September 30th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

मनो मधुकरो मेघो मद्यपो मत्कुणो मरुत् ।

मा मदो मर्कटो मत्स्यो मकारा दश चञ्चलाः ॥ 

Transliteration:

mano madhukaro megho madyapo matkuṇo marut ।

mā mado markaṭo matsyo makārā daśa cañcalāḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The mind, a honey bee, a cloud, a drunkard, a bedbug, the wind, Mother Lakṣmī (Goddess of wealth), an arrogant person, a monkey, a fish—these 10, starting with the alphabet 'ma' (in Sanskrit) are very unsteady.  

Commentary:

In this verse, all ten things listed begin with the syllable 'ma' when spoken in Sanskrit. Yet, their commonality extends far beyond mere phonetics. Each of them embodies instability—fickle, erratic, unpredictable, or volatile in nature.

Some of these, such as bees, bedbugs, monkeys, or fish, act purely on instinct, following impulses hardwired into their beings. Others, like clouds and the wind, are by their very nature unbound, free to roam, shift, and swirl without warning. We expect such unpredictability from animals and natural elements; it is their essence.

However, four of these require closer scrutiny. A drunkard, for example, stumbles through life in a haze, his movements as unsteady as his grasp on reality. Pride or arrogance also renders a person unstable—pride swells and deflates at the slightest provocation, causing behavior to shift unpredictably from moment to moment.

Even wealth, represented by Goddess Lakṣmī, is transient by design. Riches, like a river, must flow. Wealth has an intrinsic need to circulate and not stagnate. No one can hold onto fortune for too long.

Then there is the mind—perhaps the most volatile of all. It shifts not due to instincts or intoxication but merely because it can. The mind is a creature of whim, drifting from one thought, desire, or attachment to the next, often without reason. 

A restless mind is incapable of completing anything meaningful.  To harness this wild horse, the discretionary intellect must take the reins to keep the mind in check. After all, our minds belong to us—not the other way around. Only when bridled by wisdom does the mind find stability and purpose!

Do not let the mind run wild. Reign it in, and it will serve you. Let it wander unchecked, and it will drag you down with itself.

pada vigrahaH:

मनः मधुकरः मेघः मद्यपः मत्कुणः मरुत् ।

manaḥ madhukaraḥ meghaḥ madyapaḥ matkuṇaḥ marut ।

मा मदः मर्कटः मत्स्यः मकाराः दश चञ्चलाः ॥

mā madaḥ markaṭaḥ matsyaḥ makārāḥ daśa cañcalāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

mano madhukaro megho madyapo matkuNo marut ।

maa mado markaTo matsyo makaaraa dasha ca~ncalaaH ॥

manaH madhukaraH meghaH madyapaH matkuNaH marut ।

maa madaH markaTaH matsyaH makaaraaH dasha ca~ncalaaH ॥

September 29th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

येषां न विद्या न तपो न दानं ज्ञानं न शीलं न गुणो न धर्मः ।

ते मर्त्यलोके भुवि भारभूता मनुष्यरूपेण मृगाश्चरन्ति ॥

-नीतिशतक

Transliteration:

yeṣāṃ na vidyā na tapo na dānaṃ jñānaṃ na śīlaṃ na guṇo na dharmaḥ ।

te martyaloke bhuvi bhārabhūtā manuṣyarūpeṇa mṛgāścaranti ॥

-nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Those devoid of knowledge, nor do penance, nor give (dānaṃ), nor have wisdom, character, virtue, nor a sense of righteousness—such people, being a burden on the earth, roam like animals in human form.

Commentary:

A human being is, perhaps, the most unpredictable, dangerous, and destructive creature to walk the Earth. No other animal possesses the same intellect, nor the cunning charm to deceive like him. Add money and power into the equation, and the complexities only grow. Yet, humans are also blessed with something extraordinary: willpower! 

This is precisely why humans need to practice a wide range of disciplines. We are not born ready to be virtuous always. We must learn to seek knowledge, practice discipline as if it were a form of penance, shed selfishness and cultivate generosity. Wisdom is not a given either—it grows through experience. Building a strong character and living by virtuous principles requires conscious effort, just as developing a sense of righteousness demands continuous refinement.

Without these attributes, the immense potential we possess becomes nothing more than brute power—wild and unrestrained. Unrestrained power is not just frightening; it can also be deadly.

The poet laments that humans who neglect to develop these virtues are no better than animals, wandering through life as burdens on the Earth. Those words are harsh but not without truth. Animals are bound by the instincts of their nature. They do not have the luxury of elevating themselves. But we, as humans, have no such excuse for remaining stagnant, primitive, or unrefined.

Remarkably, progress is often a chain reaction—when we begin working on one positive trait, others follow. The journey toward self-improvement gathers momentum—pulling us away from being uncivilized and untamed—towards becoming something greater.

Being human by birth is a gift, but becoming a real human being requires conscious effort. It is not enough to simply exist as a weary load in the world. We must strive to live with a purpose, evolve with intention, and become human in the truest sense.

Be human. Live deliberately.

pada vigrahaH:

येषां न विद्या न तपः न दानं ज्ञानं न शीलं न गुणः न धर्मः ।

yeṣāṃ na vidyā na tapaḥ na dānaṃ jñānaṃ na śīlaṃ na guṇaḥ na dharmaḥ ।

ते मर्त्य-लोके भुवि भार-भूताः मनुष्य-रूपेण मृगाः चरन्ति ॥

te martya-loke bhuvi bhāra-bhūtāḥ manuṣya-rūpeṇa mṛgāḥ caranti ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

yeShaaM na vidyaa na tapo na daanaM j~naanaM na shIlaM na guNo na dharmaH ।

te martyaloke bhuvi bhaarabhUtaa manuShyarUpeNa mRugaashcharanti ॥

-nItishataka

yeShaaM na vidyaa na tapaH na daanaM j~naanaM na shIlaM na guNaH na dharmaH ।

te martya-loke bhuvi bhaara-bhUtaaH manuShya-rUpeNa mRugaaH charanti ॥

September 28th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

आदित्यचन्द्रावनिलोऽनलश्च द्यौर्भूमिरापो हृदयं यमश्च ।

अहश्च रात्रिश्च उभे च सन्ध्ये धर्मश्च जानाति नरस्य वृत्तम् ॥

- महाभारत, आदिपर्व

Transliteration:

ādityacandrāvanilo'nalaśca dyaurbhūmirāpo hṛdayaṃ yamaśca ।

ahaśca rātriśca ubhe ca sandhye dharmaśca jānāti narasya vṛttam ॥

- mahābhārata, ādiparva

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The Sun and the Moon, the wind, the fire, the sky, the earth, the waters, the heart, Lord Yama (Lord of Death), the morning, the night, the two twilights, and also Dharma—they all are aware of the full account (thoughts, character, deeds, etc.) of a person.  

Commentary:

It is said, "Character is what we do when no one is watching." This phrase captures a profound truth: our truest selves tend to emerge in the absence of an audience. When eyes are upon us, the natural instinct is to present our best selves, for no one desires to tarnish their reputation. We strive to shine, consciously or unconsciously, to avoid judgment and criticism of others.

But what if we were to realize that we are never truly alone?! What if, at every moment, we are surrounded by an audience far greater than we can comprehend?! Not just one or two observers, but an entire assembly—It comprises the very 5 elements that shape our existence. Then there is the Sun which radiates its light upon our actions, while the Moon reflects our hidden thoughts. Dawn and dusk mark the passage of our choices, while Death (Lord Yama) stands vigil, ensuring that each of our deeds is accounted for. Let us not forget Dharma, the principle of righteousness, which quietly nudges us toward virtue.

Yet, beyond these external watchers, there exists the most vigilant observer of all—our own heart. It witnesses every breath we take, every thought that crosses our mind, and every action we undertake. This internal companion never blinks, never turns away, and is the constant observer of who we truly are.

The fear of accumulating bad karma looms large over us, serving as a universal truth we cannot escape. In a world where our actions ripple outward, if we remained keenly aware of this eternal scrutiny, would we still engage in behaviors that are adhārmic (unrighteous)?!  If we were to embrace this awareness, it could transform our lives, guiding us to act with integrity, regardless of whether other people are watching. This commitment to doing the right thing at all times represents the highest form of piety.

We are always being watched. Now, it is time to turn the lens inward and truly observe our watchers. To recognize the multitude of eyes—both seen and unseen—that scrutinize our every move can lead us to live authentically. Real character manifests in our ability to act rightly and consistently, in all circumstances.

May we cultivate this spirit within ourselves, becoming more attuned to the silent witnesses of our lives. Let our actions reflect the highest ideals, regardless of the audience, for true character flourishes in every moment and through every choice.

pada vigrahaH:

आदित्य-चन्द्रौ अनिलः अनलः च द्यौः भूमिः आपः हृदयं यमः च ।

āditya-candrau anilaḥ analaḥ ca dyauḥ bhūmiḥ āpaḥ hṛdayaṃ yamaḥ ca ।

अहः च रात्रिः च उभे च सन्ध्ये धर्मः च जानाति नरस्य वृत्तम् ॥

ahaḥ ca rātriḥ ca ubhe ca sandhye dharmaḥ ca jānāti narasya vṛttam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

aadityachandravanilo.nalashcha dhyour bhoomiraapo hRudayam yamashcha ।

ahashcha raatrishcha ube cha sandhye dharmashcha jaanaati narasya vRuttam ॥

- mahaabhaarata, aadiparva

aaditya-chandrau anilaH analaH cha dhyouH bhoomiH aapaH hRudayam yamaH cha ।

ahaH cha raatriH cha ube cha sandhye dharmaH cha jaanaati narasya vRuttam ॥

September 27th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

नमस्कृत्य वदामि त्वां यदि पुण्यं मया कृतम् ।

अन्यस्यामपि जात्यां मे त्वमेव जननी भव ॥

- ऊरुभङ्ग 

Transliteration:

namaskṛtya vadāmi tvāṃ yadi puṇyaṃ mayā kṛtam ।

anyasyāmapi jātyāṃ me tvameva jananī bhava ॥

- ūrubhaṅga 

Meaning of the subhAShita:

O Mother!  I prostrate to you and utter (these words)—if at all I have carried out any meritorious deeds (in my life), may you become my mother in all my future births too!   

 

Commentary:

The backstory is crucial for grasping the depth of this touching verse. It is spoken by the antagonist Duryodhana in poet Bhāsa's work, Ūrubhaṅga. This moment captures the agony following the shattering of Duryodhana's thigh by Bhīma during the Mahābhārata war.

Overwhelmed by his suffering and in his intense distress due to unbearable pain, Duryodhana found himself imploring Death to hasten his end. Yet, even amidst such torment, his thoughts turned to his mother. Fleeting memories of his childhood danced before his eyes, evoking the tender moments he spent with her. In that vulnerable moment, he cried out, “If I have ever performed any good deeds in my life, may their merit grant me the blessing of having you as my mother in all my future births!”

Duryodhana, well aware of his many misdeeds throughout his life, faced a profound realization. As he reflected on his actions, he recognized that the tally of his virtuous deeds was painfully scant. Even if just a handful existed, he longed to exchange those meager merits for the opportunity to be reunited with the same mother, regardless of the form he might take in the next life.

A mother’s love is unconditional, nurturing, and profound. Even a wayward son like Duryodhana recognized the depth of his mother’s affection, yearning for that bond in every life, showcasing the vastness of maternal dedication.

As the heart of the family, a mother’s love is selfless and demands nothing in return, surpassing all earthly forces. A mother embodies the ideal of motherhood, occupying an irreplaceable place in her children’s lives. The bond between mother and child is eternal.

Those who are fortunate enough to have experienced this profound connection are truly blessed. The love between a mother and child is a timeless treasure, enduring through every trial and triumph in life.  A child can't outgrow it and a mother can't conceal it!  

pada vigrahaH:

नमस्कृत्य वदामि त्वां यदि पुण्यं मया कृतम् ।

namaskṛtya vadāmi tvāṃ yadi puṇyaṃ mayā kṛtam ।

अन्यस्याम् अपि जात्यां मे त्वम् एव जननी भव ॥

anyasyām api jātyāṃ me tvam eva jananī bhava ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

namaskRutya vadaami tvaaM yadi puṇyaṃ mayaa kRutam ।

anyasyaamapi jaatyaaM me tvameva jananI bhava ॥

- Urubha~nga, bhaasa

namaskRutya vadaami tvaaM yadi puṇyaṃ mayaa kRutam ।

anyasyaam api jaatyaaM me tvam eva jananI bhava ॥

September 26th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

ऋणानुबन्धरूपेण पशुपत्नीसुतालयाः ।

ऋणक्षये क्षयं यान्ति तत्र का परिदेवना ॥

- महासुभाषितसङ्ग्रह

Transliteration:

ṛṇānubandharūpeṇa paśupatnīsutālayāḥ । 

ṛṇakṣaye kṣayaṃ yānti kā tatra paridevanā ॥

- mahāsubhāṣitasaṅgraha

Meaning of the subhAShita:

As per his ṛṇā (indebtedness), he gets his cattle, spouse, children, and home.  As the ṛṇā diminishes, they get razed too.  Then what is there to lament about?! 

Commentary:

It is often said that "marriages are made in heaven," yet the celestial realm orchestrates far more than mere unions. The children we cherish, the homes we build, and the animals that grace our lives—are all intertwined in a tapestry of predestined connections. Each relationship, each jīva  (loosely translated as soul) that crosses our path, arrives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.

This reflection speaks to the enduring nature of lifetime relationships, the bonds for which we owe a debt that transcends our current existence. These connections, woven through the fabric of previous lives, create a mutual indebtedness between souls—what the ancients referred to as ṛṇā.

Unlike financial debt, which can be quantified and settled with precision, ṛṇā represents a complex web of ties that cannot be easily measured or understood. It encompasses a multitude of parameters, extending beyond the grasp of human intellect. The notion that our relationships are forged in the heavens speaks of the profound interconnectedness of our souls and the intricate accounts of our pasts.

As a soul navigates life, it is born carrying these ṛṇā-s, and as time passes, it begins to exhaust them. When these debts are fully settled, the jīva will exit, a cycle ordained by the universe itself. In light of this divine order, the poet muses: what is there to lament over the loss of a spouse, a child, or a beloved pet?! For that matter, even the place we live in and for how long is also predestined.  While this truth offers comfort, it is essential to acknowledge that grief is an undeniable part of our human experience.

Letting go of what is lost is, perhaps, the greatest challenge one faces. One must learn to release attachment to physical existence while preserving the love that binds him to those who have departed. Time, the greatest healer, gently guides us through this process, allowing understanding to pave the way for healing.

However, the irony lies in our assumption that we have abundant time. We never know how many moments remain. This uncertainty serves as a touching reminder to cherish every day and to never take anything or anyone for granted.  After all, life is not merely a destination but a journey in itself.  We must honor the bonds we share and cherish a wholesome life.

Live well, love well, and laugh much!

pada vigrahaH:

ऋण-अनुबन्ध-रूपेण पशु-पत्नी-सुत-आलयाः ।

ṛṇa-anubandha-rūpeṇa paśu-patnī-suta-ālayāḥ।

ऋण-क्षये क्षयं यान्ति तत्र का परिदेवना ॥

ṛṇa-kṣaye kṣayaṃ yānti tatra kā paridevanā॥

Alternate Transliteration:

RuNaanubandharUpeNa pashupatnIsutaalayaaH । 

RuNakShaye kShayaM yaanti tatra kaa paridevanaa ॥

- mahaasubhaaShitasa~ngraha

RuNa-anubandha-rUpeNa pashu-patnI-suta-aalayaaH । 

RuNa-kShaye kShayaM yaanti tatra kaa paridevanaa ॥

September 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

सहसा विदधीत न क्रियाम् अविवेकः परमापदां पदम् ।

वृणते हि विमृश्यकारिणं गुणलुब्धाः स्वयमेव संपदः ॥

- किरातार्जुनीय 

Transliteration:

sahasā vidadhīta na kriyām avivekaḥ paramāpadāṃ padam ।

vṛṇate hi vimṛśyakāriṇaṃ guṇalubdhāḥ svayameva saṃpadaḥ ॥

- kirātārjunīya

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Do not undertake any actions on impulse.  Lack of discrimination is the loftiest abode for troubles.  (On the other hand,) for one who deliberates and acts, wealth shall come on its own as if attracted, because it longs for those with excellence. 

Commentary:

In the rush of daily life, it’s easy to forget: haste makes waste. Before embarking on any endeavor, it’s crucial to pause and reflect. Considering the entirety of the task at hand, weighing its implications and potential challenges is essential. Often, with thoughtful contemplation, many issues can be resolved before they even arise, allowing for a smoother journey ahead.

The poet wisely notes that true wealth, success, and prosperity are drawn to those who embody excellence—who think through the consequences before taking action. Those who navigate their paths with care are rewarded with not only greater efficiency but also an increased likelihood of achieving their goals. They conserve time and resources, setting themselves up for a more fruitful outcome.

All great achievements require time and dedication. Ignorant zeal, driven by impatience, often leads to failure. One should not let the allure of quick results tarnish the beauty of his pursuits. 

Embrace the journey with patience and thoughtfulness. The rewards will be well worth the wait. 

pada vigrahaH:

सहसा विदधीत न क्रियाम् अविवेकः परम आपदां पदम् ।

sahasā vidadhīta na kriyāṃ avivekaḥ parama āpadāṃ padam ।

वृणते हि विमृश्यकारिणं गुणलुब्धाः स्वयम् एव संपदः ॥

vṛṇate hi vimṛśyakāriṇaṃ guṇa-lubdhāḥ svayam eva saṃpadaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

sahasaa vidadhIta na kriyaam avivekaH paramāpadāṃ padam ।

vṛṇate hi vimṛśyakāriṇaṃ guṇalubdhā: svayameva saṃpada: ॥

- kirātārjunīya

sahasaa vidadhIta na kriyaam avivekaH parama āpadaaM padam ।

vRuNate hi vimakRushyakaariNaM guNa-lubdhaaH svayam eva saMpadaH ॥

September 24th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

द्विविधो जायते व्याधिः शारीरो मानसस्तथा ।

परस्परं तयोर्जन्म निर्द्वन्द्वं नोपलभ्यते ॥

Transliteration:

dvividho jāyate vyādhiḥ śārīro mānasastathā ।

parasparaṃ tayorjanma nirdvandvaṃ nopalabhyate ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

There are two sources where diseases are born out of—the body, and the mind.  Their origination is interdependent.  It is not possible to perceive them independently.  

Commentary:

A healthy mind and a healthy body lead to a healthy life!

Mind and body are two sides of the same coin; one cannot exist without the other, and the condition of one profoundly influences the other.

It’s natural for a person suffering from a physical ailment to experience mental distress. When energy is low, the spirit tends to drag down. Tasks that once felt effortless would require extra effort, especially in the case of chronic conditions. (The poet is not referring to acute ailments like colds or the flu, which can be easily caught but are often temporary.)

Conversely, if the mind is afflicted, the body struggles to perform at its best. In fact, it can be more challenging to get rid of physical illness when the mind is not at ease than the other way around.

The connection between mind and body is so profound that there are numerous instances where treating one of them has led to the alleviation of the other. Many times, ailments of the mind manifest as physical diseases. Therefore, maintaining a healthy and alert mind is crucial.

A healthy mind and body are essential to be happy.  The body can achieve what the mind believes in, because—mind over matter! When the mind and the body are in harmony, happiness is the natural outcome. 

Stay healthy, stay happy!

pada vigrahaH:

द्विविधः जायते व्याधिः शारीरः मानसः तथा ।

dvividhaḥ jāyate vyādhiḥ śārīraḥ mānasaḥ tathā ।

परस्परं तयोः जन्म निर्द्वन्द्वं न उपलभ्यते ॥

parasparaṃ tayoḥ janma nirdvandvaṃ na upalabhyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

dvividho jaayate vyaadhiH shaarIro maanasastathaa ।

parasparaM tayorjanma nirdvandvaM nopalabhyate ॥

dvividhaH jaayate vyaadhiH shaarIraH maanasaH tathaa ।

parasparaM tayoH janma nirdvandvaM na upalabhyate ॥

September 23rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

श्रद्धायत्नौ यदि स्यात्तां मेधया किं प्रयोजनम् ।

इत्युभौ यदि न स्यात्तां मेधया किं प्रयोजनम् ॥ 

Transliteration:

śraddhāyatnau yadi syāttāṃ medhayā kiṃ prayojanam ।

ityubhau yadi na syāttāṃ medhayā kiṃ prayojanam ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

For those who have faith and zeal to work, of what use is knowledge?!  Then again, if one doesn't have these two (faith and zeal), of what use is knowledge?!  

Commentary:

So, does this mean knowledge is unnecessary?!  Not really! 

This verse emphasizes that with faith and effort, knowledge can be gained over time. When one has a keen interest and combines it with dedication, knowledge follows naturally. Thus, a person does not need to possess a complete understanding of a subject before embarking on his journey.

Conversely, for someone lacking the energy and confidence to initiate any venture, to such a person for what good is knowledge? Without these two essential qualities, knowledge becomes futile and meaningless, reduced to a mere word jargon in one’s mind.

This illustrates that though faith, effort, and knowledge are interconnected, faith and effort take precedence. One can acquire knowledge along the way, and it is unwise to wait until one has exhaustive knowledge before starting any undertaking.

Faith and hard work always pay off! Patience acts as the glue that binds these two together. This combination is the best approach to materialize any endeavor and acquire knowledge in the process.

pada vigrahaH:

श्रद्धा-यत्नौ यदि स्यात् तां मेधया किं प्रयोजनम् ।

śraddhā-yatnau yadi syāt tāṃ medhayā kiṃ prayojanam । 

इति उभौ यदि न स्यात् तां मेधया किं प्रयोजनम् ॥

iti ubhau yadi na syāt tāṃ medhayā kiṃ prayojanam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

shraddhaayatnau yadi syaattaaM medhayaa kiM prayojanam ।

ityubhau yadi na syaattaaM medhayaa kiM prayojanam ॥

shraddhaa-yatnau yadi syaat taaM medhayaa kiM prayojanam ।

iti ubhau yadi na syaat taaM medhayaa kiM prayojanam ॥