July 31st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यावत्स्वस्थो ह्ययं देहः यावन्मृत्युश्च दूरतः ।
तावदात्महितं कुर्यात् प्राणान्ते किं करिष्यति ॥
- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
yāvatsvastho hyayaṃ dehaḥ yāvanmṛtyuśca dūrataḥ ।
tāvadātmahitaṃ kuryāt prāṇānte kiṃ kariṣyati ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

So long as the body is healthy, (and) so long as death is far away (when younger), perform deeds beneficial for the soul. What can (one) do at the end of life (when death is near)? 

Commentary:

When in good health, most time and energy are spent accumulating wealth, possessions, and material gains. The youthful years are often consumed by the pursuit of pleasure. However, indulgences in seeking enjoyment only hinder the soul’s progress. The poet wisely advises that when one is healthy and strong, one should engage in actions that benefit the soul. No one knows when their last breath will come, but it’s certain that youth fades, old age comes, and death follows. During the years when death seems distant, it is the ideal time to perform virtuous deeds. What can one accomplish on their deathbed when they are barely able to care for themselves?

The common misconception among the young is that virtuous deeds can be postponed until later in life. The reality is that one should begin the journey toward spiritual growth as early as possible. A single lifetime is often not enough to reflect on and achieve everything; one cannot expect to accomplish it all in the later years. Additionally, the accumulation of unwanted tendencies (vāsanas) in this life makes it harder to unlearn and relearn in the later stages.

NOW is the time to act. Procrastination is not an option when it comes to the soul. Every day should be a reflection: are your actions helping your soul evolve, or are they causing it to stagnate? Only through consistent reflection and proactive steps can one move toward spiritual progress.

pada vigrahaH:
यावत् स्वस्थः हि अयं देहः यावत् मृत्युः च दूरतः ।
yāvat svasthaḥ hi ayaṃ dehaḥ yāvat mṛtyuḥ ca dūrataḥ ।

तावत् आत्म-हितं कुर्यात् प्राण-अन्ते किं करिष्यति ॥
tāvat ātma-hitaṃ kuryāt prāṇa-ante kiṃ kariṣyati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yaavatsvastho hyayaM dehaH yaavanmRutyushcha dUrataH ।
taavadaatmahitaM kuryaat praaNaante kiM kariShyati ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

yaavat svasthaH hi ayaM dehaH yaavat mRutyuH cha dUrataH ।

taavat aatma-hitaM kuryaat praaNa-ante kiM kariShyati ॥

July 30th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सत्येन धार्यते पृथिवी सत्येन तपते रविः ।
सत्येन वाति वायुश्च सर्वं सत्ये प्रतिष्ठितम् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
satyena dhāryate pṛthivī satyena tapate raviḥ ।
satyena vāti vāyuśca sarvaṃ satye pratiṣṭhitam ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The earth is held up by truth; the sun burns based on truth; even the wind blows based on truth. Everything is established on truth.

Commentary:

The scriptures resound these sentences: Truth is all-pervading! It is eternal and unperturbed. Only that is the truth, everything else is untruth!

The quest of humans is for this eternal truth. All phenomena of the world are working based on this one factor alone!

The earth is held up based on the truth that the gravity of the sun and the earth's own gravitational pull hold it up. That remains true always. The sun burns and shines based on truth. The wind blows based on truth.

If all these phenomena decided to act differently each day, the world would be one colossal chaos!  The sun can't decide to be cold one day nor can the wind decide to burn suddenly!!  Beings know what to expect from each of these elements because they trust that they are all established in their own truths.

Truth upholds the very workings of the world.  This is the very basis for our existence!

pada vigrahaH:
सत्येन धार्यते पृथिवी सत्येन तपते रविः ।
satyena dhāryate pṛthivī satyena tapate raviḥ ।

सत्येन वाति वायुः च सर्वं सत्ये प्रतिष्ठितम् ॥
satyena vāti vāyuḥ ca sarvaṃ satye pratiṣṭhitam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
satyena dhaaryate pRuthivI satyena tapate raviH ।
satyena vaati vaayushcha sarvaM satye pratiShThitam ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

satyena dhaaryate pRuthivI satyena tapate raviH ।

satyena vaati vaayuH cha sarvaM satye pratiShThitam ॥

July 29th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वित्तेन रक्ष्यते धर्मः विद्या योगेन रक्ष्यते ।
मृदुना रक्ष्यते भूपः सत्स्त्रिया रक्ष्यते गृहम् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
vittena rakṣyate dharmaḥ vidyā yogena rakṣyate ।
mṛdunā rakṣyate bhūpaḥ satstriyā rakṣyate gṛham ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Virtue is protected by wealth; knowledge is guarded by practice; gentleness protects a king; a home is secured by an excellent lady.

Commentary:

Everyone and everything has a protector!

Wealth serves as the guardian of virtue. For example, performing acts of welfare for society is a virtue, and such actions often require wealth. Since wealth is used to uphold and promote dharma, it becomes a keeper of virtue.

Knowledge, or vidyā, is safeguarded through practice. Simply earning and accumulating knowledge isn’t enough; it must be applied and practiced daily. Without use, knowledge deteriorates, becoming rusty and ineffective. Thus, practice is the protector of knowledge.

Gentleness protects a king. This might seem unusual, but it holds true. Gentleness here refers to the king’s treatment of his subjects. By handling them with care and respect, he earns their loyalty and trust, minimizes internal enemies, and ensures a stable and enduring reign. A gentle demeanor is, therefore, the guardian of a king.

The most essential unit of society is the home, and its guardian is the lady of the house. She is the foundation, managing the family’s needs, instilling values, disciplining children, ensuring health, and maintaining harmony.

An intelligent woman imparts the right values to her children. A well-rounded woman nourishes her family with thoughtful choices. A level-headed woman prioritizes her household’s needs and keeps everyone balanced. Together, these qualities define her excellence and secure the home. She creates a safe haven, allowing everyone to thrive and be their best selves.

As the saying goes, “गृहिणी गृहमुच्यते” (gṛhiṇī gṛhamucyate)—the home is defined by the lady. It should be understood as “गृहम् उच्यते” (gṛham ucyate—upholds the house), not “गृहं मुच्यते” (gṛhaṃ mucyate—lets go of the household). A woman has the power to make or break a home—it is truly in her hands!

pada vigrahaH:

वित्तेन रक्ष्यते धर्मः विद्या योगेन रक्ष्यते ।
vittena rakṣyate dharmaḥ vidyā yogena rakṣyate ।

मृदुना रक्ष्यते भूपः सत्-स्त्रिया रक्ष्यते गृहम् ॥
mṛdunā rakṣyate bhūpaḥ sat-striyā rakṣyate gṛham ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
vittena rakShyate dharmaH vidyaa yogena rakShyate ।
mRudunaa rakShyate bhUpaH satstriyaa rakShyate gRuham ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

vittena rakShyate dharmaH vidyaa yogena rakShyate ।

mRudunaa rakShyate bhUpaH sat-striyaa rakShyate gRuham ॥

July 28th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अग्निर्देवो द्विजातीनां मुनीनां हृदि दैवतम् ।
प्रतिमा स्वल्पबुद्धीनां सर्वत्र समदर्शिनः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
agnirdevo dvijātīnāṃ munīnāṃ hṛdi daivatam ।
pratimā svalpabuddhīnāṃ sarvatra samadarśinaḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

For the twice-born (brahmins), fire is God. For the ascetics, the Lord is in their hearts. For those with very little insight, it is in the statue. For those with equanimity, He is everywhere!

Commentary:

A person born as a Brahmin, is considered to have two births—first, when he actually takes birth, and second, after the sacred thread ceremony. For him, the rituals taught and imbibed are divine and he reveres them as God. The fire used in those rituals is God to him.

The ascetics carry the Lord in their hearts. They truly connect with their inner divine spirit. Everyone has the divine in their hearts, but a personal connection to it is what makes a world of difference.

Those with limited insight consider 'seeing' Him as seeing a statue of Him. They worship the statue with utmost reverence but do not translate that to the living world around them.

However, those with a sense of equanimity see God in everything and everywhere! They identify the divinity in each and everything/being around them. To them, God is not just in a statue, fire, or a ritual. He is in every aspect and form around them.  Every action they undertake is an offering to Him and every breath they breathe is His miracle!

How each one cognizes the Lord is entirely up to him. Each one perceives God as per his own spiritual maturity. Spiritual maturity is not attained with merely the passing of the years but by obedience to His will. 

pada vigrahaH:

अग्निः देवः द्विजातीनां मुनीनां हृदि दैवतम् ।
agniḥ devaḥ dvijātīnāṃ munīnāṃ hṛdi daivatam ।

प्रतिमा स्वल्प-बुद्धीनां सर्वत्र सम-दर्शिनः ॥
pratimā svalpa-buddhīnāṃ sarvatra sama-darśinaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
agnirdevo dvijaatInaaM munInaaM hRudi daivatam ।
pratimaa svalpabuddhInaaM sarvatra samadarshinaH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

agniH devaH dvijaatInaaM munInaaM hRudi daivatam ।

pratimaa svalpa-buddhInaaM sarvatra sama-darshinaH ॥

July 27th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
दारिद्र्यनाशनं दानं शीलं दुर्गतिनाशनम् ।
अज्ञाननाशिनी प्रज्ञा भावना भयनाशिनी ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
dāridryanāśanaṃ dānaṃ śīlaṃ durgatināśanam ।
ajñānanāśinī prajñā bhāvanā bhayanāśinī ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Giving quells poverty, integrity dispels bad times, awareness dismisses ignorance, (and) contemplation dissipates fear.

Commentary:

A little bit of light dispels a lot of darkness!  Similarly, 

1. Giving is an action that quells the poverty of the giver and the receiver alike! The receiver gains what he needs and the giver gains on the scale of virtue and in learning selflessness. Hence, giving eradicates poverty on different levels for all the people involved.
2. No matter the circumstances or conditions, trading values, and integrity is not a choice. Everything else may be in shambles, but his soul won't be! Be it good times or bad times, a person's integrity protects him and allows him to come out unscathed.
3. Awareness and ignorance are antonyms of each other, just like light and darkness. These two swords can never fit in one scabbard. When one is in, the other is out! When one has awareness,  ignorance gets dismissed automatically!
4. Is one afraid in his own house, even if it is dark? Because of familiarity, one will not feel intimidated. It makes it easy for him to contemplate the time and space essential to navigate himself even in darkness. This contemplation dissipates all fears in him and makes his perception of the surroundings clearer.

To turn any weakness into strength, acquire the right tool that dispels the weakness from its very roots. That is success!

pada vigrahaH:
दारिद्र्य-नाशनं दानं शीलं दुर्गति-नाशनम् ।
dāridrya-nāśanaṃ dānaṃ śīlaṃ durgati-nāśanam ।

अज्ञान-नाशिनी प्रज्ञा भावना भय-नाशिनी ॥
ajñāna-nāśinī prajñā bhāvanā bhaya-nāśinī ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
daaridryanaashanaM daanaM shIlaM durgatinaashanam ।
aj~naananaashinI praj~naa bhaavanaa bhayanaashinI ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

daaridrya-naashanaM daanaM shIlaM durgati-naashanam ।

aj~naana-naashinI praj~naa bhaavanaa bhaya-naashinI ॥

July 26th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
कामधेनुगुणाविद्या ह्यकाले फलदायिनी ।
प्रवासे मातृसदृशी विद्या गुप्‍तं धनं स्मृतम् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
kāmadhenuguṇāvidyā hyakāle phaladāyinī ।
pravāse mātṛsadṛśī vidyā gup‍taṃ dhanaṃ smṛtam ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Knowledge (vidyā) has the attributes of kāmadhenu (the celestial cow, that grants all wishes) and bears fruit in inopportune times too. It (knowledge) is equivalent to a mother when away from home.  Knowledge is deemed to be a hidden stash of wealth.

Commentary:

There is no scarcity of subhāṣitas on vidyā. In this one, the poet says vidyā is like kāmadhenu, the celestial cow that grants all wishes. It gives one the means to achieve anything he desires! How he puts it to use is up to him! One can use his vidyā to attain more money, fame, name, or better yet, Mukti (salvation). 

Knowledge is compared to a mother who nurtures because knowledge fosters one's thinking. Just as a mother's proximity gives a safe haven to her child, so does knowledge give confidence. The confidence gained through knowledge makes one feel at ease even when in a foreign land. Unfamiliar grounds can be trodden with surety when armed with a weapon called knowledge. It is an invisible treasure chest that keeps providing one with the tools as and when needed but it can't be stolen by anyone. It is all his own to keep forever!

Knowledge is power. Equip yourself with it!

pada vigrahaH:
कामधेनु-गुणा-विद्या हि अकाले फल-दायिनी ।
kāmadhenu-guṇā-vidyā hi akāle phala-dāyinī ।

प्रवासे मातृ-सदृशी विद्या गुप्‍तं धनं स्मृतम् ॥
pravāse mātṛ-sadṛśī vidyā gup‍taṃ dhanaṃ smṛtam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kaamadhenuguNaavidyaa hyakaale phaladaayinI ।
pravaase maatRusadRushI vidyaa guptaM dhanaM smRutam ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

kaamadhenu-guNaa-vidyaa hi akaale phala-daayinI ।

pravaase maatRu-sadRushI vidyaa guptaM dhanaM smRutam ॥

July 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
मूर्खस्तु परिहर्तव्यः प्रत्यक्षो द्विपदः पशुः ।
भिनत्ति वाक्यशूलेन अदृष्टः कण्ठको यथा ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
mūrkhastu parihartavyaḥ pratyakṣo dvipadaḥ paśuḥ ।
bhinatti vākyaśūlena adṛṣṭaḥ kaṇṭhako yathā ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A foolish person should be shunned just like a two-legged animal. He pierces with verbal spears, just as an invisible thorn does.

Commentary:

When one is pricked by a thorn, it hurts, and the immediate instinct is to remove it. But what if the thorn is invisible or lodged so deep that it cannot be reached? The poet likens a foolish person to such a thorn—difficult to get rid of and a constant source of irritation. Similarly, an ignorant individual uses rude and thoughtless words as verbal spears, relentlessly poking and provoking others just to elicit a reaction.

The poet takes this comparison further, equating such a person to an animal with only two legs. While most animals have four legs, this two-legged "animal" exhibits behavior no different from theirs. Animals act instinctively, often unaware of the emotions or feelings of others. Yet, even animals have been known to display compassion in unexpected circumstances. But this two-legged "animal," devoid of empathy and reason, seems beyond remedy. The wisest course of action is simply to avoid such a person.

Humans are celebrated as "the cleverest living beings." Let us live up to that reputation and not devolve into "two-legged fools." A little wisdom and empathy can preserve the dignity of being truly human.

pada vigrahaH:
मूर्खः तु परिहर्तव्यः प्रत्यक्षः द्विपदः पशुः ।
mūrkhaḥ tu parihartavyaḥ pratyakṣaḥ dvipadaḥ paśuḥ ।

भिनत्ति वाक्य-शूलेन अ-दृष्टः कण्ठकः यथा ॥
bhinatti vākya-śūlena a-dṛṣṭaḥ kaṇṭhakaḥ yathā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
mUrkhastu parihartavyaH pratyakSho dvipadaH pashuH ।
bhinatti vaakyashUlena adRuShTaH kaNThako yathaa ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

mUrkhaH tu parihartavyaH pratyakShaH dvipadaH pashuH ।

bhinatti vaakya-shUlena a-dRuShTaH kaNThakaH yathaa ॥

July 24th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
एकवृक्षसमारूढाः नाना वर्णा विहङ्गमाः ।
प्रभाते दशसु दिक्षु तत्र का परिवेदना ॥
- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
ekavṛkṣasamārūḍhāḥ nānā varṇā vihaṅgamāḥ ।
prabhāte daśasu dikṣu tatra kā parivedanā ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Birds of different colored feathers, all rest on one tree.  Come morning, (all) shall fly off in ten directions. What is there to agonize about?!

Commentary:

A tree houses many colorful birds and gives them shelter to sleep in. Come morning, even before the slightest crack of dawn, they all fly away in different directions in search of a seed or a worm. Does it make sense for the tree to lament and agonize about the birds saying, 'Oh, I gave them a safe haven all night long, in the morning they do not care for me and fly away on their own accord'?

The same happens in life! People from different walks of life meet for different purposes at different points in time. When that purpose is served, they move on. What is in it to agonize about?! Feeling that someone should be indebted and subservient to him forever is baseless! We meet people for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Sometimes, there are short lessons to be learnt or to be shared. At times, the exchange of lessons needs a little more time. Also, some people and relationships take an entire lifetime to learn, share, and grow together. Then again, when that growth is attained, even they pass on!

When here and now, do your duties cheerfully and with utmost dedication. Just like the tree does, provide shelter and fruit to those in need. Learn a lesson or two from each passerby.  Do not lament upon parting ways.

pada vigrahaH:
एक-वृक्ष-समारूढाः नाना वर्णाः विहङ्गमाः ।
eka-vṛkṣa-samārūḍhāḥ nānā varṇāḥ vihaṅgamāḥ ।

प्रभाते दशसु दिक्षु तत्र का परिवेदना ॥
prabhāte daśasu dikṣu tatra kā parivedanā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ekavRukShasamaarUDhaaH naanaa varNaa viha~ngamaaH ।
prabhaate dashasu dikShu tatra kaa parivedanaa ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

eka-vRukSha-samaarUDhaaH naanaa varNaaH viha~ngamaaH ।

prabhaate dashasu dikShu tatra kaa parivedanaa ॥

July 23rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सम्पत्सु महतां चित्तं भवत्युत्पलकोमलम् ।
आपत्सु च महाशैलशिलासंघातकर्कशम् ॥
- नीतिशतक

Transliteration:
sampatsu mahatāṃ cittaṃ bhavatyutpalakomalam ।
āpatsu ca mahāśailaśilāsaṃghātakarkaśam ॥
- nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

In prosperity, the minds of noble people become as tender as the lotus. In hardships, their thinking is as rugged as the pile of rocks on a huge mountain.

Commentary:

It is not a "one size fits all" approach. The noble know how to balance their emotions, responding appropriately to different situations.

A commoner might lose control upon witnessing prosperity, figuratively soaring high with excitement as if their feet no longer touch the ground. In contrast, prosperity humbles the noble, making them as gentle as a lotus. They dedicate themselves to the welfare of others, yet remain aware of the fleeting nature of wealth. They don’t let it inflate their ego or sway their humility.

When faced with hardships, however, the noble shed their gentleness and become as unyielding as a pile of rocks atop a vast mountain. Why this comparison, instead of simply saying "as hard as a rock"? The mountain itself is rugged and harsh. For a pile of rocks to endure and remain steadfast on top of it, they must be even more resilient than the rocks scattered on the streets. The determination of the noble in the face of adversity is unmatched. In contrast, the average person may crumble under hardship, losing their faith, confidence, and will.

Transform your wounds into wisdom and never succumb to despair. Adversity is one of the greatest teachers, so learn your lessons!

pada vigrahaH:
सम्पत्सु महतां चित्तं भवति उत्पल-कोमलम् ।
sampatsu mahatāṃ cittaṃ bhavati utpala-komalam ।

आपत्सु च महा-शैल-शिला-संघात-कर्कशम् ॥
āpatsu ca mahā-śaila-śilā-saṃghāta-karkaśam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sampatsu mahataaM chittaM bhavatyutpalakomalam ।
aapatsu cha mahaashailashilaasaMghaatakarkasham ॥
- nItishataka

sampatsu mahataaM chittaM bhavati utpala-komalam ।

aapatsu cha mahaa-shaila-shilaa-saMghaata-karkasham ॥

July 22nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
रत्नाकरः किं करोति स्वरत्नैः
विन्ध्याचलः किं करिभिः करोति ।
श्रीखन्ण्डखण्डैर्मलयाचलः किं
परोपकाराय सतां विभूतयः ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
ratnākaraḥ kiṃ karoti svaratnaiḥ
vindhyācalaḥ kiṃ karibhiḥ karoti ।
śrīkhanṇḍakhaṇḍairmalayācalaḥ kiṃ
paropakārāya satāṃ vibhūtayaḥ ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

What will the ocean do with its own gems? What will the vindhyā mountain do with the elephants (dwelling) there? Of what use are the sandal trees to the malaya mountain? The wealth of the noble is for the benefaction of others.

Commentary:

Most people spend their wealth on themselves—there's no greatness in that!

Yet, nature offers countless examples that stand in contrast to this mindset. An ocean is a storehouse for multitudes of precious gems. But does it use even a single prized stone to deck itself up? The vindhyā mountain is the house for many herds of elephants. Yet it does not direct them to work for its needs! There are more sandalwood trees on the malaya mountain than in any other place on Earth. But the mountain doesn't have any use for them!

Similarly, the noble do not obsess over their possessions. Instead, they put their wealth to use for the benefit of others. They are neither selfish nor attached to their material possessions. For them, 'using their wealth for the right purpose' takes more priority than 'for whom it is being used'!

If you have much, give your wealth; if you have little, certainly give your heart! There is never a scarcity for that! Just do every action wholeheartedly. The results will increase multifold.

pada vigrahaH:
रत्नाकरः किं करोति स्व-रत्नैः
ratnākaraḥ kiṃ karoti sva-ratnaiḥ

विन्ध्याचलः किं करिभिः करोति ।
vindhyācalaḥ kiṃ karibhiḥ karoti ।

श्रीखन्ण्ड-खण्डैः मलयाचलः किं
śrīkhanṇḍa-khaṇḍaiḥ malayācalaḥ kiṃ

पर-उपकाराय सतां विभूतयः ॥
para-upakārāya satāṃ vibhūtayaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ratnaakaraH kiM karoti svaratnaiH
vindhyaachalaH kiM karibhiH karoti ।
shrIkhanNDakhaNDairmalayaachalaH kiM
paropakaaraaya sataaM vibhUtayaH ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

ratnaakaraH kiM karoti sva-ratnaiH

vindhyaachalaH kiM karibhiH karoti ।

shrIkhanNDa-khaNDaiH malayaachalaH kiM

para-upakaaraaya sataaM vibhUtayaH ॥

July 21st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
किं तया क्रियते धेन्वा या न सूते न दुग्धदा ।
कोऽर्थः पुत्रेण जातेन यो न विद्वान्न भक्तिमान् ॥
- पञ्चतन्त्र, कथामुख


Transliteration:
kiṃ tayā kriyate dhenvā yā na sūte na dugdhadā ।
ko'rthaḥ putreṇa jātena yo na vidvānna bhaktimān ॥
- pañcatantra, kathāmukha

Meaning of the subhAShita:

What shall you do with a cow that neither milks nor bears a calf? What is the use of an offspring who is neither learned nor devoted?!

Commentary:

There is a purpose for everything! A cowherd rears his cattle so that he can milk them or so they can bear calves someday. What is the use of a cow which is neither able to give milk nor bear a calf? All the tending becomes a wasteful effort.

Similarly, there is a certain set of expectations for offspring as well. Every parent wants their children to be learned and cultured. Knowledge makes one humble. The humility thus learnt, carries him through the rough sails of life. 

Arrogance is not an appealing trait. One needs to acknowledge and respect that there is a higher power that works as a driving force in this world. This is shown through devotion. 

Hence, a parent wants his offspring to be learned and devoted. What is the use of a son/daughter who is neither learned nor devoted? Just as a cow that can neither milk nor bear a calf, tending such a child is a futility of effort!

It is easier to build strong children than repair broken adults. Guide them earlier on, so they don't become useless animals!

pada vigrahaH:
किं तया क्रियते धेन्वा या न सूते न दुग्धदा ।
kiṃ tayā kriyate dhenvā yā na sūte na dugdhadā ।

कः अर्थः पुत्रेण जातेन यः न विद्वान् न भक्तिमान् ॥
kaḥ arthaḥ putreṇa jātena yaḥ na vidvān na bhaktimān ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kiM tayaa kriyate dhenvaa yaa na sUte na dugdhadaa ।
ko.rthaH putreNa jaatena yo na vidvaanna bhaktimaan ॥
- pa~nchatantra, kathaamukha

kiM tayaa kriyate dhenvaa yaa na sUte na dugdhadaa ।

kaH arthaH putreNa jaatena yaH na vidvaan na bhaktimaan ॥

July 20th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
शयानं चानुशयति तिष्ठन्तं चानुतिष्ठति ।
अनुधावति धावन्तं कर्म पूर्वकृतं नरम् ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि


Transliteration:
śayānaṃ cānuśayati tiṣṭhantaṃ cānutiṣṭhati ।
anudhāvati dhāvantaṃ karma pūrvakṛtaṃ naram ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The fruits of deeds of the past follow a being in his sleep, follow him when standing, (and) follow when running.  (No respite!)

Commentary:
One may be amidst a hundred friends and still feel lonely, or he may think he is all alone, by himself. But in reality, he is never alone.

There is something that follows him better than a shadow! A shadow follows him only when there is light in the vicinity. This is better than that because it follows him without any conditions or exceptions! 

That unrelenting companion is the fruit of his past deeds. It follows him through every moment of his life. It sleeps with him, stands with him, and even runs with him if he runs! Can one ask for any company more constant than that?! Whether he wants it or not, whether he likes it or not, it is present with him all the time.

If one wants pleasant company, then he should probably invest more in doing good deeds.

pada vigrahaH:
शयानं च अनुशयति तिष्ठन्तं च अनु-तिष्ठति ।
śayānaṃ ca anuśayati tiṣṭhantaṃ ca anu-tiṣṭhati ।

अनु-धावति धावन्तं कर्म पूर्व-कृतं नरम् ॥
anu-dhāvati dhāvantaṃ karma pūrva-kṛtaṃ naram ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
shayaanaM chaanushayati tiShThantaM chaanutiShThati ।
anudhaavati dhaavantaM karma pUrvakRutaM naram ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

shayaanaM cha anushayati tiShThantaM cha anu-tiShThati ।

anu-dhaavati dhaavantaM karma pUrva-kRutaM naram ॥

July 19th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
राजपत्नी गुरोः पत्नी मित्रपत्नी तथैव च ।
पत्नीमाता स्वमाता च पञ्चैता मातरः स्मृताः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
rājapatnī guroḥ patnī mitrapatnī tathaiva ca ।
patnīmātā svamātā ca pañcaitā mātaraḥ smṛtāḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A king's wife, teacher's wife, friend's wife, wife's mother, and his own (birth) mother: these 5 should be deemed as mother figures.

Commentary:

It is said, 'God couldn't be everywhere, so he made mothers!'  In a lifetime, one doesn't come across just one mother but many who fill that role. Hence, all of them deserve the same reverence as their own mother.

1. A leader or king protects and prospers the nation. He is revered as the father of his subjects. His wife is respected as a mother because she walks hand in hand with him for the welfare of the land.
2. A teacher guides and makes a person an able being. In the olden days, students lived at their teacher's house until learning was completed. The wife of the teacher fed them and showed affection to them just as a mother would. She is revered for her tending and affection.
3. A friend is a trusted person who stands by through thick and thin. Can that trust be repaid by disrespecting his wife? The highest position of honor one can give is that of a mother. Hence, the friend's wife is given this honor.
4. The mother of one's own wife is given this utmost regard. This is because the wife instills values in the entire family. All that she has learnt is through her mother. She passes on the teaching to her children in the household. Veneration to the wife's mother is for teaching ethics to his wife and giving away the daughter that she had nurtured so diligently!
5. If one says giving the highest order of reverence to others is that of a mother, what to speak of his own mother! She is the one who nurtures him in her womb, gives birth to him, tends to him, teaches him life's essence, instills ethics in him, and gives direction to his life. She does pretty much everything in her capacity to make sure that her child is secure and ready to take on life! Respecting her is not an option, it is natural! There are no words or deeds with which one can repay his mother. All one can do is imbibe her values, be the person she intended him to be, and be eternally grateful to her!

Like they say, 'It takes a village to raise a child'! All these roles of mothers contribute significantly. 'Beings are what their mothers made them'. Mothers are always held in the highest esteem!

pada vigrahaH:
राज-पत्नी गुरोः पत्नी मित्र-पत्नी तथ एव च ।
rāja-patnī guroḥ patnī mitra-patnī tatha eva ca ।

पत्नी-माता स्व-माता च पञ्च एताः मातरः स्मृताः ॥
patnī-mātā sva-mātā ca pañca etāḥ mātaraḥ smṛtāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
raajapatnI guroH patnI mitrapatnI tathaiva cha ।
patnImaataa svamaataa cha pa~nchaitaa maataraH smRutaaH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

raaja-patnI guroH patnI mitra-patnI tatha eva cha ।

patnI-maataa sva-maataa cha pa~ncha etaaH maataraH smRutaaH ॥

July 18th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
तावद् भयेषु भेतव्यं यावद्भयमनागतम् ।
आगतं तु भयं दृष्ट्वा प्रहर्तव्यमशङ्कया ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
tāvad bhayeṣu bhetavyaṃ yāvadbhayamanāgatam ।
āgataṃ tu bhayaṃ dṛṣṭvā prahartavyamaśaṅkayā ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

(One) should fear fears, only as long as the fears are awaited. Upon seeing the onset of fear, (he) should beat it without a doubt.

Commentary:

The biggest thing one fears is, fear itself!  

 

No one wants to give an open invitation for their own fears. Dreaded circumstances are better kept at bay. Be it any kind of phobia, big or small, everyone has their own fears. 

However, this fear is valid only until the onset of the feared situation itself! One should certainly try all the tricks in his book to avoid those dreaded circumstances.  But sometimes, it is not possible to ward off the trepidations despite all efforts. When that happens, he should most certainly keep his fear aside and fight it off with all his might. No excuses, no stone unturned! It becomes his prime duty to get himself out of the fearful situation, despite the fear! Thinking will not help overcome fear, action will. 

It is the first step which is always the hardest! Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in doing so. This eventually, aids in vanquishing the fear altogether.

FEAR can be connotated as—Forget Everything And Run (or) Face Everything And Rise!  The choice is ours. 

pada vigrahaH:
तावद् भयेषु भेतव्यं यावत् भयम् अनागतम् ।
tāvad bhayeṣu bhetavyaṃ yāvat bhayam anāgatam ।

आगतं तु भयं दृष्ट्वा प्रहर्तव्यम् अशङ्कया ॥
āgataṃ tu bhayaṃ dṛṣṭvā prahartavyam aśaṅkayā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
taavad bhayeShu bhetavyaM yaavadbhayamanaagatam ।
aagataM tu bhayaM dRuShTvaa prahartavyamasha~nkayaa ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

taavad bhayeShu bhetavyaM yaavat bhayam anaagatam ।

aagataM tu bhayaM dRuShTvaa prahartavyam asha~nkayaa ॥

July 17th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
कः कालः कानि मित्राणि को देशः कौ व्ययाऽगमौ ।
कश्चाहं का च मे शक्तिः इति चिन्त्यं मुहुर्मुहुः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
kaḥ kālaḥ kāni mitrāṇi ko deśaḥ kau vyayā'gamau ।
kaścāhaṃ kā ca me śaktiḥ iti cintyaṃ muhurmuhuḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

These should be thought over, again and again—What are (my) circumstances? Who are (my) friends? What region have I come from? What are (my) income and expenses? Who am I? What are my strengths? 

Commentary:

If one asked—"do fish grow on trees?", the answer would always be the same—"NO!" However, certain questions do not always have the same answer, nor are they as simple. One's situation is new and different every time. Therefore, the answers to our questions will be different each time, too!

To be on top of his own state of affairs, one needs to question himself time and again - "What are my circumstances today?"  "Who are my current friends and foes?"  "What part of the world am I living in?"  "What are the economic and political situations in my surroundings?"   "How are my balance sheets of income and expenses matching up?" And, importantly, "What are my strengths and weaknesses?" 

None of these will remain consistent throughout one's life. The answers to these questions keep changing based on many external factors as well as personal growth.  Contemplating these gives a person an opportunity to re-evaluate his life at each step and patch a leak at the earliest.

A small leak can wreck a great ship. Catching in time can save a lot of time and trouble later. Stop, rethink, re-evaluate—do not hesitate to make tough decisions.

pada vigrahaH:
कः कालः कानि मित्राणि को देशः कौ व्यय-आगमौ ।
kaḥ kālaḥ kāni mitrāṇi ko deśaḥ kau vyaya-āgamau ।

कः च अहं का च मे शक्तिः इति चिन्त्यं मुहुः मुहुः ॥
kaḥ ca ahaṃ kā ca me śaktiḥ iti cintyaṃ muhuḥ muhuḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kaH kaalaH kaani mitraaNi ko deshaH kau vyayaa.gamau ।
kashchaahaM kaa cha me shaktiH iti chintyaM muhurmuhuH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

kaH kaalaH kaani mitraaNi ko deshaH kau vyaya-aagamau ।

kaH cha ahaM kaa cha me shaktiH iti chintyaM muhuH muhuH ॥

July 16th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
आत्मनो मुखदोषेण बध्यन्ते शुकसारिकाः ।
बकास्तत्र न बध्यन्ते मौनं सर्वार्थसाधनम् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नसमुच्चय


Transliteration:
ātmano mukhadoṣeṇa badhyante śukasārikāḥ ।
bakāstatra na badhyante maunaṃ sarvārthasādhanam ॥
- subhāṣitaratnasamuccaya

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Parrots and other talking birds get captured due to their own folly. (But) storks are not captured. Silence is instrumental in attaining all purposes!

Commentary:

Speech is silver, silence is gold!

Due to their chattering, parrots and other talking birds, attract unwanted attention. Hunters aspiring to cage a talking bird will spread nets to capture them. But the 'dumb' storks—so to say—keep their silence and hardly entice the hunters. Ever heard of a stork being captured to adorn a cage?  It is as if his silence saves him from the trouble!

It is equally true for humans as well. Time and again, one may regret letting words slip through his lips and say, 'Why ever did I open my mouth?!' The time to remind oneself that 'silence is instrumental in attaining all purposes!' is: before speaking.  Because sped arrows and spoken words can never be taken back.

Speak only when you feel that your words are better than your silence.  Meaning, use your words cautiously and only if you are sure about what you are saying. Equally important is to know when it is best to not use it at all!  

pada vigrahaH:

आत्मनः मुख-दोषेण बध्यन्ते शुक-सारिकाः ।
ātmanaḥ mukha-doṣeṇa badhyante śuka-sārikāḥ ।

बकाः तत्र न बध्यन्ते मौनं सर्व-अर्थ-साधनम् ॥
bakāḥ tatra na badhyante maunaṃ sarva-artha-sādhanam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
aatmano mukhadoSheNa badhyante shukasaarikaaH ।
bakaastatra na badhyante maunaM sarvaarthasaadhanam ॥
- subhaaShitaratnasamuchchaya

aatmanaH mukha-doSheNa badhyante shuka-saarikaaH ।

bakaaH tatra na badhyante maunaM sarva-artha-saadhanam ॥

July 15th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सौवर्णानि सरोजानि निर्मातुं सन्ति शिल्पिनः ।
तत्र सौरभनिर्माणे चतुरश्चतुराननः ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नसमुच्चय


Transliteration:
sauvarṇāni sarojāni nirmātuṃ santi śilpinaḥ ।
tatra saurabhanirmāṇe caturaścaturānanaḥ ॥
- subhāṣitaratnasamuccaya

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Lotuses of gold are sculpted by many a sculptors. (However,) for incorporating fragrance in them, only Lord Brahma is skilled enough!

Commentary:

One may be the most skillful, yet his skillset invariably falls short at some point. With modern-day technology and inventions, there is still a point where man does not have all the answers or all the capabilities. The following story says it all -

Once, a man said to Brahma, 'I've learnt how to create, now you can take a rest!' Calmly Brahma said, "Very well. But before I retire, could you demonstrate your prowess? Make a pot." The man laughed and said, "That is no big deal, I've made bigger things than that!" He picked up some clay to make the pot when Brahma stopped him. "Put that down, please. That clay wasn't made by you. Shouldn't you be making your own clay if you are a creator?!" The perplexed man had no answer. Brahma replied, "I thought so. Time for me to get back to work, guess I can't retire quite yet!" :-)

There may be skilled sculptors who can make the most beautiful lotuses even from gold. But only the four-faced Brahma knows the secret of putting fragrance in the flowers! Only he has the skill to breathe life into them! He is the only one who can provide the material necessary for making them as well!!

Do not play yourself up! There is someone above who directs the proceedings of the world continuously.  Stay humble.

pada vigrahaH:
सौवर्णानि सरोजानि निर्मातुं सन्ति शिल्पिनः ।
sauvarṇāni sarojāni nirmātuṃ santi śilpinaḥ ।

तत्र सौरभ-निर्माणे चतुरः चतुराननः ॥
tatra saurabha-nirmāṇe caturaḥ caturānanaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sauvarNaani sarojaani nirmaatuM santi shilpinaH ।
tatra saurabhanirmaaNe chaturashchaturaananaH ॥
- subhaaShitaratnasamuchchaya

sauvarNaani sarojaani nirmaatuM santi shilpinaH ।

tatra saurabha-nirmaaNe chaturaH chaturaananaH ॥

July 14th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सन्तोषस्त्रिषु कर्तव्यः कलत्रे भोजने धने ।
त्रिषु चैव न कर्तव्यः अध्ययने जपदानयोः ॥
- समयोचितपद्यरत्नमालिका


Transliteration:
santoṣastriṣu kartavyaḥ kalatre bhojane dhane ।
triṣu caiva na kartavyaḥ adhyayane japadānayoḥ ॥
- samayocitapadyaratnamālikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

There should be satisfaction in 3 (aspects): wife, food, money. There should be no satisfaction in 3 (others): learning, meditating, giving.

Commentary:

The same rule doesn't apply to all issues! 'Satisfaction' is a strange thing. Experiencing it in some aspects gives peace, but experiencing it in others may hinder progress.

One should be happy and contented with: his spouse, the food he eats, and the wealth he possesses. Dissatisfaction with these will lead to unrest and constant agitation towards acquiring something more or someone better! Moreover, these pursuits are NOT something that will lead one toward the purpose of life. So, it is better to be happy with what there is while working on the true quest of life.

However, complacency and contentment should have no place when it comes to: learning, meditating, or giving. One can never say that he has learnt everything and is very satisfied with his knowledge base. Knowing everything good that there is to know cannot happen until one is a jīvanmukta-puruṣa (a liberated soul)! Therefore, never be satisfied with learning.

Saying, 'I've put in this many hours, so I'm done for the week' works only at the office. There is no end to meditation. Prayer is talking to God, but meditation is listening to Him! Meditation is not just chanting the name of the Lord with closed eyes. Having Him in your thoughts every step of the way, through every action, every minute, is constant open-eyed meditation. There is no upper ceiling on how much meditation one can do. Keep His thoughts going!

Giving is the most selfless action which reiterates that material possessions are temporary. To give, one has to be selfless and unattached. Both are beneficial for raising the jīva (soul) to a platform closer to Him. Give heartily. There are always people who can use help.

Be satisfied with your fortune, but dissatisfied with your intellect.  Keep learning!

pada vigrahaH:
सन्तोषः त्रिषु कर्तव्यः कलत्रे भोजने धने ।
santoṣaḥ triṣu kartavyaḥ kalatre bhojane dhane ।

त्रिषु च एव न कर्तव्यः अध्ययने जप-दानयोः ॥

triṣu ca eva na kartavyaḥ adhyayane japa-dānayoḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
santoShastriShu kartavyaH kalatre bhojane dhane ।
triShu chaiva na kartavyaH adhyayane japadaanayoH ॥
- samayochitapadyaratnamaalikaa

santoShaH triShu kartavyaH kalatre bhojane dhane ।

triShu cha eva na kartavyaH adhyayane japa-daanayoH ॥

July 13th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सकृत्कन्दुकपातेन पतत्यार्यः पतन्नपि ।
तथा पतति मूर्खस्तु मृत्‍पिण्डपतनं यथा ॥
- पञ्चतन्त्र

Transliteration:
sakṛtkandukapātena patatyāryaḥ patannapi ।
tathā patati mūrkhastu mṛt‍piṇḍapatanaṃ yathā ॥
- pañcatantra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Oh, gentleman! The meritorious, even when they fall do not (seem) fallen, like a ball. Whereas, a foolish person falls just like a lump of clay.

Commentary:

No journey is always trending upward! There are always ups and downs in any path—with many pitfalls and positive moments.

As for the falls—the difference between the meritorious and the foolish is just as evident as the drop of a ball vs. a lump of clay. The meritorious bounce back instantaneously, as if they never fell, just like a bouncing ball and they reach higher heights! However, the foolish will fall and collapse to the ground like a lump of clay! There is no bounce in a lump of clay, it is heavy and shatters on the very first contact with the ground.  On the other hand, a ball stays in perfect shape. In fact, it translates the energy from the fall to bounce higher! The exemplary are just the same. No fall will perturb them from their task, but instead, it gives them more perseverance to achieve their task faster and better!

Take every experience as a learning opportunity and work harder again.  Be determined! Do not let the roadblocks perturb your resolve. 

pada vigrahaH:
सकृत् कन्दुक-पातेन पतति आर्यः पतन् न अपि ।
sakṛt kanduka-pātena patati āryaḥ patan na api ।

तथा पतति मूर्खः तु मृत्‍पिण्ड-पतनं यथा ॥
tathā patati mūrkhaḥ tu mṛt‍piṇḍa-patanaṃ yathā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sakRutkandukapaatena patatyaaryaH patannapi ।
tathaa patati mUrkhastu mRutpiNDapatanaM yathaa ॥
- pa~nchatantra

sakRut kanduka-paatena patati aaryaH patan na api ।

tathaa patati mUrkhaH tu mRutpiNDa-patanaM yathaa ॥

July 12th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
गन्धः सुवर्णे फलमिक्षुदण्डे
नाकारि पुष्पं खलु चन्दनस्य ।
विद्वान् धनाढ्यश्च नृपश्चिरायुः
धातुः पुरा कोऽपि न बुद्धिदोऽभूत् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
gandhaḥ suvarṇe phalamikṣudaṇḍe
nākāri puṣpaṃ khalu candanasya ।
vidvān dhanāḍhyaśca nṛpaścirāyuḥ
dhātuḥ purā ko'pi na buddhido'bhūt ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Fragrance in gold; fruit in sugarcane; big flowers too in sandalwood; an educated who is rich; a king who lives forever—(alas!) there were no counselors for the creator earlier!

Commentary:

This poet is giving ideas to the Creator (Brahma) which would have been nice additions to creation itself! Shouldn't He have created the world as this poet suggests?!

• Gold is precious and liked by most people. What if it came with a sweet fragrance?! One could smell the fragrance of their precious gold!
• Sugarcane is definitely sweet, but what if it bore edible fruit that carried its sweetness?! The sweetness would then be readily accessible to everyone rather than having to bite the fibers to extract its sweetness.
• Sandalwood retains fragrance for decades, but what if it bloomed beautiful big flowers bearing its sweet fragrance?! They would beautify a home even as they spread their aroma.
• Riches make one's life easy and comfortable. However, what if the educated person were bestowed with lots of wealth?! Hopefully, they would put their wealth to good use!  He would have the best of both worlds and hence an envious life.
• A good king is a rare find. What if such a leader lived forever?! There would be no worries for the future or unanticipated anarchy in the country.

The poet mournfully says, 'Alas! There weren't any intelligent people around Brahma to give proper counsel when he was creating the world.'

The world mentioned above would certainly be great!  But then, doesn't the Creator know what's best for everyone?! If everything was perfect and everyone had all their wishes granted, would there be any point in the existence of the world itself?! 

He will not put all the arrows in one quiver, meaning, He will not put all attributes into one object! He knows what is best and wants people to work with what is available.  It is as though His message is: "The world is not a utopia, but a reality!  Learn to live with imperfections!!"

One needs to appreciate anything for what it is, rather than count its shortcomings. One has to bring out the best of what there is and be content! That's what makes you a leader. 

pada vigrahaH:
गन्धः सुवर्णे फलम् इक्षुदण्डे
gandhaḥ suvarṇe phalam ikṣudaṇḍe

नाकारि पुष्पं खलु चन्दनस्य ।
nākāri puṣpaṃ khalu candanasya ।

विद्वान् धनाढ्यः च नृपः चिरायुः
vidvān dhanāḍhyaḥ ca nṛpaḥ cirāyuḥ

धातुः पुरा कः अपि न बुद्धिदः अभूत् ॥
dhātuḥ purā kaḥ api na buddhidaḥ abhūt ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
gandhaH suvarNe phalamikShudaNDe
naakaari puShpaM khalu chandanasya ।
vidvaan dhanaaDhyashcha nRupashchiraayuH
dhaatuH puraa ko.pi na buddhido.bhUt ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

gandhaH suvarNe phalam ikShudaNDe

naakaari puShpaM khalu chandanasya ।

vidvaan dhanaaDhyaH cha nRupaH chiraayuH

dhaatuH puraa kaH api na buddhidaH abhUt ॥

July 11th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
पठकाः पाठकाश्चैव ये चान्ये शास्त्रचिन्तकाः ।
सर्वे व्यसनिनो मूर्खाः यः क्रियावान् स पण्डितः ॥
- महाभारत, वनपर्व


Transliteration:
paṭhakāḥ pāṭhakāścaiva ye cānye śāstracintakāḥ ।
sarve vyasanino mūrkhāḥ yaḥ kriyāvān sa paṇḍitaḥ ॥
- mahābhārata, vanaparva

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A reader, a preceptor, or a thinker of the scriptures—all of them are foolish addicts. Only he who is industrious is learned!

Commentary:

Knowledge is of no value unless it is put into practice! 

The application of one's knowledge is of utmost importance. The poet believes that all those who only read, teach, or contemplate on the scriptures, are all simply addicted to the teachings, not essentially grasping the contents. One is truly learned if he is industrious and puts the knowledge to use. Applying the values in day-to-day activities is what practicing is all about!  

This is especially true of scriptural knowledge.  It exalts our higher spiritual Self rather than the lower self of the transactional world! This should not be limited to learning the word jargon but must be put into practice and make our lives wholesome. 

Even parrots can chant verses. The true difference is when you bring about a change by putting your knowledge to work!  It is a reminder to 'preach what you practice and practice what you preach'.

pada vigrahaH:
पठकाः पाठकाः च एव ये च अन्ये शास्त्र-चिन्तकाः ।
paṭhakāḥ pāṭhakāḥ ca eva ye ca anye śāstra-cintakāḥ ।

सर्वे व्यसनिनः मूर्खाः यः क्रियावान् सः पण्डितः ॥
sarve vyasaninaḥ mūrkhāḥ yaḥ kriyāvān saḥ paṇḍitaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
paThakaaH paaThakaashchaiva ye chaanye shaastrachintakaaH ।
sarve vyasanino mUrkhaaH yaH kriyaavaan sa paNDitaH ॥
- mahaabhaarata, vanaparva

paThakaaH paaThakaaH cha eva ye cha anye shaastra-chintakaaH ।

sarve vyasaninaH mUrkhaaH yaH kriyaavaan saH paNDitaH ॥

July 10th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
पात्रापात्रविवेकोऽस्ति धेनुपन्नगयोरिव ।
तृणात्सञ्जायते क्षीरं क्षीरात्सञ्जायते विषम् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
pātrāpātraviveko'sti dhenupannagayoriva ।
tṛṇātsañjāyate kṣīraṃ kṣīrātsañjāyate viṣam ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Discrimination between the deserving and undeserving is the same way between a cow and a snake. From grass, milk is produced (in a cow); from milk, poison is generated (in a snake).

Commentary:

Whether it is an act of giving or offering aid, it is said that the person receiving must be a deserving candidate. 

How does one differentiate between the deserving and the undeserving? Very simple. The difference between the two is just like the difference between a cow and a snake. A cow eats dry grass and gives back milk in return; whereas a snake feeds on milk and produces poison! 

The same goes for people. The deserving, when offered even the slightest assistance, make maximum use of it and give back more than they received to society. That keeps the goodness in the world alive. But those who take all that is given to them and apply it to harm those around them were obviously undeserving, to begin with.

It is better to deserve yet not receive rather than to receive without deserving.  Be deserving!

pada vigrahaH:
पात्र-अपात्र-विवेकः अस्ति धेनु-पन्नगयोः इव ।
pātra-apātra-vivekaḥ asti dhenu-pannagayoḥ iva ।

तृणात् सञ्जायते क्षीरं क्षीरात् सञ्जायते विषम् ॥
tṛṇāt sañjāyate kṣīraṃ kṣīrāt sañjāyate viṣam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
paatraapaatraviveko.sti dhenupannagayoriva ।
tRuNaatsa~njaayate kShIraM kShIraatsa~njaayate viSham ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

paatra-apaatra-vivekaH asti dhenu-pannagayoH iva ।

tRuNaat sa~njaayate kShIraM kShIraat sa~njaayate viSham ॥

July 9th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अर्था गृहे निवर्तन्ते श्मशाने मित्रबान्धवाः ।
सुकृतं दुष्कृतं चैव गच्छन्तमनुगच्छति ॥
- महाभारत

Transliteration:
arthā gṛhe nivartante śmaśāne mitrabāndhavāḥ ।
sukṛtaṃ duṣkṛtaṃ caiva gacchantamanugacchati ॥
- mahābhārata

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Wealth gets left behind at home, friends, and family at the crematorium. (But) the good and bad deeds go behind the going (departed jīva (soul)).

Commentary:

While passing on from this world, a being leaves behind all his possessions. His material possessions are the first to be dropped. They do not even accompany him to the crematorium. They are left inside the threshold of the house itself!

His near and dear ones can come only so far. Till they carry him to the crematorium. Once their job is done, they return home as well!

After that, in his lonely onward journey, the only companions are his own good AND bad deeds. There is no escape from them. Whether one likes it or not, his vices and virtues will certainly follow him and bear their fruit!

If one wants enjoyable company for his onward journey, he better start working while here on Earth! With good company, setbacks will be minimal and the path will be pleasant.

pada vigrahaH:

अर्थाः गृहे निवर्तन्ते श्मशाने मित्र-बान्धवाः ।
arthāḥ gṛhe nivartante śmaśāne mitra-bāndhavāḥ ।

सुकृतं दुष्कृतं च एव गच्छन्तम् अनुगच्छति ॥
sukṛtaṃ duṣkṛtaṃ ca eva gacchantam anugacchati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
arthaa gRuhe nivartante shmashaane mitrabaandhavaaH ।
sukRutaM duShkRutaM chaiva gachChantamanugachChati ॥
- mahaabhaarata

arthaaH gRuhe nivartante shmashaane mitra-baandhavaaH ।

sukRutaM duShkRutaM cha eva gachChantam anugachChati ॥

July 8th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
युक्तियुक्तं वचो ग्राह्यं बालादपि शुकादपि ।
अयुक्तमपि न ग्राह्यं साक्षादपि बृहस्पतेः ॥

Transliteration:
yuktiyuktaṃ vaco grāhyaṃ bālādapi śukādapi ।
ayuktamapi na grāhyaṃ sākṣādapi bṛhaspateḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The words conjoined with reason should be cognized (even if coming) from a child or a parrot. Those devoid of reason should not be grasped even if coming from Bṛhaspati (guru of the Gods) (himself).

Commentary:

Children do not have experience. Parrots only repeat what they hear but cannot put those words into practice. However, be it from a child or a parrot, if a valid thought is conveyed,  it can not be discounted or discredited just for the reason that they are inexperienced or do not follow their own words! 

Many times one comes across humans who act like parrots; they speak big words and quote many values, although they do not live up to their own words. Even they should not be discredited, says the poet. If there is an essence in their words, then take those words and incorporate them!

At the same time, if something unreasonable is presented even by someone in the highest seat of honor, do not follow it! Gods being divine, possess good in them. Bṛhaspati, their teacher, obviously would have led them on the right path. But then, even if he says something irrational, do not follow it simply because of his credentials.

Use your own wisdom and judgment. Choose wisely. Take words for their value without worrying about who is speaking those words!

pada vigrahaH:
युक्ति-युक्तं वचः ग्राह्यं बालात् अपि शुकात् अपि ।
yukti-yuktaṃ vacaḥ grāhyaṃ bālāt api śukāt api ।

अ-युक्तम् अपि न ग्राह्यं साक्षात् अपि बृहस्पतेः ॥
a-yuktam api na grāhyaṃ sākṣāt api bṛhaspateḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yuktiyuktaM vacho graahyaM baalaadapi shukaadapi ।
ayuktamapi na graahyaM saakShaadapi bRuhaspateH ॥

yukti-yuktaM vachaH graahyaM baalaat api shukaat api ।

a-yuktam api na graahyaM saakShaat api bRuhaspateH ॥

July 7th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
विद्या विवादाय धनं मदाय
शक्तिः परेषां परिपीडनाय ।
खलस्य साधोर्विपरीतमेतत्
ज्ञानाय दानाय च रक्षणाय ॥

Transliteration:
vidyā vivādāya dhanaṃ madāya
śaktiḥ pareṣāṃ paripīḍanāya ।
khalasya sādhorviparītametat
jñānāya dānāya ca rakṣaṇāya ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Knowledge is for argument, wealth is for insolence, strength is for tormenting others—evil people are opposite of the noble (who use the) same for awareness, giving, and protecting (respectively).

Commentary:

Possessions are not the problem, it is how they are put to use that cause concern!

Knowledge is applied for different purposes by different people. Evil individuals apply their entire knowledge base to argue with others and to show off their prowess, whereas noble people are interested in learning more for their own awareness and becoming better people than they were yesterday.

Money in an evil man's hand makes him arrogant and reckless. He walks around with the notion that the entire world is under his rule and everyone else is meant to serve him. That same asset in a noble person's hand will be used for the benefit of others. His giving nature makes the resources available to those in need.

Strength is a faculty that can be dangerous when placed in the wrong hands—or rather, on the wrong shoulders! Evil individuals use their strength to torture and torment others; they are entertained by seeing others in pain and will not hesitate to use it for the wrong purposes. Whereas, noble people use the same strength to help the weak, and to make sure they are protected and taken care of.

No evil can happen to a good man, either here or hereafter. His goodness won't die with him either. The seeds he has sown outlive him and benefit society long after he is gone. This makes the world a better place to live in!

pada vigrahaH:
विद्या विवादाय धनं मदाय
vidyā vivādāya dhanaṃ madāya

शक्तिः परेषां परिपीडनाय ।
śaktiḥ pareṣāṃ paripīḍanāya ।

खलस्य साधोः विपरीतम् एतत्
khalasya sādhoḥ viparītam etat

ज्ञानाय दानाय च रक्षणाय ॥
jñānāya dānāya ca rakṣaṇāya ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
vidyaa vivaadaaya dhanaM madaaya
shaktiH pareShaaM paripIDanaaya ।
khalasya saadhorviparItametat
j~naanaaya daanaaya cha rakShaNaaya ॥

vidyaa vivaadaaya dhanaM madaaya

shaktiH pareShaaM paripIDanaaya ।

khalasya saadhoH viparItam etat

j~naanaaya daanaaya cha rakShaNaaya ॥

July 6th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
भवत्येकस्थले जन्म गन्धस्तेषां पृथक् पृथक् ।
उत्पलस्य मृणालस्य मत्स्यस्य कुमुदस्य च ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार


Transliteration:
bhavatyekasthale janma gandhasteṣāṃ pṛthak pṛthak ।
utpalasya mṛṇālasya matsyasya kumudasya ca ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Born in the same place, they (each) smell differently—water lily, lotus root, fish, and night lotus!

Commentary:

A water lily, a night lotus, a lotus root, and a fish are all born in water. Yet, they are vastly different. Their traits and temperaments vary widely—They do not look the same, smell the same, or feel the same! Daylilies and lotuses bloom during the day whereas night lilies and night lotuses bloom at night. Their roots remain underwater while the flowers bloom above. The fish are mobile and consume food as well. They have a completely different smell in comparison to the fragrance of the flowers which are born in the same pond! 

The only similarity among them seems to be their place of birth.  Each of them has a bigger set of attributes unique to them alone!

Likewise, children from the same parents or students of the same teacher cannot be expected to be similar. Perceptions differ based on prior vāsanās and experiences, which are beyond human cognizance. One child may have a keen interest in music while the other is eager to play sports. One may be extremely smart in math, yet the other may be exceptional in art!

Similarly, students taught by the same teacher cannot achieve the same results!  The teacher teaches both at the same time, but it is up to each student as to what he absorbs.  It is just like when the rain pours in an area.  The drops of water on the rock slide off, whereas the droplets that fall on the soil will nourish plants and allow them to grow!  There was no difference in the rain's intensity or composition.  Both the stone and the soil received the same rainwater. Yet their intrinsic natures made their outcomes different.  They are two different objects and just can't be compared to one another.

No matter what color and fragrance they carry, each being has his own place and specialty in this world. No one can substitute for the other! There is the Supreme driving force behind each entity and each belongs exactly where it is!

When two people are born from the same parents and in the same place but are still different, how can we expect everyone in the world to think and work alike?!  People come into one's life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When he figures out which one it is he will know exactly what to do. Value each person for themselves. Each one comes with his own flaws and strengths. Appreciate them for their good qualities and overlook their shortcomings.

pada vigrahaH:
भवति एक-स्थले जन्म गन्धः तेषां पृथक् पृथक् ।
bhavati eka-sthale janma gandhaḥ teṣāṃ pṛthak pṛthak ।

उत्पलस्य मृणालस्य मत्स्यस्य कुमुदस्य च ॥
utpalasya mṛṇālasya matsyasya kumudasya ca ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
bhavatyekasthale janma gandhasteShaaM pRuthak pRuthak ।
utpalasya mRuNaalasya matsyasya kumudasya cha ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

bhavati eka-sthale janma gandhaH teShaaM pRuthak pRuthak ।

utpalasya mRuNaalasya matsyasya kumudasya cha ॥

July 5th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
काकदृष्टिर्बकध्यानं श्वाननिद्रा तथैव च ।
अल्पाहारो जीर्णवस्त्रं च एतद्विद्यार्थिलक्षणम् ॥

Transliteration:
kākadṛṣṭirbakadhyānaṃ śvānanidrā tathaiva ca ।
alpāhāro jīrṇavastraṃ ca etadvidyārthilakṣaṇam ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

These are the characteristics of a student—the sight of a crow, the attention of a stork, the sleep of a dog, very little food, and worn-out clothes.

Commentary:

Pick the best traits from whoever or wherever it is! Just as every being has their own imperfections, they have a specific trait that they have mastered. A student, especially, needs to be on the lookout, constantly, to acquire the best qualities. Striving to be a student throughout one's life is the most blissful experience!

1. A crow in some respects, is considered the most basal of birds, but not in its skill for observation! It has very keen eyesight and nothing goes unobserved. That kind of cognizance is essential if one is interested in increasing his knowledge base and getting to the bottom of things.
2. A stork is popular for its attention. It can stand on one leg for hours on end without moving. It stands still in the water and waits patiently for fish to pass by. Since the stork is motionless, the fish are not warned by the stork's presence, and its patience gets rewarded. This kind of concentration should be learnt from the stork. Without concentration, a deeper understanding of any subject matter is impossible.
3. A dog is very easy to wake up. Even when it sleeps, it is very aware of its surroundings and is ready to jump up at the slightest stir. Also, when he wakes up, he doesn't sleepwalk drowsily. He is up with full attention! Such should be the alertness of a student. Excessive sleep leads only to waste of time and laziness. It is not proactive towards learning either.
4. Consuming too much food makes one feel heavy, lazy, and sleepy. Hence, a student is advised to consume food in small portions. It also prevents him from indulging himself in pleasing his palate, which can become another hindrance to learning.
5. Worn-out clothes (jīrṇavastraṃ), are emphasized for students. The reason is—if he wants his clothes to be new and updated with the latest trends, his time and energy get wastefully spent on acquiring those clothes, making sure he looks good with all other accessories that go with them, etc. When attention and dedication get diverted from the core subject and delve into unwanted interests.  Then, productivity in learning is anyone's guess!

Hence, the characteristics of a true student are defined as the above 5 traits. Like they say, 'Genius is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration'. Vidyā (knowledge) never comes easily. One has to strive hard for it. If he adapts these traits then it will not seem like an effort anymore!

pada vigrahaH:
काक-दृष्टिः बक-ध्यानं श्वान-निद्रा तथा एव च ।
kāka-dṛṣṭiḥ baka-dhyānaṃ śvāna-nidrā tathā eva ca ।

अल्प-आहारो जीर्ण-वस्त्रं च एतत् विद्यार्थि-लक्षणम् ॥
alpa-āhāro jīrṇa-vastraṃ ca etat vidyārthi-lakṣaṇam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kaakadRuShTirbakadhyaanaM shvaananidraa tathaiva cha ।
alpaahaaro jIrNavastraM cha etadvidyaarthilakShaNam ॥

kaaka-dRuShTiH baka-dhyaanaM shvaana-nidraa tathaa eva cha ।

alpa-aahaaro jIrNa-vastraM cha etat vidyaarthi-lakShaNam ॥