December 8th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अकारणेनैव चतुराः तर्कयन्ति परेङ्गितम् ।
गर्भस्थं केतकीपुष्पम् आमोदेनेव षट्पदाः ॥

-प्रसन्नराघव 

Transliteration:
akāraṇenaiva caturāḥ tarkayanti pareṅgitam ।
garbhasthaṃ ketakīpuṣpam āmodeneva ṣaṭpadāḥ ॥
-prasannarāghava

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Without any summons, the clever inquire into others' intentions; (just as), the bees (locate) a hidden ketakI flower simply with its fragrance.

Commentary:

It is said that one's outward actions reveal his/her hidden intentions!  A person doesn't necessarily express all his thoughts in actions or words.  The reasons for this could be many—he may not have the necessary circumstances or ambiance or lack the communication skills to express himself.

However, a clever person does not necessarily have to be told!  He can assimilate the thoughts and intentions of the other just through subtle hints such as body language or other environmental factors. Like in the fable, Androcles understood that the Lion had a thorn in his foot without being told by the Lion.

The poet gives the example of the bees.  They do not need to physically see the fragrant ketakI flower before aspiring to sip its nectar.  They can follow the scent of the flower and zero in on the exact location of it even if it lies hidden or far from sight!  Similar is the way of an intelligent person.  He can grasp the intentions of other people, whether good or bad.  

Anyone can handle a situation better if he understands the other person.  If the intentions are good, they can aid each other in materializing their thoughts.  If the intentions are bad, it is certainly smart to stay away from such a situation or such a company.  Hence, in all scenarios, being adept and skillful at reading another's mind is certainly a blessing!

The intelligence to read another's mind makes one think from the other person's perspective.  This gives a vision beyond what meets the eye and he becomes less judgemental.  Blessed are people who have this attitude and so are the ones that keep such company!

pada vigrahaH:
अकारणेन एव चतुराः तर्कयन्ति पर-इङ्गितम् ।
akāraṇena eva caturāḥ tarkayanti para-iṅgitam ।

गर्भस्थं केतकी-पुष्पम् आमोदेन इव षट्पदाः ॥

garbhasthaṃ ketakī-puṣpam āmodena iva ṣaṭpadāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
akaaraNenaiva chaturaaH tarkayanti pare~ngitam ।
garbhasthaM ketakIpuShpam aamodeneva ShaTpadaaH ॥

-prasannaraaghava 

akaaraNena eva chaturaaH tarkayanti para-i~ngitam ।

garbhasthaM ketakI-puShpam aamodena iva ShaTpadaaH ॥

November 20th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अनायासेन मरणं विना दैन्येन जीवनम् ।
देहान्ते तव सायुज्यं देहि मे पार्वतीपते ॥
Transliteration:
anāyāsena maraṇaṃ vinā dainyena jīvanam ।
dehānte tava sāyujyaṃ dehi me pārvatīpate ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Death without exertion, life without affliction, your proximity (attainment of your abode) upon leaving the body - grant me these, O husband of Pārvati! 

Commentary:

Upon being asked 'what do you want?', there may be a plethora of wishes one wants to ask for.  A big house, a bigger bank balance, plentiful youth, good children, lots of friends, good health.....  The list can be endless!

But, the author of this verse has very simple, yet profound and eternal wishes to ask for!

No matter how many riches one is showered with if he is enduring a painful existence in his body, who would not want to be liberated from that pain?!  The best ambiences and the greatest food will prove repulsive for someone who is suffering from pain of any kind - it could be physical pain, being on life support, etc., or a mental affliction as well.  Everyone wants to live a fruitful and satisfying life and pass away peacefully without much effort, exertion or toil.  This is certainly something to pray for!

While living, there can be multitudes of scarcities - there are places where there is not enough drinking water, enough food to eat or a shelter to sleep under.  Such scenarios are not pleasant and one would want to be released from the affliction of any kind of poverty.  This is surely something to pray for so that goals can be pursued without strife.

Throughout our lives, we are taught to engage in good deeds so that we are liberated from the bondage of birth and death.  Attaining this is the final goal for everyone.  If one is granted the abode of the Lord Himself, a merger with the Lord of Pārvati and being one with Parashiva Himself, what more would one ever want?!!

Think about it...  Aren't these the aspects one should contemplate upon and ask for?!

pada vigrahaH:
अनायासेन मरणं विना दैन्येन जीवनम् ।
anāyāsena maraṇaṃ vinā dainyena jīvanam ।

देह-अन्ते तव सायुज्यं देहि मे पार्वती-पते ॥
deha-ante tava sāyujyaṃ dehi me pārvatī-pate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
anaayaasena maraNaM vinaa dainyena jeevanam ।
dehaante tava saayujyaM dehi me paarvatIpate ॥

anaayaasena maraNaM vinaa dainyena jeevanam ।

deha-ante tava saayujyaM dehi me paarvatI-pate ॥

October 31

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अपूर्वः कोऽपि कोशोऽयं विद्यते तव भारति ।
व्ययतो वृद्धिमायाति क्षयमायाति सञ्चयात् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
apūrvaḥ ko'pi kośo'yaṃ vidyate tava bhārati ।
vyayato vṛddhimāyāti kṣayamāyāti sañcayāt ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

O, Devi Saraswati (Bhārati),  your repository is like no other!  Upon spending, it grows; upon gathering, it shrinks!!

Commentary:

In a transactional world, what do we see?  If we spend something, what we retain decreases; upon collecting, what we possess increases.  But in Goddess Saraswati's arena, the rules are completely opposite, says the author.

When one expends his knowledge, as in - teaching or sharing with others, his horizons broaden. While teaching, a new outlook may dawn on him, which he never saw before.  His memory gets refreshed every time he shares his knowledge.  It gives him clarity of thought and a better understanding of the material.  His value for what he is teaching intensifies in himself.  It will be reinforced in his mind and his faith in it shall get stronger!  It is a complete win-win situation!!

For example, if one collects shells, his collection stays intact if he keeps it to himself.  On the contrary, keeping knowledge to oneself (or confined in the books), only aids in the dissipation of that knowledge.  This is because he is not allowing himself to reflect upon that knowledge.  Knowledge that is not put into practice is of no use anyways.  Over time, he may even forget what he learnt.  Worse, upon the passing away of that person, that particular knowledge may die with him!  The best way to repay our gurus and teachers is by passing on the knowledge that they imparted to us.  If one stagnates that knowledge in himself, he is curtailing the growth of the coming generations.  If our ancestors did the same to us, every generation would have to start over, all the way from inventing fire from the fire-stones!!

Knowledge is like water.  It is sparkling and crystal clear when flowing.  If it stagnates, it becomes a swamp!  Anyone would readily drink water from a running stream rather than a stagnant swamp.  So, why not let knowledge flow like a river and drench in its refreshing waters!  Being born as humans, each of us has an undying thirst for learning.  Let's satiate our thirst by learning from others, as well as quell the strife in others by sharing what we know!!

pada vigrahaH:
अपूर्वः कः अपि कोशः अयं विद्यते तव भारति ।
apūrvaḥ kaḥ api kośaḥ ayaṃ vidyate tava bhārati ।

व्ययतः वृद्धिम् आयाति क्षयम् आयाति सञ्चयात् ॥
vyayataḥ vṛddhim āyāti kṣayam āyāti sañcayāt ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
apUrvaH ko.pi kosho.yaM vidyate tava bhaarati ।
vyayato vRuddhimaayaati kShayamaayaati sa~nchayaat ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

apUrvaH kaH api koshaH ayaM vidyate tava bhaarati ।

vyayataH vRuddhim aayaati kShayam aayaati sa~nchayaat ॥

September 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
चित्ते प्रसन्ने भुवनं प्रसन्नं चित्ते विषण्णे भुवनं विषण्णम् ।
अतोऽभिलाषो यदि ते सुखे स्यात् चित्तप्रसादे प्रथमं यतस्व ॥

Transliteration:
citte prasanne bhuvanaṃ prasannaṃ citte viṣaṇṇe bhuvanaṃ viṣaṇṇam ।
ato'bhilāṣo yadi te sukhe syāt cittaprasāde prathamaṃ yatasva ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

If the mind is happy, the entire world (seems) happy.  If the mind is despondent, the entire world (seems) despondent.  Hence, if you desire happiness, strive towards the happiness of the mind first.

Commentary:

It's all in the mind!

By definition, the mind is the set of cognitive faculties that enables consciousness, perception, thinking, judgement, and memory.  It is subtle, meaning that which cannot be perceived through the 5 gross sense organs.  It is perceived by oneself!  One can only try to understand another's mind, but total perception is available only to that being. Another subhāṣita exaggerates and says 'that which is in one's mind cannot even be perceived by Lord Brahma, the creator.'  Such is the complexity of the mind!

Now that the intricacy of the mind is established, what is its role in influencing the outlook of a person?  Well, it is as simple as - if the mind is happy, the world looks happy and cheerful to one; if the mind is sad, to him the world also looks sad and morose!  The same exact surroundings can look the opposite shade if the mind is not cheerful!  Obviously, who wants sadness? Everyone wants to live in a happy and peaceful world.  In that case, first work towards keeping your mind happy!

Now, how is that achieved?  By having a positive outlook on life, by trusting that there is someone above watching at all times and that whatever He brings to one's life is for one's own betterment. A positive attitude keeps mind merry.  A child is happy and does not need a reason for being so!  If that kind of outlook is developed by us adults, then the world would truly be a beautiful place.  No one would need doctors for any ailments because a healthy mind will have a healthy body.  The state of one's mind influences at all levels - body, mind, intellect.

Hence, to be a well-rounded person, it is all the more essential to strive towards keeping the mind cheerful and positive.  Stay happy, understand life!

pada vigrahaH:
चित्ते प्रसन्ने भुवनं प्रसन्नं चित्ते विषण्णे भुवनं विषण्णम् ।
citte prasanne bhuvanaṃ prasannaṃ citte viṣaṇṇe bhuvanaṃ viṣaṇṇam ।

अत: अभिलाषः यदि ते सुखे स्यात् चित्त-प्रसादे प्रथमं यतस्व ॥
ataḥ abhilāṣaḥ yadi te sukhe syāt citta-prasāde prathamaṃ yatasva ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
chitte prasanne bhuvanaM prasannaM chitte viShaNNe bhuvanaM viShaNNam ।
ato.bhilaaSho yadi te sukhe syaat chittaprasaade prathamaM yatasva ॥

chitte prasanne bhuvanaM prasannaM chitte viShaNNe bhuvanaM viShaNNam ।

ataH abhilaaShaH yadi te sukhe syaat chitta-prasaade prathamaM yatasva ॥

August 28th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अहिंसा प्रथमं पुष्पं पुष्पमिन्द्रिय निग्रहः
सर्वभूतदयापुष्पं क्षमापुष्पं विशेषतः ।
ज्ञानपुष्पं तपःपुष्पं शान्तिपुष्पं तथैव च
सत्यमष्टविधं पुष्पं विष्णोः प्रीतिकरं भवेत् ॥

Transliteration:

ahiṃsā prathamaṃ puṣpaṃ puṣpamindriya nigrahaḥ
sarvabhūtadayāpuṣpaṃ kṣamāpuṣpaṃ viśeṣataḥ ।
jñānapuṣpaṃ tapaḥpuṣpaṃ śāntipuṣpaṃ tathaiva ca
satyamaṣṭavidhaṃ puṣpaṃ viṣṇoḥ prītikaraṃ bhavet ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Non-violence is the first flower, control over the senses is a flower, compassion towards all beings is a flower, especially forbearance is a flower, (right) knowledge is a flower, penance is a flower. Then, also, peace is a flower, truth being the eighth flower - these are dearest to Lord Viṣṇu.

Commentary:

The only way to worship the Lord is not worshiping Him lavishly in a temple or a pīṭham (pedestal), with flowers of gold and silver.  Worshiping Him can happen anywhere, at any time.  The mode of worship does not have to be necessarily ritualistic or religious.  If one can offer these 8 flowers to Him, He would be more than pleased with such a being!!  It's as easy as that!  What are these 8 special flowers?

1.  Non-violence:  Not just in deeds, but in thoughts, words and at heart.  One has to be non-aggressive in all planes of his existence.

2.  Control over the senses:  Sense organs are are like wild horses, left loose!  If one does not know how to reign them in, they will take charge and cause havoc of the most disastrous kind.

3.  Compassion towards all beings:  Be it a bird, bee, animal or human, one has to be kind, compassionate and humane towards them.  When one can see the equality that is essentially divinity existing in all beings, that itself is a flower that can be offered to Him.

4.  Forbearance:  Being patient and forgiving towards all beings is an offering to the Lord.

5.  Right knowledge:  Not just knowledge of any kind, but the Right Knowledge, about the supreme truth and a quest for that truth is a sincere flower that the Lord likes.

6.  Penance:  Penance is not just the kind where one sits under a tree without food or water for days.  Living by his dharma at every step, under every circumstance, no matter how difficult - that in itself is a penance that appeases the Lord.

7.  Peace:  The un-intrusive, non-disruptive state of everything. Leaving them be that way is peace.  If one keeps peace all the time, that itself is worship.

8.  Truth:  There is nothing else equal to this!  If one has an immense thirst for attaining the ultimate truth and has succeeded in achieving too, his worship of the Lord is complete!

If one can offer even one of these 8 flowers with utmost respect and devotion to the Lord, he goes that much closer to the Lord!  Then, what to say of someone who has offered all these 8!!  These are the flowers dearest to Lord Viṣṇu.  In whatever name or form the Lord is addressed, no other rituals, ceremonies or pomp and show are necessary to attain Him apart from these 8!

pada vigrahaH:
अहिंसा प्रथमं पुष्पं पुष्पम् इन्द्रिय निग्रहः
ahiṃsā prathamaṃ puṣpaṃ puṣpam indriya nigrahaḥ

सर्व-भूत-दया-पुष्पं क्षमा-पुष्पं विशेषतः ।
sarva-bhūta-dayā-puṣpaṃ kṣamā-puṣpaṃ viśeṣataḥ ।

ज्ञान-पुष्पं तपः-पुष्पं शान्ति-पुष्पं तथ एव च
jñāna-puṣpaṃ tapaḥ-puṣpaṃ śānti-puṣpaṃ tatha eva ca

सत्यम् अष्ट-विधं पुष्पं विष्णोः प्रीतिकरं भवेत् ॥

satyam aṣṭa-vidhaṃ puṣpaṃ viṣṇoḥ prītikaraṃ bhavet ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ahiMsaa prathamaM puShpaM puShpamindriya nigrahaH
sarvabhUtadayaapuShpaM kShamaapuShpaM visheShataH ।
j~naanapuShpaM tapaHpuShpaM shaantipuShpaM tathaiva cha
satyamaShTavidhaM puShpaM viShNoH prItikaraM bhavet ॥

ahiMsaa prathamaM puShpaM puShpam indriya nigrahaH

sarva-bhUta-dayaa-puShpaM kShamaa-puShpaM visheShataH ।

j~naana-puShpaM tapaH-puShpaM shaanti-puShpaM tatha eva cha

satyam aShTa-vidhaM puShpaM viShNoH prItikaraM bhavet ॥

July 21st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अज्ञेभ्यो ग्रन्थिनः श्रेष्ठाः ग्रन्थिभ्यो धारिणो वराः ।
धारिभ्यो ज्ञानिनः श्रेष्ठाः ज्ञानिभ्यो व्यवसायिनः ॥
- मनुस्मृति

Transliteration:
ajñebhyo granthinaḥ śreṣṭhāḥ granthibhyo dhāriṇo varāḥ ।
dhāribhyo jñāninaḥ śreṣṭhāḥ jñānibhyo vyavasāyinaḥ ॥
- manusmṛti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Among the ignorant, a well-read person is better. Among the well-read, those who have a grasp (of the material) are a blessing.  In the midst of those with a good grasp, those who have assimilated the knowledge are considered better. Among those who have assimilated the knowledge, those who put it to practice are deemed the best!

Commentary:

There are many ignorant people in the world.  In their midst, someone who is well-read and knowledgeable is respected.

But then, is it enough to just be well-read?  In a crowd of well-read people, someone who has a good handle on the (memorized) material is looked up to.

Obviously, if one has to choose between one who has memorized against one who has understood the subject, the vote would go to the person who has understood the substance.

So, does it make the one who has understood the material the best?  Oh, no!  If someone who has understood were to stand against someone who has put it into practice, who would be revered?!  Invariably, it would be the one who has put it into practice and made the knowledge his own!!

Practice what you preach and preach what you practice!  If one just spoke and never internalized the content, he has no authority over that knowledge, nor does his preaching have any value. The world around respects and reveres him who puts his own words and knowledge into practice.  Assimilating the knowledge and putting it to use is the best culminating point for any learning.

If one is incorporating his learning, he doesn't have to proclaim that he has an abundance of information.  He doesn't have to blow his own conch about how well-read he is nor does he have to await accolades for his understanding.  When one applies his knowledge in his day-to-day life, the rest of the 3 factors are a given!  This means he is well-read, has understood, and has assimilated all that knowledge.  Else, he wouldn't be able to incorporate it into his daily life!

It is said that an ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching.  There is also the fact that practice makes perfect!  So get practising and perfecting!!

pada vigrahaH:
अज्ञेभ्यः ग्रन्थिनः श्रेष्ठाः ग्रन्थिभ्यः धारिणः वराः ।
ajñebhyaḥ granthinaḥ śreṣṭhāḥ granthibhyaḥ dhāriṇaḥ varāḥ ।

धारिभ्यः ज्ञानिनः श्रेष्ठाः ज्ञानिभ्यः व्यवसायिनः ॥
dhāribhyaḥ jñāninaḥ śreṣṭhāḥ jñānibhyaḥ vyavasāyinaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
aj~nebhyo granthinaH shreShThaaH granthibhyo dhaariNo varaaH ।
dhaaribhyo j~naaninaH shreShThaaH j~naanibhyo vyavasaayinaH ॥
- manusmRuti

aj~nebhyaH granthinaH shreShThaaH granthibhyaH dhaariNaH varaaH ।

dhaaribhyaH j~naaninaH shreShThaaH j~naanibhyaH vyavasaayinaH ॥

June 16th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
ज्येष्ठो भ्राता पिता चैव यश्च विद्यां प्रयच्छति ।
त्रयस्ते पितरो ज्ञेयाः धर्मे वर्त्मनि वर्तिनः ॥
-रामायण, किष्किन्धा

Transliteration:

jyeṣṭho bhrātā pitā caiva yaśca vidyāṃ prayacchati ।
trayaste pitaro jñeyāḥ dharme vartmani vartinaḥ ॥
-rāmāyaṇa, kiṣkindhā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

An elder brother, the father himself and he who gives knowledge - these three are to be perceived (respected) as fathers by those on the path of virtue.

Commentary:

A father, as we know by definition, is the man who gives birth. He is to be respected and revered always! In one's life, many such father figures are encountered.  The poet says

• an elder brother, who protects nurtures and guides his siblings, is also equivalent to a father. 
• the biological father is definitely revered for all the tending and selfless love he showers on his children!  
• a guru who imparts knowledge and gives birth to a new perspective in a person is also to be revered as a father! (Especially spiritual gurus and guides.  They help one absolve his ignorance and lead him on the path of ultimate knowledge).

Hence, those on the path of virtue find many such father figures in their lives to whom they offer veneration and obeisance throughout their lives. Many times, it may not be expressed in so many words, but that gratitude and high regard for them shall linger in the hearts of the virtuous forever!

May we all be blessed with such father figures always!

pada vigrahaH:
ज्येष्ठः भ्राता पिता च एव यः च विद्यां प्रयच्छति ।
jyeṣṭhaḥ bhrātā pitā ca eva yaḥ ca vidyāṃ prayacchati ।

त्रयः ते पितरः ज्ञेया धर्मे वर्त्मनि वर्तिनः ॥
trayaḥ te pitaraḥ jñeyā dharme vartmani vartinaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
jyeShTho bhraataa pitaa chaiva yashcha vidyaaM prayachChati ।
trayaste pitaro j~neyaaH dharme vartmani vartinaH ॥
-raamaayaNa, kiShkindhaa

jyeShThaH bhraataa pitaa cha eva yaH cha vidyaaM prayachChati ।

trayaH te pitaraH j~neyaaH dharme vartmani vartinaH ॥

May 24th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
आलस्यं हि मनुष्याणां शरीरस्थो महान् रिपुः ।
नास्त्युद्यमसमो बन्धुः कुर्वाणो नावसीदति ॥
-नीतिशतक

Transliteration:

ālasyaṃ hi manuṣyāṇāṃ śarīrastho mahān ripuḥ ।
nāstyudyamasamo bandhuḥ kurvāṇo nāvasīdati ॥
-nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Laziness present in one's body is the biggest enemy of humans.  There is no kin parallel to zeal and he who is zealous never perishes.

Commentary:

If one is weary and indolent in executing his work, then he doesn't have to wait for the results of his task.  He would have sabotaged it all on his own!  To avoid doing the work, he will find excuses of all kinds.  The worst hurdle and enemy one could have in his own path is his own laziness.  Hence, he shall perish under the grip of an enemy who dwells within him - laziness!

On the contrary, a zealous person can conquer anything in this world.  He will work something out and find one way or another to arrive at a suitable solution to the impending issue at hand.  When such is the attitude, who or what can hold him back?  No job is too tedious for him.  He faces and tackles any circumstance with zeal.  Success and accolades are only a matter of time to such a person.  Hence, the author says zeal is the best ally to oneself!  He who leans on such self-reliant factors is bound to excel on any ground.

Hence, it is rightly said that - zeal is a volcano, at the tip of which, the grass of failure can never grow!  So, get working!!

pada vigrahaH:
आलस्यं हि मनुष्याणां शरीरस्थः महान् रिपुः ।
ālasyaṃ hi manuṣyāṇāṃ śarīrasthaḥ mahān ripuḥ ।

न अस्ति उद्यम-समः बन्धुः कुर्वाणः न अवसीदति ॥
na asti udyama-samaḥ bandhuḥ kurvāṇaḥ na avasīdati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
aalasyaM hi manuShyaaNaaM sharIrastho mahaan ripuH ।
naastyudyamasamo bandhuH kurvaaNo naavasIdati ॥
-nItishataka

aalasyaM hi manuShyaaNaaM sharIrasthaH mahaan ripuH ।

na asti udyama-samaH bandhuH kurvaaNaH na avasIdati ॥

April 10th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अज्ञानादथवा ज्ञानात् उत्तमश्लोकनाम यत् ।
सङ्कीर्तितमघं पुंसः दहेदेधो यथानलः ॥
- भागवत

Transliteration:
ajñānādathavā jñānāt uttamaślokanāma yat ।
saṅkīrtitamaghaṃ puṃsaḥ dahededho yathānalaḥ ॥
- bhāgavata

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Whether consciously or unawares, uttering the (Lord's) most elevated name shall burn the sins of the person, just as fuel (when it comes in contact with) fire.

Commentary:

When there is a pile of wood (fuel), whether one strikes a match at it with the intent to light a fire, or an innocent child unaware of the consequence strikes a match..., the end result is the same!  The wood would be set ablaze!!  Similarly is taking the name of the Lord.  Whether one intentionally prays to Him or accidentally takes His name, that person's baggage of sins will get burnt.

There are multitudes of ways to show devotion to Him.  Whether one remembers Him as the Supreme Lord, a friend, a well-wisher, a beloved, a parent, or even as an enemy, just by remembering the Lord, the sins of a being (person) are burnt to ashes; just as fire would burn the firewood!

In such a case, what if one is intentionally and intensely remembering Him?!  There are no words to describe the amount of bliss he would be attaining!  This bliss would surpass everything else in this world.

Now, it is entirely up to us whether we let the Lord keep us from sin or let sin keep us from the Lord!

pada vigrahaH:
अज्ञानात् अथवा ज्ञानात् उत्तम-श्लोक-नाम यत् ।
ajñānāt athavā jñānāt uttama-śloka-nāma yat ।

सङ्कीर्तितम् अघं पुंसः दहेत् एधः यथा अनलः ॥
saṅkīrtitam aghaṃ puṃsaḥ dahet edhaḥ yathā analaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
aj~naanaadathavaa j~naanaat uttamashlokanaama yat ।
sa~nkIrtitamaghaM puMsaH dahededho yathaanalaH ॥
- bhaagavata

aj~naanaat athavaa j~naanaat uttama-shloka-naama yat ।

sa~nkIrtitam aghaM puMsaH dahet edhaH yathaa analaH ॥

March 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
नास्ति विद्यासमं चक्षुः नास्ति सत्यसमं तपः ।
नास्ति रागसमं दुःखं नास्ति त्यागसमं सुखम् ॥ 
-महाभारत, शान्ति

Transliteration:
nāsti vidyāsamaṃ cakṣuḥ nāsti satyasamaṃ tapaḥ ।
nāsti rāgasamaṃ duḥkhaṃ nāsti tyāgasamaṃ sukham ॥
-mahābhārata, śānti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

There is no eye equal to knowledge; there is no penance parallel to truth; there is no pain akin to desire; there is no happiness synonymous to renunciation/sacrifice.

Commentary:

When one reads or acquires a new piece of knowledge, he says, that was an 'eye-opener'!!  Rightfully so!  If one has to know about something, the best way is seeing it.  For, seeing is believing!  To get a full understanding of anything, one has to use his faculty of vision, either the physical vision or the vision of one's mind.  Without that, the cognition stays incomplete.  Hence, the author says that knowledge is the best tool for perception as it gives the best vision!

To do penance, one doesn't have to go to a remote cave in an abandoned hill!  Penance basically is a task carried out on a constant basis; something that takes effort and willpower to keep up with.  To achieve this, if one resolves to always speak the truth and never utter a lie, that would qualify for penance.  To undergo such a vow and keep up with it might be the toughest task on a day to day basis.  But if one keeps it up, then he does not have to do any other penance!!  Then, what to speak about one's quest for the ultimate truth!!  That would be the ultimate kind of penance.

Vehement desire is the root cause of all sorrows.  Who can deny that!  As soon as a desire arises in the mind, it constantly conspires towards making it a reality.  Just as one begins to entertain the thought, it holds a firm grip on all his thoughts and actions there onwards.  Burning with the desire to satisfy his desires, one may undergo many hardships or compromise many ideals.  This road can only lead to distress, disappointment and destruction.  Hence, desire is the sole cause for despair.

The best and easiest way to happiness is renunciation.  Renunciation, not in terms of duties, but in terms of expectations and hopes; not in terms of life, but in terms of attachments and bindings.  As soon as one gives up these restrictions, there is only unbound happiness!  Hence surrender/relinquishment is the best way to happiness.

Also, making oneself happy, is certainly in his own hands!!  Only he can keep his troubles at bay!

pada vigrahaH:
न अस्ति विद्या-समं चक्षुः न अस्ति सत्य-समं तपः ।
na asti vidyā-samaṃ cakṣuḥ na asti satya-samaṃ tapaḥ ।

न अस्ति राग-समं दुःखं न अस्ति त्याग-समं सुखम् ॥
na asti rāga-samaṃ duḥkhaṃ na asti tyāga-samaṃ sukham ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
naasti vidyaasamaM chakShuH naasti satyasamaM tapaH ।
naasti raagasamaM duHkhaM naasti tyaagasamaM sukham ॥
-mahaabhaarata, shaanti

na asti vidyaa-samaM chakShuH na asti satya-samaM tapaH ।

na asti raaga-samaM duHkhaM na asti tyaaga-samaM sukham ॥

February 12th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
न त्वहं कामये राज्यं न स्वर्गं नापुनर्भवम् ।
कामये दुःखतप्तानां प्राणिनाम् आर्तिनाशनम् ॥
- भागवत

Transliteration:
na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ na svargaṃ nāpunarbhavam ।
kāmaye duḥkhataptānāṃ prāṇinām ārtināśanam ॥
- bhāgavata

Meaning of the subhAShita:

I certainly am desirous of neither sovereignty nor (want to attain) heaven nor mokṣa (salvation).  I yearn for the relinquishment of grief, of all beings afflicted with pain.  

Commentary:

Everyone wants to acquire land, reach heaven on passing, or better yet, attain mokṣa.  But then, the author says that he does not wish for any of these!  These may be of primary importance on the agenda of all beings.  The underlying drive for wanting these is - attaining happiness.  One may acquire land, property, possessions or even want to attain mokṣa so that he can escape the bondage or burdens of life.  But then, there is something much more desirable for any existing creature.  It is - freedom from pain!  No pain is equated to happiness.

Pain is a strange thing.  It has such a tight grip on a being's mind.  From a newborn to a ripe old man, everyone avoids pain!  If the main cause for any kind of fear is death, the true source of that fear is the pain that one might have to go through during death!

Also, the fear of pain whether emotional, spiritual or physical, is the driving force behind many of the actions a person undertakes.  But then, the pain we deal with are merely through our thoughts!  Guess it is time to energize our thoughts!  Keeping positive thoughts shall banish half the pains one has.

What if one was assured that there would be no pain no matter what! What a wonderful place the world would be?!  Hence, the author is praying for this very essential ingredient in the life of all beings invariably afflicted with pain - painlessness.  This very well encompasses every creature that ever took a breath.  What a wonderful prayer this is!!  (In that case, who would want power, possessions, or dislike being born again and again for that matter?! :)  This would make heaven on earth!

pada vigrahaH:
न तु अहं कामये राज्यं न स्वर्गं न अपुनः भवम् ।
na tu ahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ na svargaṃ na apunaḥ bhavam ।

कामये दुःख-तप्तानां प्राणिनाम् आर्ति-नाशनम् ॥
kāmaye duḥkha-taptānāṃ prāṇinām ārti-nāśanam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
na tvahaM kaamaye raajyaM na swargaM naapunarbhavam ।
kaamaye duHkhataptaanaaM praaNinaam aartinaashanam ॥
- bhaagavata

na tu ahaM kaamaye raajyaM na swargaM na apunaH bhavam ।

kaamaye duHkha-taptaanaaM praaNinaam aarti-naashanam ॥

January 1st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सन्तोषः परमो लाभः सत्सङ्गः परमा गतिः ।
विचारः परमं ज्ञानं शमो हि परमं सुखम् ॥

Transliteration:
santoṣaḥ paramo lābhaḥ satsaṅgaḥ paramā gatiḥ ।
vicāraḥ paramaṃ jñānaṃ śamo hi paramaṃ sukham ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Contentment is the highest accrual; company of the wise is the best attainment.  Reflection is the paramount form of knowledge; quietude of the mind is the zenith of happiness. 

Commentary:

One may accumulate wealth in many forms and shapes.  He may be the richest person in the entire world.  However, he is NOT rich who has the most, but who needs the least!  Without the factor of contentment, no amount of possessions will make him happy.  Hence, the accrual of contentment is the accrual of the highest order.

People tend to emulate those that are around them.  One can progressively better himself only if he has someone better than himself to emulate.  That can happen only in the company of the good and wise.  If one attained that company, bettering himself is only a matter of time.  Hence, attaining good company is unparalleled.

Reading, listening, watching - all these are means of learning.  But, unless it is reflected upon and inculcated into one's life, he does not have the authority of that knowledge.  Hence reflection is the best form of knowledge.

Some may say that happiness can be found in many things - having big possessions, a fat bank balance or a sleek car.  Those are ephemeral.  Possessions can be lost, bank balance can dwindle, a car can get rusty.  What lasts forever is the tranquility of the mind.  If one has succeeded at silencing the mind's chatter, he has found the zenith of happiness.

May this verse be a harbinger of progress, achievement, knowledge and enjoyment!  May everyone attain contentment, company of the wise, time to reflect and the serenity of the mind. 

pada vigrahaH:
सन्तोषः परमः लाभः सत्-सङ्गः परमा गतिः ।
santoṣaḥ paramaḥ lābhaḥ sat-saṅgaḥ paramā gatiḥ ।

विचारः परमं ज्ञानं शमो हि परमं सुखम् ॥
vicāraḥ paramaṃ jñānaṃ śamo hi paramaṃ sukham ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
santoShaH paramo laabhaH satsa~ngaH paramaa gatiH ।
vichaaraH paramaM j~naanaM shamo hi paramaM sukham ॥

santoShaH paramaH laabhaH sat-sa~ngaH paramaa gatiH ।

vichaaraH paramaM j~naanaM shamo hi paramaM sukham ॥