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:

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

Commentary:

Envy is perhaps the most foolish of all vices, for it brings absolutely no benefit—only harm. By envying others, one inflicts unnecessary suffering upon oneself, creating a cycle of self-imposed misery with no reward in return. Why nurture such corrosive emotions? Envy stems from feelings of inferiority and insecurity, manifesting as an incessant need to criticize those who have achieved what one desires but feels incapable of attaining. Instead of striving for personal growth, the envious resort to fault-finding, hoping to diminish the shine of others' success.

As the saying goes, "The envious die not once, but as often as others receive applause." Another timeless truth reminds us, "Envy is the art of counting another’s blessings instead of your own." These observations highlight the futile and destructive nature of envy—it does nothing to lessen another’s accomplishments but thoroughly consumes the peace and happiness of the envious.

Why give rise to such self-destructive emotions? Recognizing the root cause of envy—our own insecurities and misguided comparisons—makes it easier to extinguish it. Instead of letting envy take root, focus inward. Celebrate your own journey, no matter how different it may be from others’. After all, everyone receives their fair share according to their efforts and destiny. 

Jealousy cannot tarnish the success of others, but it can certainly corrode your own inner peace. Don’t let it take hold—choose gratitude, self-awareness, and faith instead. Be yourself, and leave the rest to Him.

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 ॥