August 31st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अयुक्तं स्वामिनो युक्तं युक्तं नीचस्य दूषणम् ।
अमृतं राहवे मृत्युः विषं शङ्करभूषणम् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
ayuktaṃ svāmino yuktaṃ yuktaṃ nīcasya dūṣaṇam ।
amṛtaṃ rāhave mṛtyuḥ viṣaṃ śaṅkarabhūṣaṇam ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

(Even) that which is inappropriate is suitable for a master, (but even) that which is approved is a misfit for the inferior. The divine nectar brought death to Rāhu, whereas poison became an adornment to Lord Shiva.

Commentary:

'One size fits all', isn't always the rule! Something that is grossly inappropriate may fit quite alright for a master. But even that which is deemed perfectly perfect can bring disgrace to the inferior!

The example given by the poet is that of Rāhu and Shiva. Being a demon, Rāhu, stealthily sat amidst the devas(demi-Gods) and consumed the divine nectar (which bestows immortality). Seeing this, Lord Vishnu beheaded him. But since he had already consumed a portion of the nectar, he lived, except with his head separated from his body! Hence, even the divine nectar proved disastrous for Rāhu! On the other hand, Lord Shiva drank the poison that came out in the process of churning the ocean (in pursuit of the divine nectar), in order to save the world of its ill effects. Goddess Pārvatī, His wife, held it at his neck, making him Nīlakaṇṭha (the blue-necked one). Even poison became an adornment for the Lord.

It is not the action that makes the difference, but it is the worthiness of the person performing it. Many times, that which is right and appropriate for one person cannot be acceptable for another.  A scientist can experiment with new chemicals in the lab, whereas a student who is learning acids from bases better refrain from mixing liquids in the lab as per his whims!

A master can formulate anything with ease. Mastery comes with a good heart and good intentions. When one's intentions are in the right direction, all else falls into place and everything works well.

pada vigrahaH:
अयुक्तं स्वामिनः युक्तं युक्तं नीचस्य दूषणम् ।
ayuktaṃ svāminaḥ yuktaṃ yuktaṃ nīcasya dūṣaṇam ।

अमृतं राहवे मृत्युः विषं शङ्कर-भूषणम् ॥
amṛtaṃ rāhave mṛtyuḥ viṣaṃ śaṅkara-bhūṣaṇam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ayuktaM svaamino yuktaM yuktaM nIchasya dUShaNam ।
amRutaM raahave mRutyurviShaM sha~nkarabhUShaNam ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

ayuktaM svaaminaH yuktaM yuktaM nIchasya dUShaNam ।

amRutaM raahave mRutyuH viShaM sha~nkara-bhUShaNam ॥

August 30th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अन्तःसारविहीनानाम् उपदेशो न जायते ।
मलयाचल संसर्गात् न वेणुश्चन्दनायते ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
antaḥsāravihīnānām upadeśo na jāyate ।
malayācala saṃsargāt na veṇuścandanāyate ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

No point advising those who are devoid of inner substance. Bamboo does not become sandalwood in the company of the Malaya mountain!

Commentary:

Many times, company isn't everything. If an intrinsic nature is not already there, the company one keeps won't put a dent in his persona. The example the poet uses is - just because a shoot of bamboo grows on the Malaya mountain (which bears an abundant population of sandal trees), it doesn't qualify it to acquire the qualities of sandalwood!

If seen on a more trivial level, just because a child keeps the company of a research scholar, he will not be able to understand a word of his lecture. The child lacks a certain maturity to grasp the concepts the scholar is talking about. No matter how hard he tries, his efforts shall go futile. Similarly, there is no point advising those who are devoid of inner ethos. Growing physically is certainly different from growing spiritually and emotionally. If that prior readiness to receive the knowledge given by others is missing, then the effort in teaching such a person is futile.

Conserve your resources. Know when to spend your energy on who, how much and why.  Do not invest in a place where the gist of the matter cannot be grasped.

pada vigrahaH:
अन्तः-सार-विहीनानाम् उपदेशः न जायते ।
antaḥ-sāra-vihīnānām upadeśaḥ na jāyate ।

मलयाचल संसर्गात् न वेणुः चन्दनायते ॥
malayācala saṃsargāt na veṇuḥ candanāyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
antaHsaaravihInaanaam upadesho na jaayate ।
malayaachala saMsargaat na veNushchandanaayate ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

antaH-saara-vihInaanaam upadeshaH na jaayate ।

malayaachala saMsargaat na veNuH chandanaayate ॥

August 29th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
न पश्यति च जन्मान्धः कामान्धो नैव पश्यति ।
न पश्यति मदोन्मत्तः स्वार्थी दोषान्न पश्यति ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
na paśyati ca janmāndhaḥ kāmāndho naiva paśyati ।
na paśyati madonmattaḥ svārthī doṣānna paśyati ॥
- cāṇakyanīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A person born blind cannot see; one blinded by desire does not see; he who is intoxicated with pride will not see; nor is the selfish (able to) see - (his own) defects.

Commentary:

Blindness is of many orders. There are 4 types of blindness.

• One is a physical deficiency.  One whose eyes do not function the way they should and is deemed blind can obviously not see anything, let alone faults. That is only one type of blindness;.  There are other forms of figurative blindness. The only thing worse than blindness is, 'having sight but no vision.' :(
• One who has excessive desires cannot see beyond those desires. He will stop at nothing to achieve his wants and needs. All he can think of is how to acquire the objects of his interest. How can he see his own flaws?
• One who is intoxicated with pride can see nothing but himself! He sees no one or anything else. In his opinion, he is the best there is! With such an attitude, how can he see any shortcomings?
• A selfish being is even worse. He can see nothing beyond himself and his needs. He tirelessly works towards his own best interest. How can such a person see inadequacies, whether in himself or in his deeds!

The huge difference is in 'cannot' see and 'does not' see! If it is actual blindness which cannot be treated, they have an excuse. But the rest..., are just an excuse (of existence)!

There is no respite from self-inflicted fallacies!

pada vigrahaH:
न पश्यति च जन्म-अन्धः काम-अन्धो न एव पश्यति ।
na paśyati ca janma-andhaḥ kāma-andho na eva paśyati ।

न पश्यति मद-उन्मत्तः स्वार्थी दोषान् न पश्यति ॥
na paśyati mada-unmattaḥ svārthī doṣān na paśyati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
na pashyati cha janmaandhaH kaamaandho naiva pashyati ।
na pashyati madonmattaH svaarthI doShaanna pashyati ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

na pashyati cha janma-andhaH kaama-andho na eva pashyati ।

na pashyati mada-unmattaH svaarthI doShaan na pashyati ॥

August 28th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
बुद्धिर्यस्य बलं तस्य निर्बुद्धेस्तु कुतो बलम् ।
वने सिंहो मदोन्मत्तः शशकेन निपातितः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
buddhiryasya balaṃ tasya nirbuddhestu kuto balam ।
vane siṃho madonmattaḥ śaśakena nipātitaḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

He who has wisdom has strength. Where is that strength for the foolish? The intoxicated lion in the forest got thrown down by the rabbit. (In the panchatantra story of The Lion and the Rabbit.)

Commentary:

One doesn't always have to be physically strong to win over his opponent. Many times, a little extra wisdom goes a long way! If one is wise enough and can think on his toes, he can bring himself out of the toughest situations. Like in the panchatantra story, a little hare fells a huge lion! He tells the lion that there is another lion dwelling inside a well, claiming to be the King of the jungle. The dumb lion, not seeing that it is his own reflection, pounces into the well in an effort to kill that 'other' lion and brings about his own end!

Even physical power proves useless to someone who isn't wise. He needs the wisdom to know and decide how to channelize his energies effectively.  Else, all his efforts will prove futile.

It is not always muscle power that comes out victorious. Be wise!

pada vigrahaH:
बुद्धिः यस्य बलं तस्य निर्-बुद्धेः तु कुतः बलम् ।
buddhiḥ yasya balaṃ tasya nir-buddheḥ tu kutaḥ balam ।

वने सिंहः मद-उन्मत्तः शशकेन निपातितः ॥
vane siṃhaḥ mada-unmattaḥ śaśakena nipātitaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
buddhiryasya balaM tasya nirbuddhestu kuto balam ।
vane siMho madonmattaH shashakena nipaatitaH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

buddhiH yasya balaM tasya nir-buddheH tu kutaH balam ।

vane siMhaH mada-unmattaH shashakena nipaatitaH ॥

August 27th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
प्रातरुत्थानं युद्धं च संविभागं च बन्धुषु ।
स्वयमाक्रम्य भुक्तं च शिक्षेच्चत्वारि कुक्कुटात् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
prātarutthānaṃ yuddhaṃ ca saṃvibhāgaṃ ca bandhuṣu ।
svayamākramya bhuktaṃ ca śikṣeccatvāri kukkuṭāt ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Waking up in the morning, belligerence, sharing with kin, feeding oneself - learn these 4 (attributes) from a rooster.

Commentary:

Waking up early, readiness to fight, sharing, and not ignoring one's needs - 4 precious lessons anyone could use. A rooster possess all of these!

• Waking up early not only keeps one healthy and alert, but it also gives more time to undertake productive tasks throughout the day. Who doesn't want an extra hour to finish up the day's chores? Best way to do it is by waking up in the early hours of the morning.
• One needs to have faith in himself and his beliefs. If need be, he should be able to defend himself. 'If need be' is instrumental. We are not talking about 'standing ready to fight for no good reason'. When one's rudimentary beliefs are being questioned, one should have the courage and confidence to stand up for himself. This is very essential.
• Whether it is a morsel of grain or a whole barn full, sharing with friends and family is more enticing! Recognizing this slays one's selfish motives. Be it food, knowledge, or resources, sharing makes it more delectable.
• Paying attention to one' own basic needs is very essential as well. Doing so paves the way to confidence within. That confidence can be the driving force behind many future achievements.

There is a lesson to be learnt from each and every being! That is what makes each being special and also essential to the creation at large. Else, the Lord would not have put an effort into creating that being!!

pada vigrahaH:
प्रातः उत्थानं युद्धं च संविभागं च बन्धुषु ।
prātaḥ utthānaṃ yuddhaṃ ca saṃvibhāgaṃ ca bandhuṣu ।

स्वयम् आक्रम्य भुक्तं च शिक्षेत् चत्वारि कुक्कुटात् ॥
svayam ākramya bhuktaṃ ca śikṣet catvāri kukkuṭāt ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
praatarutthaanaM yuddhaM cha saMvibhaagaM cha bandhuShu ।
svayamaakramya bhuktaM cha shikShechchatvaari kukkuTaat ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

praataH utthaanaM yuddhaM cha saMvibhaagaM cha bandhuShu ।

svayam aakramya bhuktaM cha shikShet chatvaari kukkuTaat ॥

August 26th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
दह्यमानाः सुतीव्रेण नीचाः परयशोऽग्निना ।
अशक्तास्तत्पदं गन्तुं ततो निन्दां प्रकुर्वते ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
dahyamānāḥ sutīvreṇa nīcāḥ parayaśo'gninā ।
aśaktāstatpadaṃ gantuṃ tato nindāṃ prakurvate ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The lowly burn intensely in the fire (of jealousy) on others' prosperity. Incapable of reaching those heights (positions) themselves, they criticize tirelessly.

Commentary:

Envy is the most stupidest of vices, for there is not a single benefit gained from it! By envying others, one can only bring suffering on to himself! It is unnecessary self-inflicted pain that comes with absolutely no gain. Why host and entertain such feelings? Jealousy originates from inferiority/insecurity and is projected in the form of constantly criticizing the ones they envy. Being well aware that he can not live up to those standards, his only escape route is finding fault in someone that has achieved what he wanted!

Like they say, "the envious die not once, but as often as the envied win applause." "Envy is the art of counting the other fellow's blessings instead of your own."

Why give rise to such self-destructive emotions? If the rudimentary faculty for the origination of envy is recognized, isn't it easier to quell it?

Be yourself and leave the rest to Him! Everyone gets the share of whatever he/she deserves. Jealousy doesn't put a dent in the other person's accomplishments.  However, it certainly eats up the inner peace of the envious one.  Beware!

pada vigrahaH:
दह्यमानाः सु-तीव्रेण नीचाः पर-यशः अग्निना ।
dahyamaanaaH su-tIvreNa nIchaaH para-yashaH agninaa ।

अशक्ताः तत् पदं गन्तुं ततः निन्दां प्रकुर्वते ॥
aśaktāḥ tat padaṃ gantuṃ tataḥ nindāṃ prakurvate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
dahyamaanaaH sutIvreNa nIchaaH parayasho.gninaa ।
ashaktaastatpadaM gantuM tato nindaaM prakurvate ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

dahyamānāḥ su-tīvreṇa nīcāḥ para-yaśaḥ agninā ।

ashaktaaH tat padaM gantuM tataH nindaaM prakurvate ॥

August 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
श्रुत्वा धर्मं विजानाति श्रुत्वा त्यजति दुर्मतिम् ।
श्रुत्वा ज्ञानमवाप्नोति श्रुत्वा मोक्षमवाप्नुयात् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
śrutvā dharmaṃ vijānāti śrutvā tyajati durmatim ।
śrutvā jñānamavāpnoti śrutvā mokṣamavāpnuyāt ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

By heeding to dharma, one understands; by hearing dharma, one quits his bad disposition; by comprehending dharma, one attains knowledge (awareness); by listening to dharma, one attains salvation.

Commentary:

श्रवणम् (śravaṇam) of धर्म (dharma - virtue)! Call it heeding, hearing, comprehending, listening to or about virtuousness.

The best way to understand life's essence is by heeding dharma. Without following the path of virtue, there is no way one can understand the essence of life.

By talking and hearing about dharma, one's thoughts and dispositions get cleansed. His bad intentions and basal instincts get crushed to trivial nothings - purity of mind is attained.

When one understands and comprehends dharma completely, in its truest sense, one attains the highest knowledge. There is nothing higher or better than that.

By listening to dharma, one can attain anything and everything. He can be happy not just now, but in the future as well! It is the path of dharma that leads one to salvation.

The greatest virtues are those which are most useful to other people. Be virtuous!

pada vigrahaH:
श्रुत्वा धर्मं विजानाति श्रुत्वा त्यजति दुर्-मतिम् ।
śrutvā dharmaṃ vijānāti śrutvā tyajati dur-matim ।

श्रुत्वा ज्ञानम् अवाप्नोति श्रुत्वा मोक्षम् अवाप्नुयात् ॥
śrutvā jñānam avāpnoti śrutvā mokṣam avāpnuyāt ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
shrutvaa dharmaM vijaanaati shrutvaa tyajati durmatim ।
shrutvaa j~naanamavaapnoti shrutvaa mokShamavaapnuyaat ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

shrutvaa dharmam vijaanaati shrutvaa tyajati dur-matim ।

shrutvaa j~naanam avaapnoti shrutvaa mokSham avaapnuyaat ॥

August 24th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
भारते संस्कृता भाषा कामधेनुः प्रकीर्तिता ।
जननी विश्वभाषाणां विज्ञानस्योपकारिणी ॥
Transliteration:
bhārate saṃskṛtā bhāṣā kāmadhenuḥ prakīrtitā ।
jananī viśvabhāṣāṇāṃ vijñānasyopakāriṇī ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

In India, the Sanskrit language is reputed as 'kāmadhenu' (the celestial cow which bestows all desires). Being the mother of world languages, it is the benefactor of wisdom.

Commentary:

Sanskrit is renowned as the 'devabhāṣā' for good reason. In India, it is reputed as 'kāmadhenu', the celestial cow that bestows all desires. It caters to the needs of everyone. The language and its literature can quench the thirst of anyone, in any field of knowledge. It is not just a storehouse for spiritual knowledge, but has literature pertaining to all arenas - from nyāya śāstra (study of logic) to nīti śāstra (moral/value education); from architecture to science; from medicine to astronomy! Its range and variety know no bounds.

It is also deemed as the mother of most world languages. Many languages are derived from it and their roots can be found in Sanskrit. It is the easiest benefactor for wisdom. The literature in the language is such!

Let's celebrate Sanskrit and make an effort to drink at least an ounce from the mighty ocean that this wonderful language is!

P.S: 'World Sanskrit Day' is celebrated on the full moon day of the Śrāvaṇa month according to the Hindu calendar.

pada vigrahaH:
भारते संस्कृता भाषा कामधेनुः प्रकीर्तिता ।
bhārate saṃskṛtā bhāṣā kāmadhenuḥ prakīrtitā ।

जननी विश्व-भाषाणां विज्ञानस्य उपकारिणी ॥
jananī viśva-bhāṣāṇāṃ vijñānasya upakāriṇī ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
bhaarate saMskRutaa bhaaShaa kaamadhenuH prakIrtitaa ।
jananI vishvabhaaShaaNaaM vij~naanasyopakaariNI ॥

bhaarate saMskRutaa bhaaShaa kaamadhenuH prakIrtitaa ।

jananI vishva-bhaaShaaNaaM vij~naanasya upakaariNI ॥

August 23rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
दृष्टिपूतं न्यसेत्पादं वस्त्रपूतं पिबेज्जलम् ।
शास्त्रपूतं वदेद्वाक्यं मनः पूतं समाचरेत् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
dṛṣṭipūtaṃ nyasetpādaṃ vastrapūtaṃ pibejjalam ।
śāstrapūtaṃ vadedvākyaṃ manaḥ pūtaṃ samācaret ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Clear the path through sight; filter drinking water through a cloth; purify speech through knowledge of scriptures; cleanse actions through thought.

Commentary:

While stepping his foot, one visually makes sure his path is clear. He does this so that he doesn't falter or slip. There might be a stone he could trip on or a pit he could fall into! If he has visually cleared the path he is treading on, he can reach his destination faster and safer.

Drinking water needs to be filtered. In the olden days, a piece of cloth was used to strain it. Rainwater is not directly drinkable unless it is from the springs directly. It needs to be purified of all sediments before consumption.

One's words should be wise and compassionate. This can happen when it is purified through the study of scriptures and the knowledge gained by them. Whetted by the scriptural knowledge, one speaks pleasantly and appropriately.

Look before you leap, think before you act!  If one thinks his actions through and applies his heart, he will not take a wrong step.

Think your actions through and do not hesitate to execute anything that is purified through your thoughts.

pada vigrahaH:
दृष्टि-पूतं न्यसेत्  पादं वस्त्र-पूतं पिबेत् जलम् । 
dṛṣṭi-pūtaṃ nyaset pādaṃ vastra-pūtaṃ pibet jalam ।

शास्त्र-पूतं वदेत् वाक्यं मनः पूतं समाचरेत् ॥
śāstra-pūtaṃ vadet vākyaṃ manaḥ pūtaṃ samācaret ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
dRuShTipUtaM nyasetpaadaM vastrapUtaM pibejjalam ।
shaastrapUtaM vadedvaakyaM manaH pUtaM samaacharet ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

dRuShTi-pUtaM nyaset paadaM vastra-pUtaM pibet jalam ।

shaastra-pUtaM vadet vaakyaM manaH pUtaM samaacharet ॥

August 22nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
बहूनां चैव सत्त्वानां समवायो रिपुञ्जयः ।
वर्षधाराधरो मेघः तृणैरपि निवार्यते ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
bahūnāṃ caiva sattvānāṃ samavāyo ripuñjayaḥ ।
varṣadhārādharo meghaḥ tṛṇairapi nivāryate ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A collection of people put together (in an army) wins over the enemy. The clouds that bring torrents of rain can be stopped by straw!

Commentary:

A thatched roof is, only a collection of straw strands put together after all. Yet, it has the strength to protect one from even torrential rains. This is not possible for a single strand of straw. They have that ability only collectively! Standing together in unity is what gives them that strength.

Similarly, a collection of people put together makes an army strong enough to win over the enemy. A lone soldier cannot claim to do that all by himself.

When this concept is inculcated in life, co-operation will not be a challenge. Working in a team will come easily and any task will become a breeze!

United we stand, divided we fall. Unity is strength!

pada vigrahaH:
बहूनां च एव सत्त्वानां समवायः रिपुञ्जयः ।
bahūnāṃ ca eva sattvānāṃ samavāyaḥ ripuñjayaḥ ।

वर्ष-धारा-धरः मेघः तृणैः अपि निवार्यते ॥
varṣa-dhārā-dharaḥ meghaḥ tṛṇaiḥ api nivāryate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
bahUnaaM chaiva sattvaanaaM samavaayo ripu~njayaH ।
varShadhaaraadharo meghaH tRuNairapi nivaaryate ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

bahUnaaM cha eva sattvaanaaM samavaayaH ripu~njayaH ।

varSha-dhaaraa-dharaH meghaH tRuNaiH api nivaaryate ॥

August 21st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यस्य चित्तं द्रवीभूतं कृपया सर्वजन्तुषु ।
तस्य ज्ञानेन मोक्षेण किं जटाभस्मलेपनैः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
yasya cittaṃ dravībhūtaṃ kṛpayā sarvajantuṣu ।
tasya jñānena mokṣeṇa kiṃ jaṭābhasmalepanaiḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

For him whose heart melts and liquefies in compassion for all beings, what have 'matted hair and application of ashes' got to do with knowledge and liberation?

Commentary:

Compassion!

He whose heart melts and leaps forward in compassion towards all beings has attained the highest goal of life! The very essence of all kinds of teachings, forms of penances and struggle, are for attaining this eternal compassion towards all beings. If one has naturally achieved this, he has nothing to do with becoming a vairāgi (one who has dispassion, one who is a renunciate). He doesn't have to physically renounce the world and walk around with matted hair, applying ashes on his body. He doesn't have to work towards attaining any further knowledge or liberation.

Like they say, 'If you want 'others' to be happy, practice compassion. If 'you' want to be happy, practice compassion!'  No matter whose happiness it is.  Compassion is everything! 

pada vigrahaH:
यस्य चित्तं द्रवीभूतं कृपया सर्व-जन्तुषु ।
yasya cittaṃ dravībhūtaṃ kṛpayā sarva-jantuṣu ।

तस्य ज्ञानेन मोक्षेण किं जटा-भस्म-लेपनैः ॥
tasya jñānena mokṣeṇa kiṃ jaṭā-bhasma-lepanaiḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yasya chittaM dravIbhUtaM kRupayaa sarvajantuShu ।
tasya j~naanena mokSheNa kiM jaTaabhasmalepanaiH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

yasya chittaM dravIbhUtaM kRupayaa sarva-jantuShu ।

tasya j~naanena mokSheNa kiM jaTaa-bhasma-lepanaiH ॥

August 20th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अकृत्वा पौरुषं या श्रीः विकासिन्यपि किं तया ।
जरद्गवोऽपि चाश्नाति दैवादुपगतं तृणम् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार


Transliteration:
akṛtvā pauruṣaṃ yā śrīḥ vikāsinyapi kiṃ tayā ।
jaradgavo'pi cāśnāti daivādupagataṃ tṛṇam ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

So what if one's wealth is blossoming even without his effort?! Even an old bull can graze the grass that becomes available by chance!

Commentary:

Luck shouldn't be the sole driving force behind the prosperity of one's wealth! If his wealth is flourishing without effort, there is nothing great about it. He might have inherited it abundantly, or his investments might be reaping tremendous benefits. But if he is not putting in hard work, dedicating his heart and soul towards the betterment of himself and society, that prosperity is to no great avail!

The poet says, even an old bull will graze the grass that becomes 'available' by chance. No applause is required for the bull's effort in 'earning' that meal! The same holds true for someone who puts in no effort towards thriving his assets or flourishing his property.

Only he who strives hard, as well as works honestly and diligently gets to be lauded for his prosperity. One's assets and wealth should prosper only as a byproduct of his efforts and not just due to mere luck or chance!

pada vigrahaH:
अ-कृत्वा पौरुषं या श्रीः विकासिनी अपि किं तया ।
a-kṛtvā pauruṣaṃ yā śrīḥ vikāsinī api kiṃ tayā ।

जरद्-गवः अपि च अश्नाति दैवात् उपगतं तृणम् ॥
jarad-gavaḥ api ca aśnāti daivāt upagataṃ tṛṇam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
akRutvaa pauruShaM yaa shrIH vikaasinyapi kiM tayaa ।
jaradgavo.pi chaashnaati daivaadupagataM tRuNam ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

a-kRutvaa pauruShaM yaa shrIH vikaasinI api kiM tayaa ।

jarad-gavaH api cha ashnaati daivaat upagataM tRuNam ॥

August 19th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अनवस्थितकार्यस्य न जने न वने सुखम् ।
जने दहति संसर्गः वने सङ्गविवर्जनम् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
anavasthitakāryasya na jane na vane sukham ।
jane dahati saṃsargaḥ vane saṅgavivarjanam ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

For the unsettled/disorderly, there is no solace amidst people nor in the forest. Amidst people, association cauterizes; in the forest, the lack of it!

Commentary:

One can live in a palatial bungalow amidst kith and kin, or by himself in the wilderness of the forest. But if the mind is not organized, it is immaterial where he lives or with whom he lives. When living amidst people, their company brings him misery. He magnetically attracts trouble when with people. If he gives up everything and runs away to a no man's land, then the lack of it (the company) brings him sorrow. He is not at peace anywhere!

Organizing one's own thoughts, surroundings and schedules is always a great way to avoid such a plight. Electricity is really just organized lightning! If it just keeps striking everywhere randomly, it cannot be productive. When it is organized as electricity, it has the potential to do many things. Similar is the effect of being organized in one's life. It can help one reach heights and keep him contented in life as well.

Having an organized mind/thoughts is key!

pada vigrahaH:
अनवस्थित-कार्यस्य न जने न वने सुखम् ।
anavasthita-kāryasya na jane na vane sukham ।

जने दहति संसर्गः वने सङ्ग-विवर्जनम् ॥
jane dahati saṃsargaḥ vane saṅga-vivarjanam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
anavasthitakaaryasya na jane na vane sukham ।
jane dahati saMsargaH vane sa~ngavivarjanam ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

anavasthita-kaaryasya na jane na vane sukham ।

jane dahati saMsargaH vane sa~nga-vivarjanam ॥

August 18th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अर्थनाशं मनस्तापं गृहे दुश्चरितानि च ।
वञ्चनञ्चापमानञ्च मतिमान्न प्रकाशयेत् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
arthanāśaṃ manastāpaṃ gṛhe duścaritāni ca ।
vañcanañcāpamānañca matimānna prakāśayet ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Loss of wealth, mental anguish, misdemeanors in the house, deceit, and disgrace - the prudent do not elucidate.

Commentary:

Add thy joys, subtract thy sorrows.

There is nothing to celebrate about grievances of the mind or losing wealth. No one is proud of misconduct in their family nor about the disgrace they may have faced. Talking about being deceived isn't a happy moment either!  Talking about these situations brings back memories of pain and adds to his sorrow.

The prudent do not bring unpleasant situations onto themselves. Publicizing these issues brings on either shame or embarrassment. Neither is desired by anyone. The farsighted and judicious have this forethought and avoid facing it from the get-go!

These topics come up when one indulges in mindless gossip and puts himself into situations where he might embarrass himself! Being judicious with words and not talking for the sake of talking, is the best way.

The wise speak because they have something to say, whereas a fool speaks because he has to say something! Speak wisely.

pada vigrahaH:

अर्थ-नाशं मनस्-तापं गृहे दुश्चरितानि च ।
artha-nāśaṃ manas-tāpaṃ gṛhe duścaritāni ca ।

वञ्चनं च अपमानं च मतिमान् न प्रकाशयेत् ॥
vañcanaṃ ca apamānaṃ ca matimān na prakāśayet ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
arthanaashaM manastaapaM gRuhe dushcharitaani cha ।
va~nchana~nchaapamaana~ncha matimaanna prakaashayet ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

artha-naashaM manas-taapaM gRuhe dushcharitaani cha ।

va~nchanaM cha apamaanaM cha matimaan na prakaashayet ॥

August 17th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
मृदुमप्यवमन्यन्ते तीक्ष्णादुद्विजते जनः ।
मा तीक्ष्णो मा मृदुर्भूः त्वं तीक्ष्णो भव मृदुर्भव ॥
- महाभारत, शान्तिपर्व


Transliteration:
mṛdumapyavamanyante tīkṣṇādudvijate janaḥ ।
mā tīkṣṇo mā mṛdurbhūḥ tvaṃ tīkṣṇo bhava mṛdurbhava ॥
- mahābhārata, śāntiparva

Meaning of the subhAShita:

People show contempt towards the weak (and) are agitated by the zealous. Don't be (over) zealous or weak.  You be zealous AND weak!

Commentary:

When a person is weak, people show contempt towards him. He gets ignored and his word is disregarded. When a person is zealous and affirmative, people get intimidated by him and then agitated! What should one do? How should he be? The poet advises one to be neither overzealous nor weak. Both have their own set of drawbacks and advantages. One needs to be zealous AND weak! The 'and' is instrumental here. Although it sounds ironic, selecting the right temperament for the right reasons is crucial.

One needs to show his tenacity under tough conditions. He cannot buckle under such circumstances. But then, when a situation calls for humility and compassion, being tough isn't useful! Those situations call for a heart that can melt. Hence, balance is the key.

Show the right strength at the right time.  Be zealous as well as weak!

pada vigrahaH:
मृदुम् अपि अवमन्यन्ते तीक्ष्णात् उद्विजते जनः ।
mṛdum api avamanyante tīkṣṇāt udvijate janaḥ ।

मा तीक्ष्णः मा मृदुः भूः त्वं तीक्ष्णः भव मृदुः भव ॥
mā tīkṣṇaḥ mā mṛduḥ bhūḥ tvaṃ tīkṣṇaḥ bhava mṛduḥ bhava ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
mRudumapyavamanyante tIkShNaadudvijate janaH ।
maa tIkShNo maa mRudurbhUH tvaM tIkShNo bhava mRudurbhava ॥
- mahaabhaarata, shaantiparva

mRudum api avamanyante tIkShNaat udvijate janaH ।

maa tIkShNaH maa mRuduH bhUH tvaM tIkShNaH bhava mRuduH bhava ॥

August 16th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
स्वर्गस्थितानामिह जीवलोके चत्वारि चिह्नानि वसन्ति देहे ।
दानप्रसङ्गो मधुरा च वाणी देवार्चनं ब्राह्मणतर्पणं च ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
svargasthitānāmiha jīvaloke catvāri cihnāni vasanti dehe ।
dānaprasaṅgo madhurā ca vāṇī devārcanaṃ brāhmaṇatarpaṇaṃ ca ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

There are 4 signs of a person in heaven even while living in this world - giving, pleasant words, worshipping the Lord and satiating (the hunger) of a vidvān (learned person).

Commentary:

It is in one's own hands to make life a living hell or heaven. One doesn't have to wait to pass on to see heaven. His life can be as blissful as being in heaven if he inculcates these 4 attributes -

• Giving - Sometimes a small thing given can mean everything in someone's life! True giving is when you give your all and yet feel like it was nothing! These are truly blissful feelings.
• Pleasant words - Someone once asked, “If someone were to pay you 10 cents for every kind word you ever spoke and collect 5 cents for every unkind word, would you be rich or poor?” Words are the keys to another's heart! Blessed are those who are measure rich on this scale!
• Worshiping the Lord - When every action is an offering to the Lord, there is nothing much he needs to do after that. He is just as close to God as he would be in heaven.
• Satiating the hunger of a vidvān (learned one) - Why specifically a vidvān? Why should his hunger be satisfied? In those days, a brāhmaṇa was generally given the responsibility of giving knowledge to people. He would roam from place to place propagating his learning. He would not be equipped to make his own meals at home, so satiating his hunger means contributing to the propagation of knowledge! Such a person is happy for doing his share for the society.

A person involved in these 4 kinds of actions is in virtual heaven. In his mind, he is as happy as being in heaven even with his breathing spirit still in the body!  It is not about going to heaven after passing on, but living in heaven here and now!

Find your own heaven. Do good, feel good!

pada vigrahaH:
स्वर्ग-स्थितानाम् इह जीव-लोके चत्वारि चिह्नानि वसन्ति देहे ।
svarga-sthitānām iha jīva-loke catvāri cihnāni vasanti dehe ।

दान-प्रसङ्गः मधुरा च वाणी देव-अर्चनं ब्राह्मण-तर्पणं च ॥
dāna-prasaṅgaḥ madhurā ca vāṇī deva-arcanaṃ brāhmaṇa-tarpaṇaṃ ca ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
svargasthitaanaamiha jIvaloke chatvaari chihnaani vasanti dehe ।
daanaprasa~ngo madhuraa cha vaaNI devaarchanaM braahmaNatarpaNaM cha ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

svarga-sthitaanaam iha jIva-loke chatvaari chihnaani vasanti dehe ।

daana-prasa~ngaH madhuraa cha vaaNI deva-archanaM braahmaNa-tarpaNaM cha ॥

August 15th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
बन्धाय विषयाऽसक्तिः मुक्त्यै निर्विषयं मनः ।
मन एव मनुष्याणां कारणं बन्धमोक्षयोः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
bandhāya viṣayā'saktiḥ muktyai nirviṣayaṃ manaḥ ।
mana eva manuṣyāṇāṃ kāraṇaṃ bandhamokṣayoḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Devotion towards materials is only for bondage, disinterest in objects of pleasure is itself freedom. Mind alone is the reason for man's restraint and redemption.

Commentary:

Bondage is a strange noose. It is very easy to get into its tangled web, but extremely hard to get out of! Material pleasures and indulgence in materials only aid to further bondage. Disinterest in objects of pleasure is freedom in itself! When desires increase, chasing after them becomes the prime interest. Detachment is the best shield that guards one against any kind of bondage. The minute the mind gets attached, the being gets hijacked into the whirlpool of illusions which take him far, far away from redemption.

Happiness is not based on possessions, but a cultivation of the mind! Like they say, 'It's all in the mind!' Mind is everything. What you think, you become. If one is thinking of basal ideas, his growth will remain basal. If his visions are set on targeting the stars, he might at least land on his rooftop. Try not to indulge or be engrossed in mind games!

pada vigrahaH:
बन्धाय विषय-आसक्तिः मुक्त्यै निर्विषयं मनः ।
bandhāya viṣaya-āsaktiḥ muktyai nirviṣayaṃ manaḥ ।

मनः एव मनुष्याणां कारणं बन्ध-मोक्षयोः ॥
manaḥ eva manuṣyāṇāṃ kāraṇaṃ bandha-mokṣayoḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
bandhaaya viShayaa.saktiH muktyai nirviShayaM manaH ।
mana eva manuShyaaNaaM kaaraNaM bandhamokShayoH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

bandhaaya viShaya-aasaktaM muktyai nirviShayaM manaH ।

manaH eva manuShyaaNaaM kaaraNaM bandha-mokShayoH ॥

August 14th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
कालः पचति भूतानि कालः संहरते प्रजाः ।
कालः सुप्‍तेषु जागर्ति कालो हि दुरतिक्रमः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
kālaḥ pacati bhūtāni kālaḥ saṃharate prajāḥ ।
kālaḥ sup‍teṣu jāgarti kālo hi duratikramaḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Time digests all elements, time fells all beings, time is awake even in sleep, time is the only thing that cannot be transgressed (by anyone).

Commentary:

One may have everything at the tip of his finger and control the entire world with his fist! But there is one thing that is beyond the ability of even such a person - slowing down Time! It keeps going at its constant monotonous pace. (Wish we could 'freeze' time, especially when children are young :). Time doesn't wait for anyone for any reason. It has the force to sweep everything under its influence. It can digest all elements of the universe, it can fell all beings. Time is the most precious thing that is steady and moving at all times, no matter what any being is doing.

Time always keeps changing and change is the only thing that is constant! Accept the fact that time is never stagnant and go with the flow. Adapt accordingly!

pada vigrahaH:
कालः पचति भूतानि कालः संहरते प्रजाः ।
kālaḥ pacati bhūtāni kālaḥ saṃharate prajāḥ ।

कालः सुप्‍तेषु जागर्ति कालो हि दुर्-अति-क्रमः ॥
kālaḥ sup‍teṣu jāgarti kālo hi dur-ati-kramaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kaalaH pachati bhUtaani kaalaH saMharate prajaaH ।
kaalaH supteShu jaagarti kaalo hi duratikramaH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

kaalaH pachati bhUtaani kaalaH samharate prajaaH ।

kaalaH supteShu jaagarti kaalo hi dur-ati-kramaH ॥

August 13th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
काव्यशास्त्रविनोदेन कालो गच्छति धीमताम् ।
व्यसनेन तु मूर्खाणां निद्रया कलहेन वा ॥
- हितोपदेश


Transliteration:
kāvyaśāstravinodena kālo gacchati dhīmatām ।
vyasanena tu mūrkhāṇāṃ nidrayā kalahena vā ॥
- hitopadeśa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The intelligent spend their time studying literature and scriptures for amusement, whereas the foolish (spend time) by (indulging in) bad habits, sleeping or quarreling.

Commentary:

'Favorite pastimes' vary for each individual based on their caliber. One's choice of activities is based on his interests.

The poet says he who is aware of the real purpose of life chooses to study literature and scriptures for his entertainment. He keeps himself occupied in productive activities rather than unwanted distractions. On the other hand, a foolish person entertains himself by being involved in petty quarrels, bad habits or oversleeping. He is constantly distraught, displeased and dissatisfied with his circumstances.  He easily passes the buck of blame onto someone else and gets into a dispute just to satiate his ego.  There is no higher goal when one wants to boost his own futile efforts when he is clearly in the wrong.

One's choices give away his temperaments! Choose your hobbies carefully and may the pursuance behind them be justified.

pada vigrahaH:
काव्य-शास्त्र-विनोदेन कालः गच्छति धीमताम् ।
kāvya-śāstra-vinodena kālaḥ gacchati dhīmatām ।

व्यसनेन तु मूर्खाणां निद्रया कलहेन वा ॥
vyasanena tu mūrkhāṇāṃ nidrayā kalahena vā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kaavyashaastravinodena kaalo gachChati dhImataam ।
vyasanena tu mUrkhaaNaaM nidrayaa kalahena vaa ॥
- hitopadesha

kaavya-shaastra-vinodena kaalaH gachChati dhImataam ।

vyasanena tu mUrkhaaNaaM nidrayaa kalahena vaa ॥

August 12th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
निर्विषेणापि सर्पेण कर्तव्या महती फणा ।
विषमस्तु न चाप्यस्तु घटाटोपो भयङ्करः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
nirviṣeṇāpi sarpeṇa kartavyā mahatī phaṇā ।
viṣamastu na cāpyastu ghaṭāṭopo bhayaṅkaraḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Even for a snake without poison, the hood has many duties. Whether there is poison or not, its noise (hissing) has to be scary!

Commentary:

This verse must be an extension of the story 'The Snake and the Hermit'. In this story, it is said that there was a snake who used to bite and injure passersby. People were scared to come wherever the snake might be.  This made the snake sad.  It thought, "why do people avoid my presence?"  Once a hermit passing by told him that biting is not the right thing to do. He went away, only to come back after a few days, to see a very ailing and injured snake. Upon asking, the snake explained to him that acting upon the hermit's advice it had given up biting. When some children realized this, they started pelting stones at the snake. Therefore, he was weak and frail now. The hermit told him, "I certainly advised you not to bite, but never stopped you from hissing! That is your God-given defence mechanism and you need to use it for your own protection. Never forget that!"

Whether a snake bites or not, his hissing is scary enough to ward off offenders. Same holds good in society. One doesn't have to hurt others, but if he is bold enough to show the onlookers that, he has it in him to defend himself and his beliefs, he can be a survivor. These are survival skills.  It is one's birthright to defend himself in adverse conditions!

It is not the strongest of the species nor the most intelligent, it is the one that is most adaptable that survives! He who can face any impending events fearlessly and tactfully is a survivor in this world.

pada vigrahaH:
निर्-विषेण अपि सर्पेण कर्तव्या महती फणा ।
nir-viṣeṇa api sarpeṇa kartavyā mahatī phaṇā ।

विषम् अस्तु न च अपि अस्तु घटाटोपः भयङ्करः ॥
viṣam astu na ca api astu ghaṭāṭopaḥ bhayaṅkaraḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
nirviSheNaapi sarpeNa kartavyaa mahatI phaNaa ।
viShamastu na chaapyastu ghaTaaTopo bhaya~nkaraH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

nir-viSheNa api sarpeNa kartavyaa mahatI phaNaa ।

viSham astu na cha api astu ghaTaaTopaH bhaya~nkaraH ॥

August 11th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
प्रभूतं कार्यमल्पं वा यन्नरः कर्तुमिच्छति ।
सर्वारम्भेण तत्कार्यं सिंहादेकं प्रचक्षते ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
prabhūtaṃ kāryamalpaṃ vā yannaraḥ kartumicchati ।
sarvārambheṇa tatkāryaṃ siṃhādekaṃ pracakṣate ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

He (a wise man) who is desirous of doing a task, be it a significant or trivial one, looks it over once from start (to finish), in the very beginning. (Learn a thing or two) from the lion.

Commentary:

A lion first approaches stealthily and then crouches silently, watching every move of his prey so he can pounce at the right time. This is his style of hunting! He certainly has to execute all of these steps every single time. He can't relax on any of his hunting techniques just because he is preying on a little rabbit! He still has to be as cautious as possible so he does not alert his meal away from himself :). He works just the same, whether he is hunting down a huge elephant or a tiny hare! His attention is totally on the prey and he does his hunting with complete focus. He runs the whole process in his head from start to finish before actually putting it into action!

There is a term called 'siṃhāvalokana'. A lion travels great distances, but every now and then, it stops to look back at how much distance it has traversed.  It reviews the land where it has marked its territory in thorough detail!

One should execute the task at hand similarly, whether it be a significant one or a trivial one! Whether the task gets recognized by the entire world or his duty calls him to a no man's land with no fan following..., it should be done with the same fervor and forethought!  Running the plan at a glance upfront helps accomplish the task more easily.  Looking back in detail every now and then also helps catch any errors that might have been overlooked.

Dedication is not what others expect of one, but what one expects of himself and offers to others! That should include forethought, vision and prudence.

pada vigrahaH:
प्रभूतं कार्यम्-अल्पं वा यत् नरः कर्तुम् इच्छति ।
prabhūtaṃ kāryam-alpaṃ vā yat naraḥ kartum icchati ।

सर्व-आरम्भेण तत् कार्यं सिंहात् एकं प्रचक्षते ॥
sarva-ārambheṇa tat kāryaṃ siṃhāt ekaṃ pracakṣate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
prabhUtaM kaaryamalpaM vaa yannaraH kartumichChati ।
sarvaarambheNa tatkaaryaM siMhaadekaM prachakShate ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

prabhUtaM kaaryam-alpaM vaa yat naraH kartum ichChati ।

sarva-aarambheNa tat kaaryaM siMhaat ekaM prachakShate ॥

August 10th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अहिं नृपञ्च शार्दूलं कीटञ्च बालकं तथा ।
परश्वानञ्च मूर्खञ्च सप्‍त सुप्‍तान्न बोधयेत् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
ahiṃ nṛpañca śārdūlaṃ kīṭañca bālakaṃ tathā ।
paraśvānañca mūrkhañca sap‍ta sup‍tānna bodhayet ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A snake, king, tiger, insect, child, others' dog, and foolish person too - (these) 7 sleepers should not be woken up (advised)!

Commentary:

A snake can be poisonous, the king can get angry, a tiger kills, an insect bites, a child cries and others' dog barks at strangers. Waking up any of these is, quite understandably, not a pleasant circumstance. For one's own good, he is better off letting them sleep.

But why the foolish? 'Waking' here doesn't literally mean from a slumber.  Ignorance is equated to darkness as well as sleep.  It is dangerous to wake him because he is arrogant and not in a mind to heed anyone's word. Initiating a conversation with such a person is futile.  The minute a foolish person begins to talk, he causes trouble for everyone around him due to his imprudence and absurdity. He asks questions that the wise can not answer. For, he won't accept anything for an answer! He has a closed, blocked mind that is unwilling to accept another view or think logically. Such a person is better left alone so that one does not invite trouble onto himself.

Keep trouble at bay! Don't bother with those that don't want to be bothered even if it is for their betterment.

pada vigrahaH:
अहिं नृपं च शार्दूलं कीटं च बालकं तथा ।
ahiṃ nṛpaṃ ca śārdūlaṃ kīṭaṃ ca bālakaṃ tathā ।

पर-श्वानं च मूर्खं च सप्‍त सुप्‍तान् न बोधयेत् ॥
para-śvānaṃ ca mūrkhaṃ ca sap‍ta sup‍tān na bodhayet ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ahiM nRupa~ncha shaardUlaM kITa~ncha baalakaM tathaa ।
parashvaana~ncha mUrkha~ncha sapta suptaanna bodhayet ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

ahiM nRupaM cha shaardUlaM kITaM cha baalakaM tathaa ।

para-shvaanaM cha mUrkhaM cha sapta suptaan na bodhayet ॥

August 9th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
नाहारं चिन्तयेत् प्राज्ञः धर्ममेकं हि चिन्तयेत् ।
आहारो हि मनुष्याणां जन्मना सह जायते ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
nāhāraṃ cintayet prājñaḥ dharmamekaṃ hi cintayet ।
āhāro hi manuṣyāṇāṃ janmanā saha jāyate ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The wise do not think about food but reflect on dharma alone. (Because) food for beings is born along with them!

Commentary:

Human birth is a rare commodity which comes as a blessing for attaining the life's goal of any being - call it mokṣa, call it salvation. That is achieved through reflecting on dharma and dharma alone! What is essential is food for thought, not just food!

The wise ones know that the Lord has provided food for them already. The Lord gives life to a small frog under a remote stone and provides food for it right there as well! One has no reason to ponder over food or accumulate by the chock-fulls to provide his next ten generations. The Lord would have placed food for each being in their very vicinity!  One doesn't have to worry too much about nourishing his body alone. His rightful share of food is born alongside him when he is born.  Instead, if one contemplates whether his deeds are virtuous or not, he will go a long way.

Contemplate on giving food for thought, not just food for the body!

pada vigrahaH:
न अहारं चिन्तयेत् प्राज्ञः धर्मम् एकं हि चिन्तयेत् ।
na ahāraṃ cintayet prājñaḥ dharmam ekaṃ hi cintayet ।

आहारो हि मनुष्याणां जन्मना सह जायते ॥
āhāro hi manuṣyāṇāṃ janmanā saha jāyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
naahaaraM chintayet praaj~naH dharmamekaM hi chintayet ।
aahaaro hi manuShyaaNaaM janmanaa saha jaayate ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

na ahaaraM chintayet praaj~naH dharmam ekaM hi chintayet ।

aahaaro hi manuShyaaNaaM janmanaa saha jaayate ॥

August 8th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
इन्द्रियाणि च संयम्य बकवत् पण्डितो नरः ।
देशकालबलं ज्ञात्वा सर्वकार्याणि साधयेत् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
indriyāṇi ca saṃyamya bakavat paṇḍito naraḥ ।
deśakālabalaṃ jñātvā sarvakāryāṇi sādhayet ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

By restraining the senses like a stork, a learned person, aware of his space, time and strengths, succeeds in all his tasks.

Commentary:

A stork stands still on one foot, without moving an inch, waiting patiently for its catch. It is very aware of the happenings around it, yet restrains its senses. His patience gets paid off eventually!

Same is done by an intelligent person. He is very aware of his surroundings but doesn't yield into the pleasures of his senses. He will not let his desires or weaknesses overpower his reasoning. He is flexible to changes, yet firm in his conviction. His awareness of his strengths and weaknesses, time and space - all contribute to his wisdom. His patience and perseverance pay off eventually!

Patience is waiting. Not passively sitting still - that is laziness! But to keep going when the going is hard and slow - that is patience. Patience is the companion of wisdom!

pada vigrahaH:
इन्द्रियाणि च संयम्य बकवत् पण्डितः नरः ।
indriyāṇi ca saṃyamya bakavat paṇḍitaḥ naraḥ ।

देश-काल-बलं ज्ञात्वा सर्व-कार्याणि साधयेत् ॥
deśa-kāla-balaṃ jñātvā sarva-kāryāṇi sādhayet ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
indriyaaNi cha saMyamya bakavat paNDito naraH ।
deshakaalabalaM j~naatvaa sarvakaaryaaNi saadhayet ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

indriyaaNi cha saMyamya bakavat paNDitaH naraH ।

desha-kaala-balaM j~naatvaa sarva-kaaryaaNi saadhayet ॥

August 7th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
कश्चिदाम्रवनं छित्वा पलाशांश्च निषिञ्चति ।
पुष्पं दृष्ट्वा फले गृध्नुः स शोचति फलागमे ॥
- रामायण, अयोध्याकाण्ड

Transliteration:
kaścidāmravanaṃ chitvā palāśāṃśca niṣiñcati ।
puṣpaṃ dṛṣṭvā phale gṛdhnuḥ sa śocati phalāgame ॥
- rāmāyaṇa, ayodhyākāṇḍa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Greedy of fruit on seeing the flower, tearing down a forest with mango trees, one tends the palāśā (flame of the forest) trees. He bewails at harvest time!

Commentary:

Looks are deceptive!

Flowers of a mango tree are small. Discouraged, one tears them all down and plants palāśā plants, expecting big fruit. The palāśā bear big fiery red flowers that have no fragrance.  (This tree is commonly called as 'flame of the forest'.)  He will only be disappointed at harvest time because the palāśā plant bears no fruit and its flowers do not have fragrance either. Now, that's a bad deal! :(

Similar are life's scenarios. One often falls prey for tentative returns or greed. But on a longer run, he will incur major losses. One also falls for the illusion of the materialistic pleasures of the world and destroys all the sātvika bhāvas he has imbibed. He runs after impermanent and volatile possessions and ultimately loses sight of better and more important goals in life.

Think ahead, plan and execute accordingly. Do not fall for short-term gains... think long term!

Do not lose sight of the destination by giving in to the distractions of the journey!!

pada vigrahaH:
कश्चित् आम्र-वनं छित्वा पलाशांश्च निषिञ्चति ।
kaścit āmra-vanaṃ chitvā palāśāṃśca niṣiñcati ।

पुष्पं दृष्ट्वा फले गृध्नुः स शोचति फल-आगमे ॥
puṣpaṃ dṛṣṭvā phale gṛdhnuḥ sa śocati phala-āgame ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kashchidaamravanaM Chitvaa palaashaaMshcha niShi~nchati ।
puShpaM dRuShTvaa phale gRudhnuH sa shochati phalaagame ॥
- raamaayaNa, ayodhyaakaaNDa

kashchit aamra-vanaM Chitvaa palaashaamshcha niShi~nchati ।

puShpaM dRuShTvaa phale gRudhnuH sa shochati phala-aagame ॥

August 6th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
पक्षीणां काकश्चाण्डालः पशूनाञ्चैव कुक्कुरः ।
मुनीनां कोपी चाण्डालः सर्वेषां चैव निन्दकः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
pakṣīṇāṃ kākaścāṇḍālaḥ paśūnāñcaiva kukkuraḥ ।
munīnāṃ kopī cāṇḍālaḥ sarveṣāṃ caiva nindakaḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Among birds, a crow is basal; among animals a dog is bottom; in ascetics, an angry one is a derelict; among everyone, a criticizer is an outcast.

Commentary:

A crow eats anything and everything. It is hence called the most basal of all birds. A dog is not considered auspicious and is the least preferred among the animals during holy rituals.

Calmness is one of the foremost characteristics of an ascetic. One who cannot keep his cool and gets angry is the most derelict of ascetics.

Among all kinds of beings, one who constantly criticizes, accuses or finds faults is the worst of all. There is no one lower than him, says the poet. A criticizer has no good feelings towards the criticized. His sole goal is to put the other person down. When one doesn't have the interest of the other person at heart, that is when he looks for avenues to find shortcomings. This is not supportive of the eternal goal, which is, seeing the oneness in everyone and everything.

Be mindful of others. Criticising is not the only way of communication! Be accommodating.

pada vigrahaH:
पक्षीणां काकः चाण्डालः पशूनां च एव कुक्कुरः ।
pakṣīṇāṃ kākaḥ cāṇḍālaḥ paśūnāṃ ca eva kukkuraḥ ।

मुनीनां कोपी चाण्डालः सर्वेषां च एव निन्दकः ॥
munīnāṃ kopī cāṇḍālaḥ sarveṣāṃ ca eva nindakaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
pakShINaaM kaakashchaaNDaalaH pashUnaa~nchaiva kukkuraH ।
munInaaM kopI chaaNDaalaH sarveShaaM chaiva nindakaH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

pakShINaaM kaakaH chaaNDaalaH pashUnaaM cha eva kukkuraH ।

munInaaM kopI chaaNDaalaH sarveShaaM cha eva nindakaH ॥

August 5th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
विप्रयोर्विप्रवह्न्योश्च दम्पत्योः स्वामिभृत्ययोः ।
अन्तरेण न गन्तव्यं हलस्य वृषभस्य च ॥
- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
viprayorvipravahnyośca dampatyoḥ svāmibhṛtyayoḥ ।
antareṇa na gantavyaṃ halasya vṛṣabhasya ca ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Never go between two vidvān-s (scholars); vidvān (one who knows scriptures) and the sacred fire; husband and wife; master and servant; plough and the bull.

Commentary:

Common sense! None of these scenarios has any scarcity for screaming danger.

• Spiritual scholars (vedāntin-s) are popular for their disagreements! Each has their own set of opinions and they quickly get into arguments. Going between them or being forced to take the side of one or the other is not a safe place to be in!
• A vidvān purohit (a learned scholar who performs fire rituals) worships the fire. Many types of sacrifices are offered to the fire. Being in the way is only an invitation for trouble!
• Between a husband and wife, many arguments will arise. But they themselves are the best people to settle them. They both should remember that they both are on the same side.   Anyone else will prove to be the outsider! They would either be in a sticky situation or be the cause for creating more trouble between the couple. Neither is a likable outcome. It is best NOT to get between a husband and wife under any circumstance!
• Coming between a master and his servant isn't sensible either. The orders of the master are better when received by the subordinate himself. There won't be any miscommunication of the expectations.
• A bull pulls the plough in the fields. When the pace of the moving plough is at the mercy of the bull, how sane is it to walk between the plough and the bull?!

Know your boundaries. Do not step into unfavorable situations or unwanted territories!

pada vigrahaH:
विप्रयोः विप्र-वह्न्योः च दम्पत्योः स्वामि-भृत्ययोः ।
viprayoḥ vipra-vahnyoḥ ca dampatyoḥ svāmi-bhṛtyayoḥ ।

अन्तरेण न गन्तव्यं हलस्य वृषभस्य च ॥
antareṇa na gantavyaṃ halasya vṛṣabhasya ca ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
viprayorvipravahnyoshcha dampatyoH svaamibhRutyayoH ।
antareNa na gantavyaM halasya vRuShabhasya cha ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

viprayoH vipra-vahnyoH cha dampatyoH svaami-bhRutyayoH ।

antareNa na gantavyaM halasya vRuShabhasya cha ॥

August 4th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
मांसभक्षैः सुरापानैः मूर्खैश्चाक्षरवर्जितैः ।
पशुभिः पुरुषाकारैः भाराक्रान्ता च मेदिनी ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
māṃsabhakṣaiḥ surāpānaiḥ mūrkhaiścākṣaravarjitaiḥ ।
paśubhiḥ puruṣākāraiḥ bhārākrāntā ca medinī ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Meat-eaters, alcohol-consumers, the foolish and uneducated - the earth is weighed down and engulfed with these animals in the forms of humans.

Commentary:

People that weigh down the earth are those that entertain fallacies. Those who do not support the sustenance of dharma are dead weight on earth! They are animals in a human semblance, says the poet.

Humans were designed to be vegetarian. Hence, meat-eaters are considered to be weighing the earth down! Not just figuratively, but literally as well. By killing animals for food, man is not just spoiling his God-given blueprint but also creating an imbalance in the natural ecosystem! Hence, he is being a burden for the well-being of the planet.

Those that consume alcohol do not have much presence of mind nor can perform any deeds of essence under its influence. Their tendencies are closer to beasts than human beings as their intellect gets fogged up and negated.

The foolish and the uneducated can't do much for the welfare of the planet either. Hence, they are equated to animals as well.

Human birth is a rare blessing and should be put to use for self-improvement as well as the benefit of the society at large. If otherwise, his human birth is wasteful and his life is as good as that of an animal, says the poet.

pada vigrahaH:
मांस-भक्षैः सुरापानैः मूर्खैः च अक्षर-वर्जितैः ।
māṃsa-bhakṣaiḥ surāpānaiḥ mūrkhaiḥ ca akṣara-varjitaiḥ ।

पशुभिः पुरुष-आकारैः भारा आक्रान्ता च मेदिनी ॥
paśubhiḥ puruṣa-ākāraiḥ bhārā ākrāntā ca medinī ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
maaMsabhakShaiH suraapaanaiH mUrkhaishchaakSharavarjitaiH ।
pashubhiH puruShaakaaraiH bhaaraakraantaa cha medinI ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

maaMsa-bhakShaiH suraapaanaiH mUrkhaiH cha akShara-varjitaiH ।

pashubhiH puruSha-aakaaraiH bhaaraa aakraantaa cha medinI ॥

August 3rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सुश्रान्तोऽपि वहेद्भारं शीतोष्णं न च पश्यति ।
सन्तुष्टश्चरते नित्यं त्रीणि शिक्षेच्च गर्दभात् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
suśrānto'pi vahedbhāraṃ śītoṣṇaṃ na ca paśyati ।
santuṣṭaścarate nityaṃ trīṇi śikṣecca gardabhāt ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Carries weight even when tired; doesn't mind heat or cold (weather); wanders in contentment always - learn these 3 (attitudes) from a donkey.

Commentary:

There are lessons to be learnt even from a donkey!

• A donkey is used to carry weight and is even called the 'beast of burden'. Yet, it never complains!
• Be it a sunny, windy, rainy or dusty day, it carries on with its chores. It doesn't discriminate or react to its surroundings!
• It grazes on dry grass or some leaves - whatever is available. Yet, it is content with itself. It is in no rush to win any race. It wanders happily going about his chores.

These 3 traits are worth praise in any being. Who doesn't want to be content, level and industrious? When the brighter side is seen, a donkey has insights to give as well! :)

pada vigrahaH:
सु-श्रान्तः अपि वहेत् भारं शीत-उष्णं न च पश्यति ।
su-śrāntaḥ api vahet bhāraṃ śīta-uṣṇaṃ na ca paśyati ।

सन्तुष्टः चरते नित्यं त्रीणि शिक्षेत् च गर्दभात् ॥
santuṣṭaḥ carate nityaṃ trīṇi śikṣet ca gardabhāt ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sushraanto.pi vahedbhaaraM shItoShNaM na cha pashyati ।
santuShTashcharate nityaM trINi shikShechcha gardabhaat ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

su-shraantaH api vahet bhaaraM shIta-uShNaM na cha pashyati ।

santuShTaH charate nityaM trINi shikShet cha gardabhaat ॥

August 2nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
शान्तितुल्यं तपो नास्ति न सन्तोषात्परं सुखम् ।
न तृष्णायाः परो व्याधिः न च धर्मो दयापरः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
śāntitulyaṃ tapo nāsti na santoṣātparaṃ sukham ।
na tṛṣṇāyāḥ paro vyādhiḥ na ca dharmo dayāparaḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

There is no penance equal to peace; no pleasure beyond satisfaction; no disease is worse than greed; no virtue better than compassion.

Commentary:

One doesn't have to do eons of penance if his actions bring about peace. If his thoughts are driven towards keeping the peace in every aspect of life around him, that is the biggest penance!

Big houses, fancy jewelery and multiple vehicles are not the means of pleasure. If one is satisfied with what he has, there is no pleasure beyond that.

Infliction of disease is no fun for anyone. The biggest and worst of all diseases is greed! The unquenchable thirst and the 'want' to possess more is the hardest of all illnesses to cure.

Compassion is one virtue that gives one the vision of ekatva (oneness) among all beings. If one inculcates this attribute, it is the best form of dharma (virtue). If one can have compassion for other beings at all times without any reservations, he is following the path of dharma always!

Acquire these essential skills that outweigh all other abilities!

pada vigrahaH:
शान्ति-तुल्यं तपः न अस्ति न सन्तोषात् परं सुखम् ।
śānti-tulyaṃ tapaḥ na asti na santoṣāt paraṃ sukham ।

न तृष्णायाः परः व्याधिः न च धर्मः दया-अपरः ॥
na tṛṣṇāyāḥ paraḥ vyādhiḥ na ca dharmaḥ dayā-aparaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
shaantitulyaM tapo naasti na santoShaatparaM sukham ।
na tRuShNaayaaH paro vyaadhiH na cha dharmo dayaaparaH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

shaanti-tulyaM tapaH na asti na santoShaat paraM sukham ।

na tRuShNaayaaH paraH vyaadhiH na cha dharmaH dayaa-aparaH ॥