September 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
न भार्यया समं मित्रं न च धर्मो दयासमः ।
न स्वातन्त्र्यसमं सौख्यं गार्हस्थ्यान्नाश्रमो वरः ॥
- पद्मपुराण

Transliteration:
na bhāryayā samaṃ mitraṃ na ca dharmo dayāsamaḥ ।
na svātantryasamaṃ saukhyaṃ gārhasthyānnāśramo varaḥ ॥
- padmapurāṇa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

There is no friend equal to the wife; there is no dharma (ordinance) which equates to compassion; there is no comfort parallel to freedom; there is no āśrama (stage of life) more blessed than that of a householder.

Commentary:

Unparalleled aspects of life:

• One cannot find a friend better than a spouse.  There are many stages of life and one leans on different people at different times for different requirements.  Eventually, he outgrows them all.  One depends on parents from childhood, but then, parents pass on... One may think children, but, they grow their wings and move on...  Friends come and go.  Only the spouse, who hops on the wagon during the prime of one's life, stays on till the end—be it good times or bad!  The most intimate and longest relationship which one can possibly share throughout his life is with the spouse.  Hence, there is no friend better than the wife/husband!
• The essence of all scriptures preaches one chosen ordinance—compassion.  If that is learnt and imbibed, there is no need for reading or chanting any religious/spiritual texts.  Whether one is literate in the various practices or not, if one can have compassion towards all beings just the same, his spiritual training has already excelled.
• One can have the best of comforts.  But, if he is imprisoned in the shackles of restraint, be it in a prison cell or inside the walls of a palatial mansion, he can't be happy!  The sense of liberation one feels in freedom is unsurpassed and all beings long for that complete freedom always.
• A householder's stage of life has been deemed the best of all stages of life!  The technical definition of a gṛhastha (householder) is a person who is married and is undertaking the responsibilities of the family.  Why is this stage considered the best of all stages in life?  It is because he is in the prime years of his life.  His schooling is complete, his body is hale and healthy, and his children and elders alike look for support from him.  He is the one who helps sustain all the other 3 stages of life in society, namely—student-hood; retirement; old age.

Nothing equals the happiness of the person who performs his deeds to the best of his abilities and knows the value of these privileges when he has them.

pada vigrahaH:
न भार्यया समं मित्रं न च धर्मः दया-समः ।
na bhāryayā samaṃ mitraṃ na ca dharmaḥ dayā-samaḥ ।

न स्वातन्त्र्य-समं सौख्यं गार्हस्थ्यात् न आश्रमः वरः ॥
na svātantrya-samaṃ saukhyaṃ gārhasthyāt na āśramaḥ varaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
na bhaaryayaa samaM mitraM na cha dharmo dayaasamaH ।
na svaatantryasamaM saukhyaM gaarhasthyaannaashramo varaH ॥
- padmapuraaNa

na bhaaryayaa samaM mitraM na cha dharmaH dayaa-samaH ।
na svaatantrya-samaM saukhyaM gaarhasthyaat na aashramaH varaH॥

August 15th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
स्वभावो नोपदेशेन शक्यते कर्तुमन्यथा ।
सुतप्तमपि पानीयं पुनर्गच्छति शीतताम् ॥
- पञ्चतन्त्र, मित्रभेद

Transliteration:
svabhāvo nopadeśena śakyate kartumanyathā ।
sutaptamapi pānīyaṃ punargacchati śītatām ॥
- pañcatantra, mitrabheda

Meaning of the subhAShita:

It is not possible to change the intrinsic nature (of anyone) through advice. Even after being boiled intensely, water goes back (to being) cold.

Commentary:

One may boil water for hours, bringing it to a rolling boil. Yet, all that heat cannot alter water’s inherent nature—to be cool to the touch. Water is naturally colder than its surroundings and doesn’t need effort to be so. No amount of boiling can change its fundamental properties. How much ever it is heated, it will only cool down after a while. That is simply how it’s designed. 

Similarly, in life, we encounter people whose ways of doing things may differ from our expectations. The urge to shake them up or guide them toward what seems a "better" approach can be overwhelming. However, what feels natural to them might be incomprehensible to someone outside their circumstances. Attempting to educate or lecture them often proves futile if their intrinsic nature operates on an entirely different wavelength.

Just as water cannot be taught to remain hot, or fire to become cold, a person’s enduring nature cannot be fundamentally altered through advice or counseling—whether well-intentioned or not. You can’t teach a fish to fly like a bird. Each person is the “best version of themselves,” shaped by their unique traits and experiences.

Recognize when your efforts 'to change or influence someone' may be beyond their capacity to heed. Knowing when to let go spares you disappointment and frustration. Accept people for who they are, and move on with grace.

pada vigrahaH:
स्वभावः न उपदेशेन शक्यते कर्तुम् अन्यथा ।
svabhāvaḥ na upadeśena śakyate kartum anyathā ।

सुतप्तम् अपि पानीयं पुनः गच्छति शीतताम् ॥

sutaptam api pānīyaṃ punaḥ gacchati śītatām ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
svabhaavo nopadeshena shakyate kartumanyathaa।
sutaptamapi paanIyaM punargachChati shItataam॥
- pa~nchatantra, mitrabheda

svabhaavaH na upadeshena shakyate kartum anyathaa ।
sutaptam api paanIyaM punaH gachChati shItataam॥

July 6th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
पितृभिस्ताडितः पुत्रः शिष्यस्तु गुरुशिक्षितः ।
घनाहतं सुवर्णञ्च प्राप्यते जनमण्डनम् ॥

Transliteration:
pitṛbhistāḍitaḥ putraḥ śiṣyastu guruśikṣitaḥ ।
ghanāhataṃ suvarṇañca prāpyate janamaṇḍanam ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A son (child) disciplined by his parents, students trained by a teacher, intensely clobbered gold—all these attain praiseworthiness.   

Commentary:

By nature, children are, curious.  They are curious not just about the world around them but also regarding their boundaries—of what they should or shouldn't do.  Their inquisitive minds want to see how far they can push.  Many times, despite knowing the dos and don'ts, they may still want to try their luck.  At that point, it becomes essential for the parents, teachers, or whoever is their guiding figure, to give them the proper direction.  If the people who must guide the children end up cushioning their follies to avoid making them sad, they would be doing a disservice to them!

As it is said, 'Do not prepare the road for your children; prepare your children for the road!'  When real-life issues strike, better-prepared children will recover sooner even if they fall.

In reality, both parents and teachers strive to imbibe excellence in children.  The sayings go as—पुत्रादिच्छेत् पराजयम् (putrādicchet parājayam) and शिष्यादिच्छेत् पराजयम् (śiṣyādicchet parājayam).  This means that parents desire defeat from their children and gurus yearn for defeat from their students!  In fact, the whole reason why they put so much effort into guiding the youngsters is to see them surpass themselves!

The example given in the verse is that of gold.  Gold, when first mined, is dull and lustreless.  The goldsmith melts it, beats it repeatedly on the anvil, and shapes it.  Only then does it gain its luster as well as value!  Similarly, children who are disciplined and shaped with values from a young age accrue praiseworthy traits that will make them happier adults later.  Hence, it is of paramount importance for parents as well as teachers, to equip their children and students with this quintessential skill.

Discipline is the bridge that connects goals to accomplishments. Be that essential bridge, enabling future generations to achieve their aspirations!

pada vigrahaH:
पितृभिः ताडितः पुत्रः शिष्यः तु गुरु-शिक्षितः ।
pitṛbhiḥ tāḍitaḥ putraḥ śiṣyaḥ tu guru-śikṣitaḥ ।

घन आहतं सुवर्णं च प्राप्यते जन-मण्डनम् ॥
ghana āhataṃ suvarṇaṃ ca prāpyate jana-maṇḍanam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
pitRubhistaaDitaH putraH shiShyastu gurushikShitaH ।
ghanaahataM suvarNa~ncha praapyate janamaNDanam ॥

pitRubhiH taaDitaH putraH shiShyaH tu guru-shikShitaH ।

ghana aahataM suvarNaM cha praapyate jana-maNDanam ॥

June 22nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उभयोर्नास्ति भोगेच्छा परार्थं धनसञ्चयः ।
कृपणोदारयोः पश्य तथापि महदन्तरम् ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि

Transliteration:
ubhayornāsti bhogecchā parārthaṃ dhanasañcayaḥ ।
kṛpaṇodārayoḥ paśya tathāpi mahadantaram ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Neither of them has the desire to indulge, (both) earn wealth for the benefit of others!  Yet, see the huge difference (between) a miser and a generous (one).

Commentary:

The poet very tactfully compares and (in the next moment) contrasts the attributes of a miser vs. a giver.  In the first part of the verse, he says there is a stark similarity between two people—both earn wealth for the benefit of others!  At first thought, the listener would think the verse is about two noble people.  But the second half brings attention to the distinct disparity between the two!

If one has to see the difference between a miser and a giver, it is quite easy.  A miser hoards his assets whereas a generous and charitable giver readily parts with his bounty!  The world considers a giver as a magnanimous soul whereas a hoarder is considered stingy and selfish.  So far, their differences are precise and comprehensible.

How about the similarity between the two?  Well, the author cleverly points to the impact of each one's actions.  When a hoarder accumulates wealth, he is neither enjoying the resources himself nor is he utilizing it for the benefit of others.  His affluence stagnates and comes to no use for anyone. But one day, at least the day he passes away, he has to part with his wealth.  That which he had so carefully and diligently accumulated is finally enjoyed (or misused) by his survivors! After all, there is no saying that one's assets will be put to good use or utilized for the wrong causes by others.  

On the other hand, a generous person willingly parts with his money when alive.  He gets the opportunity to revel in the happiness of the beneficiaries of his good deeds, which in turn makes him happy!  At least there is a guarantee that it was used for the right cause. Hence the wealth of both a miser and a generous one will have the same outcome. 

Whether willingly or unwillingly, when the wealth accumulated is eventually for the benefit of others, we might as well do good and be happy.  It is impossible for one's heart to be enlightened and still be a miser!  Happiness isn't a result of what we get, but of what we give.  For, it is in the giving that we receive!

pada vigrahaH:

उभयोः न अस्ति भोग इच्छा परार्थं धन-सञ्चयः ।

ubhayoḥ na asti bhoga icchā parārthaṃ dhana-sañcayaḥ ।

कृपण-उदारयोः पश्य तथा-अपि महत् अन्तरम् ॥

kṛpaṇa-udārayoḥ paśya tathā-api mahat antaram ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ubhayornaasti bhogechChaa paraarthaM dhanasa~nchayaH ।
kRupaNodaarayoH pashya tathaapi mahadantaram ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

ubhayoH na asti bhoga ichChaa paraarthaM dhana-sa~nchayaH ।
kRupaNa-udaarayoH pashya tathaa-api mahat antaram ॥

May 21st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
खल्वाटो दिवसेश्वरस्य किरणैस्सन्तापितो मस्तके 
गच्छन्देशमनातपं द्रुतगतिस्तालस्य मूलं गतः ।
तत्राप्यस्य महाफलेन पतता भग्नं सशब्दं शिरः 
प्रायो गच्छति यत्र दैवहतकस्तत्रैव यान्त्यापदः ॥
-नीतिशतक

Transliteration:
khalvāṭo divaseśvarasya kiraṇaissantāpito mastake
gacchandeśamanātapaṃ drutagatistālasya mūlaṃ gataḥ ।
tatrāpyasya mahāphalena patatā bhagnaṃ saśabdaṃ śiraḥ
prāyo gacchati yatra daivahatakastatraiva yāntyāpadaḥ ॥
-nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A bald man, scorched in the head due to the sun's rays, in search of a place of shade, rushed hurriedly to the base of a palm tree.  There too, due to the falling of a huge palm fruit, his head was fractured with a huge noise!  Alas! perils probably go wherever those cursed by destiny go...

Commentary:

This story exemplifies the fortune of the ill-fated. Imagine this: a bald man, without even a strand of hair to shield him from the scorching sun, finds himself in a barren, sunbaked land on a hot day. Desperately seeking respite, he spots a lone palm tree and hurries beneath it to claim whatever meager scraps of shade it offers. (After all, a palm tree isn’t known for its dense foliage or thick shadow.)

Just as he stood under the tree, fate delivered its cruel twist—a large palm fruit (unusually large, mind you) fell directly onto his exposed head. With a loud crack, his skull gave way!

Alas, he was truly ill-fated. This incident brings to mind the saying: “Sometimes, the road of life takes an unexpected turn, and you have no choice but to follow it, ending up where you’re supposed to be.” Otherwise, why would he, of all places, willingly stand beneath a palm tree and offer his vulnerable bald head to an oversized falling fruit? Surely, there were countless other places he could have been at that moment, but circumstances—and his own choices—led him here.

Such moments remind us that no matter how much one prepares or plans, life doesn’t always go as expected. When logic, rhyme, or reason fail to explain the turn of events, we inevitably attribute it to destiny. And rightly so! There is only so much the human mind can comprehend. Some things lie beyond our understanding and control—it’s just the way of the universe. Whatever must happen, happens. If we were capable of explaining every occurrence, wouldn’t that make us akin to God?

Yet, even with our finite understanding, humans are known for their complex egos. Imagine if we possessed the ultimate power to know and control why everything happens—would the universe find any peace?

While fate or luck often plays a role, one can still strive to improve their chances. But even then, the Lord may override all efforts. In such moments, one must embrace the age-old mantra: “What can’t be cured must be endured.”

pada vigrahaH:
खल्वाटः दिवसेश्वरस्य किरणैः सन्तापितः मस्तके 
khalvāṭaḥ divaseśvarasya kiraṇaiḥ santāpitaḥ mastake

गच्छन् देशम् अनातपं द्रुत-गतिः तालस्य मूलं गतः ।
gacchan deśam anātapaṃ druta-gatiḥ tālasya mūlaṃ gataḥ ।

तत्र अपि अस्य महा-फलेन पतता भग्नं सशब्दं शिरः 
tatra api asya mahā-phalena patatā bhagnaṃ saśabdaṃ śiraḥ

प्रायः गच्छति यत्र दैव-हतकः तत्र एव यान्ति आपदः ॥
prāyaḥ gacchati yatra daiva-hatakaḥ tatra eva yānti āpadaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
khalvaaTo divaseshwarasya kiraNaissantaapito mastake
gachChandeshamanaatapaM drutagatistaalasya mUlaM gataH ।
tatraapyasya mahaaphalena patataa bhagnaM sashabdaM shiraH
praayo gachChati yatra daivahatakastatraiva yaantyaapadaH ॥
-nItishataka

khalvaaTaH divaseshwarasya kiraNaiH santaapitaH mastake
gachChan desham anaatapaM druta-gatiH taalasya mUlaM gataH ।
tatra api asya mahaa-phalena patataa bhagnaM sashabdaM shiraH
praayaH gachChati yatra daiva-hatakaH tatra eva yaanti aapadaH ॥

April 16th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यत्र विद्वज्जनो नास्ति श्लाघ्यस्तत्राल्पधीरपि ।
निरस्तपादपे देशे एरण्डोऽपि द्रुमायते ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नसमुच्चय

Transliteration:
yatra vidvajjano nāsti ślāghyastatrālpadhīrapi ।
nirastapādape deśe eraṇḍo'pi drumāyate ॥
- subhāṣitaratnasamuccaya

Meaning of the subhAShita:

In a place where there are no learned people, even a dull-witted person becomes laudable.  In a place where there is no vegetation, even a castor plant passes for a tree!

Commentary:

This verse critiques those who take pride in their superiority only because they are surrounded by mediocrity. When everyone around possesses average or limited capabilities, even someone with a few accomplishments may be celebrated as a hero. The example used here is the castor oil plant—a modest shrub with scanty leaves, in the absence of any other vegetation, may pass for a "tree."

True achievement lies in one's intrinsic abilities and accomplishments, not in how they compare to those around them. Inflating one's ego by claiming superiority over mediocrity serves no real purpose. It's akin to the frog in the well, who believes he is the greatest swimmer in the world simply because he has never encountered the vastness of the ocean.

If the bar were raised, such individuals might either rise to the challenge and grow or, at the very least, develop humility regarding their actual standing. Surrounding oneself with mediocrity can create a false ceiling, limiting growth and fostering complacency. A higher standard and exposure to excellence push individuals to refine their skills and broaden their horizons.

The best way to continually grow is to compete with oneself. By striving to improve daily, there are no limits to what one can achieve. This approach fosters humility and ensures progress is independent of external comparisons.

Ultimately, it is far more commendable to achieve modest success under challenging circumstances than to thrive effortlessly in a weak setup. Taking risks and continuously striving for self-improvement is what separates the ordinary from the extraordinary. Aim higher, challenge yourself, and grow beyond the confines of comfort!

pada vigrahaH:
यत्र विद्वत् जनः न अस्ति श्लाघ्यः तत्र अल्प-धीः अपि ।
yatra vidvat janaḥ na asti ślāghyaḥ tatra alpa-dhīḥ api ।

निरस्त पादपे देशे एरण्डः अपि द्रुमायते ॥
nirasta pādape deśe eraṇḍaḥ api drumāyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yatra vidvajjano naasti shlaaghyastatraalpadhIrapi ।
nirastapaadape deshe eraNDo.pi drumaayate ॥
- subhaaShitaratnasamuchchaya

yatra vidvat janaH na asti shlaaghyaH tatra alpa-dhIH api ।
nirasta paadape deshe eraNDaH api drumaayate ॥

March 30th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सदयं हृदयं यस्य भाषितं सत्यभूषितम् ।
कायः परहिते यस्य कलिस्तस्य करोति किम् ॥
- सुभाषितावलि

Transliteration:
sadayaṃ hṛdayaṃ yasya bhāṣitaṃ satyabhūṣitam ।
kāyaḥ parahite yasya kalistasya karoti kim ॥
- subhāṣitāvali

Meaning of the subhAShita:

(He) whose heart is filled with compassion, (whose) speech is adorned with truth, (and) whose constitution (form) is for the benefaction of others—what can Kali (puruṣa) do to him?!

Commentary:

The current era, Kaliyuga, is deemed the most corrupt and atrocious of all the 4 eras.  It is said that the reigning master of the era, Kalipuruṣa, causes havoc in the world.  But the poet states that if one's heart is brimming with compassion, speech is adorned with honesty and he is readily available for the welfare of others—what can Kalipuruṣa do to such an individual?!  Even the most atrocious of the masters, Kali, can do nothing to shake the resolve or cause havoc in the life of such a person.  The tenacity of these attributes in one's character is so strong that he can ward off the worst effects brought about by the yuga-dharma (nature of the era).

• If one is compassionate to his fellow beings, the happiness that both the giver and the receiver get is immense.

• If there is honesty in one's words, he has nothing to hide or defend.

• If one is readily available to do welfare for others, then there is no ounce of selfish motive in him.  

How can such a person not be happy?  When one is happy internally, what can anyone do to deter his well-being or contentment?!!

May we all win over Kalipuruṣa's atrocities, develop these traits, and make the world a happier place!

pada vigrahaH:
सदयं हृदयं यस्य भाषितं सत्य-भूषितम् ।
sadayaṃ hṛdayaṃ yasya bhāṣitaṃ satya-bhūṣitam ।

कायः परहिते यस्य कलिः तस्य करोति किम् ॥
kāyaḥ parahite yasya kaliḥ tasya karoti kim ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sadayaM hRudayaM yasya bhaaShitaM satyabhUShitam ।
kaayaH parahite yasya kalistasya karoti kim ॥
- subhaaShitaavali

sadayaM hRudayaM yasya bhaaShitaM satya-bhUShitam ।
kaayaH parahite yasya kaliH tasya karoti kim ॥

February 12th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
दुर्जनेन समं वैरं प्रीतिं चापि न कारयेत् ।
उष्णो दहति चाङ्गारः शीतः कृष्णायते करम् ॥

Transliteration:
durjanena samaṃ vairaṃ prītiṃ cāpi na kārayet ।
uṣṇo dahati cāṅgāraḥ śītaḥ kṛṣṇāyate karam ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Do not have (develop) either enmity or affection with the evil.  When hot, coal burns; when cold, it blackens the hand!

Commentary:

When one comes across an evil-doer, what kind of bond should he build?  Should he make friends with him, so that he doesn't get in the evil-doer's bad books?  Or, should get on his bad side by erupting into an argument and declaring open enmity?!

The poet says, "Neither!"  Here's the reason—a piece of charcoal, when hot, will burn the hand holding it.  Does that mean, it is okay to handle it when it is not hot?  Not necessarily!  A piece of charcoal when cold will blacken the hand that holds it.  It is not a pleasant outcome either way. Who wants a lose-lose situation?!

Similar is the companionship of an evildoer.  When he is angry, the enmity with him will prove fatal. That said, even when he is calm, his friendship may cost heavily as his values are not placed in the right direction.  His motives can be misguided or worse, driven out of selfishness.  Hence, the best approach towards such a person is—keeping away and staying neutral.  One needs to be aware of one's company at all times, in order to keep positive aspects like joy, peace, love, and hope in his life.

pada vigrahaH:
दुर्जनेन समं वैरं प्रीतिं च अपि न कारयेत् ।
durjanena samaṃ vairaṃ prītiṃ ca api na kārayet ।

उष्णः दहति च अङ्गारः शीतः कृष्णायते करम् ॥
uṣṇaḥ dahati ca aṅgāraḥ śītaḥ kṛṣṇāyate karam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
durjanena samaM vairaM prItiM chaapi na kaarayet ।
uShNo dahati chaa~ngaaraH shItaH kRuShNaayate karam ॥

durjanena samaM vairaM prItiM cha api na kaarayet ।
uShNaH dahati cha a~ngaaraH shItaH kRuShNaayate karam ॥

January 15th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अनुगन्तुं सतां धर्म कृत्स्नं यदि न शक्यते ।
स्वल्पमप्यनुगन्तव्यं मार्गस्थो नावसीदति ॥

Transliteration:
anugantuṃ satāṃ dharma kṛtsnaṃ yadi na śakyate ।
svalpamapyanugantavyaṃ mārgastho nāvasīdati ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Although following the righteous path of the noble is difficult and seems impossible, if one follows even a little bit, he will not slump (from the goal of his life).

Commentary:

No need for gigantic steps!  If one wants to and attempts to tread on the path of the noble, there may be many hurdles he may face on the way.  It may not only be difficult, but it might even seem impossible!  Despite that, if one continues to grasp at least a little bit and persist on the same path, he will progress in the right direction.

It is said that even an ant can traverse miles by just keeping at it.  The fact that it is moving means it is covering the ground and reaching someplace else.  Finally, due to its persistence, it would have left its starting point miles behind!  Similar is a person on the path of dharma.  If he keeps doing righteous acts (however small in size or caliber) throughout his lifetime, he will accumulate great virtue to his credit!  How can one with virtue in his account ever fall off from the path of dharma?!

Great acts are made up of small deeds.  True happiness comes from the joy of deeds that are done well with good intentions.  These are the things that shape one's fate.  True winners are not people who never fail but people who never quit.

So, let's take charge of our fate and give it the right direction through virtuous actions!

pada vigrahaH:
अनुगन्तुं सतां धर्म कृत्स्नं यदि न शक्यते ।
anugantuṃ satāṃ dharma kṛtsnaṃ yadi na śakyate ।

स्वल्पम् अपि अनुगन्तव्यं मार्गस्थः न अवसीदति ॥
svalpam api anugantavyaṃ mārgasthaḥ na avasīdati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
anugantuM sataaM dharma kRutsnaM yadi na shakyate ।
swalpamapyanugantavyaM maargastho naavasIdati ॥

anugantuM sataaM dharma kRutsnaM yadi na shakyate ।

swalpam api anugantavyaM maargasthaH na avasIdati ॥