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 ॥