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 ॥

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