvanti maanuShe loke ।
na shRuNvanti pishunajanaM khalaanaam RuddhiM na prekShante ॥
- saptashatI

dhanyaaH badhiraaH andhaaH saH eva jIvanti maanuShe loke ।
na shRuNvanti pishuna janaM khalaanaam RuddhiM na prekShante ॥

May 23rd


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
न द्विषन्ति न याचन्ते परनिन्दां न कुर्वते ।
अनाहूता न चायान्ति तेनाश्मनोऽपि देवताः ॥

- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
na dviṣanti na yācante paranindāṃ na kurvate ।
anāhūtā na cāyānti tenāśmano'pi devatāḥ ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:
(They) do not hate, plead, offend others or come uninvited - due to this, even stones are divine.

Commentary:
Extending from the fact that idols of deities are made from stone, the poet opines that the very reason for making these from stone is their nature. By nature, the stones:
  • do not develop strong likes or dislikes towards anyone or anything. They do not have 'rāga dvesha' (likes and dislikes).
  • do not have any desires and attachments. They do not solicit others for favors or materials. They do not have 'moha' (delusionary attachment).
  • do not hurl insulting and demeaning words at others. (This happens when one has a big ego. He feels hurt and insults others.) They do not have 'ahankāra' (egotism/self-pride).
  • do not come uninvited (anāhūta)! (Well, a stone comes to a place only if someone brings it there. It won't come uninvited by itself anywhere!).
Hence, stones are like Gods because Gods are all these traits. It is no surprise that idols are made from the very objects that emulate their characteristics!

Emanating divinity from oneself is as simple as not hating other beings, not begging or soliciting, not insulting others, and also not responding without being asked :).

pada vigrahaH:
न द्विषन्ति न याचन्ते पर-निन्दां न कुर्वते ।
na dviṣanti na yācante para-nindāṃ na kurvate ।

अनाहूताः न च आयान्ति तेन अश्मनः अपि देवताः ॥
anāhūtāḥ na ca āyānti tena aśmanaḥ api devatāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
na dviShanti na yaachante paranindaaM na kurvate ।
anaahUtaa na chaayaanti tenaashmano.pi devataaH ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

na dviShanti na yaachante para-nindaaM na kurvate ।
anaahUtaaH na cha aayaanti tena ashmanaH api devataaH ॥

May 22nd


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
दूरादतिथयो यस्य गृहमायान्ति निर्वृताः ।
गृहस्थः स तु विज्ञेयः शेषास्तु गृहरक्षिणाः ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि

Transliteration:
dūrādatithayo yasya gṛhamāyānti nirvṛtāḥ ।
gṛhasthaḥ sa tu vijñeyaḥ śeṣāstu gṛharakṣiṇāḥ ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:
He to whose house guests come from near and far happily, should be considered a householder; rest are just guards to their houses.

Commentary:
Guest is called 'अतिथि, अ-तिथि' (atithi, a-tithi), which means, he doesn't have an appointment. In essence, he does not have a set तिथि (tithi - date and time) as to when he arrives. That means: he is welcome to the house at any given time without any reservations.

A guest can drop into another's house and feel at ease, only if his relationship with the host is a pleasant one. His comfort level depends on the way the host treats his guests. This depends on whether the host is being a good host or hostile!

The poet says a householder is one to whose residence, guests come and go cheerfully. If not, the owner of the house is as good as a guard to his house. There is no heart or emotions invested in running such a household. It is a sad situation if one is deemed as the front door guard of his own house!

Guests are considered as divine - 'अतिथि देवो भव' (atithi devo bhava). No one treats deities indifferently. Same applies to guests as well.

Someone once said, 'If it were not for guests, all houses would be graves'. They make the mundane routine of the house a little different and more lively. The ornaments of the house are the guests who frequently visit.

Be a householder, not a guard!

pada vigrahaH:
दूरात् अतिथयः यस्य गृहम् आयान्ति निर्वृताः ।
dūrāt atithayaḥ yasya gṛham āyānti nirvṛtāḥ ।

गृहस्थः स तु विज्ञेयः शेषाः तु गृहरक्षिणाः ॥
gṛhasthaḥ sa tu vijñeyaḥ śeṣāḥ tu gṛharakṣiṇāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
dUraadatithayo yasya gRuhamaayaanti nirvRutaaH ।
gRuhasthaH sa tu vij~neyaH sheShaastu gRuharakShiNaaH ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

dUraat atithayaH yasya gRuham aayaanti nirvRutaaH ।
gRuhasthaH sa tu vij~neyaH sheShaaH tu gRuharakShiNaaH ॥

May 21st


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
कालक्रमेण जगतः परिवर्तमानाः ।
चक्रारपङ्क्तिरिव गच्छति भाग्यपङ्क्तिः ॥
- स्वप्नवासवदत्त

Transliteration:
kālakrameṇa jagataḥ parivartamānāḥ ।
cakrārapaṅktiriva gacchati bhāgyapaṅktiḥ ॥
- svapnavāsavadatta

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Like the rows of spokes of a wheel rise up and go down, so do the spokes of the wheel of fortune with changing times. 

Commentary:
When bogged down by hardships, do not lose heart. These bad times are not permanent. They are not here to stay. They have their own lifespan and at the end of it, they have to move out of one's life. When the going gets tough, the tough get going! Tough times never last, but tough people do!

At the same time, do not be proud during good times. When all is well and life is good, be reminded that it is not going to stay either! It has its own lifespan and will pass on as well!! If one soars too high during these times, then he is only going to fall harder. When it all changes, one who is grounded even in pleasant times is truly admirable. When the tide of change comes along, his feet are very much on the ground and he rides the tide easily. Why make the good times of today sad thoughts of tomorrow?

Like the spokes of a wheel, what goes up must come down. And, what has gone down must come up! Tough times are interspersed so that one can truly appreciate the good time later!

pada vigrahaH:
कालक्रमेण जगतः परिवर्तमानाः ।
kālakrameṇa jagataḥ parivartamānāḥ ।

चक्र-आर-पङ्क्तिः इव गच्छति भाग्य-पङ्क्तिः ॥
cakra-āra-paṅktiḥ iva gacchati bhāgya-paṅktiḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kaalakrameNa jagataH parivartamaanaaH ।
chakraarapa~nktiriva gachChati bhaagyapa~nktiH ॥
- svapnavaasavadatta

kaalakrameNa jagataH parivartamaanaaH ।
chakra-aarapa~nktiH iva gachChati bhaagya-pa~nktiH ॥

May 20th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
चराणामन्नमचराः दंष्ट्रिणामप्यदंष्ट्रिणः ।
अहस्ताश्च सहस्तानां शूराणां चैव भीरवः ॥

- मनुस्मृति

Transliteration:
carāṇāmannamacarāḥ daṃṣṭriṇāmapyadaṃṣṭriṇaḥ ।
ahastāśca sahastānāṃ śūrāṇāṃ caiva bhīravaḥ ॥
- manusmṛti

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Food for the mobile (deer, etc) are the immobile (grass, etc); for a predator (with sharp teeth, like lion, tiger, etc) are those without sharp teeth (deer, etc); hand-less (fruit, vegetables) for those with hands (humans); and for the brave, it is the coward.

Commentary:
Deer are very mobile, but they eat immobile grass. Carnivores who have sharp teeth eat the deer that do not have sharp teeth. Humans have hands and their food is fruit and vegetable, which do not have hands. Similarly, the brave have courage and they feed on those that do not have courage!

Isn't this a natural progression, a law of nature? Just as we accept the first three scenarios as laws of nature, so is the fourth! If one doesn't want to offer himself as food for the braver ones, he has only one choice - to embrace courage himself! There is no other way. A tiger will never attack another tiger. A deer will never eat another deer. People are supposed to eat vegetarian. (That is a different topic altogether.) Even if they are eating meat today, it is because they have attained more power in their hands (in the form of ammunition). They are able to eat other animals too, only because they have conquered their fear over the animal.

Hence, if being harassed or bullied by the stronger, do not sympathize with yourself. You are not a victim of the bullier, but a victim of your own cowardice! Stand up and speak up for yourself. No one else will do it for you. The minute you stand up for yourself, those giving you a hard time will back off. They have no other choice. It's a law of nature!

Do not be a coward and end up becoming food for the brave.  Be courageous!

pada vigrahaH:
चराणाम् अन्नम् अचराः दंष्ट्रिणाम् अपि अदंष्ट्रिणः ।
carāṇām annam acarāḥ daṃṣṭriṇām api adaṃṣṭriṇaḥ ।

अहस्ताः च सहस्तानां शूराणां च एव भीरवः ॥
ahastāḥ ca sahastānāṃ śūrāṇāṃ ca eva bhīravaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
charaaNaamannamacharaaH daMShTriNaamapyadaMShTriNaH ।
ahastaashcha sahastaanaaM shUraaNaaM chaiva bhIravaH ॥
- manusmRuti

charaaNaam annam acharaaH daMShTriNaam api adaMShTriNaH ।
ahastaaH cha sahastaanaaM shUraaNaaM cha eva bhIravaH ॥

May 19th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अकारणं रूपमकारणं कुलम् ।
महत्सु नीचेषु च कर्मैव शोभते ॥

- पञ्चरात्र

Transliteration:
akāraṇaṃ rūpamakāraṇaṃ kulam ।
mahatsu nīceṣu ca karmaiva śobhate ॥
- pañcarātra

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Beauty is of no bearing, lineage is non-instrumental. Be it the mighty or the insignificant, their deeds are that which shine.

Commentary:
Beauty is only skin deep and has little importance, just like one's lineage or family background.  The beauty (or the lack of it) is God-given.  And one's lineage is also God-given - this is destiny at work!  When those aspects are beyond one's control, how can he expect to reap benefits based on them?!

What is in one's control, however, are his actions. Actions speak volumes about a person's character, illustrating his opinions, morals and ethics.  It is one's actions that define his position in society among peers; one's actions determine if a person is noble or insignificant.

A man becomes great by deeds, not birth. A good deed is never lost!

pada vigrahaH:
अकारणं रूपम् अकारणं कुलम् ।
akāraṇaṃ rūpam akāraṇaṃ kulam ।

महत्सु नीचेषु च कर्म एव शोभते ॥
mahatsu nīceṣu ca karma eva śobhate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
akaaraNaM rUpamakaaraNaM kulam ।
mahatsu nIcheShu cha karmaiva shobhate ॥
- pa~ncharaatra

akaaraNaM rUpam akaaraNaM kulam ।
mahatsu nIcheShu cha karma eva shobhate ॥

May 18th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
नाराजके जनपदे स्वकं भवति कस्यचित् ।
मत्स्या इव नरा नित्यं भक्षयन्ति परस्परम् ॥

- रामायण, अयोध्याकाण्ड

Transliteration:
nārājake janapade svakaṃ bhavati kasyacit ।
matsyā iva narā nityaṃ bhakṣayanti parasparam ॥
- rāmāyaṇa, ayodhyākāṇḍa

Meaning of the subhAShita:
In a nation with no leader, nothing is one's own. Just like fish, people constantly consume each other.

Commentary:
Anarchy is detrimental to society on many levels. It disrupts peoples' lives because a commoner cannot even lead a life of normalcy and feel safe under his own roof. There is nothing one can claim as his own in such a land. In that case, where are peace and prosperity?

When there is no commander-in-chief for a society, everyone has their own say. Only the rough and rugged survive these scenarios. The milder ones, which is the majority of the population, suffer unjustly. Just as the bigger fish in a tank prey upon the smaller fish, the rugged devour the weak in such a society.

Anarchy is the consequence of tyranny. No power, which is not limited by laws, can be protected. Avoid such situations at all costs.

pada vigrahaH:
न अराजके जनपदे स्वकं भवति कस्यचित् ।
na arājake janapade svakaṃ bhavati kasyacit ।

मत्स्याः इव नराः नित्यं भक्षयन्ति परस्परम् ॥
matsyāḥ iva narāḥ nityaṃ bhakṣayanti parasparam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
naaraajake janapade svakaM bhavati kasyachit ।
matsyaa iva naraa nityaM bhakShayanti parasparam ॥
- raamaayaNa, ayodhyaakaaNDa

na araajake janapade svakaM bhavati kasyachit ।
matsyaaH iva naraaH nityaM bhakShayanti parasparam ॥

May 17th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
भये वा यदि वा हर्षे संप्राप्ते यो विमर्शयेत् ।
कृत्यं न कुरुते वेगात् न स सन्तापमाप्नुयात् ॥

- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
bhaye vā yadi vā harṣe saṃprāpte yo vimarśayet ।
kṛtyaṃ na kurute vegāt na sa santāpamāpnuyāt ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:
When in fear or in happiness, he who thinks his actions through and does nothing in haste will not undergo sorrow (suffering).

Commentary:
Life is a cycle. There are good times and bad times, some which bring excessive joy, while others times bring fear. In either circumstance, chances are that one will react hastily. When one reacts hastily, he is bound to make mistakes that he will regret later. However, sped arrows and spoken words can never be taken back. He would have already caused damage, be it intentional or unintentional. When such actions are set in motion, chances are that the other person will retaliate with more force, leading to an unending vicious cycle.

The poet in this verse opines that - he who thinks his actions through will save some suffering/regrets for himself as well as for others around him. Thoughtless actions have caused great harm and history is proof for that. Thoughtfulness about one's own actions is the winning way!

Construction is a slow and laborious task that takes years. Destruction can occur from one thoughtless action in a single day.

Think through your actions...

pada vigrahaH:
भये वा यदि वा हर्षे संप्राप्ते यः विमर्शयेत् ।
bhaye vā yadi vā harṣe saṃprāpte yaḥ vimarśayet ।

कृत्यं न कुरुते वेगात् न स सन्तापम् आप्नुयात् ॥
kṛtyaṃ na kurute vegāt na sa santāpam āpnuyāt ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
bhaye vaa yadi vaa harShe saMpraapte yo vimarshayet ।
kRutyaM na kurute vegaat na sa santaapamaapnuyaat ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

bhaye vaa yadi vaa harShe saMpraapte yaH vimarshayet ।
kRutyaM na kurute vegaat na sa santaapam aapnuyaat ॥

May 16th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
एकः, क्षमावतां दोषः द्वितीयो नोपपद्यते ।
यदेनं क्षमया युक्तम् अशक्तं मन्यते जनः ॥

- आपस्तम्बस्मृति

Transliteration:
ekaḥ, kṣamāvatāṃ doṣaḥ dvitīyo nopapadyate ।
yadenaṃ kṣamayā yuktam aśaktaṃ manyate janaḥ ॥
- āpastambasmṛti

Meaning of the subhAShita:
There is only one fault with the patient (people), a second non-existent. If they are conjoined with patience, people think they are incapable.

Commentary:
Genius is nothing but a great aptitude for patience.

Patience is a companion of wisdom.

Patience is also a form of action!

In spite of all these sayings, it gets mistaken. Those that exhibit patience, are presumed to be incompetent or unfit. Quite contrary to that misnomer, it takes a lot of courage and willpower to be patient! If one is patient, it is not because he is incapable to face a challenge. Reacting with rage instantaneously is the easiest thing to do.

Patience has no downside to it, except that it gives this misconception to others, says the poet. Keeping cool and being patient gives one everything (now or in the future). Well, it takes patience to reap the benefits of patience as well :-).

One moment of patience may ward off great disaster. One moment of impatience may ruin a whole life!  Be patient.

pada vigrahaH:
एकः, क्षमावतां दोषः द्वितीयः न उपपद्यते ।
ekaḥ, kṣamāvatāṃ doṣaḥ dvitīyaḥ na upapadyate ।

यत् एनं क्षमया युक्तम् अशक्तं मन्यते जनः ॥
yat enaṃ kṣamayā yuktam aśaktaṃ manyate janaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ekaH, kShamaavataaM doShaH dvitIyo nopapadyate ।
yadenaM kShamayaa yuktam ashaktaM manyate janaH ॥
- aapastambasmRuti

ekaH, kShamaavataaM doShaH dvitIyaH na upapadyate ।
yat enaM kShamayaa yuktam ashaktaM manyate janaH ॥

May 15th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यन्मातापितरौ वृत्तं तनये कुरुतः सदा ।
न सुप्रतिकारं तत्तु मात्रा पित्रा च यत्कृतम् ॥
- रामायण, अयोध्याकाण्ड

Transliteration:
yanmātāpitarau vṛttaṃ tanaye kurutaḥ sadā ।
na supratikāraṃ tattu mātrā pitrā ca yatkṛtam ॥
- rāmāyaṇa, ayodhyākāṇḍa

Meaning of the subhAShita:
The deeds (that are) constantly done by mother and father for their children... there is no requital to these actions performed by the parents.

Commentary:
Parents work tirelessly for the welfare of their children. From the moment they become aware of their status as parents, they constantly think of nothing else but the well being of their child/children and work tirelessly in their own arenas to make the child as good an individual as possible. Every parent wants their children to be better than them. In fact, they rejoice when their offspring surpasses them in their achievements.

There is nothing in this world that one can give to his parents to make up for their efforts. No amount of wealth or money can outweigh their dedication towards their children. The one meagre effort one can do is: he can try and emulate all the values his parents tried to imbibe in him. Parents are happiest when their children live worthy lives.

Like they say, to understand a parents' love one must raise children himself. Then it becomes evident to him that there is no retribution to it!

pada vigrahaH:
यत् मातापितरौ वृत्तं तनये कुरुतः सदा ।
yat mātāpitarau vṛttaṃ tanaye kurutaḥ sadā ।

न सुप्रतिकारं तत्तु मात्रा पित्रा च यत्कृतम् ॥
na supratikāraṃ tattu mātrā pitrā ca yatkṛtam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yanmaataapitarau vRuttaM tanaye kurutaH sadaa ।
na supratikaaraM tattu maatraa pitraa cha yatkRutam ॥
- raamaayaNa, ayodhyaakaaNDa

yat maataapitarau vRuttaM tanaye kurutaH sadaa ।
na supratikaaraM tattu maatraa pitraa cha yatkRutam ॥

May 14th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
गते शोको न कर्तव्यः भविष्यं नैव चिन्तयेत् ।
वर्तमानेन कालेन प्रवर्तन्ते विचक्षणाः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
gate śoko na kartavyaḥ bhaviṣyaṃ naiva cintayet ।
vartamānena kālena pravartante vicakṣaṇāḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Do not anguish about the past, do not think about the future. The intelligent preside only in the present time.

Commentary:
There is no point crying over spilt milk!

Also, do not count the chickens before the eggs hatch either!!

Past deeds have happened and gone. No matter how much one thinks about or frets about them, there is nothing that he can do to erase or change what happened.

The future is not here yet. Man proposes, God disposes! The outcome of the future is in nobody's hands. So, what is the point in wasting the present time in worrying about the future? Shouldn't we focus our energy on our current actions and leave the future result to, well..., the future?

The past is history, the future is a mystery, today is a gift. Live in the present, it makes it easier to handle the past.  It brightens the prospects of the future too.

pada vigrahaH:
गते शोकः न कर्तव्यः भविष्यं न एव चिन्तयेत् ।
gate śokaḥ na kartavyaḥ bhaviṣyaṃ na eva cintayet ।

वर्तमानेन कालेन प्रवर्तन्ते विचक्षणाः ॥
vartamānena kālena pravartante vicakṣaṇāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
gate shoko na kartavyaH bhaviShyaM naiva chintayet ।
vartamaanena kaalena pravartante vichakShaNaaH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

gate shokaH na kartavyaH bhaviShyaM na eva chintayet ।
vartamaanena kaalena pravartante vichakShaNaaH ॥

May 13th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
ऐक्यं बलं समाजस्य तदभावे स दुर्बलः ।
तस्मादैक्यं प्रशंसन्ति दृढं राष्ट्रहितैशिणः ॥
Transliteration:
aikyaṃ balaṃ samājasya tadabhāve sa durbalaḥ ।
tasmādaikyaṃ praśaṃsanti dṛḍhaṃ rāṣṭrahitaiśiṇaḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Unity is the strength of society; scarcity of which makes it weak. Hence, the well-wishers of the empires have upheld unity.

Commentary:
There is immense strength in unity. When a society is unified in one force, it becomes very difficult for an outsider to penetrate and infiltrate into their system. When there is a scarcity for this unifying force, the whole society and the empire/nation, in turn, become vulnerable. Hence, the well-wishers of nations have sung praises of unity. It has been a vital force during the freedom struggles of all nations.

If the same principle is brought down to a family unit, it still holds good! Unity in a family keeps the family together and that boosts the confidence and faith of each individual person as well.

At workplaces, 'team spirit' is highly regarded and people who possess it are considered 'easy to work with'.

It is even seen in the story of the 'Pigeons and the Hunter' where the birds could all escape easily because of unity.

The famous quote, 'united we stand, divided we fall' holds good at all times, in all eras, and at all levels.

pada vigrahaH:
ऐक्यं बलं समाजस्य तत् अभावे सः दुर्बलः ।
aikyaṃ balaṃ samājasya tat abhāve saḥ durbalaḥ ।

तस्मात् ऐक्यं प्रशंसन्ति दृढं राष्ट्र-हितैशिणः ॥
tasmāt aikyaṃ praśaṃsanti dṛḍhaṃ rāṣṭra-hitaiśiṇaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
aikyaM balaM samaajasya tadabhaave sa durbalaH ।
tasmaadaikyaM prashaMsanti dRuDhaM raaShTrahitaishiNaH ॥

aikyaM balaM samaajasya tat abhaave saH durbalaH ।
tasmaat aikyaM prashaMsanti dRuDhaM raaShTra-hitaishiNaH ॥

May 12th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
कार्यार्थी भजते लोके यावत् कार्यं न सिध्यति ।
उत्तीर्णे च परे पारे नौकायाः किं प्रयोजनम् ॥
Transliteration:
kāryārthī bhajate loke yāvat kāryaṃ na sidhyati ।
uttīrṇe ca pare pāre naukāyāḥ kiṃ prayojanam ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:
In this world, people turn to one in times of need, only as long as the purpose is not achieved. After crossing to the other bank, what is the use of a boat?

Commentary:
It is experienced by one and all, the feeling of being 'used' by near and dear ones for their own benefit! It is easy to get bogged down by such experiences. But if we think about it, in reality, we probably have done the same to someone in the past.  It is just that we decide to blind ourselves under such circumstances.

The poet says that one justifies his actions thus: "I have no use for a boat after crossing the river. It is not necessary that I have an agenda or motive against the boat itself. But that doesn't mean I will carry the boat 'on my head' so that the feelings of the boat don't get hurt!"

Sometimes, it may be as simple as 'their purpose was served and they moved on!'  People come into one's life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When the purpose is served, it is time to move on. It is the law of nature that anything is sought after for only as long as there is a need for it. It is prudent to move on after that, without any hard feelings. There are better times to come and more people to meet.

Take life in stride.  Beware of 'users' and don't get bogged down by these situations.

pada vigrahaH:
कार्यार्थी भजते लोके यावत् कार्यं न सिध्यति ।
kāryārthī bhajate loke yāvat kāryaṃ na sidhyati ।

उत्तीर्णे च परे पारे नौकायाः किं प्रयोजनम् ॥
uttīrṇe ca pare pāre naukāyāḥ kiṃ prayojanam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kaaryaarthI bhajate loke yaavat kaaryaM na sidhyati ।
uttIrNe cha pare paare naukaayaaH kiM prayojanam ॥

kaaryaarthI bhajate loke yaavat kaaryaM na sidhyati ।
uttIrNe cha pare paare naukaayaaH kiM prayojanam ॥

May 11th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
गर्वाय परपीडायै दुर्जनस्य धनं बलम् ।
सुजनस्य तु दानाय रक्षणाय च ते सदा ॥
Transliteration:
garvāya parapīḍāyai durjanasya dhanaṃ balam ।
sujanasya tu dānāya rakṣaṇāya ca te sadā ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Wealth and power of an evildoer are for vanity and afflicting others. For a good person, they are for giving and protection always.

Commentary:
Sins are not committed by the wealth and power used. It is entirely on the person in charge of those possessions. His attitude, priorities and how they are put to use are what matter.

Wealth in the hands of an evildoer is a tool to boost his pride and arrogance. Authority and power given to such a person are misused to inflict harm on people around them. They are so consumed by their own selfish and evil motives that they can't see beyond themselves.

The same exact wealth in the hands of a noble and pious being would be put to use in giving to others, for the betterment of society. A high office under their supervision would be applied for the protection and prosperity of others.

The sad truth is that most evil is done by people who never make up their minds to be good or evil. The function of wisdom is to discriminate between evil and good. Surely there is in human nature, an inherent propensity to extract all the good out of all the evil. Let's make sure that this inborn tendency gets enough room to grow and enhance the quality of living for everyone.

pada vigrahaH:
गर्वाय पर-पीडायै दुर्जनस्य धनं बलम् ।
garvāya para-pīḍāyai durjanasya dhanaṃ balam ।

सुजनस्य तु दानाय रक्षणाय च ते सदा ॥
sujanasya tu dānāya rakṣaṇāya ca te sadā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
garvaaya parapIDaayai durjanasya dhanaM balam ।
sujanasya tu daanaaya rakShaNaaya cha te sadaa ॥

garvaaya para-pIDaayai durjanasya dhanaM balam ।
sujanasya tu daanaaya rakShaNaaya cha te sadaa ॥

May 10th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
स्वयं पञ्चमुखः पुत्रौ गजाननषडाननौ ।
दिगम्बरः कथं जीवेत् अन्नपूर्णा न चेद्गृहे ॥

Transliteration:
svayaṃ pañcamukhaḥ putrau gajānanaṣaḍānanau ।
digambaraḥ kathaṃ jīvet annapūrṇā na cedgṛhe ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:
He himself has 5 faces, his children are 'elephant faced' (Gajānana - Gaṇeśa) and '6 faced' (Ṣaḍānana - Ṣaṇmukha). How would Lord Shiva survive if mother Annapūrṇā was not at home?

Commentary:
This is a not only a beautiful and humorous verse, but it also upholds and epitomizes the role of a mother in the family!

Lord Shiva has 5 faces himself. Among the 2 sons he has, one is elephant faced and the other has 6 faces! Just imagine a dad feeding all those mouths! The poet says, this is not possible for a dad, even if he is God! :) Such is the role of a mother. She is the 'one and only' and is hence irreplaceable!! She toils tirelessly day in and day out, putting her likes and dislikes aside, placing her family as her highest priority. Whether she gets any credit or not, she does her duties constantly. The only remuneration she expects is for her family to fare well! Her dedication and sincerity towards her family are unmatched. No words are enough to say about her semblance and presence in making a house a home.

Mothers hold the hands of their children for a short time, but their hearts forever!

The sweetest sounds given to mortals are heard in 'mother', 'home', and 'heaven!'

Gratitude to mothers now and always!

P.S.: One tradition perceives Shiva as īśāna (pañca-vaktra atrinetra), that is, Shiva combines in him: tatpuruṣa, vāmadeva, aghora, sadyojāta and īśāna, representing: wind, water, fire, creative function and space respectively. Thus Shiva's five heads manifest the five cosmic elements and functions.

pada vigrahaH:
स्वयं पञ्चमुखः पुत्रौ गजानन-षडाननौ ।
svayaṃ pañcamukhaḥ putrau gajānana-ṣaḍānanau ।

दिगम्बरः कथं जीवेत् अन्नपूर्णा न चेत् गृहे ॥
digambaraḥ kathaṃ jīvet annapūrṇā na cet gṛhe ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
svayaM pa~nchamukhaH putrau gajaananaShaDaananau ।
digambaraH kathaM jIvet annapUrNaa na chedgRuhe ॥

svayaM pa~nchamukhaH putrau gajaanana-ShaDaananau ।
digambaraH kathaM jIvet annapUrNaa na chet gRuhe ॥

May 9th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
मूर्खस्य पञ्चचिन्हानि गर्वो दुर्वचनं तथा ।
क्रोधश्च दृढवादश्च परवाक्येष्वनादरः ॥
Transliteration:
mūrkhasya pañcacinhāni garvo durvacanaṃ tathā ।
krodhaśca dṛḍhavādaśca paravākyeṣvanādaraḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Five signs of foolish people are: vanity; despicable words; anger; relentless argument; and lack of respect for others' words.

Commentary:
One's acumen and intelligence are gauged through his conduct and mannerisms. This poet opines that there are five stark symptoms of a fool:
  1. Arrogance is a trait of the ignorant. Arrogance diminishes wisdom. It forces one to falter, make mistakes and feed the ego.
  2. Using obnoxious and despicable words is not only disrespectful to others, but it also brings down one's stature. Being hurtful and offensive to others is not warranted under any circumstance.
  3. Anger takes one to trouble, pride keeps him there. The wise do not opt for trouble, only a dunce does.
  4. Intellectual conversations and exchange of ideas are pro-active towards growth and learning. However, a dunce finds it amusing to relentlessly argue on a baseless point! He keeps insisting on his viewpoint without purpose or proper evidence.
  5. It is not enough if one expresses his opinion, he needs to heed the opinions of others too. Showing negligence or disrespect towards others is a screaming symbol of idiotism.
Wise men speak because they have something to say, a fool because he has to say something!  Choose to be wise!!

pada vigrahaH:
मूर्खस्य पञ्च चिन्हानि गर्वः दुर्वचनं तथा ।
mūrkhasya pañca cinhāni garvaḥ durvacanaṃ tathā ।

क्रोधः च दृढवादः च पर-वाक्येषु अनादरः ॥
krodhaḥ ca dṛḍhavādaḥ ca para-vākyeṣu anādaraḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
mUrkhasya pa~nchachinhaani garvo durvachanaM tathaa ।
krodhashcha dRuDhavaadashcha paravaakyeShvanaadaraH ॥

mUrkhasya pa~ncha chinhaani garvaH durvachanaM tathaa ।
krodhaH cha dRuDhavaadaH cha para-vaakyeShu anaadaraH ॥

May 8th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
विद्वत्वं च नृपत्वं च नैव तुल्यं कदाचन ।
स्वदेशे पूज्यते राजा विद्वान् सर्वत्र पूज्यते ॥

- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
vidvatvaṃ ca nṛpatvaṃ ca naiva tulyaṃ kadācana ।
svadeśe pūjyate rājā vidvān sarvatra pūjyate ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Scholarship and kingship can never be equated. A king is respected in his own land, a scholar is revered everywhere.

Commentary:
A king is the Lord of his own land or country. All his subjects respect him for the office he holds. But that only goes so far. Beyond his land, he cannot execute his authority.

Knowledge and scholarship have no boundaries of any kind. Knowledge is the universal truth; it holds good at all times and on all lands. Therefore, a scholar is revered everywhere.

Gaining knowledge is much more beneficial than conquering kingdoms!

pada vigrahaH:
विद्वत्वं च नृपत्वं च न एव तुल्यं कदाचन ।
vidvatvaṃ ca nṛpatvaṃ ca na eva tulyaṃ kadācana ।

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

Alternate Transliteration:
vidvatvaM cha nRupatvaM cha naiva tulyaM kadaachana ।
svadeshe pUjyate raajaa vidvaan sarvatra pUjyate ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

vidvatvaM cha nRupatvaM cha na eva tulyaM kadaachana ।
svadeshe pUjyate raajaa vidvaan sarvatra pUjyate ॥

May 7th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उष्ट्राणां च विवाहेषु गीतं गायन्ति गर्दभाः ।
परस्परं प्रशंसन्ति अहो रूपमहो ध्वनिः ॥

- समयोचितपद्यमालिका

Transliteration:
uṣṭrāṇāṃ ca vivāheṣu gītaṃ gāyanti gardabhāḥ ।
parasparaṃ praśaṃsanti aho rūpamaho dhvaniḥ ॥
- samayocitapadyamālikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:
In the wedding of camels, donkeys sing the song. They praise each other, 'ah! the form!', 'ah! the voice!'

Commentary:
The camel is an animal who is not particularly popular for his grace and form. Similarly, a donkey is an animal whose braying is not exactly famous for melody. But this scene is of the wedding of camels where the donkeys are singing in merry! Like that is not enough, they are praising each other for their beauty and tone :-).

The scenario is concocted as an example of false praise. When one praises, it does not warrant the person praised to let it get to his head. Just because the camels thought that the donkeys sang wonderfully, it is not true in reality.

At the same time, only the finest can recognize finesse. A donkey isn't really the best person to identify beauty.

None are more taken by flattery than the proud, who wish to be the best but are not. Beware of flatterers and watch your own reactions to such fawning and eyewash compliments!

pada vigrahaH:
उष्ट्राणां च विवाहेषु गीतं गायन्ति गर्दभाः ।
uṣṭrāṇāṃ ca vivāheṣu gītaṃ gāyanti gardabhāḥ ।

परस्परं प्रशंसन्ति अहो रूपम् अहो ध्वनिः ॥
parasparaṃ praśaṃsanti aho rūpam aho dhvaniḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
uShTraaNaaM cha vivaaheShu gItaM gaayanti gardabhaaH ।
parasparaM prashaMsanti aho rUpamaho dhvaniH ॥
- samayochitapadyamaalikaa

uShTraaNaaM cha vivaaheShu gItaM gaayanti gardabhaaH ।
parasparaM prashamsanti aho rUpam aho dhvaniH ॥

May 6th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
दीपो भक्षयते ध्वान्तं कज्जलञ्च प्रसूयते ।
यदन्नं भक्षयेन्नित्यं जायते तादृशी प्रजाः ॥

- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
dīpo bhakṣayate dhvāntaṃ kajjalañca prasūyate ।
yadannaṃ bhakṣayennityaṃ jāyate tādṛśī prajāḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:
A lamp devours darkness and emits (dark) soot. (Similarly), whatever food is consumed regularly, such a progeny is born.

Commentary:
When a lamp is lit to eradicate darkness, it will definitely light up the place. However, it also gives out dark black soot, as if, an indication of the darkness it consumed. This metaphor is used to illustrate that just as one's food habits are, such will be the offspring born. The food one consumes regularly has a lot to say about his attitudes and tendencies. One's food habits dictate the temperament of not just himself, but his offspring as well!

It is said in the Vedas, 'अन्नात् पुरुषः' (annāt puruṣaḥ) which means that the inert energy in the food transforms into living energy in the being.  This is said in the Vedas again and again, 'अन्नाद्वै प्राणः' (annādvai prāṇaḥ).  Because of food, the vital energies and bodily functions shall remain!  When such is the case, it means - what one eats is directly what one is!!  It is not an indirect relationship.  One's temperament and even predicaments are all influenced by the food one consumes.  When one's attributes are in a certain way, when he makes progeny, they will be the very reflection of him.  How can it be otherwise?!!

Be mindful of your habits. As you sow, so shall you reap.  As you eat, so is thy progeny.

pada vigrahaH:
दीपः भक्षयते ध्वान्तं कज्जलं च प्रसूयते ।
dīpaḥ bhakṣayate dhvāntaṃ kajjalaṃ ca prasūyate ।

यत् अन्नं भक्षयेत् नित्यं जायते तादृशी प्रजाः ॥
yat annaṃ bhakṣayet nityaṃ jāyate tādṛśī prajāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
deepo bhakShayate dhvaantaM kajjala~ncha prasUyate ।
yadannaM bhakShayennityaM jaayate taadRushI prajaaH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

deepaH bhakShayate dhvaantaM kajjalaM cha prasUyate ।
yat annaM bhakShayet nityaM jaayate taadRushI prajaaH ॥

May 5th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अग्नौ दग्धं जले मग्नं हृतं तस्करपार्थिवैः ।
तत्सर्वं दानमित्याहुः यदि क्लैब्यं न भाषते ॥

- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
agnau dagdhaṃ jale magnaṃ hṛtaṃ taskarapārthivaiḥ ।
tatsarvaṃ dānamityāhuḥ yadi klaibyaṃ na bhāṣate ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:
(Anything) burnt in a fire, drowned in water, snatched by thieves or kings - all these would be called 'dāna' (giving), only if (one) doesn't speak woefully of it.

Commentary:
It is all in the attitude!

When an act of giving is performed, it is debited into one's account of virtues immediately. 'Giving', is not necessarily what is donated. Even something lost to natural calamities like fire and water can be accounted for sacrifice, provided the approach is right. Even if possessions are stolen or seized by the kings or law enforcers (could be as tax or in any other form), when handled gracefully, can be accredited as dānam too.

When material possessions are lost for any reason, if one doesn't lament about it and instead thinks that it was not meant to be his anymore, he gains more than he loses (in the form of virtues)! On the contrary, even if one gives generous charities but is emotionally attached to the object, then his act of giving is futile. Hence, attitude is what defines everything and every action in this world.

Bygones are bygones. Do not fret about them. Better times are yet to come!

pada vigrahaH:
अग्नौ दग्धं जले मग्नं हृतं तस्कर-पार्थिवैः ।
agnau dagdhaṃ jale magnaṃ hṛtaṃ taskara-pārthivaiḥ ।

तत् सर्वं दानम् इति आहुः यदि क्लैब्यं न भाषते ॥
tat sarvaṃ dānam iti āhuḥ yadi klaibyaṃ na bhāṣate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
agnau dagdhaM jale magnaM hRutaM taskarapaarthivaiH ।
tatsarvaM daanamityaahuH yadi klaibyaM na bhaaShate ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

agnau dagdhaM jale magnaM hRutaM taskara-paarthivaiH ।
tat sarvaM daanam iti aahuH yadi klaibyaM na bhaaShate ॥