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—once heard by six or more ears (the speaker and at least two others)—are bound to break. Despite humans having two ears and only one mouth, the tendency is often to talk more than listen. News and rumors spread faster than the wind, morphing as they pass from one person to another. Through additions, omissions, or exaggerations, a small incident can quickly become the talk of the town, often distorted far from the original truth.

What is heard by four ears (the speaker and one other person) tends to hold its strength. For example, when a guru imparts a mantra to a disciple, it is done as a whispered secret, enhancing its potency. On a practical level, sharing a thought with a parent, spouse, friend, or trusted advisor provides reassurance or a second opinion. Such individuals serve as sounding boards, helping one affirm or reconsider a course of action. This kind of validation is something we all need at times.

However, the fate of thoughts that remain between two ears (kept solely in one’s own mind) is beyond even Lord Brahma’s prediction! The mind is a labyrinth of complexities, capable of wandering in countless directions. The final outcome of an unspoken thought depends entirely on the individual’s mindset and state of mind at any given moment. The poet humorously suggests that even the Creator cannot foresee where such thoughts might lead.

In conclusion:

• If the intention is to publicize something, speak to at least two people—but remember, the version that spreads may not be your original one. And beware: he who gossips with you may also gossip about you.
• If you seek advice or reassurance, confide in someone you trust—a close friend, family member, or an expert in the field. However, keep in mind that affirmation without discipline is the beginning of delusion!
• If ultimate secrecy is your aim, say nothing at all. Even Lord Brahma won’t uncover what stays within.

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 ॥