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 peculiar noose—effortless to slip into but incredibly challenging to escape from. Material pleasures and indulgence only tighten its grip, pulling one deeper into its tangled web. True freedom lies in disinterest towards objects of pleasure, as detachment is the ultimate liberation.

When desires go unchecked, pursuing them becomes the sole focus, leading to an endless chase. Detachment serves as the strongest shield, protecting one from the chains of bondage. The moment the mind becomes attached, the self is dragged into a whirlpool of illusions, pulling it further from redemption and inner peace.

Happiness is not rooted in possessions but in the cultivation of the mind. As the saying goes, "It's all in the mind!" The mind holds the key to everything—what you think, you become. If your thoughts are confined to base desires, your growth will remain limited. However, if your vision is fixed on the stars, you may at least rise to the rooftop.

Avoid becoming consumed by the games of the mind. Instead, cultivate clarity and purpose, freeing yourself from illusions and paving the way to true fulfillment.

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 ॥