October 1st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

अष्टौ गुणाः पुरुषं दीपयन्ति प्रज्ञा सुशीलत्वदमौ श्रुतं च ।

पराक्रमश्चाबहुभाषिता च दानं यथाशक्ति कृतज्ञता च ॥

- सुभाषितरत्नाकर

Transliteration:

aṣṭau guṇāḥ puruṣaṃ dīpayanti prajñā suśīlatvadamau śrutaṃ ca ।

parākramaścābahubhāṣitā ca dānaṃ yathāśakti kṛtajñatā ca ॥

- subhāṣitaratnākara

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The 8-fold attributes that illumine a man are - intellect, good character and self-restraint, knowledge, valor, eloquence, giving as per his ability, and gratitude.  

Commentary:

A gentleman is not merely defined by his manners or attire but by his inner essence—qualities that elevate him from mere instinctual existence to someone refined, admirable, and inspiring. Here are eight essential traits that define a true gentleman:

• Intellect - "The voice of the intellect is soft," and only those who are attentive will hear it. A gentleman uses his intelligence to think deliberately about his actions, ensuring wisdom guides his decisions.
• Good Character - Character is the cornerstone of a man’s being. While knowledge can give power, it is character that earns respect. Intentions may inspire promises, but only good character ensures those promises are fulfilled. It is a force that improves every dimension of a man’s life.
• Self-Restraint - Self-mastery begins with the mind. If a man cannot control his thoughts, he will struggle to control his actions. Self-control, like a muscle, grows stronger with practice. A gentleman exercises restraint not to suppress himself but to elevate his conduct.
• Knowledge - Knowledge is power, and it equips a man with the wings to explore new heights. It opens doors to opportunities and offers him the freedom to shape his path with purpose and confidence.
• Valor - It is not only physical strength but also mental fortitude. A gentleman’s valor lies in his ability to face challenges with discernment. His strength is tempered by judgment, for true bravery demands discretion as much as resolve.
• Eloquence - it is the art of saying what needs to be said, in the right way and at the right time. The finest eloquence is that which brings clarity and drives action, for it is effectiveness that truly marks a man's words.
• Giving, according to one's ability - A gentleman practices generosity within his means, understanding that charity is most meaningful when it is both thoughtful and sustainable. Giving beyond one’s limits is not prudence but folly. True giving lies in finding a balance between kindness and responsibility.
• Gratitude - Gratitude transforms everything it touches. The more a man practices thankfulness, the more life offers him to be grateful for. It is this attitude that sweetens every experience and nurtures meaningful connections.

A man who cultivates these eight qualities—intellect, good character, self-restraint, knowledge, valor, eloquence, measured generosity, and gratitude—will be regarded as a true gentleman. His presence will uplift those around him, and he will naturally become a role model to his family, friends, and society.

In a world that often celebrates appearance, these qualities remind us that a gentleman is defined not by how he looks, but by how he lives.

pada vigrahaH:

अष्टौ गुणाः पुरुषं दीपयन्ति प्रज्ञा सुशीलत्व-दमौ श्रुतं च ।

aṣṭau guṇāḥ puruṣaṃ dīpayanti prajñā suśīlatva-damau śrutaṃ ca ।

पराक्रमः च अबहु-भाषिता च दानं यथा-शक्ति कृतज्ञता च ॥

parākramaḥ ca abahu-bhāṣitā ca dānaṃ yathā-śakti kṛtajñatā ca ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

aShTou guNaaH puruShaM dIpayanti praj~naa sushIlatvadamau shrutaM cha |

paraakramashchaabahubhaaShitaa  cha daanaM yathaashakti kRutaj~nataa cha ||

- subhaaShitaratnaakara

aShTou guNaaH puruShaM dIpayanti praj~jaa sushIlatva-damau shrutaM cha |

paraakramaH cha abahu-bhaaShitaa  cha daanaM yathaa-shakti kRutaj~jataa cha ||