September 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
धर्मो यशो नयो दाक्ष्यं मनोहारि सुभाषितम् ।
इत्यादि गुणरत्नानां सङ्ग्रही नावसीदति ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
dharmo yaśo nayo dākṣyaṃ manohāri subhāṣitam ।
ityādi guṇaratnānāṃ saṅgrahī nāvasīdati ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

He who collects jewels of merits such as dharma (virtue), fame, principles, politeness, mind captivating subhāṣitas, etc, will never decline.

Commentary:

Why do people collect anything? People collect in an effort to remember and relive and for a connection to the past and its memories! Objects can connect the collector to his valued past. Hence, one's collections should be the time-tested treasures extracted from the experiences of his elders and ancestors.

The question now is, what should one collect to flourish in life? Not real estate, not cash, not jewels nor property. A good collection of merit is what he needs. The best of them are - dharma (virtue), fame, principles, politeness, mind captivating subhāṣitas and the like. One may lead a life without money or property or embellishments. But without principles, virtues and politeness, there is no life. How about subhāṣitas? It is said, "the wisdom of a culture lies in its proverbs and sayings, although brief and pithy." They have much to say in very little words! They save time in speaking and upon occasion, maybe the fullest and safest answers. Collect and learn them; they are notable measures of guidance for human life!

How does one collect subhāṣitas? Well, to build a ship, one doesn't need to collect wood or put down timelines to build, but rather, needs to learn to long for the endless immensity of the sea. Then, the task of building the ship will automatically get propelled! To collect subhāṣitas, if one develops a love for learning the deep-set values in them, appreciates their brevity and acknowledges their immense importance in shaping the culture and society, then the collection will happen naturally.  Essentially, develop a value for the values!

Collect these invaluable treasures that make life precious and treasure them dearer than life. As the poet says, such a person shall never slacken. Success will come looking for that person.

May each of us travel in that direction. We will meet like-minded people with similar interests along the path, because 'bird of the same feather flock together!'

pada vigrahaH:
धर्मः यशः नयः दाक्ष्यं मनोहारि सुभाषितम् ।
dharmaḥ yaśaḥ nayaḥ dākṣyaṃ manohāri subhāṣitam ।

इत्यादि गुण-रत्नानां सङ्ग्रही न अवसीदति ॥
ityādi guṇa-ratnānāṃ saṅgrahī na avasīdati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
dharmo yasho nayo daakShyaM manohaari subhaaShitam ।
ityaadi guNaratnaanaaM sa~ngrahI naavasIdati ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

dharmaH yashaH nayaH daakShyaM manohaari subhaaShitam ।

ityaadi guNa-ratnaanaaM sa~ngrahI na avasIdati ॥

September 24th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
आत्मानं रथिनं विद्धि शरीरं रथमेव च ।
बुद्धिं तु सारथिं विद्धि मनः प्रग्रहमेव च ॥
- कठोपनिषत्

Transliteration:
ātmānaṃ rathinaṃ viddhi śarīraṃ rathameva ca ।
buddhiṃ tu sārathiṃ viddhi manaḥ pragrahameva ca ॥
- kaṭhopaniṣat

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Know thyself as the traveler and body as the chariot. Perceive intellect as the charioteer and mind as its reins.

Commentary:

Who should be in charge? While riding in a chariot, who should have the final say? Should it be the chariot, the charioteer, the reins or the horses! Actually, none of the above! The chariot, charioteer and the horses - all are required to take orders from the rider. He is the one who knows his goal, his destination. So, he is the one required to know the path as well. The 5 senses are the horses and the sense objects are only a few of the various paths. One can take charge of his horses and lead them in the right path, or allow his horses to stray according to their own whims and fancies, choosing their own roads towards success or downfall. When this scenario can't procure great results, then how can allowing oneself be led by his senses be appropriate?!

Hearing only what pleases the ear will not end well. For, the ear wants to hear only praises! It doesn't want to heed any advice from anyone, whether valid or not.

Seeing only what pleases the eye isn't the best choice. For, the eye only likes to see what appeals to it, not the reality of things.

Letting the tongue taste all it wants can only bring harm to the person's health. Just because the tongue doesn't relish healthy food, one can't provide it with processed convenience food that is harmful on a longer run. So on and so forth.

The best way is to let the charioteer (intellect) have the reins (mind) in his control and make sure that the intellect listens to the voyager, the Self (finding this Self itself, is a quest of many lifetimes, with a much deeper import!)  Then, there will be no case of runaway horses or chariots and the traveler can safely reach his destination, of attaining liberation.  When the charioteer is the Lord himself, there is no doubt that the journey, as well as the destination, become pleasant!

pada vigrahaH:
आत्मानं रथिनं विद्धि शरीरं रथम् एव च ।
ātmānaṃ rathinaṃ viddhi śarīraṃ ratham eva ca ।

बुद्धिं तु सारथिं विद्धि मनः प्रग्रहम् एव च ॥
buddhiṃ tu sārathiṃ viddhi manaḥ pragraham eva ca ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
aatmaanaM rathinaM viddhi sharIraM rathameva cha ।
buddhiM tu saarathiM viddhi manaH pragrahameva cha ॥
- kaThopaniShat

aatmaanaM rathinaM viddhi sharIraM ratham eva cha ।

buddhiM tu saarathiM viddhi manaH pragraham eva cha ॥

September 23rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
आचार्यात् पादमादत्ते पादं शिष्यः स्वमेधया ।
कालेन पादमादत्ते पादं सब्रह्मचारिभिः ॥  
-महाभारत, उद्योग

Transliteration:
ācāryāt pādamādatte pādaṃ śiṣyaḥ svamedhayā ।
kālena pādamādatte pādaṃ sabrahmacāribhiḥ ॥
-mahābhārata, udyoga

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A (student) acquired a quarter from the teacher, a quarter from his own intelligence, a quarter is grasped over time (and) a quarter from the classmates.

Commentary:

For one's learning, sources are many. He cannot rely upon the teacher to prepare a potent potion of the lessons and feed it to him all at once. The teacher's contribution to one's learning is only twenty-five percent. The other twenty-five percent comes from the student's own interest and perceptions. One quarter comes from his fellow mates. Due to differences in perception, fellow students might have a different outlook. Those outlooks give insight into the topic from a different angle many a time. Hence, even classmates contribute to one's learning.  Another quarter comes over time. Although one has memorized all the chapters and scriptures, new meanings shall dawn to him over a period of time. With age and maturity, comes a deeper understanding of the concepts learnt in grade school sometimes!

Learning doesn't stop after graduation. Like the poet says, a quarter of the knowledge is gained over time! Learning is a constant process. Someone once said, "I am learning all the time; my tombstone will be my diploma!"  Anyone who stops learning is old; his chronological age doesn't matter. There is something new to learn every day if one pays attention. Learning is a treasure that follows its owner everywhere. Why not earn with all the effort?!

pada vigrahaH:
आचार्यात् पादम् आदत्ते पादं शिष्यः स्व-मेधया ।
ācāryāt pādam ādatte pādaṃ śiṣyaḥ sva-medhayā ।

कालेन पादम् आदत्ते पादं सब्रह्मचारिभिः ॥
kālena pādam ādatte pādaṃ sabrahmacāribhiḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
aachaaryaat paadamaadatte paadaM shiShyaH svamedhayaa ।
kaalena paadamaadatte paadaM sabrahmachaaribhiH ||
- mahaabhaarata, udyoga

aachaaryaat paadam aadatte paadaM shiShyaH sva-medhayaa ।

kaalena paadam aadatte paadaM sabrahmachaaribhiH ||

September 22nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अवज्ञया न दातव्यं कस्यचिल्लीलयापि वा ।
अवज्ञया कृतं हन्यात् दातारं नात्र संशयः ॥
- रामायण, बाल

Transliteration:
avajñayā na dātavyaṃ kasyacillīlayāpi vā ।
avajñayā kṛtaṃ hanyāt dātāraṃ nātra saṃśayaḥ ॥
- rāmāyaṇa, bāla

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Never give (charity) to anyone with contempt or disregard. Charity done in contempt will obliterate the giver, there is no doubt about that.

Commentary:

'Giving' is an act that is done out of the goodness of one's heart, not for name and fame. It should be done with humility and modesty. The benefit of giving is not for the receiver as much as it is for the giver. The giver was blessed with a little more than the receiver. Hence, he is able to share. But then, the giver benefits more because it teaches him selflessness. Therefore, the attitude with which he gives is very important. Giving with contempt, arrogance or displaying apathy are the worst kinds of giving. One give never give with contempt, for, it is certain to destroy the giver! Isn't giving futile if the purpose is defeated? If the giving is bringing down the standards of one's moral ground, might as well not give!

Like they say, you get the best out of others when you give the best of yourself.  That begins with the attitude we give with. Humility is the only way. The value of a person resides in what and how he gives; not what he is capable of receiving. For, it is in giving that we receive!  The manner of giving is worth much more than the material itself.

pada vigrahaH:
अवज्ञया न दातव्यं कस्यचित् लीलया अपि वा ।
avajñayā na dātavyaṃ kasyacit līlayā api vā ।

अवज्ञया कृतं हन्यात् दातारं न अत्र संशयः ॥
avajñayā kṛtaṃ hanyāt dātāraṃ na atra saṃśayaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
avaj~nayaa na daatavyaM kasyachillIlayaapi vaa ।
avaj~nayaa kRutaM hanyaat daataaraM naatra saMshayaH ॥
- raamaayaNa, baala

avaj~nayaa na daatavyaM kasyachit lIlayaa api vaa ।

avaj~nayaa kRutaM hanyaat daataaraM na atra saMshayaH ॥

September 21st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
श्रेयांसि बहु विघ्नानि भवन्ति महतामपि ।
अश्रेयसि प्रवृत्तानां दूरं यान्ति विनायकाः ॥

Transliteration:
śreyāṃsi bahu vighnāni bhavanti mahatāmapi ।
aśreyasi pravṛttānāṃ dūraṃ yānti vināyakāḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

For the noble who perform laudable deeds, there are many hurdles. From those involved in disgraceful deeds, even obstacles stay away!

Commentary:

There are always at least two choices or two paths to take. One is easy, the other is difficult. The easy route's only reward is that - it's easy! The poet says that the reason is - even obstacles prefer to stay out of the way of the person vested in disgraceful interests! He says if obstacles were to be personified, even they would rather be in the company of the noble! That is probably why there are lot more pit stops on the path to nobility and why the noble see a lot more hardships along the way. That is probably why the noble become, well.., noble! This verse is a call to be in the pursuit of dharma, despite any hurdles encountered!

In other words, do not lose heart because of hardships. Do not compromise ethics for entertainment. Do not trade morals for material. If there are impediments on the way, that means life is presenting an opportunity to learn! If there are stumbling blocks, that means nobility and strength are being tested! If there are struggles, most probably it means you did not choose an easy, rosy, unethical path! Hang in there. The light at the end of the tunnel will soon be visible.

It is choice, not chance that determines one's destiny.  So, make your destiny by making the right choices!

pada vigrahaH:
श्रेयांसि बहु विघ्नानि भवन्ति महताम् अपि ।
śreyāṃsi bahu vighnāni bhavanti mahatām api ।

अश्रेयसि प्रवृत्तानां दूरं यान्ति विनायकाः ॥
aśreyasi pravṛttānāṃ dūraṃ yānti vināyakāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
shreyaaMsi bahu vighnaani bhavanti mahataamapi ।
ashreyasi pravRuttaanaaM dUraM yaanti vinaayakaaH ॥

shreyaaMsi bahu vighnaani bhavanti mahataam api ।

ashreyasi pravRuttaanaaM dUraM yaanti vinaayakaaH ॥

September 20th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
रोहते सायकैर्विद्धं वनं परशुना हतम् ।
वाचा दुरुक्तं बीभत्सं न सम्रोहति वाक्क्षतम् ॥
- महाभारत, उद्योगपर्व

Transliteration:
rohate sāyakairviddhaṃ vanaṃ paraśunā hatam ।
vācā duruktaṃ bībhatsaṃ na samrohati vākkṣatam ॥
- mahābhārata, udyogaparva

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The (injury) caused by an arrow might heal; a forest felled with an axe may sprout. (But) the (wound) caused by a spiteful, mean word will barely recover.

Commentary:

Physical injuries are quick to mend. The body has the natural ability to try and fix the wound at the earliest. When chopped with an axe, even plants have the strength to sprout forth the plant again. But when a spiteful word is spoken, the damage caused is tremendous. Without any physical contact, one can easily hurt someone's heart and kill their spirit. Words have colossal power in them. They can either make or break the listener at many levels. One has to be very cautious at all times and watch his words. Sped arrows and spoken words can never be taken back. Once out of the mouth, it can be considered as permanently written on stone. It gets etched in the mind of the listener forever.

Sticks and stones may break the bones, but spiteful words can kill the heart! Speech is often regretted. Taking a moment to think 'before' saying something might save a lot of grief for everyone.

pada vigrahaH:
रोहते सायकैः विद्धं वनं परशुना हतम् ।
rohate sāyakaiḥ viddhaṃ vanaṃ paraśunā hatam ।

वाचा दुर्-उक्तं बीभत्सं न सम्-रोहति वाक्-क्षतम् ॥
vācā dur-uktaṃ bībhatsaṃ na sam-rohati vāk-kṣatam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
rohate saayakairviddhaM vanaM parashunaa hatam ।
vaachaa duruktaM bIbhatsaM na samrohati vaakkShatam ॥
- mahaabhaarata, udyogaparva

rohate saayakaiH viddhaM vanaM parashunaa hatam ।

vaachaa dur-uktaM bIbhatsaM na sam-rohati vaak-kShatam ॥

September 19th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
शत्रोरपि गुणा वाच्याः दोषा वाच्या गुरोरपि ।
सर्वदा सर्वयत्नेन पुत्रे शिष्यवदाचरेत् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार


Transliteration:
śatrorapi guṇā vācyāḥ doṣā vācyā gurorapi ।
sarvadā sarvayatnena putre śiṣyavadācaret ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Merits should be spoken of even in an enemy; wrongdoings are to be pointed out even in a teacher; with all effort, deal with offspring as you would with students.

Commentary:

Some dos and don'ts!

Everyone has their own merits and demerits, even enemies. Just because he is not one's favorite person, doesn't mean that his merits should be discounted. Great kings have always admired the valor of other powerful kings, although they were going head to head against each other. The value is given to the merit, not to the person himself.  See the good in everyone!

Follies are follies, whether coming from a layman, a scholar, an uneducated man, or even a teacher. In order to uphold dharma, even the scriptures give the liberty to students or youngsters to call out anyone taking a wrong step, even if he is the educator himself. Dharma has the last word always! Have the courage and confidence to speak up against wrongdoings.

The responsibility of any parent is to equip their offspring with life-essential skills that are rich with morals and values.  This leads them towards a spiritually rich and peaceful lifestyle. To do that, the parents need to be unbiased while teaching them. Their merits should be rewarded and their follies penalized, just as they would their students. Indulging them at all times will teach them no life lessons. If one wants their offspring to be ready to take on the world as young adults, they need to build that confidence in them, while growing up. That can come only when they are dealt with the same way as one would deal with their students - without any attachment! The main goal is to teach them life skills. Such adults make a much more contented, peaceful, and a happy society which in turn makes the world a much happier place.

Choose the right tool, for the right trade!

pada vigrahaH:
शत्रोः अपि गुणाः वाच्याः दोषाः वाच्याः गुरोः अपि ।
śatroḥ api guṇāḥ vācyāḥ doṣāḥ vācyāḥ guroḥ api ।

सर्वदा सर्व-यत्नेन पुत्रे शिष्यवत् आचरेत् ॥
sarvadā sarva-yatnena putre śiṣyavat ācaret ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
shatrorapi guNaa vaachyaaH doShaa vaachyaa gurorapi ।
sarvadaa sarvayatnena putre shiShyavadaacharet ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

shatroH api guNaaH vaachyaaH doShaaH vaachyaaH guroH api ।

sarvadaa sarva-yatnena putre shiShyavat aacharet ॥

September 18th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
विषस्य विषयाणाञ्च दूरमत्यन्तमन्तरम् ।
उपभुक्तं विषं हन्ति विषयाः स्मरणादपि ॥


Transliteration:
viṣasya viṣayāṇāñca dūramatyantamantaram ।
upabhuktaṃ viṣaṃ hanti viṣayāḥ smaraṇādapi ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The disparity between 'viṣa' (poison) and 'viṣaya' (object of sense) is enormous. viṣa kills on consumption; viṣaya kills just by reminiscing.

Commentary:

In Sanskrit, the words for 'poison' and 'objects of sense', sound almost similar. Poison is called viṣa, while sense objects are called viṣaya. The disparity in pronunciation is after all only one syllable, but their attributes have a ginormous divergence! They couldn't differ from each other more!

Viṣa kills upon consumption. One can safely hold it, see it, hear about it or sometimes smell it. It kills only when tasted. Viṣaya, on the contrary, kills at the very recollection or thought of it!!  For example, if one thinks of a piece of jewellery, he does not have to touch it, see it, hold it, hear the details about it and obviously, smell or taste it either. The very thought can entrap the person in its grasp! If his vāsanas (inherent tendencies) are such, then his entire day, week or years can go by, because he is caught up in acquiring that article. Such is the power of a sense object. Even without being physically present in front of the person, it can take him through a vicious trap with barely any outlet. Hence, the poet says, viṣayas are far more hazardous than even poison!!

Let not the materials possess you in your quest to possess the materials. Viṣaya is the only form of distraction from true bliss! Find your way to your bliss.

pada vigrahaH:
विषस्य विषयाणां च दूरम् अत्यन्तम् अन्तरम् ।
viṣasya viṣayāṇāṃ ca dūram atyantam antaram ।

उपभुक्तं विषं हन्ति विषयाः स्मरणात् अपि ॥
upabhuktaṃ viṣaṃ hanti viṣayāḥ smaraṇāt api ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
viShasya viShayaaNaa~ncha dUramatyantamantaram ।
upabhuktaM viShaM hanti viShayaaH smaraNaadapi ॥

viShasya viShayaaNaaM cha dUram atyantam antaram ।

upabhuktaM viShaM hanti viShayaaH smaraNaat api ॥

September 17th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सत्यानुसारिणी लक्ष्मीः कीर्तिस्त्यागानुसारिणी ।
अभ्याससारिणी विद्या बुद्धिः कर्मानुसारिणी ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
satyānusāriṇī lakṣmīḥ kīrtistyāgānusāriṇī ।
abhyāsasāriṇī vidyā buddhiḥ karmānusāriṇī ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Wealth follows truthfulness, fame follows benefaction, knowledge follows practice, intellect follows implementation (action).

Commentary:

Where there is honesty, Goddess Lakṣmī (Goddess of wealth) resides. Goddess Lakṣmī is known for her affinity for honesty and cleanliness. Where there is no honesty, prosperity might seem to reside tentatively. But in the long run, he is certain to end up paying the price, one way or another. It is better to let prosperity take its course by being truthful because 'wealth follows honesty'.

Both the good guys and the bad guys make it to the newspaper. But which one becomes famous and which one become infamous? The morality and the liberality of actions of the good person take him to fame because 'fame follows benefaction'.

Knowledge is not a ready dish to be served up for the taking. It comes only through practicing over and over again. Learning and relearning until one has perfected the knowledge, is the only way to go because 'knowledge follows practice'.

Intellect is something that comes along with one's implementation of his knowledge. An architect can think of how to design a given space meticulously. That intellect comes to him due to constantly thinking in that module and working toward it. Hence, 'intellect follows implementation'.

No shortcuts. Take the right path, reap the right results!

pada vigrahaH:
सत्य-अनुसारिणी लक्ष्मीः कीर्तिः त्याग-अनुसारिणी ।
satya-anusāriṇī lakṣmīḥ kīrtiḥ tyāga-anusāriṇī ।

अभ्यास-सारिणी विद्या बुद्धिः कर्म-अनुसारिणी ॥
abhyāsa-sāriṇī vidyā buddhiḥ karma-anusāriṇī ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
satyaanusaariNI lakShmIH kIrtistyaagaanusaariNI ।
abhyaasasaariNI vidyaa buddhiH karmaanusaariNI ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

satya-anusaariNI lakShmIH kIrtiH tyaaga-anusaariNI ।

abhyaasa-saariNI vidyaa buddhiH karma-anusaariNI ॥

September 16th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
शनैःशनैर्विनीयन्ते तर्जनैस्तोषणैरपि ।
नवा इवाश्वाः कुशलैः बालाश्चपलचेतसः ॥
- हरिहरसुभाषित


Transliteration:
śanaiḥśanairvinīyante tarjanaistoṣaṇairapi ।
navā ivāśvāḥ kuśalaiḥ bālāścapalacetasaḥ ॥
- hariharasubhāṣita

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Skillful people discipline their agile minded children slowly and gradually through both reprimands and rewards, (just) as they would, (train) new horses.

Commentary:

Taming a new horse is a skillful job. The trainer handles the horse with both love and sternness. He talks very lovingly to the horse while feeding and training it. But he gets very stern when it does not heed as well! It is an integral part of training a horse. That horse can be handled by anyone and not just the trainer!

Almost the same rules apply when it comes to raising children. Their minds are agile and nimble by nature. If one has to discipline them, he can not always please them. Their demands might be far from being satiable. Can one bring a tiger home because a child is asking and will be upset otherwise?  Children need to understand that every demand they put forth cannot be met. Showering them with sweet words can be saved for another time when they are not throwing tantrums. Showing them that they are loved and cared for is a very essential part as well. The hugs and kisses are for a later time when they are not being disciplined. Raising children is not a 'one rule for all situations' policy.

Only then can the child grow up to be a confident adult who can not only take care of himself but also value the values. He will grow up to be a respectful human being, who also respects the thoughts and needs of those around him. Such children become easily compatible with most people later on in their lives. Isn't that the cherished treasure children should be left with?!

pada vigrahaH:
शनैः शनैः विनीयन्ते तर्जनैः तोषणैः अपि ।
śanaiḥ śanaiḥ vinīyante tarjanaiḥ toṣaṇaiḥ api ।

नवाः इव अश्वाः कुशलैः बालाः चपल-चेतसः ॥
navāḥ iva aśvāḥ kuśalaiḥ bālāḥ capala-cetasaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
shanaiHshanairvinIyante tarjanaistoShaNairapi ।
navaa ivaashvaaH kushalaiH baalaashchapalachetasaH ॥
- hariharasubhaaShita

shanaiH shanaiH vinIyante tarjanaiH toShaNaiH api ।

navaaH iva ashvaaH kushalaiH baalaaH chapala-chetasaH ॥

September 15th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
दुःखे दुःखाधिकान्पश्येत् सुखे पश्येत्सुखाधिकान् ।
आत्मानं शोकहर्षाभ्यां शत्रुभ्यामिव नार्पयेत् ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि


Transliteration:
duḥkhe duḥkhādhikānpaśyet sukhe paśyetsukhādhikān ।
ātmānaṃ śokaharṣābhyāṃ śatrubhyāmiva nārpayet ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

When in sorrow, see those that are in more sorrow; in times of pleasure, see those that have more pleasure. Just as one wouldn't offer himself to his enemies, do not give into pleasures and sorrows.

Commentary:

When in sorrow, one should see someone in more distress and console himself that he is better off. Be reminded of this line someone said, "I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet!" That will be humbling enough.

Similarly, when one is rolling in riches and feeling proud of his possessions, he should think of the king who has seen lot many more riches but is still humble. That will put his arrogance in check!

When facing an enemy, would one succumb and give himself up as an offering? No!  Then why offer ourselves to the enemy called mundane pains/pleasures and let ourselves be carried away in its drift?! Always be reminded - this too shall pass. Be it pain or pleasure, it comes with an expiration date. Once it is reached, the tide shall change. So, what is the use of getting caught up in something so impermanent!

An hour of pain can feel as long as a day of pleasure if we let it. The secret of success is learning how to use pain and pleasure instead of having pain and pleasure use us. When we do that, we are in control of our life. If not, life controls us!

pada vigrahaH:
दुःखे दुःख-अधिकान् पश्येत् सुखे पश्येत् सुख-अधिकान् ।
duḥkhe duḥkha-adhikān paśyet sukhe paśyet sukha-adhikān ।

आत्मानं शोक-हर्षाभ्यां शत्रुभ्याम् इव न अर्पयेत् ॥
ātmānaṃ śoka-harṣābhyāṃ śatrubhyām iva na arpayet ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
duHkhe duHkhaadhikaanpashyet sukhe pashyetsukhaadhikaan ।
aatmaanaM shokaharShaabhyaaM shatrubhyaamiva naarpayet ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

duHkhe duHkha-adhikaan pashyet sukhe pashyet sukha-adhikaan ।

aatmaanaM shoka-harShaabhyaaM shatrubhyaam iva na arpayet ॥

September 14th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वैद्यानां शारदी माता पिता च कुसुमाकरः ।
यमदम्ष्ट्रा स्वसा प्रोक्ता हितभुक् मितभुक् रिपुः ॥

Transliteration:
vaidyānāṃ śāradī mātā pitā ca kusumākaraḥ ।
yamadamṣṭrā svasā proktā hitabhuk mitabhuk ripuḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

For a doctor, Autumn is the mother, and Spring is the father. Winter is said to be the sister. One who eats suitable and measured portions is his enemy!

Commentary:

When does one go to a doctor? When he is sick. A doctor earns his living because sick people come to him. People fall sick easily when the weather gets cold or fluctuates constantly, like in autumn, spring, and winter. That is pretty much the whole year.  We see that except during summer, people do get sick often!  

Kith and kin come to the aid of one's prosperity. Likewise, winter, autumn, and spring assist a doctor in keeping his practice alive (by getting people sick)! Hence, the poet very humorously says that these seasons are like family to him.  

On the contrary, the poet proceeds to say that he who eats suitable food in limited portions is an enemy to a doctor! No matter what season, such a person will not require medical attention. Such a person will stay fit and healthy, and won't need to see a doctor often.  Isn't it enemies who curtail the growth and prosperity of another person! So, the poet quips that such a person is a doctor's enemy ;).

Moral of the story: eat healthily and eat within limits.  This will aid in staying away from the doctor.  It is the biggest open secret to good health! Simply, by being conscious and aware of what is going into the mouth, one can keep illnesses at bay.

He who has health has hope. He who has hope has everything! May everyone have everything!

pada vigrahaH:
वैद्यानां शारदी माता पिता च कुसुमाकरः ।
vaidyānāṃ śāradī mātā pitā ca kusumākaraḥ ।

यम-दम्ष्ट्रा स्वसा प्रोक्ता हितभुक् मितभुक् रिपुः ॥
yama-damṣṭrā svasā proktā hitabhuk mitabhuk ripuḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
vaidyaanaaM shaaradI maataa pitaa cha kusumaakaraH ।
yamadamShTraa svasaa proktaa hitabhuk mitabhuk ripuH ॥

vaidyaanaaM shaaradI maataa pitaa cha kusumaakaraH ।

yama-damShTraa svasaa proktaa hitabhuk mitabhuk ripuH ॥

September 13th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
रिक्तपाणिर्नपश्येत राजानं दैवतं गुरुम् ।
दैवज्ञं पुत्रकं मित्रं फलेन फलमादिशेत्॥
Transliteration:
riktapāṇirnapaśyeta rājānaṃ daivataṃ gurum ।
daivajñaṃ putrakaṃ mitraṃ phalena phalamādiśet॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Do not go empty-handed to see a king, God, a teacher, an astrologer, a child or a friend. Invoke fruitfulness with fruit!

Commentary:

There is a purpose in going to see someone. It could be love, reverence, devotion, affection or even fear! Without a purpose, one would have not taken the pain and effort to go to see anyone. For that visit to be fruitful, why not start with fruit?! Meaning, take some fruit to offer to the person.

When one goes to see a king, the God in the temple, his teacher, an astrologer, a child or a friend, it is a nice gesture to take something along. Going empty-handed to such places is not customary. It shows the person that you cared to think of them even before actually seeing them! That is enough to make them happy. Whether it is a fruit, a flower, a dish or a snack, it doesn't matter. It is the thought that counts.

A gift should be thoughtfully picked and respectfully offered.  A wise person values the love of the giver more than the object.  The manner of giving is worth more than the gift itself. 

When giving, give thoughtfully.  When receiving, receive the giver's thoughts!

pada vigrahaH:
रिक्त-पाणिः न पश्येत राजानं दैवतं गुरुम् ।
rikta-pāṇiḥ na paśyeta rājānaṃ daivataṃ gurum ।

दैवज्ञं पुत्रकं मित्रं फलेन फलम् आदिशेत् ॥
daivajñaṃ putrakaṃ mitraṃ phalena phalam ādiśet ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
riktapaaNirnapashyeta raajaanaM daivataM gurum ।
daivaj~naM putrakaM mitraM phalena phalamaadishet ॥

rikta-paaNiH na pashyeta raajaanaM daivataM gurum ।

daivaj~naM putrakaM mitraM phalena phalam aadishet ॥

September 12th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अक्षराणि परीक्ष्यन्ताम् अम्बराडम्बरेण किम् ।
शंभुरम्बरहीनोऽपि सर्वज्ञः किं न कथ्यते ॥
- अप्पय्यदीक्षित


Transliteration:
akṣarāṇi parīkṣyantām ambarāḍambareṇa kim ।
śaṃbhurambarahīno'pi sarvajñaḥ kiṃ na kathyate ॥
- appayyadīkṣita

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Scrutinize based on vidyā.  What is the point in (examining) the flashy robes?! Even though He is digambara (one whose robes are the 4 directions), isn't Lord Shiva considered sarvajna (all-knowing)?!

Commentary:

Language is the dress of thought. One's mindset and thinking can be gauged through his speech. Working on that is a much better effort than time spent in improving superficial appearance and attire. One can be the best dressed in town, but the minute he opens his mouth to speak, his language can be foul, uncultured, uneducated, or misinformed! His clothes can earn him only so much value. But after that, his learning and the culture imbibed will weigh in.

Lord Shiva is never in flashy attire or jewelry. His robes are elephant/tiger skin, and snakes are His jewelry, at best! But isn't He worshipped and revered as all-knowing and all-pervading! It is His knowledge that carries more weight.  'akṣara' also means - immutable, imperishable.  Lord Shiva stands for that immutable knowledge of the Self.  Our true identity is the same immortal Self!  Hence, a perishable body, its appearance, and its accessories don't come into account when the imperishable is given the highest regard!

There may be those who dress better or eat better.  However, those who enjoy and appreciate the value of learning, sleep better! Think about it—elegance is not as much in putting on a new dress as it is imbibing good values.

pada vigrahaH:
अक्षराणि परीक्ष्यन्ताम् अम्बर-आडम्बरेण किम् ।
akṣarāṇi parīkṣyantām ambara-āḍambareṇa kim ।

शंभुः अम्बर-हीनः अपि सर्वज्ञः किं न कथ्यते ॥
śaṃbhuḥ ambara-hīnaḥ api sarvajñaḥ kiṃ na kathyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
akSharaaNi parIkShyantaam ambaraaDambareNa kim ।
shaMbhurambarahIno.pi sarvaj~naH kiM na kathyate ॥
- appayyadIkShita

akSharaaNi parIkShyantaam ambara-aaDambareNa kim ।

shaMbhuH ambara-hInaH api sarvaj~naH kiM na kathyate ॥

September 11th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सर्वतीर्थमयी माता सर्वदेवमयः पिता ।
मातरं पितरं तस्मात् सर्वयत्नेन पूजयेत् ॥

Transliteration:
sarvatīrthamayī mātā sarvadevamayaḥ pitā ।
mātaraṃ pitaraṃ tasmāt sarvayatnena pūjayet ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A mother is (an embodiment) of all pilgrimages, a father is (an embodiment) of all deities. Hence, revere the mother and father with all efforts.

Commentary:

For one to get the same virtues he would by visiting all the holy places, all he has to do is, revere his mother. A father is an embodiment of all the deities themselves. They are the sole cause for us being here in this world today. It is hard to imagine one's life without their nurture and care. Parents constantly strive to provide the best that they can give for their children at all times. There is no well-wisher better than parents!

Isn't that why even Lord Gaṇeśa, the remover of all hurdles Himself, bowed down to His parents! They posed a challenge to Him and His brother, Lord Subrahmaṇya, as to who will be the first to circumambulate the whole world. Lord Subrahmaṇya immediately took off on His peacock, ready to circle the world. But Gaṇeśa, who was very aware of the strengths and weaknesses (His speed), simply circled around His parents, Pārvatī and Parameśvara, and prostrated to them. He had indeed won the challenge! It is true that parents think the world of their children, but for children, they ARE the world!

Children are the world's most valuable resource and the best hope for its future. Let parents bequeath to their children not riches, but the spirit of reverence! May love and respect be the most important cornerstones of parenting. May children at every juncture revere parents diligently!

pada vigrahaH:
सर्व-तीर्थमयी माता सर्व-देवमयः पिता ।
sarva-tīrthamayī mātā sarva-devamayaḥ pitā ।

मातरं पितरं तस्मात् सर्व-यत्नेन पूजयेत् ॥
mātaraṃ pitaraṃ tasmāt sarva-yatnena pūjayet ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sarvatIrthamayI maataa sarvadevamayaH pitaa ।
maataraM pitaraM tasmaat sarvayatnena pUjayet ॥

sarva-tIrthamayI maataa sarva-devamayaH pitaa ।

maataraM pitaraM tasmaat sarva-yatnena pUjayet ॥

September 10th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
तपः परं कृतयुगे त्रेतायां ज्ञानमुच्यते ।
द्वापरे यज्ञमित्यूचुः दानमेकं कलौ युगे ॥
- पराशरस्मृति


Transliteration:
tapaḥ paraṃ kṛtayuge tretāyāṃ jñānamucyate ।
dvāpare yajñamityūcuḥ dānamekaṃ kalau yuge ॥
- parāśarasmṛti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

In kṛtayuga penance was best; in tretāyuga, knowledge, it is said; they say fire sacrifices in the dvāparayuga; in kaliyuga, it is only giving.

Commentary:

Kṛtayuga better known as satyayuga, is the first of the cycle of 4 eras. During that era, very tough and rigid penances were deemed as the most rewarding. Dharma was very well established and to be the most virtuous, one needed to perform intense penances and meditations.

After some dilution of dharma, came the tretāyuga. During that epoch, one could attain liberation through the mode of jñāna (knowledge). Learning the scriptures and leading a pious life were essential to be virtuous.

Further fall of dharma gave rise to the dvāparayuga. In this age, one was required to perform sacrifices and give offerings to the deities through the fire in order to increase their virtues.

After dharma dwindled furthermore, the eon called kaliyuga came. Here time is crunched and values are compromised easily! One has to work really hard to keep on track from distractions and attractions.  During this era, to be virtuous, all one needs to do is give selflessly! Gaining virtue has been made so simple. One doesn't have to perform very rigorous penances nor understand multitudes of scriptures nor perform tough sacrifices. Giving up the attachment to possessions and sharing with fellow beings generously is all that is required to make one virtuous! Is that too much to ask for?

Giving can be at various levels. "If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart." It is not what is given that matters as much as how it is given. You give little when you give your possessions. It is when you give selflessly that you truly give.

Give heartily!

pada vigrahaH:
तपः परं कृत-युगे त्रेतायां ज्ञानम् उच्यते ।
tapaḥ paraṃ kṛta-yuge tretāyāṃ jñānam ucyate ।

द्वापरे यज्ञम् इति ऊचुः दानम् एकं कलौ युगे ॥
dvāpare yajñam iti ūcuḥ dānam ekaṃ kalau yuge ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
tapaH paraM kRutayuge tretaayaaM j~naanamuchyate ।
dvaapare yaj~namityUchuH daanamekaM kalau yuge ॥
- paraasharasmRuti

tapaH paraM kRuta-yuge tretaayaaM j~naanam uchyate ।

dvaapare yaj~nam iti UchuH daanam ekaM kalau yuge ॥

September 9th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
किमप्यस्ति स्वभावेन सुन्दरं वाप्यसुन्दरम् ।
यदेव रोचते यस्मै तद्भवेत्तस्य सुन्दरम् ॥
- हितोपदेष, सुहृद्भेद


Transliteration:
kimapyasti svabhāvena sundaraṃ vāpyasundaram ।
yadeva rocate yasmai tadbhavettasya sundaram ॥
- hitopadeṣa, suhṛdbheda

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Is there anything that is beautiful or ugly inherently? Whatever appeals to whomever, that looks beautiful to him.

Commentary:

Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder!

There is nothing on earth that comes bearing a 'beautiful' or 'ugly' tag. The inherent nature of anything does not include this tag. In the creator's eye, everything is equally beautiful and each has its own special place and requirement in this world. Else, He would not have put in the time and energy needed to create it.

However, to the onlooker's eye, some things are appealing, some are not. No object is so beautiful that, it will not look ugly or vice versa. Who is most beautiful in this world? There is no way to answer this question. To someone, the person voted as the most beautiful in the world may not be as appealing as their simple looking spouse. One does not love a person because of their beauty.  The person looks beautiful because of their love!

All said and done, physical beauty is only skin deep. The real beauty of a person comes from the inner depths of his existence. It is a blend of his integrity, solidarity, modesty, kindness and humility. Cultivate those traits to make yourself beautiful!

pada vigrahaH:
किम् अपि अस्ति स्वभावेन सुन्दरं वा अपि असुन्दरम् ।
kim api asti svabhāvena sundaraṃ vā api asundaram ।

यत् एव रोचते यस्मै तत् भवेत् तस्य सुन्दरम् ॥
yat eva rocate yasmai tat bhavet tasya sundaram ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kimapyasti svabhaavena sundaraM vaapyasundaram ।
yadeva rochate yasmai tadbhavettasya sundaram ॥
- hitopadeSha, suhRudbheda

kim api asti svabhaavena sundaraM vaa api asundaram ।

yat eva rochate yasmai tat bhavet tasya sundaram ॥

September 8th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
क्षन्तव्यो मन्दबुद्धीनाम् अपराधो मनीषिणा ।
न हि सर्वत्र पाण्डित्यं सुलभं पुरुषे क्वचित् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:

kṣantavyo mandabuddhīnām aparādho manīṣiṇā ।
na hi sarvatra pāṇḍityaṃ sulabhaṃ puruṣe kvacit ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The follies of the dull-witted should be forgiven. For, erudition doesn't come easily to people everywhere.

Commentary:

Erudition and eloquence are God-given gifts. It does not come easily to all. Those that are blessed with these gifts, have no reason to be proud of it. They did not have much of a say in being intelligent, it was given to them! At the same time, the intelligent need to be tolerant of the follies of the less intelligent. They deserve forgiveness as fastidiousness is not their best trait!

A wise man can learn more from a foolish question than a fool can learn from a wise answer. There is learning everywhere alright! Even if a question seems foolish, be tolerant with him! Pray to the Lord to give him understanding and maturity. At the same time, thank God for the wisdom you have been blessed with.

pada vigrahaH:
क्षन्तव्यः मन्द-बुद्धीनाम् अपराधः मनीषिणा ।
kṣantavyaḥ manda-buddhīnām aparādhaḥ manīṣiṇā ।

न हि सर्वत्र पाण्डित्यं सुलभं पुरुषे क्वचित् ॥
na hi sarvatra pāṇḍityaṃ sulabhaṃ puruṣe kvacit ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kShantavyo mandabuddhInaam aparaadho manIShiNaa ।
na hi sarvatra paaNDityaM sulabhaM puruShe kvachit ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

kShantavyaH manda-buddhInaam aparaadhaH manIShiNaa ।

na hi sarvatra paaNDityaM sulabhaM puruShe kvachit ॥

September 7th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
षट्कर्णो भिद्यते मन्त्रः चतुष्कर्णः स्थिरो भवेत् ।
द्विकर्णस्य च मन्त्रस्य ब्रह्माप्यन्तन्न गच्छति ॥

- पञ्चतन्त्र

Transliteration:
ṣaṭkarṇo bhidyate mantraḥ catuṣkarṇaḥ sthiro bhavet ।
dvikarṇasya ca mantrasya brahmāpyantanna gacchati ॥

- pañcatantra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

That which is (heard) by six ears gets shattered; that which is (heard) by four ears gets affirmed. That which stays between the two ears, even Lord Brahma cannot get to the end of it!

Commentary:

Spells, thoughts or secrets! That which is heard by six or more ears, (meaning the speaker and two others) gets broken. Although humans have two ears and one mouth, the tendency is to speak more than to listen! News and rumors travel faster than wind. They get transmitted from one mouth to another with the versions varying with inclusions or deletions or exaggerations. Within no time, a small incident will become the talk of the town and probably completely distorted from the truth itself!

That which is heard by four ears (meaning the speaker and only one other person) gets affirmed. When a guru teaches a mantra (spell) to his disciple, he teaches it in his ear as if telling a secret. This strengthens the potency of the mantra. On a more mundane level, if a thought is shared with a parent, spouse, friend or well-wisher, he gets a re-affirmation as well as a second opinion on his thoughts. Depending on that he could either continue further in that direction or abandon it.  Everyone needs such a sounding board time and again.

But the outcome of the thought that stays between two ears (meaning in one's own head) cannot be foreseen even by Lord Brahma! The thoughts kept within are unbreakable and predicting their outcome is impossible. One can meander through his thoughts in many different ways.  The outcome is dependent on his mindset at any given time.  The mind is so complex that no one can guess the end result!  The poet jokingly extends this logic to say that even the creator cannot comprehend the outcome :).

• If publicizing a matter is your idea, talk about it with two people. Also, remember that he who gossips with you, gossips of you!  
• If reassurance or advice about something is the quest, discuss it with one near or dear person or a person who is an authority in the field you are venturing into.  Because affirmation without discipline is the beginning of delusion!
• If ultimate secrecy is the goal, do not open your mouth! Then, even Lord Brahma can't figure it out :).

The choice is yours!

pada vigrahaH:
षट्-कर्णः भिद्यते मन्त्रः चतुष्कर्णः स्थिरः भवेत् ।
ṣaṭ-karṇaḥ bhidyate mantraḥ catuṣkarṇaḥ sthiraḥ bhavet ।

द्वि-कर्णस्य च मन्त्रस्य ब्रह्मा अपि अन्तं न गच्छति ॥
dvi-karṇasya ca mantrasya brahmā api antaṃ na gacchati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ShaTkarNo bhidyate mantraH chatuShkarNaH sthiro bhavet ।
dvikarNasya cha mantrasya brahmaapyantanna gachChati ॥
- pa~nchatantra 

ShaT-karNaH bhidyate mantraH chatuShkarNaH sthiraH bhavet ।

dvi-karNasya cha mantrasya brahmaa api antaM na gachChati ॥

September 6th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
बलाद्दत्तं बलाद्भुक्तं बलद्यच्चापि लेखितम् ।
सर्वान् बलकृतानर्थान् अकृतान् मनुरब्रवीत् ॥
- मनुस्मृति


Transliteration:
balāddattaṃ balādbhuktaṃ baladyaccāpi lekhitam ।
sarvān balakṛtānarthān akṛtān manurabravīt ॥
- manusmṛti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

That which is given forcefully, that which is possessed (enjoyed) forcefully, also that which is written forcefully; all tasks extracted by force are wretched, said Manu.

Commentary:

Any action should be performed willingly by anyone! Force should not be the driving force behind any deed, else it goes futile.

Giving should be beneficial to the receiver. Giving something for the sake of giving and forcing the other to receive it 'no matter what' is a wasteful effort. It could be a material object, monetary help or even a piece of advice for that matter - giving by force is not appreciated.

Taking by force is obviously not moral either.  Nobody wants anything snatched from them for any reason! Even eating under force can come under this umbrella.  No one relishes the food that he is forced to eat!  Just the power struggle can put off even a hungry man from wanting to eat.

Using strength to make one write anything is not useful either. One might be given an imposition to write 'I shall not lie', a hundred times. But that forced writing does not help inculcate the value in that person. One can be forced to sign off his entire property. That, if proven, does not hold up in the court of law even. Moreover, one's true thoughts and emotions are expressed only when they are allowed freedom of expression, not due to a threat from the big and strong!

The poet (Manu) says any task that is achieved through force is wretched. No good fruits of action (karma) can be expected from such deeds. Pressurizing one to give in to others' strength will yield nothing but contempt and fear. Neither is beneficial for the betterment of either of the individuals involved. It only makes one a tyrant and the other, the threatened. Neither grows spiritually. It curtails the blossoming of the soul in both. Then, what is the purpose of showing unwanted force?

Force is all-conquering, but its victories are short-lived! Plan long term.

pada vigrahaH:
बलात् दत्तं बलात् भुक्तं बलत् यत् च अपि लेखितम् ।
balāt dattaṃ balāt bhuktaṃ balat yat ca api lekhitam ।

सर्वान् बलकृतान् अर्थान् अकृतान् मनुः अब्रवीत् ॥
sarvān balakṛtān arthān akṛtān manuḥ abravīt ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
balaaddattaM balaadbhuktaM baladyachchaapi lekhitam ।
sarvaan balakRutaanarthaan akRutaan manurabravIt ॥
- manusmRuti

balaat dattaM balaat bhuktaM balat yat cha api lekhitam ।

sarvaan balakRutaan arthaan akRutaan manuH abravIt ॥

September 5th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
देहे पातिनि का रक्षा यशो रक्ष्यमपातवत् ।
नरः पातितकायोऽपि यशःकायेन जीवति ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार


Transliteration:
dehe pātini kā rakṣā yaśo rakṣyamapātavat ।
naraḥ pātitakāyo'pi yaśaḥkāyena jīvati ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Why protect the body that is bound to fall off?  Honor should be protected from falling. Even when the body is thrown, the being lives through his honor.

Commentary:

Immortality is not for the body. If one wishes to live eternally, the footprints he needs to leave are not his physical ones, but those of his deeds. Desirous of immortality, many beings have performed penances in an effort to live forever. What is the point in protecting the physical body that is bound to be discarded at some point or the other? Whether alive or not, the seeds of the deeds one has sown live on. His valor and honor never die. Not only his glory lives on, but his deeds live on too. For, his life will be an inspiration for many, for generations to come! This way, the society at large benefits from not only his deeds alone but from the deeds of those that are inspired by him. As such, he becomes immortal through his venerable deeds!

What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains. That is immortality. We will all die one day or the other. May the goal be not to live forever, but to create something that will!

pada vigrahaH:
देहे पातिनि का रक्षा यशः रक्ष्यम् अपातवत् ।
dehe pātini kā rakṣā yaśaḥ rakṣyam apātavat ।

नरः पातित-कायः अपि यशः-कायेन जीवति ॥
naraḥ pātita-kāyaḥ api yaśaḥ-kāyena jīvati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
dehe paatini kaa rakShaa yasho rakShyamapaatavat ।
naraH paatitakaayo.pi yashaHkaayena jIvati ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

dehe paatini kaa rakShaa yashaH rakShyam apaatavat ।

naraH paatita-kaayaH api yashaH-kaayena jIvati ॥

September 4th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
मधु पश्यति मूढात्मा प्रपातं नैव पश्यति ।
करोति निन्दितं कर्म नरकान्न बिभेति च ॥
- देवीभागवत


Transliteration:
madhu paśyati mūḍhātmā prapātaṃ naiva paśyati ।
karoti ninditaṃ karma narakānna bibheti ca ॥
- devībhāgavata

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The foolish one sees the honey but not the chasm (he is falling into).  He performs despicable deeds and is not afraid of going to hell either!

Commentary:

The poet is painting the picture of a foolish person eyeing at the honey in the hive on the towering branch of a tree atop a mountain.  The poet says, a foolish person, with his sight fixated upon the honey in the hive above, does not watch his step to see if he is falling off the cliff itself! Only a dull-witted person can undertake such a task.  Here, honey is equated to the enticing worldly pleasures and the cliff to the pain that they bring along.  Such actions are despicable and should be shunned!

Many times in real life it is easy to sway from honorable to despicable deeds. One needs to be aware of his actions constantly and avoid the actions that are not virtuous. All the scriptures say that a person indulging in unmeritorious deeds goes to hell. A dull-witted person, although he knows his deeds are detestable, engages in them without even the fear of consequences. The act itself is so enticing to him (just as the sweetness of the honey draws his attention away from caution), that the crevice on the ground he is walking on goes unnoticed!

They say, 'Go to heaven for the climate and to hell for the company'.  Let that not come true! :)  Each one bears his own heaven or hell.  So, make your own heaven and inspire those around to make their own as well.

pada vigrahaH:
मधु पश्यति मूढ-आत्मा प्रपातं न एव पश्यति ।
madhu paśyati mūḍha-ātmā prapātaṃ na eva paśyati ।

करोति निन्दितं कर्म नरकात् न बिभेति च ॥
karoti ninditaṃ karma narakāt na bibheti ca ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
madhu pashyati mUDhaatmaa prapaataM naiva pashyati ।
karoti ninditaM karma narakaanna bibheti cha ॥
- devIbhaagavata

madhu pashyati mUDha-aatmaa prapaataM na eva pashyati ।

karoti ninditaM karma narakaat na bibheti cha ॥

September 3rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
साहित्यसङ्गीतकलाविहीनः
साक्षात्पशुः पुच्छविषाणहीनः ।
तृणं न खादन्नपि जीवमानः
तद्भागधेयं परमं पशूनाम् ॥
- नीतिशतक


Transliteration:
sāhityasaṅgītakalāvihīnaḥ
sākṣātpaśuḥ pucchaviṣāṇahīnaḥ ।
tṛṇaṃ na khādannapi jīvamānaḥ
tadbhāgadheyaṃ paramaṃ paśūnām ॥
- nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

He who is devoid of (the knowledge of) literary compositions, music/melody or art forms, is an embodiment of an animal without a tail and horns. The animals are fortunate that he survives without eating up the grass (of their share)!

Commentary:

The poet opines that those devoid of knowledge of literature, scriptures or a flair for music and other art forms (vidyā in short) is as good as an animal. He just falls short on the faculties of a tail and horns! :). The poet further says that the real animals should be thankful that such a human being doesn't consume grass from their share of food!

The essence of this is the fact that a human being needs to not only be appreciative of different art forms but should also value learning of all forms. Vidyā (knowledge) is one faculty that sets humans apart from animals. If that is not valued, isn't he the same as animals?

Knowledge is the food for the soul! Feed the soul with healthy food in heavenly portions :).

pada vigrahaH:
साहित्य-सङ्गीत-कला-विहीनः
sāhitya-saṅgīta-kalā-vihīnaḥ

साक्षात् पशुः पुच्छ-विषाण-हीनः ।
sākṣāt paśuḥ puccha-viṣāṇa-hīnaḥ ।

तृणं न खादन्न् अपि जीवमानः
tṛṇaṃ na khādann api jīvamānaḥ

तत् भागधेयं परमं पशूनाम् ॥
tat bhāgadheyaṃ paramaṃ paśūnām ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
saahityasa~ngItakalaavihInaH
saakShaatpashuH puchChaviShaaNahInaH ।
tRuNaM na khaadannapi jIvamaanaH
tadbhaagadheyaM paramaM pashUnaam ॥
- nItishataka

saahitya-sa~ngIta-kalaa-vihInaH

saakShaat pashuH puchCha-viShaaNa-hInaH ।

tRuNaM na khaadann api jIvamaanaH

tat bhaagadheyaM paramaM pashUnaam ॥

September 2nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सर्वेषामेव शौचानाम् अर्थशौचं परं स्मृतम् ।
योऽर्थे शुचिर्हि स शुचिः न मृद्वारिशुचिः शुचिः ॥
- मनुस्मृति

Transliteration:
sarveṣāmeva śaucānām arthaśaucaṃ paraṃ smṛtam ।
yo'rthe śucirhi sa śuciḥ na mṛdvāriśuciḥ śuciḥ ॥
- manusmṛti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Amongst all kinds of purities, purity in matters of wealth is deemed the highest. He who is lucid in matters of money is only lucid. Cleanliness is not achieved through bathing with mud and water. 

Commentary:

Money does not change people, it just unmasks them! 

Give and take are supposed to have a spiritual aspect to them. Taking wealth that does not belong to one is considered a crime. Be it in any which way or form, 'taking' wealth is stealing! It not only adds an additional burden to one's own karma (fruit of actions) but also increases his ṛṇa (debt) as well.

He who is lucid in matters of money is considered as most transparent or clean. In the olden days, mud was used as a scrub to cleanse while bathing.  Even if one is bathing with fragrant oils and applying perfumes, they are all for superficial cleansing only. Purity in dealing with wealth is an affair of a different order. It has more to do with one's integrity and morale. Hence, it is considered superior.

Wealth often costs too much! Let not the price paid to gain money be one's solidarity and integrity!!

pada vigrahaH:
सर्वेषाम् एव शौचानाम् अर्थ-शौचं परं स्मृतम् ।
sarveṣām eva śaucānām artha-śaucaṃ paraṃ smṛtam ।

यः अर्थे शुचिः हि सः शुचिः न मृत्-वारि-शुचिः शुचिः ॥
yaḥ arthe śuciḥ hi saḥ śuciḥ na mṛt-vāri-śuciḥ śuciḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sarveShaameva shauchaanaam arthashauchaM paraM smRutam ।
yo.rthe shuchirhi sa shuchiH na mRudvaarishuchiH shuchiH ॥
- manusmRuti

sarveShaam eva shauchaanaam artha-shauchaM paraM smRutam ।

yaH arthe shuchiH hi saH shuchiH na mRut-vaari-shuchiH shuchiH ॥

September 1st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यशोदया समा कापि देवता नास्ति भूतले ।
उलूखले यया बद्धः मुक्तिदो मुक्तिमिच्छति ॥

Transliteration:
yaśodayā samā kāpi devatā nāsti bhūtale ।
ulūkhale yayā baddhaḥ muktido muktimicchati ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

There is no deity on this earth equal to Yaśodā. He who liberates everyone is asking her to release him from the mortar that she has tied him to!!

Commentary:

Who else can claim that they had tied down the very person who is the liberator of all worlds? Only Lord Krishna's mother Yaśodā can! Although she did not give birth to Him, she enjoyed the best of his childhood years!! She rocked Him to sleep, she held Him when He was hurt (or pretended to be hurt), she fed Him when He was hungry and she watched Him when He playfully bothered the gopi-s of Vṛndāvana. She watched Him drink milk, she caught Him stealing butter. She watched Him in His sleep, she kept an eye on Him when He was naughty. She hugged Him with love and she punished Him too when he was mischievous!!

Once, she even tied Him up with a rope to a mortar, as she could not bear to hear any more complaints from the villagers about His mischief. The puppeteer that He is, He pretended to be bothered by the ropes and begged her to relieve Him of the ties! He who liberates one and all, from all kinds of bondage, implored to Yaśodā to release Him!! Isn't she the most envied of all beings! She had one blissful and blessed life, where she enjoyed motherhood of the ultimate order!

It is said that the Lord takes incarnations and comes to Earth especially to experience motherly love!!  Such is the greatness of a Mother's affection!

May He, Lord Krishna, bestow and shower such incredible joy on one and all!

pada vigrahaH:
यशोदया समा का अपि देवता न अस्ति भूतले ।
yaśodayā samā kā api devatā na asti bhūtale ।

उलूखले यया बद्धः मुक्तिदः मुक्तिम् इच्छति ॥
ulūkhale yayā baddhaḥ muktidaḥ muktim icchati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yashodayaa samaa kaapi devataa naasti bhUtale ।
ulUkhale yayaa baddhaH muktido muktimichChati ॥

yashodayaa samaa kaa api devataa na asti bhUtale ।

ulUkhale yayaa baddhaH muktidaH muktim ichChati ॥