February 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
स्वर्गो धनं वा धान्यं वा विद्याः पुत्रास्सुखानि च ।
गुरुवृत्त्यनुरोधेन न किञ्चिदपि दुर्लभम् ॥
- रामायण

Transliteration:
svargo dhanaṃ vā dhānyaṃ vā vidyāḥ putrāssukhāni ca ।
guruvṛttyanurodhena na kiñcidapi durlabham ॥
- rāmāyaṇa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Heaven, wealth, grain (food), knowledge, children, and pleasures—none of these are unattainable for the one who reveres his teacher.

Commentary:

Without gurus, the world would not be where it is today. Even the simplest forms of knowledge—like hunting for food or kindling fire for warmth—have been passed down through generations by teaching. Without this transmission, each generation would be forced to start from scratch, time and time again!

The term “teacher” here extends far beyond the traditional school educator. A person learns from a multitude of sources throughout their life: parents, siblings, grandparents, friends, peers, and even strangers. Sometimes, the most unexpected sources or events in nature can impart profound lessons. For this reason, all sources of learning deserve respect and reverence.

A person who values and respects the knowledge they have gained—and honors those who imparted it—will find their path to progress and prosperity unimpeded. The good wishes and blessings of these teachers become a powerful force, guiding them toward the fulfillment of their aspirations.

Remember your teachers. Honor your teachers. Revere all those who have helped you grow.

pada vigrahaH:
स्वर्गः धनं वा धान्यं वा विद्याः पुत्राः सुखानि च ।
svargaḥ dhanaṃ vā dhānyaṃ vā vidyāḥ putrāḥ sukhāni ca ।

गुरु-वृत्ति अनुरोधेन न किञ्चित् अपि दुर्लभम् ॥
guru-vṛtti anurodhena na kiñcit api durlabham ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
svargo dhanaM vaa dhaanyaM vaa vidyaaH putraassukhaani cha ।
guruvRuttyanurodhena na ki~nchidapi durlabham ॥
- raamaayaNa

svargaH dhanaM vaa dhaanyaM vaa vidyaaH putraaH sukhaani cha ।

guru-vRutti anurodhena na ki~nchit api durlabham ॥