September 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यदि सत्सङ्गनिरतः भविष्यसि भविष्यसि ।
तथा सज्जनगोष्ठीषु पतिष्यसि पतिष्यसि ॥
- हितोपदेश, मित्रलाभ

Transliteration:
yadi satsaṅganirataḥ bhaviṣyasi bhaviṣyasi ।
tathā sajjanagoṣṭhīṣu patiṣyasi patiṣyasi ॥
- hitopadeśa, mitralābha

Meaning of the subhAShita:

If (you) stay in good company, you shall remain.  Similarly, if (you) fall off from good company, (you) shall fall.

Commentary:

One's character is immensely influenced by the company he keeps.  The more one stays in good company, the better he prospers.  In turn, when one's company or association is not up to mark, he shall fall in his character.  The company one keeps speaks volumes about his mettle.  Someone once said, 'tell me thy friends and I shall tell you thy character!'  Such is the profoundness of one's association.  The more one keeps good company, the more he grows.  The more one moves away from it, the more he regresses.  One has to be mindful of this always.  It is not a goal to achieve one day and forget on another!  It is a constant process towards progress.

The beauty of the verse is also in the play of the words.  The verse at first glance might seem repetitive, confusing or even wrong!  Punctuation is powerful.  There is a pause (,) between the two bhaviṣyasi-s and the two patiṣyasi-s!  The first bhaviṣyasi indicates being in good company.  The second one means you shall be (as in, survive)!  Similarly, the first patiṣyasi means to fall off from good company.  The second one indicates that you shall fall (in morality and survival)!!

May each person be good and keep good company so the entire universe will be a 'company to keep!'

pada vigrahaH:
यदि सत्-सङ्ग-निरतः भविष्यसि भविष्यसि ।
yadi sat-saṅga-nirataḥ bhaviṣyasi bhaviṣyasi ।

तथा सज्जन-गोष्ठीषु पतिष्यसि पतिष्यसि ॥
tathā sajjana-goṣṭhīṣu patiṣyasi patiṣyasi ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yadi satsa~nganirataH bhaviShyasi bhaviShyasi ।
tathaa sajjanagoShThiShu patiShyasi patiShyasi ॥
- hitopadesha, mitralaabha

yadi sat-sa~nga-nirataH bhaviShyasi bhaviShyasi ।

tathaa sajjana-goShThIShu patiShyasi patiShyasi ॥

September 23rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
शमार्थं सर्वशास्त्राणि विहितानि मनीषिभिः ।
स एव सर्वशास्त्रज्ञः यस्य शान्तं मनः सदा ॥
- महाभारत

Transliteration:
śamārthaṃ sarvaśāstrāṇi vihitāni manīṣibhiḥ ।
sa eva sarvaśāstrajñaḥ yasya śāntaṃ manaḥ sadā ॥
- mahābhārata

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The learned contrived all the śāstras (scriptures, treatises) to quieten the mind.  He alone is cognizant of all śāstras, whose mind is calm at all times.

Commentary:

It is said that data is not information, information is not knowledge, knowledge is not understanding, understanding is not wisdom.  Gaining wisdom is the very purpose of reading treatises or scriptures.  

The very purpose of the contrivers of those treatises is to teach the reader 'how to quieten the mind'.  All the śāstras proclaim the same key factor - the quietening of the mind.  It is like many rivers flowing, all with the same purpose of pouring into the mighty ocean.  If one has already reached the ocean, why would he require to know the flow of the river?  Hence, the poet says, he who already knows how to keep the mind calm and placid has true cognizance and the mastery over all the śāstras!  He does not have to read any śāstras or work towards achieving a goal in life.  He would have already achieved the purpose of any being's reason for existence! 


Each one of us is running in search of ONE THING.  Tranquility of mind.  He who has won that fort has no battle to fight, nothing else to achieve!  May each and every one of us find inner peace and find it soon.  That will certainly make the noisy world a much quieter and serene place to be in!

pada vigrahaH:
शम-अर्थं सर्व-शास्त्राणि विहितानि मनीषिभिः ।
śama-arthaṃ sarva-śāstrāṇi vihitāni manīṣibhiḥ ।

सः एव सर्व-शास्त्रज्ञः यस्य शान्तं मनः सदा ॥
saḥ eva sarva-śāstrajñaḥ yasya śāntaṃ manaḥ sadā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
shamaarthaM sarvashaastraaNi vihitaani manIShibhiH ।
saH eva sarvashaastraj~naH yasya shaantaM manaH sadaa ॥
- mahaabhaarata

shama-arthaM sarva-shaastraaNi vihitaani manIShibhiH ।

sa eva sarva-shaastraj~naH yasya shaantaM manaH sadaa ॥

September 16th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वृक्षान् छित्वा पशून्हत्वा कृत्वा रुधिरकर्दमम् ।
यद्येवं गम्यते स्वर्गं नरकः केन गम्यते ॥
- पञ्चतन्त्र, काकोलूकीय

Transliteration:
vṛkṣān chitvā paśūnhatvā kṛtvā rudhirakardamam ।
yadyevaṃ gamyate svargaṃ narakaḥ kena gamyate ॥
- pañcatantra, kākolūkīya

Meaning of the subhAShita:

After tearing down trees, massacring animals, after creating a bloody mire, if this is how heaven is attained,  (then) hell is attained by whom?! 

Commentary:

There is a story where a little boy comes to a tree.  The tree gives him leaves to play with.  He would then climb the trunk and swing from the branches.  When the boy grows up, the tree provides him with fruit and wood to build his home.  When the man wanted more, the tree gave more, until only a stump was left.  Even then, when the weary man came by, the stump propped itself up and gave him a place to sit on!  Such is the magnanimity of the tree.  Instead of returning the favors, man loots and loots, like there is no tomorrow until nothing is left!  What to say about the massacring of animals?    Does man realize what a bloody quagmire he is creating and letting flow?  Does he understand that he is hurting himself in the long haul? Does he even comprehend that there are repercussions for his actions?

No one wants to go to hell.  All beings aim to reach heaven.  With these aspirations, if man's actions are so merciless, one can only imagine the brutality if the aim was to reach hell instead!!  The poet sarcastically says, if these beings want to reach the garden of Eden, who else shall make it to Hades?!!

Heaven and hell are not for attaining afterlife, but are created here and now!  One can either make the earth a green heaven or one bloody hell!  It is all in our own hands.

pada vigrahaH:
वृक्षान् छित्वा पशून् हत्वा कृत्वा रुधिर-कर्दमम् ।
vṛkṣān chitvā paśūn hatvā kṛtvā rudhira-kardamam ।

यदि एवं गम्यते स्वर्गं नरकः केन गम्यते ॥
yadi evaṃ gamyate svargaṃ narakaḥ kena gamyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
vRukShaan Chitvaa pashUnhatvaa kRutvaa rudhirakardamam ।
yadyevaM gamyate swargam narakaH kena gamyate ॥
- pa~nchatantra, kaakolUkIya

vRukShaan Chitvaa pashUn hatvaa kRutvaa rudhira-kardamam ।

yadi evaM gamyate swargam narakaH kena gamyate ॥

September 9th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वनस्पतेरपक्वानि फलानि प्रचिनोति यः ।
स नाप्नोति रसं तेभ्यो बीजं चास्य विनश्यति ॥
- विदुरनीति

Transliteration:
vanaspaterapakvāni phalāni pracinoti yaḥ ।
sa nāpnoti rasaṃ tebhyo bījaṃ cāsya vinaśyati ॥
- viduranīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

He who plucks the unripe fruit from the fruit trees, he not only doesn't acquire their juices but spoils its seed as well. 

Commentary:

Right time, right place!

When fruit is not ripe, it is not ready for plucking.  Nature has designed things so perfectly that when a fruit is ripe, just a small touch is enough for it to detach from the tree and fall!  Not only that, the peel separates from the fruit easily and so does the seed inside!  There is not much effort needed.  When such a perfect design is tampered with, it is quite natural that the result gets tampered as well!  If a fruit is plucked when unripe, its juices wouldn't have reached their culmination.  The flavors would not have developed to their entirety.  The seed inside wouldn't have reached its fullest potential either and hence wouldn't be able to sprout another plant!  Why risk so many losses?!  

Keeping the patience until the fruit is ready for harvest reaps far more benefits to the person than to one that loses his patience.  Hurrying nature won't work.  The tree will not ripen the fruit as per the onlooker's schedule after all!  Only time can fill in the right juices in the right proportions in the fruit.

Similarly, in all walks of life, one has to do the right things, at the right time, in the right place.  The same action done in an untimely manner will most certainly turn out wasteful.  One cannot say, 'but I put in a lot of effort!'  For, it is not the effort alone that yields results, it is the perfect timing as well.  Just like a player cannot hit a goal even before the game starts and expect to score, one has to put his efforts in the right direction at all times.

After all, doing what's right in the right way at the right time, is the key to success in all walks of life!

pada vigrahaH:
वनस्पतेः अ-पक्वानि फलानि प्रचिनोति यः ।
vanaspateḥ a-pakvāni phalāni pracinoti yaḥ ।

स न आप्नोति रसं तेभ्यः बीजं च अस्य विनश्यति ॥
sa na āpnoti rasaṃ tebhyaḥ bījaṃ ca asya vinaśyati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
vanaspaterapakvaani phalaani prachinoti yaH ।
sa naapnoti rasaM tebhyo bIjaM chaasya vinashyati ॥
- viduranIti

vanaspateH a-pakvaani phalaani prachinoti yaH ।

sa na aapnoti rasaM tebhyaH bIjaM cha asya vinashyati ॥

September 2nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सदा वक्रस्सदारुष्टः सदा पूजामपेक्षते ।
कन्याराशिस्थितो नित्यं जामाता दशमो ग्रहः ॥

Transliteration:
sadā vakrassadāruṣṭaḥ sadā pūjāmapekṣate ।
kanyārāśisthito nityaṃ jāmātā daśamo grahaḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Always crooked, always angry, always expecting veneration - established eternally in the 'kanyā-rāśi' (sun sign Virgo or a daughter), the son-in-law is the tenth planet.

Commentary:

It is a norm among some that a son-in-law should be given special care and treatment by the parents of the girl.  Such a son-in-law is known to be ever angry and always finding faults with anything that his in-laws do.  The parents of the girl are constantly anxious about providing the best possible care and attention to their son-in-law.  If not, their daughter will suffer the brunt of his displeasure!  They are weary of tending to him all the time.

Astrology uses sun signs and planet positions to predict a person's predispositions, present and future outcomes, etc.  A planet sitting in the wrong sun sign of a person continually poses hardships to him/her for a very long time!  This seems to be a verse emerging out of the plight of parents who have given their daughter in marriage to a very demanding man.  There are only nine planets in astrology.  These parents are expressing their sorrow satirically, naming the son-in-law to be the 'tenth planet' sitting in the 'kanyā-rāśi' (the word 'kanyā' is the name of the zodiac sign 'Virgo' and also means 'daughter') and causing grief eternally!

Not necessary that all sons-in-law have this attitude, but then some that do, bring the poet to say such a verse.  More than what this stands for, this subhāṣita is shared for its sense of humor.  A mundane issue is addressed with a blend of humor and satire here!

Pray no parent feels this kind of pain and no son-in-law earns this kind of name!

pada vigrahaH:
सदा वक्रः सदा रुष्टः सदा पूजाम् अपेक्षते ।

sadā vakraḥ sadā ruṣṭaḥ sadā pūjām apekṣate ।

कन्या-राशि-स्थितो नित्यं जामाता दशमः ग्रहः ॥
kanyā-rāśi-sthito nityaṃ jāmātā daśamaḥ grahaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sadaa vakrassadaaruShTaH sadaa pUjaamapekShate |
kanyaaraashisthito nityaM jaamaataa dashamo grahaH ||

sadaa vakraH sadaa ruShTaH sadaa pUjaam apekShate ।

kanyaa-raashi-sthito nityaM jaamaataa dashamaH grahaH ॥

August 26th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वलीभिर्मुखमाक्रान्तं पलितैरङ्कितं शिरः ।
गात्राणि शिथिलायन्ते तृष्णैका तरुणायते ॥
- वैराग्यशतक

Transliteration:
valībhirmukhamākrāntaṃ palitairaṅkitaṃ śiraḥ ।
gātrāṇi śithilāyante tṛṣṇaikā taruṇāyate ॥
- vairāgyaśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Face encroached by wrinkles; head marked by grays; limbs frail/feeble; appetence alone is young!

Commentary:

Human beings possess body, mind and intellect.  Mind and intellect comprise of nothing but thoughts.  The deteriorating attributes of the body like graying hair, wrinkles on the face and feeble limbs are all signs of impending old age.  All organs lax and become fragile and incoherent because they have grown, matured, enjoyed being their best during youth and then ripened due to time and usage.  While the body shows signs of old age, there is one very powerful trait of the mind that doesn't undergo this cycle of growing, maturing, enjoying and ripening!  It definitely undergoes the first three stages.  But upon reaching its pinnacle, it remains there and keeps growing wider and deeper!  It is insatiable and infinitely expanding as well!!  'Appetence', 'thirst', 'intense craving', 'strong desire'...  Many are its names, but its effects are just the same!  It is insatiable at any age!  A new craving, a new thirst, a new desire.... once satisfied, there is some other craving, thirst or desire ready to take over.  This seems to have no end at any stage of life.  The poet observes that thirst is the only attribute of a person that gets stuck in its youth and never outgrows that stage. The attributes of the body show clear signs of dilapidation, but not the mind's desire!

The thirst of 'desire' can never be fulfilled nor fully quenched.  When drinking salty water, the thirst only increases after drinking.  Desire is just the same.  The more it is fed, the more it wants! Nipping it in the bud is the easiest way of conquering it.

pada vigrahaH:
वलीभिः मुखम् आक्रान्तं पलितैः अङ्कितं शिरः ।
valībhiḥ mukham ākrāntaṃ palitaiḥ aṅkitaṃ śiraḥ ।

गात्राणि शिथिलायन्ते तृष्णा एका तरुणायते ॥
gātrāṇi śithilāyante tṛṣṇā ekā taruṇāyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
valIbhirmukhamaakraantaM palitaira~nkitaM shiraH ।
gaatraaNi shithilaayante tRuShNaikaa taruNaayate ॥
- vairaagyashataka

valIbhiH mukham aakraantaM palitaiH a~nkitaM shiraH ।

gaatraaNi shithilaayante tRuShNaa ekaa taruNaayate ॥

August 19th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
गृहं गृहमटन् भिक्षुः शिक्षते न तु याचते ।
अदत्वा मद्दृशो मा भूः दत्वा त्वं त्वद्दृशो भव ॥

Transliteration:
gṛhaṃ gṛhamaṭan bhikṣuḥ śikṣate na tu yācate ।
adatvā maddṛśo mā bhūḥ datvā tvaṃ tvaddṛśo bhava ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Roaming from home to home, the cadger is not begging but teaching: "Do not become like me, by not giving; but remain like yourself, by giving."

Commentary:

Why does a beggar go from house to house begging for alms?  Does he go begging because he does not have enough?  The poet says, 'not really'!!  The poet opines that a cadger goes from home to home in order to teach the dwellers a very important value.  He wants to teach them, remain like yourself by giving alms, do not become like me by being close-fisted!  How does he justify that?  Hands that give shall also receive.  To lead a comfortable life in society, the person residing in a home sure has received many blessings and favors to lead the kind of life he does.  By giving to those in need, he will only better his chances of receiving generously later on in his own life.  Without giving, he is certain to run out of merits (good deeds) in his account and land up on the streets like the cadger himself!!  So the cadger is walking around as if, warning the avaricious that 'without giving, your fate will become the same as mine, sooner or later.'

By giving, one only makes his own life better. In giving, the bigger beneficiary is the giver really!  The contentment that comes from giving is far less than the satisfaction of receiving.  Give with all your heart!

pada vigrahaH:
गृहं गृहम् अटन् भिक्षुः शिक्षते न तु याचते ।
gṛhaṃ gṛham aṭan bhikṣuḥ śikṣate na tu yācate ।

अदत्वा मत् दृशः मा भूः दत्वा त्वं त्वत् दृशः भव ॥
adatvā mat dṛśaḥ mā bhūḥ datvā tvaṃ tvat dṛśaḥ bhava ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
gRuhaM gRuhamaTan bhikShuH shikShate na tu yaachate ।
adatvaa maddRusho maa bhUH datvaa tvaM tvaddRusho bhava ॥

gRuhaM gRuham aTan bhikShuH shikShate na tu yaachate ।

adatvaa mat dRushaH maa bhUH datvaa tvaM tvat dRushaH bhava ॥

August 12th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
इदमेव हि पाण्डित्यं चातुर्यमिदमेव हि ।
इदमेव सुबुद्धित्वम् आयादल्पतरो व्ययः ॥
- समयोचितपद्यमालिका

Transliteration:
idameva hi pāṇḍityaṃ cāturyamidameva hi ।
idameva subuddhitvam āyādalpataro vyayaḥ ॥
- samayocitapadyamālikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

This alone is erudition, this alone is dexterity, this alone is good intellect - expense less than revenue.

Commentary:

Not stretching beyond means!

What one possesses, only that he can expend.  What one owns, only that he can give.  What one earns, only that he can spend.  Isn't this a straightforward philosophy?  The poet opines that this alone is erudition, dexterity and good intellect.  Although all these are different facets of decision making, the emphasis here is 'all these have to give the same end result'.  There is no choice about it.  For, owing to someone is a burden of the heaviest kind.   The heaviest interest a debtor pays are his dignity and his self-respect!

The most sensible way to avoid getting into this scenario is by living within one's means.  Not stretching beyond what he can afford...  Always having some stored for a rainy day...  Even ants do that!  Shouldn't humans do this more ardently?

Spending is quick, earning is slow.  Beware!  Earn slowly, spend even more slowly.

pada vigrahaH:
इदम् एव हि पाण्डित्यं चातुर्यम् इदम् एव हि ।

idam eva hi pāṇḍityaṃ cāturyam idam eva hi ।

इदम् एव सु-बुद्धित्वम् आयात् अल्पतरः व्ययः ॥
idam eva su-buddhitvam āyāt alpataraḥ vyayaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
idameva hi paaNDityaM chaaturyamidameva hi ।
idameva subuddhitvam aayaadalpataro vyayaH ॥
- samayochitapadyamaalikaa

idam eva hi paaNDityaM chaaturyam idam eva hi ।

idam eva su-buddhitvam aayaat alpataraH vyayaH ॥

August 5th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
घटं भिद्यात् पटं छिन्द्यात् कुर्याद्रासभरोहणम् ।
येन केनाप्युपायेन प्रसिद्धः पुरुषो भवेत् ॥

Transliteration:
ghaṭaṃ bhidyāt paṭaṃ chindyāt kuryādrāsabharohaṇam ।
yena kenāpyupāyena prasiddhaḥ puruṣo bhavet ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Destroy a pot, tear up a cloth(banner), (or) mount a donkey (too)!  By one means or another, become a famous person!!

Commentary:

"By hook or crook, achieve thy goal" - this seems to be the tagline that some people ardently believe in!  

The poet sarcastically says, to become famous, some will resort to any measure.  This could mean breaking things and making noise, tearing stuff and attracting attention, or even riding a donkey to make it to the headlines!  

This is appalling to some, whereas it comes naturally to a few others.  They create all kinds of melodrama around them to get the spotlight onto themselves.  It is like they say, people whose pictures are published in the newspaper are either famous or infamous. So, to claim the fame of whichever kind, one can either be a good cop or a great thief. Pictures of both people shall be published!­! 

It is up to oneself to choose his route of becoming (in)famous!  It is said that fame is the advantage of being known to people you don't know nor care to know about!  They are all ephemeral, famous people as well as their fame.  Why trade honesty and morality at the price of truth?  Should we run behind something so tentative and unreal?

Make your pick...

pada vigrahaH:
घटं भिद्यात् पटं छिन्द्यात् कुर्यात् रासभ-रोहणम् ।
ghaṭaṃ bhidyāt paṭaṃ chindyāt kuryāt rāsabha-rohaṇam ।

येन केन अपि उपायेन प्रसिद्धः पुरुषः भवेत् ॥
yena kena api upāyena prasiddhaḥ puruṣaḥ bhavet ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ghaTaM bhidyaat paTaM Chindyaat kuryaadraasabharohaNam ।
yena kenaapyupaayena prasiddhaH puruSho bhavet ॥

ghaTaM bhidyaat paTaM Chindyaat kuryaat raasabha-rohaNam ॥

yena kena api upaayena prasiddhaH puruShaH bhavet ॥

July 29th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उपकर्तुं यथा स्वल्पः समर्थो न तथा महान् ।
प्रायः कूपस्तृषां हन्ति न कदापि तु वारिधिः ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नसमुच्चय

Transliteration:
upakartuṃ yathā svalpaḥ samartho na tathā mahān ।
prāyaḥ kūpastṛṣāṃ hanti na kadāpi tu vāridhiḥ ॥
- subhāṣitaratnasamuccaya

Meaning of the subhAShita:

In the way a trifle can be of assistance, the great may not be able to.  Probably a well can quench the thirst, but never the (mighty) ocean.

Commentary:

Each in its own place and time.  The purpose of one cannot be served by the other.  An ocean may be mighty and magnificent.  But when a thirsty man comes to it, he will look for a different source of drinking water.  Although the ocean is a storehouse for most of the water available on earth and torrential rains are nothing in the face of its capacity, not even a drop of it is useful in quenching the thirst of a weary traveler!  However, a well may very well be a heavenly sight to a tired hiker, even though it is a minuscule speck in comparison to the ocean.

Same holds true in all aspects of life.  Each person cannot be the leader of the world!  If that is true, then who will they lead?!  As much as leaders are required, people that need to be led are essential as well.  Every man can't be an architect, there needs to be someone to build the structure as well.  One person's shoe cannot fit another. At the same time, the existence of each and every being is very important.

For example, the existence of every grain of sand and blade of grass is crucial.  If it wasn't required to be there, He would have already made sure that it was not there!  If it is there, it is already important and essential.  Same with beings.  If they weren't special and essential, the Lord wouldn't have made them!!

Never disrespect anything or anyone based on their pervasiveness.  All are indispensable in their own unique ways!  Value them for what they essentially are.  A great man once said, 'Everybody is a genius.  But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid!'  What a profound statement that is!!

pada vigrahaH: 
उपकर्तुं यथा स्वल्पः समर्थः न तथा महान् ।
upakartuṃ yathā svalpaḥ samarthaḥ na tathā mahān ।

प्रायः कूपः तृषां हन्ति न कदा अपि तु वारिधिः ॥
prāyaḥ kūpaḥ tṛṣāṃ hanti na kadā api tu vāridhiḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
upakartuM yathaa svalpaH samartho na tathaa mahaan ।
praayaH kUpastRuShaaM hanti na kadaapi tu vaaridhiH ॥
- subhaaShitaratnasamuchchaya

upakartuM yathaa svalpaH samarthaH na tathaa mahaan ।

praayaH kUpaH tRuShaaM hanti na kadaa api tu vaaridhiH ॥

July 22nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
रात्रिर्गमिष्यति भविष्यति सुप्रभातम्
भास्वानुदेष्यति हसिष्यति पङ्कजश्रीः ।
इत्थं विचिन्तयति कोशगते द्विरेफे
हा हन्त हन्त नलिनीं गज उज्जहार ॥
- कुवलयानन्द

Transliteration:
rātrirgamiṣyati bhaviṣyati suprabhātam
bhāsvānudeṣyati hasiṣyati paṅkajaśrīḥ ।
itthaṃ vicintayati kośagate dvirephe
hā hanta hanta nalinīṃ gaja ujjahāra ॥
- kuvalayānanda

Meaning of the subhAShita:

"The night shall pass, dawn shall arrive, the sun shall rise and the lotus shall bloom" - even as the bee stuck in the lotus bud, was thinking; alas, alas, an elephant uprooted the lotus!!

Commentary:
Timing is everything or destiny has the final say?!

This verse is the height of poetic fiction!  Here, he narrates the story of a busy little bee who was anxious to get the last sip of nectar before the fall of the day.  He hovered over a lotus and settled down for the sip.  But since it was almost dusk, the lotus closed its petals to rest for the day and the bee got stuck inside the petals.  There was no way it could get out from the grasp of the tender petals of the closed lotus bud!  So, the bee consoled itself thus, "the night shall pass, daybreak shall come, the sun shall rise and the lotus shall bloom..." - so that when the flower opened the petals, it could fly away.  But alas, what luck!  Even as the bee was thinking this, a rut elephant uprooted the closed lotus bud!!  Now that the lotus wasn't rooted anymore, neither the rise of the sun nor the midday scorch can bring a difference in the petals.  The bud shall never ever open again, hence trapping the bee inside, to draw its last breath! :(

Like they say, 'it is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped'!  Perhaps, the outcome would have been different if the bee had judged the time of the day better.  Perhaps, the bee would have been spared if he wasn't greedy for that one last sip.  Perhaps, the consequence would have been different if the bee was swift enough to fly out when the bud was closing up.  Perhaps..., perhaps... These can only be speculations.

Many times in life, one would never know what would have happened differently if he made different choices.  Perhaps, it is the choices and not chances, that determine one's destiny?!!  It is probably for oneself to decide...

pada vigrahaH:
रात्रिः गमिष्यति भविष्यति सुप्रभातम्
rātriḥ gamiṣyati bhaviṣyati suprabhātam

भास्वान् उदेष्यति हसिष्यति पङ्कजश्रीः ।
bhāsvān udeṣyati hasiṣyati paṅkajaśrīḥ ।

इत्थं विचिन्तयति कोश-गते द्विरेफे
itthaṃ vicintayati kośa-gate dvirephe

हा हन्त हन्त नलिनीं गज उज्जहार ॥
hā hanta hanta nalinīṃ gaja ujjahāra ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
raatrirgamiShyati bhaviShyati suprabhaatam
bhaaswaanudeShyati hasiShyati pa~nkajashrIH ।
itthaM vichintayati koshagate dvirephe
haa hanta hanta nalinIM gaja ujjahaara ॥
- kuvalayaananda

raatriH gamiShyati bhaviShyati suprabhaatam

bhaaswaan udeShyati hasiShyati pa~nkajashrIH ।

itthaM vichintayati kosha-gate dvirephe

haa hanta hanta nalinIM gaja ujjahaara ॥

July 15th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
भवन्ति नम्रास्तरवः फलोद्गमैः
नवाम्बुभिर्भूरिविलम्बिनो घनाः ।
अनुद्धताः सत्पुरुषाः समृद्धिभिः
स्वभाव एवैष परोपकारिणाम् ॥
- नीतिशतक

Transliteration:
bhavanti namrāstaravaḥ phalodgamaiḥ
navāmbubhirbhūrivilambino ghanāḥ ।
anuddhatāḥ satpuruṣāḥ samṛddhibhiḥ
svabhāva evaiṣa paropakāriṇām ॥
- nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Trees bow down when fruit are shooting forth; clouds hang low when filled with water; the noble become humble in opulence - this is the very nature of the benevolent.

Commentary:

"If you wish to have happiness, provide happiness for others" - this is probably the motto of the trees, clouds and the noble!  They attain their internal peace and calm through their acts of benevolence towards others.  They are not just affable, they are humble too!  Humility is their prime attribute.

When a tree is full of fruit, it doesn't stiffen itself straight in arrogance that it is providing fruit to everyone.  It bends down in humility as if to make it easier for everyone to access its fruit!

When clouds are brimming with water, they hang low as if in diffidence, so they can shower their cool waters at the earliest to quench the thirst of the earth!

The noble when bestowed with opulence, display utmost humility.  They do not have even the slightest of arrogance about any of their resources or boons.  They display utmost modesty and believe that humility is a lifelong lesson.  They do not slack from their humility at any time!  It is a natural trait that comes spontaneously to them at all times.  Clearly, their stance is that 'humility is the cornerstone of all other virtues'.  Hence, they never take a respite from this wonderful attribute.

Those that do good to others never take pride in themselves.  Pride makes us artificial, humility makes us real.  Let's be real!

pada vigrahaH:
भवन्ति नम्राः तरवः फल-उद्गमैः
bhavanti namrāḥ taravaḥ phala-udgamaiḥ

नव-अम्बुभिः भूरि-विलम्बिनः घनाः ।
nava-ambubhiḥ bhūri-vilambinaḥ ghanāḥ ।

अनुद्धताः सत्-पुरुषाः समृद्धिभिः
anuddhatāḥ sat-puruṣāḥ samṛddhibhiḥ

स्वभावः एव एषः पर-उपकारिणाम् ॥
svabhāvaḥ eva eṣaḥ para-upakāriṇām ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
bhavanti namraastraravaH phalodgamaiH
navaambubhirbhUrivilambino ghanaaH ।
anuddhataaH satpuruShaaH samRuddhibhiH
svabhaava evaiSha paropakaariNaam ॥
- nItishataka

bhavanti namraaH taravaH phala-udgamaiH

nava-ambubhiH bhUri-vilambinaH ghanaaH ।

anuddhataaH sat-puruShaaH samRuddhibhiH

svabhaavaH eva eShaH para-upakaariNaam ॥

July 8th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
लभेत सिकतासु तैलमपि यत्नतः पीडयन्
पिबेच्च मृगतृष्णिकासु सलिलं पिपासार्दितः ।
कदाचिदपि पर्यटन् शशविषाणमासादयेत्
न तु प्रतिनिविष्टमूर्खजनचित्तमाराधयेत् ॥
- नीतिशतक

Transliteration:
labheta sikatāsu tailamapi yatnataḥ pīḍayan
pibecca mṛgatṛṣṇikāsu salilaṃ pipāsārditaḥ ।
kadācidapi paryaṭan śaśaviṣāṇamāsādayet
na tu pratiniviṣṭamūrkhajanacittamārādhayet ॥
- nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

(One) may procure oil from the sand after forceful exertion; an extremely thirsty person may get a drink of water from a mirage; sometimes after (immense) wandering, may obtain a rabbit horn; but can never appease the mind of an unreasonable fool!

Commentary:

Is there even an ounce of oil in the whole heap of sand?  Is there any real water in a mirage?  Does a hare even have a horn, for one to be able to find it?  The answer to all these three scenarios is obviously a big NO!  But the poet says, all these virtual impossibilities may still be a possibility!!  After exerting oneself to the extreme, one may finally be able to squeeze out a drop of oil from a heap of sand!  An exceedingly parched person might get a drink of water from a mirage even!  Although a hare doesn't ever grow a horn, after an extensive hunt, one might be able to procure one!  None of these is deemed impossible in comparison to pleasing the mind of an obstinate fool.  Now, that is a whole different ballgame.  That is not just impossible, it is an exceptional impossibility to the Nth degree!!  Anyone even trying to mitigate the mind of a fool would be making a futile effort.

They say, a wise man may change his mind but a fool, never!  Once the mind of a dunce is set on something, a poet of another verse says that it is not possible even for Lord Brahma to change it.  A fool would be adamantly hung up on his stance and not be perturbed by anyone at any cost.  Then, what is the point in trying to convince him who has decided to never be convinced?!  If one has decided to be implausible for no reason, why waste efforts on something fruitless?

pada vigrahaH:
लभेत सिकतासु तैलम् अपि यत्नतः पीडयन्
labheta sikatāsu tailam api yatnataḥ pīḍayan

पिबेत् च मृगतृष्णिकासु सलिलं पिपास-अर्दितः ।
pibet ca mṛgatṛṣṇikāsu salilaṃ pipāsa-arditaḥ ।

कदाचित् अपि पर्यटन् शश-विषाणम् आसादयेत् 
kadācit api paryaṭan śaśa-viṣāṇam āsādayet

न तु प्रतिनिविष्ट-मूर्ख-जन-चित्तम् आराधयेत् ॥
na tu pratiniviṣṭa-mūrkha-jana-cittam ārādhayet ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
labheta sikataasu tailamapi yatnataH pIDayan
pibechcha mRugatRuShNikaasu salilaM pipaasaarditaH ।
kadaachidapi paryaTan shashaviShaaNamaasaadayet
na tu pratiniviShTamUrkhajanachittamaaraadhayet ॥
- nItishataka

labheta sikataasu tailam api yatnataH pIDayan

pibet cha mRugatRuShNikaasu salilaM pipaasa-arditaH ।

kadaachit api paryaTan shasha-viShaaNam aasaadayet

na tu pratiniviShTa-mUrkha-jana-chittam aaraadhayet ॥

July 1st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
प्रामाण्यबुद्धिः स्तोत्रेषु देवताबुद्धिरात्मनि ।
कीटबुद्धिर्मनुष्येषु नूतनायाः श्रियः फलम् ॥
- कलिविडम्बन

Transliteration:
prāmāṇyabuddhiḥ stotreṣu devatābuddhirātmani ।
kīṭabuddhirmanuṣyeṣu nūtanāyāḥ śriyaḥ phalam ॥
- kaliviḍambana

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Authoritativeness in one's own praises; perceiving oneself as the Almighty; discerning other humans as insects - these are the results of newfound wealth. 

Commentary:

Generally, people value material wealth and desire lots of it to gain a sense of accomplishment. If that wealth came overnight, what to ask of such a person!  He would be constantly boasting of his possessions.  Rejoicing upon one's own praises isn't a very pleasant trait.  It is easy for him to think of himself as superior to the rest.  This is followed by even more bragging and thinking of himself as God!  As a counter effect, he regards the rest of the human species as 'insignificant insects'!!

There is a saying from another language, which can be closely translated to this - 'when a mediocre person gets wealth suddenly out of nowhere, he wakes up in the middle of the night and holds out an umbrella'!  The reason is, he suddenly remembers that he is wealthy and wants to show off.  While being inside the home, there is no requirement for an umbrella even if there is torrential rain outside! But he will still hold it out just to show that he owns an umbrella now!

Someone even said 'self-praise is almost slander!'  Why demean oneself when one can use his newfound resources for the betterment of society?  It takes a lot of humility to do this!  But nothing else can lead a person on the right path.

Someone born into wealth may be able to deal with affluence. But for someone who suddenly experiences prosperity out of nowhere, it takes very strong morals to keep him from becoming arrogant!  Keep your head on your shoulders at all times!  Everything else shall follow.

pada vigrahaH:
प्रामाण्य-बुद्धिः स्तोत्रेषु देवता-बुद्धिः आत्मनि ।
prāmāṇya-buddhiḥ stotreṣu devatā-buddhiḥ ātmani ।

कीट-बुद्धिः मनुष्येषु नूतन-आयाः श्रियः फलम् ॥
kīṭa-buddhiḥ manuṣyeṣu nūtana-āyāḥ śriyaḥ phalam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
praamaaNyabuddhiH stotreShu devataabuddhiraatmani ।
kITabuddhirmanuShyeShu nUtanaayaaH shriyaH phalam ॥
- kaliviDambana

praamaaNya-buddhiH stotreShu devataa-buddhiH aatmani ।

kITa-buddhiH manuShyeShu nUtana-aayaaH shriyaH phalam ॥

June 24th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उदीरितोऽर्थः पशुनापि गृह्यते
हयाश्च नागाश्च वहन्ति देशिताः ।
अनुक्तमप्यूहति पण्डितो जनः
परेङ्गितज्ञानफला हि बुद्धयः ॥
- हितोपदेश, सुहृद्भेद

Transliteration:
udīrito'rthaḥ paśunāpi gṛhyate
hayāśca nāgāśca vahanti deśitāḥ ।
anuktamapyūhati paṇḍito janaḥ
pareṅgitajñānaphalā hi buddhayaḥ ॥
- hitopadeśa, suhṛdbheda

Meaning of the subhAShita:

That which is enunciated clearly is grasped by even animals, (just as) horses and elephants execute on orders.  The intelligent perceive even that which is unsaid.  Certainly, the consequence of intelligence is an understanding of the intent of others.

Commentary:

'Stay', 'fetch', 'run', 'dance', 'jump' - even animals respond to such instructions.  A horse can run when whipped.  An elephant can lug the load as per the orders of the mahout. Animals (at least the domesticated ones), promptly do what they are told.  So doing what is told is no rocket science for animals.  They do not have to use much intellect or make decisions to follow the instructions.

Shouldn't the intellect of man set him apart?  The intelligence of man allows him to understand and perceive even untold words.  He can deduce (depending upon previous experiences) reactions and responses from those around him.  He thinks his actions through, comprehends the repercussions and executes intelligently.  He takes the initiative to even do those tasks that were not assigned to him.  Taking initiative means doing the right thing without being told!  Many scientists, mathematicians and even philosophers have tread paths that were never explored before.  That is exactly why they were able to make new discoveries or come up with theories!  Someone once said, "discoveries are often made by not following the instructions; by going off the main road; by trying the untried!!"  Else, the world would have seen no discoveries uncovered or inventions invented.  The author says, the consequence of proper intelligence is - the ability to perceive the untold stories!

Get smart.  Do not wait for someone to give instructions all the time.  Take charge, take initiative... Give your best in all good faith and see what comes!  The color of life will change as you see it!!

pada vigrahaH:
उदीरितः अर्थः पशुना अपि गृह्यते
udīritaḥ arthaḥ paśunā api gṛhyate

हयाः च नागाः च वहन्ति देशिताः ।
hayāḥ ca nāgāḥ ca vahanti deśitāḥ ।

अनुक्तम् अपि ऊहति पण्डितः जनः
anuktam api ūhati paṇḍitaḥ janaḥ

पर-इङ्गित-ज्ञान-फलाः हि बुद्धयः ॥
para-iṅgita-jñāna-phalāḥ hi buddhayaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
udIrito.rthaH pashunaapi gRuhyate
hayaashcha naagaashcha vahanti deshitaaH ।
anuktamapyUhati paNDito janaH
pare~ngitaj~naanaphalaa hi buddhayaH ॥
- hitopadesha, suhRudbheda

udIritaH arthaH pashunaa api gRuhyate

hayaaH cha naagaaH cha vahanti deshitaaH ।

anuktam api Uhati paNDitaH janaH

para-i~ngita-j~naana-phalaaH hi buddhayaH ॥

June 17th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
तृणानि भूमिरुदकं वाक्चतुर्थी च सूनृता ।
एतान्यपि सतां गेहे नोच्छिद्यन्ते कदाचन ॥
-महाभारत, उद्योग

Transliteration:
tṛṇāni bhūmirudakaṃ vākcaturthī ca sūnṛtā ।
etānyapi satāṃ gehe nocchidyante kadācana ॥
-mahābhārata, udyoga

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Grass, land, water and the fourth being pleasant and honest speech - these are never severed off from the home of a righteous person.

Commentary:

A righteous man may not be rich and famous.  He may not have cushions of silk with embroidered threads of gold.  He may not have silver plates and golden spoons to eat from.  He may not have an elaborate 7-course menu to offer either.  But, there is never a scarcity of grass.  Grass, because in olden days one would offer a seat of grass to his guest.  This symbolizes that virtuous people always welcome and offer a seat to their guest.  They also have land, means, a place to sit, so the guest is comfortable.  Next is water, a very essential element for the survival of any kind of being.  Be it a rich man or a poor man, be it an animal or a human, be it a bird or a beast, nothing can survive without water.  In fact, this is the reason for habitation to thrive only on planet earth and not any other solar planet!  An honorable man always offers a drink for the visitor to quench his thirst.  There is no special water for the rich man or ordinary water for the common man.  They may come in different packages, but the basic composition of all water is invariably the same!  All these basic elements one can provide are already given by the Lord.

The fourth one is a distinct one.  Pleasant and gentle speech!  This is a faculty that comes through cultivating a good disposition and having a generous heart.  It doesn't need any special equipment or privileges or possessions.  All it takes is a pure, pleasing and gentle demeanor and a great big heart!  Reminds of another poem by a saint (Basavaṇṇa).  He says, 'If you greet others at the first sight with a - How do you do? Do come in! - will yo turn ugly?  If you say - please sit down - will your floor cave in?  If you are first to greet (without waiting for the other to speak first), would your head or belly burst?'  He says even if you don't have anything to offer, if you can't offer basic hospitality, will the Lord appreciate you?

The author of this verse says these four faculties (grass, land, water and honest speech) are never severed from the home of a virtuous person.  No matter his financial status, any human can provide these four.  This means that each of us qualifies to become a virtuous person!  So what's holding us back?  Why are there so many animosities amongst people and why are there so many wars strewn across history?  Looks like there is a very simple solution!  Adapting these four completely inexpensive traits will lead us to the path of happiness and peaceful co-existence.  Let us work towards imbibing them and see where it takes us.  After all, they cost nothing!

Be nice!

pada vigrahaH:
तृणानि भूमिः उदकं वाक् चतुर्थी च सूनृता ।
tṛṇāni bhūmiḥ udakaṃ vāk caturthī ca sūnṛtā ।

एतानि अपि सतां गेहे न उच्छिद्यन्ते कदाचन ॥
etāni api satāṃ gehe na ucchidyante kadācana ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
tRuNaani bhUmirudakaM vaakchaturthI cha sUnRutaa ।
etaanyapi sataaM gehe nochChidyante kadaachana ॥
- mahaabhaarata, udyoga

tRuNaani bhUmiH udakaM vaak chaturthI cha sUnRutaa ।

etaani api sataaM gehe na uchChidyante kadaachana ॥

June 10th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उच्चैरुच्चरितव्यं यत्किञ्चिदजानतापि पुरुषेण ।
मूर्खा बहु मन्यन्ते विदुषामपि संशयो भवति ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि

Transliteration:
uccairuccaritavyaṃ yatkiñcidajānatāpi puruṣeṇa ।
mūrkhā bahu manyante viduṣāmapi saṃśayo bhavati ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Whatever little is spoken by a person should be pronounced intensely (loudly and clearly), even if unaware of everything.  For, (not only shall) the foolish regard highly, (but) even the wise shall become incredulous.

Commentary:

While speaking, the conviction of the speaker weighs in quite a bit, along with what is being spoken!  Like it or not, if the speaker is not certain of himself, how can he expect his audience to have any faith in what he is saying?  Swallowing words or stuttering or stammering does not catch the attention of the onlooker, nor does mumbling or droning.

They say, 'write to be understood, speak to be heard'!  If one wants to be heard, he needs to speak and speak clearly he MUST!  Speech is power when used aptly if not, one will regret that he ever opened his mouth!  But when he does, he should make sure it is loud and clear.

The poet goes a step further and says, even if unaware of everything, one should speak clearly!  Because, the dull-witted shall have high regard due to one's delivery and the smart ones too shall doubt for a moment that the speaker might know everything ;). Deception is not the purpose here, nor is promoting pompousness!  All the author is saying is, be confident and present whatever little you know, in a crystal clear manner.

Don't mumble... SPEAK UP... so you can be heard!

pada vigrahaH:
उच्चैः उच्चरितव्यं यत् किञ्चित् अजानताः अपि पुरुषेण ।
uccaiḥ uccaritavyaṃ yat kiñcit ajānatāḥ api puruṣeṇa ।

मूर्खाः बहु मन्यन्ते विदुषाम् अपि संशयः भवति ॥
mūrkhāḥ bahu manyante viduṣām api saṃśayaḥ bhavati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
uchchairuchcharitavyaM yatki~nchidajaanataapi puruSheNa ।
mUrkhaa bahu manyante viduShaamapi saMshayo bhavati ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

uchchaiH uchcharitavyaM yat ki~nchit ajaanataaH api puruSheNa ।

mUrkhaaH bahu manyante viduShaam api saMshayaH bhavati ॥

June 3rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उद्यन्तु शतमादित्याः उद्यन्तु शतमिन्दवः ।
न विना विदुषां वाक्यैः नश्यत्याभ्यन्तरं  तमः ॥
- सभारञ्जन शतक

Transliteration:
udyantu śatamādityāḥ udyantu śatamindavaḥ ।
na vinā viduṣāṃ vākyaiḥ naśyatyābhyantaraṃ tamaḥ ॥
- sabhārañjana śataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

May a hundred suns rise, may (there) rise a hundred moons.  (But) without listening to the words of the wise men, the internal darkness cannot be annihilated!

Commentary:

They say, 'there isn't enough darkness in the world to put out the light of one little candle'.  At the same time, at the other end of the spectrum, 'there isn't enough light in this world to eradicate an ounce of the darkness within, without listening to the wise words of wisdom from the learned'!

Humans are in a unique situation than any other living beings.  He is the only 'animal' blessed with the faculty of speech and understanding.  He is the only being who has been blessed with a thinking mind and an intellect to make choices!  Ever since the dinosaur era, has anyone heard of a more intelligent animal than a human?  Why on earth did God give that facility, if He did not mean to set us apart from the rest of the creatures?  Would the Lord create even a strand of hair without a purpose?!!  Similarly, why did He create such an elaborate and complicated structure of language and thought processes exclusively for the human race?!!  Obviously, there was a specific and essential purpose for it!  Would it be to show the supremacy of humans over other animals?  Definitely not!  Dominion and surrender aren't natural to any being.  That which doesn't come naturally, cannot be dharma.  That which is not dharma, CANNOT be the purpose in the Lord's mind!  Then, what could it be?  The only possible reason could be - to spread the knowledge..., the knowledge of the ultimate truth.

The poet says, the ignorance within (which is equated to darkness), can be eradicated only through listening to the wise words of the learned.  Even if a hundred suns rise at once and a hundred moons emerge along with them, all that collective light is not sufficient to decimate the ignorance within!  The one and only ray of hope to cure that internal murkiness is, 'listening to the teaching of the great masters and seers'.  No other choice!

Isn't it better to light that candle of knowledge than curse the darkness?!

May the quest of finding the light within bring us to our gurus.  May each of us find our guiding light and tread with ease towards attaining our goal. 

pada vigrahaH:
उद्यन्तु शतम् आदित्याः उद्यन्तु शतम् इन्दवः ।

udyantu śatam ādityāḥ udyantu śatam indavaḥ ।

न विना विदुषां वाक्यैः नश्यति आभ्यन्तरं तमः ॥
na vinā viduṣāṃ vākyaiḥ naśyati ābhyantaraṃ tamaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
udyantu shatamaadityaaH udyantu shatamindavaH ।
na vinaa viduShaaM vaakyaiH nashyatyaabhyantaraM tamaH ॥
- sabhaara~njana shataka

udyantu shatam aadityaaH udyantu shatam indavaH ।

na vinaa viduShaaM vaakyaiH nashyati aabhyantaraM tamaH ॥

May 27th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मातृरूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥

Transliteration:

yā devī sarvabhūteṣu mātṛrūpeṇa saṃsthitā ।
namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

To that Goddess who is residing in all beings in the form of the mother, I bow, salute, pray and prostrate to her!

Commentary:

Once a little girl was asked where her home was and she gave a matter-of-fact answer: 'where my mom is!'  What a simple yet profound answer!  'A home is where the heart is' and 'the heart is where the mother is', isn't it?!  'Mother' is the name of God in the hearts and lips of little children! It is said that since God Himself could not be present physically at all places, He created mothers!  It is the mother who not only gives birth to her offspring but nestles and nourishes when young, and then nurses and nurtures forever.  A newborn does not know the whims and fancies of the world.  It is the mother (or a motherly figure), who takes the child by the hand and accustoms it to its surroundings!  It is she who teaches the first words, inculcates values and teaches the child right from wrong.  A mother's heart is a beacon of love, not just for her own children, but for children in general.  This phenomenon of a mother is prevalent not just in human beings, but in all forms of beings in general!  Yes, even in those that lay eggs and leave and even in those that leave young cubs behind to fend for themselves!  How?  Well, even the mother of those species makes sure she lays her eggs in the safest place that she can find and leaves the cubs only when she has made sure she has taught them the tricks of the trade for survival!  Hence, that divine element of nurturing is prevalent in all mothers, by nature.  For that matter, whatever be the gender of the being giving that affection, it is always called 'motherly love'!  Doesn't that make her synonymous with nurturing?!!  The author of the verse is hence prostrating and saluting again and again to that divinity present in all mothers universally.

Reverence to thee, O mother!  Reverence to thee!

pada vigrahaH:
या देवी सर्व-भूतेषु मातृ-रूपेण संस्थिता ।
yā devī sarva-bhūteṣu mātṛ-rūpeṇa saṃsthitā ।

नमः तस्यै नमः तस्यै नमः तस्यै नमो नमः ॥
namaḥ tasyai namaḥ tasyai namaḥ tasyai namo namaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

yaa devI sarvabhUteShu maatRurUpeNa saMsthitaa ।

namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaH ॥

yaa devI sarva bhUteShu maatRu rUpeNa saMsthitaa ।

namaH tasyai namaH tasyai namaH tasyai namo namaH ॥

May 20th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
मित्रद्रोही कृतघ्नश्च यश्च विश्वासघातकः ।
ते नरा नरकं यान्ति यावच्चन्द्रदिवाकरौ ॥
- पञ्चतन्त्र, मित्रभेद

Transliteration:
mitradrohī kṛtaghnaśca yaśca viśvāsaghātakaḥ ।
te narā narakaṃ yānti yāvaccandradivākarau ॥
- pañcatantra, mitrabheda

Meaning of the subhAShita:

He who is treacherous to a friend; he who is ungrateful for rendered benefactions; he who is a traitor (slays trust) - these people attain hell for as long as the sun and moon shall exist. 

Commentary:

A friend is for pulling one out of rough times, not for putting him through it!  When one considers another as a friend and confides in him, there is no ethical justification for betraying him.  One would have let all his guards down and exposed his most vulnerable side to that friend.  Backstabbing that credence and trust is not dharma in any which way!

When you 'pray' to someone, do not 'prey' on them!  When someone has been a benefactor in time of need, there is nothing in this world that can be given to repay that debt.  One would be indebted to that patron forever in his life because he gave assistance in a time of need.  There is no deed that can compensate for that timely aid received.  Forgetting that and showing ingratitude is not even a choice!  When an act is not even an option, how can that be deemed as dharma?!!

Trust is a silky thread, holding which the world functions.  If there was no trust factor, one would not trust the grain grown by the farmer or the fruit brought by the gardener!  One would have to depend on himself for everything and be entirely self-sufficient!  Even then, he will have to trust in his own abilities and mother nature to assist in his efforts!  Hence, it is quite unlikely for anyone to live life without trusting anyone.  Therefore, trust is a very essential ingredient for basic survival itself!  It is the very thread on which the world keeps functioning.  Breaking that bond is not something small.  Like someone said, 'I am not upset that you lied to me, but because, I can't believe you anymore'.  Not only the faith in the current situation is broken but the faith in that person for all future scenarios is broken as well!  That which breaks the very reason for co-existence, cannot be dharma!

Anything that is not coherent with dharma is punishable.  Whether one likes it or not, he has to reap the fruit of all his actions.  The fruit for such breakage of bonds of trust is, going to hell!  When the poet says they shall attain hell for as long as the sun and moon exist,  it does not mean, that they stay in hell until the sun and moon literally stop existing, but that this law holds good as long as the sun and moon are shining!  The poet is basically saying that such people will remain in hell forever.  Hell is not necessarily a specific place, but any place where one will not be able to enjoy his time or be happy.  One can create such a 'living hell' for himself by doing adharma.

'To be trusted' is a much greater compliment than 'to be loved!'  Be trustworthy!

pada vigrahaH:
मित्र-द्रोही कृतघ्नः च यः च विश्वास-घातकः ।
mitra-drohī kṛtaghnaḥ ca yaḥ ca viśvāsa-ghātakaḥ ।

ते नराः नरकं यान्ति यावत् चन्द्र-दिवाकरौ ॥
te narāḥ narakaṃ yānti yāvat candra-divākarau ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
mitradrohI kRutaghnashcha yashcha vishvaasaghaatakaH ।
te naraa narakaM yaanti yaavachchandradivaakarau ॥
- pa~nchatantra, mitrabheda

mitra-drohI kRutaghnaH cha yaH cha vishvaasa-ghaatakaH ।

te naraaH narakaM yaanti yaavat chandra-divaakarau ॥

May 13th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यत्रोऽत्साहसमारम्भः यत्रालस्यविहीनता ।
नयविक्रमसंयोगः तत्र श्रीरचला ध्रुवम् ॥
- पञ्चतन्त्र, मित्रसम्प्राप्‍ति

Transliteration:
yatro'tsāhasamārambhaḥ yatrālasyavihīnatā ।
nayavikramasaṃyogaḥ tatra śrīracalā dhruvam ॥
- pañcatantra, mitrasamprāp‍ti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Where there is zeal in the effort, where there is an absence of indolence, there, in the conjugation of humility and courage, wealth is certain to be steady.

Commentary:

Zealousness in any action is what makes the task that much easier!  When there is enthusiasm and passion in what one is undertaking, it kindles gusto in those around.  It ignites a sense of eagerness in everyone to reach the goal sooner and better. To be zealous in the face the hurdles and brick walls one comes across constantly, takes a lot of courage!

About zeal, it is said that it suits only the wise, but found mostly in fools!  When there is energy, shouldn't there be a sense of direction for that energy?  Where there is no misdirected energy, there is no place for indolence.  'Indolence', the word just makes laziness appear classy, but is useful nowhere!

Wisdom and proper knowledge bring humility in a person.  In the union of humility and courage, there is no stopping of prosperity.  Where there is prosperity, there is abundance and abundance leads to wealth!  Hence, if aspiring for wealth, inculcate these very essential attributes!

pada vigrahaH:
यत्र उत्साह-समारम्भः यत्र आलस्य-विहीनता ।
yatra utsāha-samārambhaḥ yatra ālasya-vihīnatā ।

नय-विक्रम-संयोगः तत्र श्रीः अचला ध्रुवम् ॥
naya-vikrama-saṃyogaḥ tatra śrīḥ acalā dhruvam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yatro.tsaahasamaarambhaH yatraalasyavihInataa ।
nayavikramasaMyogaH tatra shrIrachalaa dhruvam ॥
- pa~nchatantra, mitrasampraapti

yatra utsaaha-samaarambhaH yatra aalasya-vihInataa ।

naya-vikrama-samyogaH tatra shrIH achalaa dhruvam ॥

May 6th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
दुर्जनः परिहर्तव्यः विद्ययाऽलङ्‍कृतोऽपि सन् ।
मणिना भूषितः सर्पः किमसौ न भयङ्करः ॥
- नीतिशतक

Transliteration:
durjanaḥ parihartavyaḥ vidyayā'laṅ‍kṛto'pi san ।
maṇinā bhūṣitaḥ sarpaḥ kimasau na bhayaṅkaraḥ ॥
- nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

An evildoer should be evaded even if ornate with knowledge!  Just because it is adorned with a jewel,  isn't a snake scary?

Commentary:

Someone once said, 'If you see a snake, just kill it.  For God's sake! Do not appoint a committee on snakes!' (although sounds phobic). Such is the reputation of a snake.  The enticement of a beautiful jewel on its head will not overtake the fear it generates in the hearts of people.  It is still regarded as a scary creature and people will stay away from it.  Similarly, a person's versatility or expertise in different arenas, will not draw people to him if his mind is evil.  Those around him are bound to be hurt.  Many times, his mind's evilness may not even be evident to those around.  Especially if he is a learned man, he would have mastered the art of deceit!  Hence, the author says, just because a snake is bedecked with a shiny jewel on its head, doesn't make it less scary.  An evildoer adorned with vidyā (knowledge) is just the same.  If knowledge is a jewel, his evil thoughts are his fangs! Hence, one should avoid the evildoer just as he would a snake,  at all costs!

Knowledge and viciousness do not go hand in hand.  One day or the other, his malevolence will be exposed and ostracized. True knowledge should make one humble and pious.  Aim for true vidyā.   Respect, lovability and piety will follow automatically.

pada vigrahaH:
दुर्जनः परिहर्तव्यः विद्यया अलङ्‍कृतः अपि सन् ।
durjanaḥ parihartavyaḥ vidyayā alaṅ‍kṛtaḥ api san ।

मणिना भूषितः सर्पः किम् असौ न भयङ्करः ॥
maṇinā bhūṣitaḥ sarpaḥ kim asau na bhayaṅkaraḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
durjanaH parihartavyaH vidyayaa.la~nkRuto.pi san ।
maNinaa bhUShitaH sarpaH kimasau na bhaya~nkaraH ॥
- nItishataka

durjanaH parihartavyaH vidyayaa ala~nkRutaH api san ।

maNinaa bhUShitaH sarpaH kim asau na bhaya~nkaraH ॥

April 29th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अनिच्छन्तोऽपि विनयं विद्याभ्यासेन बालकाः ।
भेषजेनेव नैरुज्यं प्रापणीयाः प्रयत्नतः ॥
- हरिहरसुभाषित

Transliteration:
anicchanto'pi vinayaṃ vidyābhyāsena bālakāḥ ।
bheṣajeneva nairujyaṃ prāpaṇīyāḥ prayatnataḥ ॥
- hariharasubhāṣita

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Even if not desired, just as a disease (is treated) through medicine, children should be taught humility (and values) through education.

Commentary:

Medicine doesn't always taste good or smell enticing.  But when in sickness, does the person have a choice?  Don't his likes and dislikes get put aside in such a circumstance?  It is the exact same scenario when a child's upbringing is at hand.  Just because he has his whims and fancies, a child cannot be allowed to go about his demeanor however he pleases.  It becomes the most primal duty of those around to inculcate values in the child through education.  Acquiring the right knowledge chisels him out into a wonderful human being as he grows up.

The bitter taste of medicine cannot be the deciding factor for its consumption.  Similarly, the hardships and sacrifices that come with learning cannot be the deciding factors against becoming virtuous and learned human beings!

pada vigrahaH:
अनिच्छन्तः अपि विनयं विद्या-अभ्यासेन बालकाः ।
anicchantaḥ api vinayaṃ vidyā-abhyāsena bālakāḥ ।

भेषजेन इव नैरुज्यं प्रापणीयाः प्रयत्नतः ॥
bheṣajena iva nairujyaṃ prāpaṇīyāḥ prayatnataḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
anichChanto.pi vinayaM vidyaabhyaasena baalakaaH ।
bheShajeneva nairujyaM praapaNIyaaH prayatnataH ॥
- hariharasubhaaShita

anichChantaH api vinayaM vidyaa-abhyaasena baalakaaH ।

bheShajena iva nairujyaM praapaNIyaaH prayatnataH ॥

April 22nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यदमी दशन्ति दशनाः रसना तत्स्वादमनुभवति ।
प्रकृतिरियं विमलानां क्लिश्यन्ति यदन्यकार्येषु ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
yadamī daśanti daśanāḥ rasanā tatsvādamanubhavati ।
prakṛtiriyaṃ vimalānāṃ kliśyanti yadanyakāryeṣu ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The taste of that which is chewed by the teeth is enjoyed by the tongue!  Anguish over the benefaction of others - this is the nature of the impeccable souls.

Commentary:

One of the job descriptions of the teeth is to chew food.  It does its role ardently too.  But then, it never ever gets to taste the food that it helped chew!  The tongue which didn't really aid in the chewing of the food gets to enjoy every bit of the flavor though! 

Such is the nature of noble, impeccable souls.  Just as teeth aid the tongue to taste the food, they strive with their entire being for the betterment of others, without any vested interest for themselves.  They get absolutely no material benefit out of their actions, but they tirelessly give their best for every action they execute!  These noble souls are the very reason that we have a working society.

If each and every person strives to give their best for the those around, what a wonderful society ours would be!  If unable to function that way, one should at least not pose impediments or throw hurdles in the path of such great souls.  That in itself would be a small benefaction that they offer to society.

pada vigrahaH:
यत् अमी दशन्ति दशनाः रसना तत् स्वादम् अनुभवति ।
yat amī daśanti daśanāḥ rasanā tat svādam anubhavati ।

प्रकृतिः इयं विमलानां क्लिश्यन्ति यत् अन्य-कार्येषु ॥
prakṛtiḥ iyaṃ vimalānāṃ kliśyanti yat anya-kāryeṣu ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yadamI dashanti dashanaaH rasanaa tatsvaadamanubhavati ।
prakRutiriyaM vimalaanaaM klishyanti yadanyakaaryeShu ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

yat amI dashanti dashanaaH rasanaa tat svaadam anubhavati ।

prakRutiH iyaM vimalaanaaM klishyanti yat anya-kaaryeShu ॥

April 15th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वरं पर्वतदुर्गेषु भ्रान्तं वनचरैः सह ।
न मूर्खजनसंपर्कः सुरेन्द्रभवनेष्वपि ॥
- नीतिशतक

Transliteration:
varaṃ parvatadurgeṣu bhrāntaṃ vanacaraiḥ saha ।
na mūrkhajanasaṃparkaḥ surendrabhavaneṣvapi ॥
- nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

It is rather a blessing to wander in the mountains and caves with wild animals than keeping the company of the foolish even if it is in the palatial quarters of Indra (the king of Gods)!

Commentary:

It is not about the ambiance and the setting as much as it is about the company kept.  There should be a common goal, a productive direction and an enjoyable experience when in one's company.  If none of it is practical, then it is better to have no company at all.  The poet curtly says that one will have a blessed time meandering on the mountains and caves of a forest with wild animals rather than savoring the company of the ludicrous, even if the venue is Heaven itself!

Many times, the company of the idiotic brings about adverse consequences for the others around.  There is no fruitful outcome for anyone.  Time and effort go futile or even become detrimental to one's progress.  Time and again, it has been seen that 'bad company corrupts good character'.  Isn't it better to keep your sanity than working on redoing it again!

Someone jokingly said, 'Go to heaven for the climate and to hell for the company'!  In reality, if the company is bad, reject the climate too :).

pada vigrahaH:
वरं पर्वत-दुर्गेषु भ्रान्तं वन-चरैः सह ।
varaṃ parvata-durgeṣu bhrāntaṃ vana-caraiḥ saha ।

न मूर्ख-जन-संपर्कः सुरेन्द्र-भवनेषु अपि ॥
na mūrkha-jana-saṃparkaḥ surendra-bhavaneṣu api ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
varaM parvatadurgeShu bhraantaM vanacharaiH saha ।
na mUrkhajanasaMparkaH surendrabhavaneShvapi ॥
- nItishataka

varaM parvata-durgeShu bhraantaM vana-charaiH saha ।

na mUrkha-jana-saMparkaH surendra-bhavaneShu api ॥

April 8th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
श्रीमानजननिन्द्यश्च शूरश्चाप्यविकत्थनः ।
समदृष्टिः प्रभुश्चैव दुर्लभाः पुरुषास्त्रयः ॥
- योगवासिष्ठ, वैराग्य

Transliteration:
śrīmānajananindyaśca śūraścāpyavikatthanaḥ ।
samadṛṣṭiḥ prabhuścaiva durlabhāḥ puruṣāstrayaḥ ॥
- yogavāsiṣṭha, vairāgya

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A wealthy man who is not culpable, a valiant man who is not blusterous, a leader who is not prejudiced - these 3 people are rare to find!

Commentary:

A wealthy man, whether he gained his wealth by just means or unjust means, gets rebuked.  He gets blamed for having earned unjustly or for not doing enough good with his affluence, or for being overly lucky!  Rare is a man who is applauded for his abundance and his attitude towards his fortune.

If one is courageous, chances are that he is proud of his valiance and recounting his valor every chance he gets!  Humility in conjunction with heroism is a rare commodity.  How often do we come across a Rāma or a Hanumān?

It is said, 'a politician thinks of the next election, whereas a statesman thinks of the next generation!'  When one has power is in his hands, arrogance goes to the head!  Misuse of the power, prejudice towards kith and kin, bias towards the lowly and helpless - these become his main attributes.  It is very rare to see someone with power in his hands and a level head on his shoulders.  A true leader is he who can view all his subjects equally!  This is a virtue of rarity in itself.  He who possesses this is a true statesman. 

Inculcate the right traits when blessed with opportunities and privileges.

pada vigrahaH:
श्रीमान् अ-जन-निन्द्यः च शूरः च अपि अ-विकत्थनः ।
śrīmān a-jana-nindyaḥ ca śūraḥ ca api a-vikatthanaḥ ।

सम-दृष्टिः प्रभुः च एव दुर्लभाः पुरुषाः त्रयः ॥
sama-dṛṣṭiḥ prabhuḥ ca eva durlabhāḥ puruṣāḥ trayaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
shrImaanajananindyashcha shUrashchaapyavikatthanaH ।
samadRuShTiH prabhushchaiva durlabhaaH puruShaastrayaH ॥
- yogavaasiShTha, vairaagya

shrImaan a-jana-nindyaH cha shUraH cha api a-vikatthanaH ।

sama-dRuShTiH prabhuH cha eva durlabhaaH puruShaaH trayaH ॥