Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
धृतिः, क्षमा दमोऽस्तेयं शौचमिन्द्रियनिग्रहः ।
धीर्विद्या सत्यमक्रोधो दशकं धर्मलक्षणम् ॥
- मनुस्मृति
dhṛtiḥ, kṣamā damo'steyaṃ śaucamindriyanigrahaḥ ।
dhīrvidyā satyamakrodho daśakaṃ dharmalakṣaṇam ॥
- manusmṛti
Meaning of the subhAShita:
Fortitude, forgiveness, self-control, non-stealing, purity, control of senses, intelligence, knowledge, truth, and calmness (non-anger)—these ten are the characteristics of dharma.
Commentary:
Dharma is an all-encompassing word that cannot be effectively translated into English. It is best to use it as is. These ten qualities form the very foundation of dharma and guide one toward a life of virtue and spiritual fulfillment.
Fortitude is the strength to endure life's trials and adversities with courage and resilience, without losing purpose and integrity. It teaches us that hardship is a part of the journey, and it is through enduring challenges that we develop true strength.
Forgiveness is the ability to release resentment and anger and to see beyond faults. It is giving up grudges and realizing that forgiving liberates the heart to foster peace within.
Self-control is the mastery over one’s desires and impulses, and an ability to remain grounded despite temptations or distractions. It is about channeling instincts in a disciplined and purposeful manner, ensuring that one’s actions align with higher principles.
Non-stealing extends beyond the physical act of taking what does not belong to us. It encompasses a deeper understanding of integrity, where one refrains from taking anything—be it material, emotional, or intellectual—that has not been earned. It is a commitment to respect the boundaries of others and to live honestly in all circumstances.
Purity is the cleansing of the mind, body, and spirit. It is the practice of keeping one’s thoughts and actions aligned with truth and free from corruption or malice. Purity enables clarity of purpose.
Control of the senses involves mastering the external influences that can distract or mislead us. It is to cultivate inner focus, directing one’s energy toward higher pursuits.
Intelligence is the sharpness of the mind. It is not merely intellectual capacity, but the wisdom to apply knowledge with clarity, compassion, and discernment.
Knowledge goes hand in hand with intelligence, but it is rooted in experience and understanding of the world and the self. Knowledge is the pursuit of truth, the continuous journey of learning, and the foundation upon which wisdom is built.
Truth is the essence of dharma. It is not just speaking accurately, but living authentically, aligned with the ultimate truths of existence. Truth requires one to shed pretense and embrace sincerity, both with oneself and with others, as it is only through truth that real growth occurs.
Calmness, or non-anger, is the serene acceptance of life as it unfolds, free from wrath or frustration. It is the capacity to remain composed in the face of adversity, to approach all situations with a peaceful heart and clear mind, and to respond rather than react.
These ten virtues form the foundation of dharma. Embracing them is not just about adhering to rules, but about walking a path that leads to righteousness, peace, and fulfillment.
धृतिः, क्षमा दमः अस्तेयं शौचम् इन्द्रिय-निग्रहः ।
dhṛtiḥ, kṣamā damaḥ asteyaṃ śaucam indriya-nigrahaḥ ।
धीः विद्या सत्यम् अक्रोधः दशकं धर्म-लक्षणम् ॥
dhīḥ vidyā satyam akrodhaḥ daśakaṃ dharma-lakṣaṇam ॥
dhRutiH, kShamaa damo.steyaM shauchamindriyanigrahaH |
dheervidyaa satyamakrodho dashakaM dharmalakShaNam ||
- manusmRuti
dhRutiH, kShamaa damaH asteyaM shaucham indriya-nigrahaH |
dheeH vidyaa satyam akrodhaH dashakaM dharma-lakShaNam ||
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