October 29th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

उत्साहसम्पन्नमदीर्घसूत्रं 

क्रियावधिज्ञं व्यसनेष्वसक्तम् ।

शूरं कृतज्ञं दृढसौहृदं च 

लक्ष्मीः स्वयं याति निवासहेतोः ॥

Transliteration:

utsāhasampannamadīrghasūtraṃ 

kriyāvadhijñaṃ vyasaneṣvasaktam ।

śūraṃ kṛtajñaṃ dṛḍhasauhṛdaṃ ca 

lakṣmīḥ svayaṃ yāti nivāsahetoḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Goddess Lakṣmī (the epitome of prosperity) will willingly go reside with a person who—is filled with enthusiasm, does not procrastinate, has acumen in his work, is disinterested in vices (like addiction), is brave, has gratitude, and makes firm friendships.  

Commentary:

Everyone seeks success and prosperity. Goddess Lakṣmī, the embodiment of all things prosperous, represents this very aspiration. Yet, she is often elusive—rarely comes easily to all. 

There is a reason for her fleeting nature. In pursuit of success, many tend to gravitate towards the easy road—laziness, procrastination, ineptitude, distractions, fear, ingratitude, and betrayal. These choices are tempting because they serve selfish desires, providing immediate, though shallow, satisfaction. However, true prosperity is not born from such seeds.

True prosperity is sown in the fertile soil of gratitude and nourished by unwavering persistence. Prosperity flourishes when one aligns with a clear purpose and pursues it with relentless passion. The journey toward prosperity is carved through hard work, resilience, and integrity. It is measured not in fleeting achievements, but in courage and character.

Success is a journey, and prosperity is the reward for every step taken with intention and resolve. A life lived with purpose, passion, and perseverance will naturally unfold into prosperity. When qualities like gratitude, purpose, persistence, and character are embraced, success will come knocking at the door, uninvited but inevitable!

pada vigrahaH:

उत्साह-सम्पन्नम् अदीर्घसूत्रं 

utsāha-sampannam adīrghasūtraṃ 

क्रिय-अवधिज्ञं व्यसनेषु असक्तम् ।

kriya-avadhijñaṃ vyasaneṣu asaktam ।

शूरं कृतज्ञं दृढ-सौहृदं च 

śūraṃ kṛtajñaṃ dṛḍha-sauhṛdaṃ ca 

लक्ष्मीः स्वयं याति निवास-हेतोः ॥

lakṣmīḥ svayaṃ yāti nivāsa-hetoḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

utsaahasampannamadeerghasootraM 

kriyaavadhij~naM vyasaneShvasaktam |

shUraM kRutaj~naM dRuDhasauhRudaM cha 

lakShmeeH svayaM yaati nivaasahetoH ||

utsaaha-sampannam adeerghasootraM 

kriya-avadhij~jaM vyasaneShu asaktam |

shUraM kRutaj~naM dRuDha-sauhRudaM cha 

lakShmeeH svayaM yaati nivaasa-hetoH ||

October 28th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

उत्सवे व्यसने चैव दुर्भिक्षे शत्रुसङ्कटे ।

राजद्वारे स्मशाने च यस्तिष्ठति स बान्धवः ॥

- हितोपदेश

Transliteration:

utsave vyasane caiva durbhikṣe śatrusaṅkaṭe ।

rājadvāre smaśāne ca yastiṣṭhati sa bāndhavaḥ ॥

- hitopadeśa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

In celebration, in sorrow, during a calamity, during a crisis with an enemy, in front of a higher authority, in the crematorium, he who stays by, is kin (relative). 

Commentary:

In times of joy, prosperity, and abundance, it is only natural for friends and family to gather around like ants to sugar. But life as we know it is not a constant celebration. It ebbs and flows, with highs and lows, twists and turns. When sorrow strikes, the scene often changes. People scatter. The effort required to help lift someone from their misery is too much for many. In times of calamity, self-preservation trumps effort; in moments of crisis, standing by a loved one can seem too daunting. When an enemy threatens, it's easier to slip away than face the challenge together. Confronting authority, a king, or a powerful figure often drives people to retreat in fear. When death comes, only those who truly matter remain, while others step back, fearing that they will be obligated to care for the survivors.  

The poet is right: the one who stands by your side in both joy and sorrow, during calamity or crisis, in the face of an enemy or authority, and even in the crematorium—this person, regardless of bloodline, is the truest of kin. Their loyalty transcends a mere relationship; they become family.  

What makes family truly family, is the unwavering commitment to stick together no matter the circumstances. Family in its deepest sense, is the ultimate source of strength and resilience—a refuge where life begins and love knows no end. This is the foundation upon which we build our lives and the bedrock that supports us through every storm.

pada vigrahaH:

उत्सवे व्यसने च एव दुर्भिक्षे शत्रु-सङ्कटे ।

utsave vyasane ca eva durbhikṣe śatru-saṅkaṭe ।

राज-द्वारे स्मशाने च यः तिष्ठति सः बान्धवः ॥

rāja-dvāre smaśāne ca yaḥ tiṣṭhati saḥ bāndhavaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

utsave vyasane chaiva durbhikShe shatrusa~nkaTe |

raajadvaare smashaane cha yastiShThati sa baandhavaH ||

- hitopadeSa

utsave vyasane cha eva durbhikShe shatru-sa~nkaTe |

raaja-dvaare smashaane ca yaH tiShThati saH baandhavaH ||

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 ॥

July 29th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उपकर्तुं यथा स्वल्पः समर्थो न तथा महान् ।
प्रायः कूपस्तृषां हन्ति न कदापि तु वारिधिः ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नसमुच्चय

Transliteration:
upakartuṃ yathā svalpaḥ samartho na tathā mahān ।
prāyaḥ kūpastṛṣāṃ hanti na kadāpi tu vāridhiḥ ॥
- subhāṣitaratnasamuccaya

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The way a trifle can be of assistance, the great may not be able to.  Probably, a well can quench the thirst, but never the (mighty) ocean.

Commentary:

Each in its own place and time.  The purpose of one cannot be served by the other.  An ocean may be mighty and magnificent.  But, when a thirsty man comes to it, he will look for a different source of drinking water.  Although the ocean is a storehouse for most of the water available on earth and even torrential rains are nothing in the face of its capacity, not even a drop of it is useful in quenching the thirst of a weary traveler!  However, a water well may very well be a heavenly sight to a tired hiker, even though it is a minuscule speck in comparison to the size of the ocean.

The same holds true in all aspects of life.  Each person cannot be the leader of the world!  If that is true, then who will all the leaders lead?!  As much as leaders are required, people to be led are essential as well.  Every man can't be an architect, there needs to be someone to physically build the structure as well.  One person's shoe cannot fit another. Hence, the existence of each and every being is equally important.

Even the existence of every grain of sand and blade of grass is crucial.  If it wasn't required to be there, the Lord would have made sure it was not there!  If it is there, it is already important and essential.  Same with beings.  If they weren't special and essential He wouldn't have made them!!

It is said, 'Everybody is a genius.  But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid!'  What a profound statement it is!!

Never disrespect anything or anyone based on their pervasiveness.  Each and every being and object is indispensable in its own unique way!  Value each one for what it essentially is.  

pada vigrahaH: 
उपकर्तुं यथा स्वल्पः समर्थः न तथा महान् ।
upakartuṃ yathā svalpaḥ samarthaḥ na tathā mahān ।

प्रायः कूपः तृषां हन्ति न कदा अपि तु वारिधिः ॥
prāyaḥ kūpaḥ tṛṣāṃ hanti na kadā api tu vāridhiḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
upakartuM yathaa svalpaH samartho na tathaa mahaan ।
praayaH kUpastRuShaaM hanti na kadaapi tu vaaridhiH ॥
- subhaaShitaratnasamuchchaya

upakartuM yathaa svalpaH samarthaH na tathaa mahaan ।

praayaH kUpaH tRuShaaM hanti na kadaa api tu vaaridhiH ॥

June 24th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उदीरितोऽर्थः पशुनापि गृह्यते
हयाश्च नागाश्च वहन्ति देशिताः ।
अनुक्तमप्यूहति पण्डितो जनः
परेङ्गितज्ञानफला हि बुद्धयः ॥
- हितोपदेश, सुहृद्भेद

Transliteration:
udīrito'rthaḥ paśunāpi gṛhyate
hayāśca nāgāśca vahanti deśitāḥ ।
anuktamapyūhati paṇḍito janaḥ
pareṅgitajñānaphalā hi buddhayaḥ ॥
- hitopadeśa, suhṛdbheda

Meaning of the subhAShita:

That which is expressed explicitly is grasped by even animals, (just as) horses and elephants execute on orders.  The intelligent perceive even that which is unsaid.  Certainly, the consequence of intelligence is an understanding of the intent of others.

Commentary:

'Stay', 'fetch', 'run', 'dance', 'jump'—even animals respond to such instructions.  A horse can run when whipped.  An elephant can lug the load as per orders from the mahout. Dogs can sit or fetch as per instructions. Animals, especially the domesticated ones, promptly do what they are told.  Doing what is asked of them is not difficult for animals.  They do not have to use much intelligence or make challenging decisions that require special skills.

Shouldn't the intelligence of man set him apart?!  The intelligence of man allows him to understand and perceive even untold words.  The ability to perceive is greater than the knowledge received. 

Empathy is the art of imagining oneself in other people's shoes, understanding their feelings and perspectives, and using that understanding to guide one's own actions! One must take the initiative to show empathy. 

The author of the verse says the consequence of proper intelligence is—the ability to perceive the untold stories! Show empathy, take charge, take initiative. Taking initiative means doing the right thing without being told! 

pada vigrahaH:
उदीरितः अर्थः पशुना अपि गृह्यते
udīritaḥ arthaḥ paśunā api gṛhyate

हयाः च नागाः च वहन्ति देशिताः ।
hayāḥ ca nāgāḥ ca vahanti deśitāḥ ।

अनुक्तम् अपि ऊहति पण्डितः जनः
anuktam api ūhati paṇḍitaḥ janaḥ

पर-इङ्गित-ज्ञान-फलाः हि बुद्धयः ॥
para-iṅgita-jñāna-phalāḥ hi buddhayaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
udIrito.rthaH pashunaapi gRuhyate
hayaashcha naagaashcha vahanti deshitaaH ।
anuktamapyUhati paNDito janaH
pare~ngitaj~naanaphalaa hi buddhayaH ॥
- hitopadesha, suhRudbheda

udIritaH arthaH pashunaa api gRuhyate

hayaaH cha naagaaH cha vahanti deshitaaH ।

anuktam api Uhati paNDitaH janaH

para-i~ngita-j~naana-phalaaH hi buddhayaH ॥

June 10th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उच्चैरुच्चरितव्यं यत्किञ्चिदजानतापि पुरुषेण ।
मूर्खा बहु मन्यन्ते विदुषामपि संशयो भवति ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि

Transliteration:
uccairuccaritavyaṃ yatkiñcidajānatāpi puruṣeṇa ।
mūrkhā bahu manyante viduṣāmapi saṃśayo bhavati ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Whatever little is spoken by a person, it should be said articulately even if unaware of everything.  For, (not only shall) the foolish regard highly, (but) even the wise shall become incredulous.

Commentary:

While speaking, along with what is being spoken the conviction of the speaker weighs in quite a bit!  Like it or not, if the speaker is not certain of himself, how can he expect his audience to have any faith in what he is saying?  Swallowing words, stuttering, stammering, mumbling, droning, none of these grab the attention of the listeners. 

'Write to be understood, speak to be heard'!  If one wants to be heard, he needs to speak and speak clearly he MUST!  Speech is power when used aptly, if not, one will regret that he ever opened his mouth!  When he does, he should make sure it is loud and clear.

The poet goes a step further and says, that even if unaware of everything, one should speak clearly!  Because the dull-witted shall have high regard due to one's delivery and the smart ones too shall doubt for a moment that the speaker might know everything ;). Deception is not the purpose here, nor is it promoting pompousness!  All the author is saying is, to be confident and present whatever little you know, in a crystal clear manner.

Don't mumble... SPEAK UP... so you can be heard!

pada vigrahaH:
उच्चैः उच्चरितव्यं यत् किञ्चित् अजानताः अपि पुरुषेण ।
uccaiḥ uccaritavyaṃ yat kiñcit ajānatāḥ api puruṣeṇa ।

मूर्खाः बहु मन्यन्ते विदुषाम् अपि संशयः भवति ॥
mūrkhāḥ bahu manyante viduṣām api saṃśayaḥ bhavati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
uchchairuchcharitavyaM yatki~nchidajaanataapi puruSheNa ।
mUrkhaa bahu manyante viduShaamapi saMshayo bhavati ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

uchchaiH uchcharitavyaM yat ki~nchit ajaanataaH api puruSheNa ।

mUrkhaaH bahu manyante viduShaam api saMshayaH bhavati ॥

June 3rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उद्यन्तु शतमादित्याः उद्यन्तु शतमिन्दवः ।
न विना विदुषां वाक्यैः नश्यत्याभ्यन्तरं  तमः ॥
- सभारञ्जन शतक

Transliteration:
udyantu śatamādityāḥ udyantu śatamindavaḥ ।
na vinā viduṣāṃ vākyaiḥ naśyatyābhyantaraṃ tamaḥ ॥
- sabhārañjana śataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

May a hundred suns rise; may (there) rise a hundred moons; (but) without listening to the words of the wise men, the internal darkness cannot be annihilated!

Commentary:

There isn't enough darkness in the world to put out the light of one little candle.  At the same time, at the other end of the spectrum, 'there isn't enough light in this world to eradicate an ounce of the darkness within, without listening to the wise words of wisdom from the learned'!

Humans are in a unique situation than any other living beings.  A human is the only 'animal' blessed with the faculty of speech and understanding.  He is the only being who has been blessed with a thinking mind and an intellect to make choices!  Ever since the dinosaur era, has anyone heard of a more intelligent animal than a human?  

Why on earth did God give that facility only to humans, if He did not mean to set us apart from the rest of the creatures?  Would the Lord create even a strand of hair without a purpose?!!  Similarly, why did He create such an elaborate and complicated structure of language and thought processes exclusively for the human race?!!  Obviously, there was a specific and essential purpose for it!  

Would it be to show the supremacy of humans over other animals?  Definitely not!  Dominion and surrender aren't natural to any being.  That which doesn't come naturally, cannot be dharma.  That which is not dharma CANNOT be the purpose in the Lord's mind!  Then, what could it be?  The only possible reason could be—to spread the knowledge.., the ultimate Truth.

The ignorance within (equated to darkness), can be eradicated only through listening to the wise words of the learned.  Even if a hundred suns rise at once and a hundred moons emerge along with them, all that collective light is not sufficient to decimate the ignorance within!  The one and only ray of hope to cure the internal murkiness is, 'listening to the teaching of the great masters and seers'.  No other choice!

Isn't it better to light that candle of knowledge than curse the darkness?!

May the quest to find the light within bring us to our gurus.  May we find our guiding light and tread towards our goal with ease.   

pada vigrahaH:
उद्यन्तु शतम् आदित्याः उद्यन्तु शतम् इन्दवः ।

udyantu śatam ādityāḥ udyantu śatam indavaḥ ।

न विना विदुषां वाक्यैः नश्यति आभ्यन्तरं तमः ॥
na vinā viduṣāṃ vākyaiḥ naśyati ābhyantaraṃ tamaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
udyantu shatamaadityaaH udyantu shatamindavaH ।
na vinaa viduShaaM vaakyaiH nashyatyaabhyantaraM tamaH ॥
- sabhaara~njana shataka

udyantu shatam aadityaaH udyantu shatam indavaH ।

na vinaa viduShaaM vaakyaiH nashyati aabhyantaraM tamaH ॥

June 20th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उपसर्गे अन्यचक्रे च दुर्भिक्षे च भयावहे ।
असाधुर्जनसंपर्के यः पलायति स जीवति ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
upasarge anyacakre ca durbhikṣe ca bhayāvahe ।
asādhurjanasaṃparke yaḥ palāyati sa jīvati ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

He who runs—in times of retreat, when in others' territory, in famine, in fear, or in association with evil-doers—survives.

Commentary:

It is rightly said, 'If you cannot walk away from negative people, try the next best thing—RUN!'

1. When the whole army is retreating, is it sane for a lone soldier to charge forward?
2. When one steps out of one's boundaries and lands on others' property, it is not a safe haven for him anymore.
3. In times of famine, if one cannot fend for himself and his family, what is the point of guarding the place?
4. When the opponent is much stronger and instills fear in the person, what is the point in marching on?  Upon coming face-to-face with a Lion, what if one says, 'I won't run away, because only cowards run?!'
5. Company of the evil—this one is the worst of all! It does no good in any which way. Knowing so, if one still hangs around just so others don't call him a coward, doesn't make any sense.

In all these circumstances, if one takes a step back or runs away (keeps away), it is not called 'cowardice', it is called 'common sense'.  Sometimes, taking that retreat is more appropriate than charging ahead.

Running away is not always cowardice, it is survival sometimes! So, survive!! :)

pada vigrahaH:
उपसर्गे अन्य-चक्रे च दुर्भिक्षे च भयावहे ।
upasarge anya-cakre ca durbhikṣe ca bhayāvahe ।

असाधुः जन-संपर्के यः पलायति सः जीवति ॥
asādhuḥ jana-saṃparke yaḥ palāyati saḥ jīvati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
upasarge anyachakre cha durbhikShe cha bhayaavahe ।
asaadhurjanasaMparke yaH palaayati sa jIvati ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

upasarge anya-chakre cha durbhikShe cha bhayaavahe ।

asaadhuH jana-saMparke yaH palaayati saH jIvati ॥

May 7th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उष्ट्राणां च विवाहेषु गीतं गायन्ति गर्दभाः ।
परस्परं प्रशंसन्ति अहो रूपमहो ध्वनिः ॥
- समयोचितपद्यमालिका


Transliteration:
uṣṭrāṇāṃ ca vivāheṣu gītaṃ gāyanti gardabhāḥ ।
parasparaṃ praśaṃsanti aho rūpamaho dhvaniḥ ॥
- samayocitapadyamālikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

In the wedding of camels, donkeys sing the song. They both praise each other, 'Ah! the form!', 'ah! the voice!'

Commentary:

The camel is an animal that is not particularly popular for its grace and form. Similarly, a donkey is an animal whose braying is not exactly famous for melody. But this scene is of the wedding of camels where the donkeys are singing in merry! As if this weren't enough, they are both praising each other for their beauty and tone respectively! :)

This is a great imaginary scenario that works as an example of false praise. When one praises, it does not warrant the person praised to let it get to his head. 

Just because the camels said that the donkeys sang wonderfully, it is not reality. It is also important to note that, only the finest can recognize finesse. A donkey is not really the best candidate to identify beauty to begin with.

None are more taken by flattery than the proud, who wish to be the best, but are not. False praise is worse than no praise at all.  Beware of flatterers and watch your own reactions to such fawning and eyewash compliments!  Wise people would rather benefit from constructive criticism than be ruined by false praise. 

pada vigrahaH:
उष्ट्राणां च विवाहेषु गीतं गायन्ति गर्दभाः ।
uṣṭrāṇāṃ ca vivāheṣu gītaṃ gāyanti gardabhāḥ ।

परस्परं प्रशंसन्ति अहो रूपम् अहो ध्वनिः ॥
parasparaṃ praśaṃsanti aho rūpam aho dhvaniḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
uShTraaNaaM cha vivaaheShu gItaM gaayanti gardabhaaH ।
parasparaM prashaMsanti aho rUpamaho dhvaniH ॥
- samayochitapadyamaalikaa

uShTraaNaaM cha vivaaheShu gItaM gaayanti gardabhaaH ।

parasparaM prashamsanti aho rUpam aho dhvaniH ॥

April 11th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उपकारिषु यः साधुः साधुत्वे तस्य को गुणः ।
अपकारिषु यः साधुः स साधुः सद्भिरुच्यते ॥
- पञ्चतन्त्र

Transliteration:
upakāriṣu yaḥ sādhuḥ sādhutve tasya ko guṇaḥ ।
apakāriṣu yaḥ sādhuḥ sa sādhuḥ sadbhirucyate ॥
- pañcatantra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

What is the efficacy of showing virtue toward one's benefactor? Noble people say that 'he who can be virtuous to his wrongdoers too, is great!'

Commentary:

Being kind and courteous to one's benefactor is the easiest kind of deed. Since he did good to me, I will do good to him too! What is the greatness in that? The virtuous deeds done by both cancel each other out. 

However, great is he who can overlook the misgivings of another and yet, be nice and helpful to his wrongdoers. That takes a lot more of one's greatness and generosity. He needs to forget and forgive the wrong that was done to him. At the same time, he needs to take a further step by helping the person who wronged him. 

When one can see past the misdeeds of another, he belongs to a league of a different order instantaneously! The logic of 'a thorn is removed by a thorn' does not work in this case. His broadness of mind and greatness of virtue will have the ability to change the wrongdoer internally. Then, the thorn gets removed automatically, without a requirement to use another thorn.

Forget and forgive. Look past the follies of others.  Do not regret being nice to wrongdoers.  Afterall, everyone can only offer what's in their hearts! 

pada vigrahaH:
उपकारिषु यः साधुः साधुत्वे तस्य कः गुणः ।
upakāriṣu yaḥ sādhuḥ sādhutve tasya kaḥ guṇaḥ ।

अपकारिषु यः साधुः सः साधुः सद्भिः उच्यते ॥
apakāriṣu yaḥ sādhuḥ saḥ sādhuḥ sadbhiḥ ucyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
upakaariShu yaH saadhuH saadhutve tasya ko guNaH ।
apakaariShu yaH saadhuH sa saadhuH sadbhiruchyate ॥
- pa~nchatantra

upakaariShu yaH saadhuH saadhutve tasya kaH guNaH ।

apakaariShu yaH saadhuH saH saadhuH sadbhiH uchyate ॥

February 3rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उत्त्पतन्नपि चाकाशं विशन्नपि रसातलम् ।
अटन्नपि महीं कृत्स्नं नादत्तमुपतिष्ठते ॥

Transliteration:
uttpatannapi cākāśaṃ viśannapi rasātalam ।
aṭannapi mahīṃ kṛtsnaṃ nādattamupatiṣṭhate ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

By jumping up to the sky, entering pātāla (lower netherworld), and roaming the entire earth, (one) cannot obtain that which he did not give.

Commentary:

As you sow, so shall you reap!

One begets what he gives.  He can jump all he wants, and run around the whole world like a maniac. He may even dig into the netherworlds but will not find something that he did not give! Like someone said, 'It's not what you gather, but what you scatter mindlessly that tells what kind of life you have lived!' It is those same scattered seeds of deeds that will come back to us. 'Do unto others as you want others to do unto you.'

Planting a neem tree won't yield sweet fruit of mango. (Neem is beneficial in its own robust way, but that is not the point!) If we haven't sown the seed of a mango, we can't expect to enjoy one from that tree. If we have been there for others in need, others will be there for us in times of need. If we are compassionate to others in crises, others will do the same during ours. Karma (action) is like a boomerang, but only, upon returning, it becomes karmaphala (fruit of action). Whether we intend it or not, whatever we throw comes right back at us, sometimes, with much more force!

Results, truly are a reflection of the amount of work we have put in.  Makes us rethink our thoughts and actions at every step, doesn't it?! 

pada vigrahaH:
उत्त्पतन् अपि च आकाशं विशन् अपि रसातलम् ।
uttpatan api ca ākāśaṃ viśan api rasātalam ।

अटन् अपि महीं कृत्स्नं न अदत्तम् उपतिष्ठते ॥
aṭan api mahīṃ kṛtsnaṃ na adattam upatiṣṭhate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
uttpatannapi chaakaashaM vishannapi rasaatalam ।
aTannapi mahIM kRutsnaM naadattamupatiShThate ॥

uttpatan api cha aakaashaM vishan api rasaatalam ।

aTan api mahIM kRutsnaM na adattam upatiShThate ॥

January 15th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उपकारो हि नीचानां अपकारो हि जायते ।
पयः पानं भुजङ्गानां केवलं विषवर्धनम् ॥

Transliteration:
upakāro hi nīcānāṃ apakāro hi jāyate ।
payaḥ pānaṃ bhujaṅgānāṃ kevalaṃ viṣavardhanam ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Benefaction to the evil only bears misdeeds. Feeding milk to a snake only aids in increasing (its) poison.

Commentary:

It is hard to change the nature of certain things or people. The example given here is that of a snake.  No matter how much milk is fed, it will only work toward strengthening the snake, and in turn, his poison. He then strikes back with more ferociousness and tenacity.

Similarly, patronizing the evil beings only brings harm.  They incessantly work towards harming others and pollute everything around them.  Staying away from such influences is the best remedy.

Know thy friends and foes.

pada vigrahaH:

उपकारः हि नीचानां अपकारो हि जायते ।
upakāraḥ hi nīcānāṃ apakāro hi jāyate ।

पयः पानं भुजङ्गानां केवलं विष-वर्धनम् ॥
payaḥ pānaṃ bhujaṅgānāṃ kevalaṃ viṣa-vardhanam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
upakaaro hi nIchaanaaM apakaaro hi jaayate ।
payaH paanaM bhuja~ngaanaaM kevalaM viShavardhanam ॥

upakaaraH hi nIchaanaaM apakaaro hi jaayate ।

payaH paanaM bhuja~ngaanaaM kevalaM viSha-vardhanam ॥

October 31st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उत्तमा आत्मना ख्याताः पितुः ख्याताश्च मध्यमाः ।
अधमा मातुलात् ख्याताः श्वशुरात् चाधमाधमाः ॥


Transliteration:
uttamā ātmanā khyātāḥ pituḥ khyātāśca madhyamāḥ ।
adhamā mātulāt khyātāḥ śvaśurāt cādhamādhamāḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The noble are known by their own (noble deeds); the mediocre are famous because of their father; the inferior are known because of their maternal uncle; (and) the bottom of all are identified because of their father-in-law.

Commentary:

The message carried here is not tagging anyone as noble or mediocre. Rather, the main aim is to illustrate how the noble attain their status through their own prowess.

Children, especially, should not become arrogant because their parents or uncles or some other relatives are 'rich and famous'. The name, fame, and humility should emerge from their own acts and deeds, because of their own character.

This is a message for the grown-ups too.  It is not enough to pass down a name, fame, and some money as an inheritance to children.  It is better to leave them a legacy of morality and splendor which is needed to be solid individuals. This is more important than allowing them to plunder and splurge on their unearned inheritance.  We should let children make their own space and carve their own niche.  

An inheritance is what we leave for people.  Whereas, a legacy is what we leave in them.  Leave a legacy! 

pada vigrahaH:

उत्तमाः आत्मना ख्याताः पितुः ख्याताः च मध्यमाः ।
uttamāḥ ātmanā khyātāḥ pituḥ khyātāḥ ca madhyamāḥ ।

अधमाः मातुलात् ख्याताः श्वशुरात् च अधम-अधमाः ॥
adhamāḥ mātulāt khyātāḥ śvaśurāt ca adhama-adhamāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
uttamaa aatmanaa khyaataaH pituH khyaataashcha madhyamaaH ।
adhamaa maatulaat khyaataaH shvashuraat chaadhamaadhamaaH ॥

uttamaaH aatmanaa khyaataaH pituH khyaataaH cha madhyamaaH ।

adhamaaH maatulaat khyaataaH shvashuraat cha adhama-adhamaaH ॥

October 30th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उद्यमस्साहसं धैर्यं बुद्धिश्शक्तिः पराक्रमः ।
षडेते यत्र वर्तन्ते तत्र देवाः सहायकृत् ॥

Transliteration:
udyamassāhasaṃ dhairyaṃ buddhiśśaktiḥ parākramaḥ ।
ṣaḍete yatra vartante tatra devāḥ sahāyakṛt ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Industriousness, adventurousness, patience, wisdom, strength, courage - wherever these 6 (qualities) are operative, Gods are helpful.

Commentary:

Even Gods do not help the non-zealous and lazy!

If a person has the zeal to work; is patient enough to deal with situations as they come; and uses his wisdom, strength, and courage - only then shall the Gods help.

Like they say, 'success' is 90% perspiration and 10% luck. The 10% of luck will be useful only when one is ready to perspire!  But when not in the right direction, perspiration will only lead to futile efforts.  One's industriousness counts only when accompanied by adventurousness, patience, wisdom, strength, and courage.  When these 6 attributes come together, even Gods have no choice but to be on their side and bless them with success!

Chances come and go in everyone's life. But only the one with all the 6 qualities mentioned above will be able to seize opportunities and make the best of them.

Can't blame destiny for our lack of readiness after all!

pada vigrahaH:
उद्यमः साहसं धैर्यं बुद्धिः शक्तिः पराक्रमः ।
udyamaḥ sāhasaṃ dhairyaṃ buddhiḥ śaktiḥ parākramaḥ ।

षट् एते यत्र वर्तन्ते तत्र देवाः सहायकृत् ॥
ṣaṭ ete yatra vartante tatra devāḥ sahāyakṛt ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
udyamassaahasaM dhairyaM buddhishshaktiH paraakramaH ।
ShaDete yatra vartante tatra devaaH sahaayakRut ॥

udyamaH saahasaM dhairyaM buddhiH shaktiH paraakramaH ।

ShaT ete yatra vartante tatra devaaH sahaayakRut ॥

October 28th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उदये सविता रक्तः रक्तश्चास्तमये तथा ।
सम्पत्तौ च विपत्तौ च महतामेकरूपता ॥
Transliteration:
udaye savitā raktaḥ raktaścāstamaye tathā ।
sampattau ca vipattau ca mahatāmekarūpatā ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Sun (Savitā) is red as he rises and he is red as he sets. Similarly, great minds will be composed in happiness as well as in sadness.

Commentary:

The sun is the same red color at dawn as well as dusk. He is not ecstatic because he is rising and will soon reach the top of the world. Similarly, he is not bogged down with sadness while setting either. The rise and fall does not affect the sun. He keeps his same color and composure. He will simply do his dharma that is - giving light and warmth to the world, no matter what day or era.

Similarly, the noble will not bounce off the walls in times of happiness nor succumb to pain during hardships. They are level-headed always and keep doing their duties, leaving the rest up to Him. They understand clearly that there is a supreme power above who knows what's best for each and every one of us, no matter what happens.

No matter the situation, one should never let his emotions overpower his intelligence!  He should keep his composure always.  

pada vigrahaH:
उदये सविता रक्तः रक्तः च अस्तमये तथा ।

udaye savitā raktaḥ raktaḥ ca astamaye tathā ।

सम्पत्तौ च विपत्तौ च महताम् एक रूपता ॥
sampattau ca vipattau ca mahatām eka rūpatā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
udaye savitaa raktaH raktashchaastamaye tathaa ।
sampattau cha vipattau cha mahataamekarUpataa ॥

udaye savitaa raktaH raktaH cha astamaye tathaa ।

sampattau cha vipattau cha mahataam eka rUpataa ॥

October 26th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उद्यमेन हि सिध्यन्ति कार्याणि न मनोरथैः ।
न हि सुप्‍तस्य सिंहस्य प्रविशन्ति मुखे मृगाः ॥
- पञ्चतन्त्र, मित्रसम्प्राप्ति

Transliteration:
udyamena hi sidhyanti kāryāṇi na manorathaiḥ ।
na hi sup‍tasya siṃhasya praviśanti mukhe mṛgāḥ ॥
- pañcatantra, mitrasamprāpti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Tasks can only be achieved through industriousness, not intentions. (Afterall,) prey will not fall into the mouth of a sleeping lion!

Commentary:

Intentions don't move mountains!

And rightfully so. Merely having good goals, thoughts, and strengths won't help one to realize his dreams. Industriousness, zealousness, alertness, and activity are also essential for success. 

A lion, only because he is the king of the jungle, can't sleep in his den and expect prey to come fall at his feet and beg him to eat them! He may have all the strength required to bring down an elephant, but that alone is not enough. He has to put his skills to use if he wants food.  He has to hunt for his own food. He has to crouch silently, watch the moves of his prey, and then pounce at the right time.  He has to work for his food.  

Similarly, to achieve a goal, one should plan his actions and execute his plans to attain the desired results.

Let's get working!

pada vigrahaH:
उद्यमेन हि सिध्यन्ति कार्याणि न मनोरथैः ।
udyamena hi sidhyanti kāryāṇi na manorathaiḥ ।

न हि सुप्‍तस्य सिंहस्य प्रविशन्ति मुखे मृगाः ॥
na hi sup‍tasya siṃhasya praviśanti mukhe mṛgāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
udyamena hi sidhyanti kaaryaaNi na manorathaiH ।
na hi suptasya siMhasya pravishanti mukhe mRugaaH ॥
- pa~nchatantra, mitrasampraapti

udyamena hi sidhyanti kaaryaaNi na manorathaiH ।

na hi suptasya siMhasya pravishanti mukhe mRugaaH ॥