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 soft (and) are agitated by the harsh. Don't be (over) harsh or soft.  Be both harsh AND soft!

Commentary:

When a person is overly soft, people often show contempt towards him, dismiss his presence, and disregard his words. On the other hand, when someone is harsh and assertive, it may intimidate people initially but ultimately it agitates and alienates them. 

So, what is the ideal way to be? The poet advises that one should strike a balance—be neither excessively soft nor overly harsh. Both extremes have their drawbacks and advantages. Instead, the key lies in mastering the art of being both soft and harsh as the situation demands. The emphasis on and is vital here. While it may seem paradoxical, this approach ensures the right response at the right time.

Under challenging circumstances, one must exhibit firmness and tenacity. Buckling under pressure is not an option. Yet, when faced with situations that call for humility and compassion, a tough demeanor serves no purpose. In such moments, a heart that can empathize and melt with kindness is indispensable.

The essence lies in balance—showing strength when it is necessary and softness when it is appropriate. The right temperament for the right moment is what truly defines wisdom. Be harsh and soft in equal measure, but always in harmony with the situation!

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 ॥