Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
आदित्यचन्द्रावनिलोऽनलश्च द्यौर्भूमिरापो हृदयं यमश्च ।
अहश्च रात्रिश्च उभे च सन्ध्ये धर्मश्च जानाति नरस्य वृत्तम् ॥
- महाभारत, आदिपर्वTransliteration:
ādityacandrāvanilo'nalaśca dyaurbhūmirāpo hṛdayaṃ yamaśca ।
ahaśca rātriśca ubhe ca sandhye dharmaśca jānāti narasya vṛttam ॥
- mahābhārata, ādiparvaMeaning 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 account 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 composed of the very 5 elements that shape our existence. The Sun 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 our deeds are accounted for. And 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 our 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 behavior that is adhārmic, or unrighteous?! If we were to embrace this awareness, it could transform our lives, guiding us to act with integrity, regardless of whether others 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, in 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 ॥
aadithyachandravanilo.nalashcha dhyour bhoomiraapo hRudayam yamashcha ।
ahashcha raathrishcha ube cha sandhye dharmashcha jaanaati narasya vRuttam ॥
- mahaabhaarata, aadiparvaaadithya-chandrau anilaH analaH cha dhyouH bhoomiH aapaH hRudayam yamaH cha ।
ahaH cha raathriH cha ube cha sandhye dharmaH cha jaanaati narasya vRuttam ॥
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