October 20th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

नागुणी गुणिनं वेत्ति गुणी गुणिषु मत्सरी ।

गुणी च गुणरागी च विरलः सरलो जनः ॥

Transliteration:

nāguṇī guṇinaṃ vetti guṇī guṇiṣu matsarī ।

guṇī ca guṇarāgī ca viralaḥ saralo janaḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A person devoid of virtues does not cognize virtue (in others). Those with virtues are jealous of others with merit.  A person with simplicity who is virtuous and also appreciates virtue (in others) is rare to come by.    

Commentary:

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

Simple people keep things simple! They honor in others what they value in themselves, free of double standards. 

However, in society, we often see those with merit viewing others as competition, pulling each other down instead of lifting each other up. In this struggle, often merit loses its own worth.

Those without excellence may fail to recognize it in others, leaving merit unrewarded in their eyes as well.

The poet laments that the truly virtuous—the rare few, who live in harmony with their values and admire virtue in others—are hard to find. 

True virtue, after all, lies in balance—the golden mean between excess and deficiency. Indeed, a simple person whose thoughts, words, and actions align, is rare.

pada vigrahaH:

न अगुणी गुणिनं वेत्ति गुणी गुणिषु मत्सरी ।

na aguṇī guṇinaṃ vetti guṇī guṇiṣu matsarī ।

गुणी च गुण-रागी च विरलः सरलः जनः ॥

guṇī ca guṇa-rāgī ca viralaḥ saralaḥ janaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

naaguNI guNinaM vetti guNI guNiShu matsarI ।

guNI cha guNaraagI cha viralaH saralo janaH ॥

na aguNI guNinaM vetti guNI guNiShu matsarI ।

guNI cha guNa-raagI cha viralaH saralaH janaH ॥

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 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
न भार्यया समं मित्रं न च धर्मो दयासमः ।
न स्वातन्त्र्यसमं सौख्यं गार्हस्थ्यान्नाश्रमो वरः ॥
- पद्मपुराण

Transliteration:
na bhāryayā samaṃ mitraṃ na ca dharmo dayāsamaḥ ।
na svātantryasamaṃ saukhyaṃ gārhasthyānnāśramo varaḥ ॥
- padmapurāṇa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

There is no friend equal to the wife; there is no dharma (ordinance) which equates to compassion; there is no comfort parallel to freedom; there is no āśrama (stage of life) more blessed than that of a householder.

Commentary:

Unparalleled aspects of life:

• One cannot find a friend better than a spouse.  There are many stages of life and one leans on different people at different times for different requirements.  Eventually, he outgrows them all.  One depends on parents from childhood, but then, parents pass on... One may think children, but, they grow their wings and move on...  Friends come and go.  Only the spouse, who hops on the wagon during the prime of one's life, stays on till the end—be it good times or bad!  The most intimate and longest relationship which one can possibly share throughout his life is with the spouse.  Hence, there is no friend better than the wife/husband!
• The essence of all scriptures preaches one chosen ordinance—compassion.  If that is learnt and imbibed, there is no need for reading or chanting any religious/spiritual texts.  Whether one is literate in the various practices or not, if one can have compassion towards all beings just the same, his spiritual training has already excelled.
• One can have the best of comforts.  But, if he is imprisoned in the shackles of restraint, be it in a prison cell or inside the walls of a palatial mansion, he can't be happy!  The sense of liberation one feels in freedom is unsurpassed and all beings long for that complete freedom always.
• A householder's stage of life has been deemed the best of all stages of life!  The technical definition of a gṛhastha (householder) is a person who is married and is undertaking the responsibilities of the family.  Why is this stage considered the best of all stages in life?  It is because he is in the prime years of his life.  His schooling is complete, his body is hale and healthy, and his children and elders alike look for support from him.  He is the one who helps sustain all the other 3 stages of life in society, namely—student-hood; retirement; old age.

Nothing equals the happiness of the person who performs his deeds to the best of his abilities and knows the value of these privileges when he has them.

pada vigrahaH:
न भार्यया समं मित्रं न च धर्मः दया-समः ।
na bhāryayā samaṃ mitraṃ na ca dharmaḥ dayā-samaḥ ।

न स्वातन्त्र्य-समं सौख्यं गार्हस्थ्यात् न आश्रमः वरः ॥
na svātantrya-samaṃ saukhyaṃ gārhasthyāt na āśramaḥ varaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
na bhaaryayaa samaM mitraM na cha dharmo dayaasamaH ।
na svaatantryasamaM saukhyaM gaarhasthyaannaashramo varaH ॥
- padmapuraaNa

na bhaaryayaa samaM mitraM na cha dharmaH dayaa-samaH ।
na svaatantrya-samaM saukhyaM gaarhasthyaat na aashramaH varaH॥

March 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
नास्ति विद्यासमं चक्षुः नास्ति सत्यसमं तपः ।
नास्ति रागसमं दुःखं नास्ति त्यागसमं सुखम् ॥ 
-महाभारत, शान्ति

Transliteration:
nāsti vidyāsamaṃ cakṣuḥ nāsti satyasamaṃ tapaḥ ।
nāsti rāgasamaṃ duḥkhaṃ nāsti tyāgasamaṃ sukham ॥
-mahābhārata, śānti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

There is no eye equal to knowledge; there is no penance parallel to truth; there is no pain akin to desire; there is no happiness synonymous with renunciation/sacrifice.

Commentary:

When one reads or acquires a new piece of knowledge, he says, that was an 'eye-opener'!  Rightfully so!  If one has to know something, the best way is to see it.  For, seeing is believing!  To get a full understanding of anything, one has to use a faculty of vision—either the physical vision or the vision of the mind.  Without that, the cognition stays incomplete.  Hence, the author says that knowledge is the best tool for perception as it gives the best vision.

To do penance, one doesn't have to go to a remote cave on an abandoned hill.  Penance, basically is a task that must be carried out constantly; something that takes effort and willpower to keep up with.  To achieve this, if one resolves to always speak the truth and never utter a lie, that would qualify for penance.  To undergo such a vow and keep up with it might be the toughest task on a day-to-day basis.  Yet if one keeps it up, he does not have to do any other penance!!  Then, what to speak about one's quest for the ultimate truth!!  That would be the ultimate kind of penance.

Vehement desire is the root cause of all sorrows.  Who can deny that!  As soon as a desire arises in the mind, it constantly conspires towards making it a reality.  Just as one begins to entertain the thought, it holds a firm grip on all his thoughts and actions from there onwards.  Burning with the desire to satisfy his desires, one may undergo many hardships or compromise many ideals.  This road can only lead to distress, disappointment, and destruction.  Hence, desire is the sole cause of despair.

The best and easiest way to happiness is renunciation.  Renunciation, not in terms of duties, but in terms of expectations and hopes; not in terms of life, but in terms of attachments and bindings.  As soon as one gives up these restrictions, there is only unbound happiness!  Hence surrender/relinquishment is the best way to happiness.

Making oneself happy, is certainly in his own hands.  Only he can keep his own troubles at bay!

pada vigrahaH:
न अस्ति विद्या-समं चक्षुः न अस्ति सत्य-समं तपः ।
na asti vidyā-samaṃ cakṣuḥ na asti satya-samaṃ tapaḥ ।

न अस्ति राग-समं दुःखं न अस्ति त्याग-समं सुखम् ॥
na asti rāga-samaṃ duḥkhaṃ na asti tyāga-samaṃ sukham ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
naasti vidyaasamaM chakShuH naasti satyasamaM tapaH ।
naasti raagasamaM duHkhaM naasti tyaagasamaM sukham ॥
-mahaabhaarata, shaanti

na asti vidyaa-samaM chakShuH na asti satya-samaM tapaH ।

na asti raaga-samaM duHkhaM na asti tyaaga-samaM sukham ॥

February 12th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
न त्वहं कामये राज्यं न स्वर्गं नापुनर्भवम् ।
कामये दुःखतप्तानां प्राणिनाम् आर्तिनाशनम् ॥
- भागवत

Transliteration:
na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ na svargaṃ nāpunarbhavam ।
kāmaye duḥkhataptānāṃ prāṇinām ārtināśanam ॥
- bhāgavata

Meaning of the subhAShita:

I certainly am desirous of neither sovereignty nor (want to attain) heaven nor mokṣa (salvation).  I yearn for the relinquishment of grief, of all beings afflicted with pain.  

Commentary:

Everyone aspires to acquire land, reach heaven after passing, or, even better, attain mokṣa. Yet, the author declares that none of these are his desires! While these goals may hold primary importance for most beings, the ultimate reason behind them is the same—to attain happiness. Whether it is acquiring property, accumulating wealth, or seeking mokṣa to escape the burdens of life, the underlying aspiration is to find relief from suffering.

But there is something even more essential and universally desirable for any living creature: freedom from pain. Pain is a peculiar and relentless force—it grips the mind tightly. From a newborn to the elderly, everyone instinctively avoids pain. If fear of death is considered the greatest fear, it is not the event of death itself but the anticipated pain accompanying it that is most dreaded. As someone humorously remarked, "I am not afraid of death; I just don’t want to be there when it happens!"

The fear of pain—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—drives many of the choices and actions people make in life. Yet, pain can often be alleviated or diminished simply by transforming our thoughts. Positive thinking has the power to banish half the pain we endure. Perhaps it’s time to energize and focus our thoughts in the right direction!

Now imagine a world where we are assured of a life without pain, no matter the circumstances. How wonderful that world would be! This is precisely what the author prays for: the universal and essential gift of painlessness for all beings. Such a prayer transcends all creatures that ever took a breath. If there were no pain, who would crave power or possessions? Who would fear being born again and again?

A world without pain would truly be heaven on Earth!

pada vigrahaH:
न तु अहं कामये राज्यं न स्वर्गं न अपुनः भवम् ।
na tu ahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ na svargaṃ na apunaḥ bhavam ।

कामये दुःख-तप्तानां प्राणिनाम् आर्ति-नाशनम् ॥
kāmaye duḥkha-taptānāṃ prāṇinām ārti-nāśanam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
na tvahaM kaamaye raajyaM na swargaM naapunarbhavam ।
kaamaye duHkhataptaanaaM praaNinaam aartinaashanam ॥
- bhaagavata

na tu ahaM kaamaye raajyaM na swargaM na apunaH bhavam ।

kaamaye duHkha-taptaanaaM praaNinaam aarti-naashanam ॥

October 29th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
नष्टं मृतमतिक्रान्तं नानुशोचन्ति पण्डिताः ।
पण्डितानाञ्च मूर्खाणां विशेषोऽयं यतः स्मृतः ॥
- पञ्चतन्त्र, मित्रभेद

Transliteration:
naṣṭaṃ mṛtamatikrāntaṃ nānuśocanti paṇḍitāḥ ।
paṇḍitānāñca mūrkhāṇāṃ viśeṣo'yaṃ yataḥ smṛtaḥ ॥
- pañcatantra, mitrabheda

Meaning of the subhAShita:

(For) that which is lost, dead, or has passed—the intelligent do not bemoan.  It is deemed that is the difference between the intelligent and the foolish.

Commentary:

That which is lost cannot be brought back.  The dead cannot be revived nor can the past be changed!  That which is inevitable cannot be altered anyway. 

The only thing under one's control is his attitude.  Only the foolish invest their time in worrying about the past.  The poet says the intelligent do not bemoan and bewail such things.  That is what sets him apart from the rest.  The intelligent clearly understand that the past has passed and will stay there.  They do everything they can to make a difference in the present and take only the lessons from yesterday.   They take further steps with this resolve in their mind.  It takes a lot of strength, courage, and grace to move on into the future, despite one's past!

No man is rich enough to buy back the past!  No amount of fretting will put a dent in what is already history!  Don't make the future an experiment, and the past a regret.  Hence, keep the lessons from the past, live in the present, and shape a bright future!

pada vigrahaH:
नष्टं मृतम् अतिक्रान्तं न अनुशोचन्ति पण्डिताः ।
naṣṭaṃ mṛtam atikrāntaṃ na anuśocanti paṇḍitāḥ ।

पण्डितानां च मूर्खाणां विशेषः अयं यतः स्मृतः ॥
paṇḍitānāṃ ca mūrkhāṇāṃ viśeṣaḥ ayaṃ yataḥ smṛtaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
naShTaM mRutamatikraantaM naanushochanti paNDitaaH ।
paNDitaanaa~ncha mUrkhaaNaaM visheSho.yaM yataH smRutaH ॥
- pa~nchatantra, mitrabheda

naShTaM mRutam atikraantaM na anushochanti paNDitaaH ।

paNDitaanaaM cha mUrkhaaNaaM visheShaH ayaM yataH smRutaH ॥

August 29th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
न पश्यति च जन्मान्धः कामान्धो नैव पश्यति ।
न पश्यति मदोन्मत्तः स्वार्थी दोषान्न पश्यति ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
na paśyati ca janmāndhaḥ kāmāndho naiva paśyati ।
na paśyati madonmattaḥ svārthī doṣānna paśyati ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A person born blind cannot see; one blinded by desire does not see; he who is intoxicated with pride will not see; nor is the selfish (able to) see - (his own) defects.

Commentary:

Blindness comes in many forms. One is a physical deficiency where the eyes do not function and are deemed blind. They cannot see anything, let alone faults. This is the only type of real blindness.  However, there are other forms of figurative blindness and they are even worse.  The only thing worse than blindness is, 'having sight but no vision.' 

• One who has excessive desires cannot see beyond those desires. He will stop at nothing to achieve his wants and needs. All he can think of is how to acquire the objects of his interest. How can he see his own flaws?
• One who is intoxicated with pride can see nothing but himself! In his opinion, he is the best one there is! With such an attitude, how can he see any shortcomings?
• A selfish person is even worse. He can see nothing beyond himself and his needs. He tirelessly works towards his own best interests. How can such a person see any inadequacies, be it in himself or in his deeds!

The huge difference is in 'cannot' see and 'does not' see! If it is actual blindness that cannot be cured, they have an excuse. But the rest..., are just an excuse (of existence)!

There is no respite from self-inflicted fallacies! Strive to rise above them. 

pada vigrahaH:
न पश्यति च जन्म-अन्धः काम-अन्धो न एव पश्यति ।
na paśyati ca janma-andhaḥ kāma-andho na eva paśyati ।

न पश्यति मद-उन्मत्तः स्वार्थी दोषान् न पश्यति ॥
na paśyati mada-unmattaḥ svārthī doṣān na paśyati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
na pashyati cha janmaandhaH kaamaandho naiva pashyati ।
na pashyati madonmattaH svaarthI doShaanna pashyati ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

na pashyati cha janma-andhaH kaama-andho na eva pashyati ।

na pashyati mada-unmattaH svaarthI doShaan na pashyati ॥

August 12th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
निर्विषेणापि सर्पेण कर्तव्या महती फणा ।
विषमस्तु न चाप्यस्तु घटाटोपो भयङ्करः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
nirviṣeṇāpi sarpeṇa kartavyā mahatī phaṇā ।
viṣamastu na cāpyastu ghaṭāṭopo bhayaṅkaraḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Even for a snake without poison, the hood has many purposes. Whether there is poison or not, its hissing has to be scary!

Commentary:

This verse is an extension of the story 'The Snake and the Hermit'. In this story, it is said that there was a snake who used to bite and injure passersby. People were scared to go where the snake might be.  This made the snake sad.  It thought, "Why do people avoid my presence?"  Once a hermit passing by told the snake that biting is not the right thing to do, and that's why people avoid its presence. 

The hermit went away, only to come back after a few days, to see a very ailing and injured snake. Upon asking, the snake explained that acting upon the hermit's advice it had given up biting. When some children realized this, they started pelting stones at the snake. Therefore, he was now weak and frail. The hermit told the snake, "I certainly advised you not to bite, but I never stopped you from hissing! That is your God-given defense mechanism and you need to use it for your own sake. Never forget that!"

Whether a snake bites or not, his hissing is scary enough to ward off offenders. The same holds good in society. One doesn't have to hurt others, but if he is bold enough to show that he can defend himself and his beliefs, he will be a survivor. These are survival skills.  It is one's birthright to defend himself by all means!

It is not the strongest nor the most intelligent species that survives; the most adaptable one sustains! He who can face any impending events fearlessly and tactfully is a survivor in this world.

pada vigrahaH:
निर्-विषेण अपि सर्पेण कर्तव्या महती फणा ।
nir-viṣeṇa api sarpeṇa kartavyā mahatī phaṇā ।

विषम् अस्तु न च अपि अस्तु घटाटोपः भयङ्करः ॥
viṣam astu na ca api astu ghaṭāṭopaḥ bhayaṅkaraḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
nirviSheNaapi sarpeNa kartavyaa mahatI phaNaa ।
viShamastu na chaapyastu ghaTaaTopo bhaya~nkaraH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

nir-viSheNa api sarpeNa kartavyaa mahatI phaNaa ।

viSham astu na cha api astu ghaTaaTopaH bhaya~nkaraH ॥

August 9th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
नाहारं चिन्तयेत् प्राज्ञः धर्ममेकं हि चिन्तयेत् ।
आहारो हि मनुष्याणां जन्मना सह जायते ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
nāhāraṃ cintayet prājñaḥ dharmamekaṃ hi cintayet ।
āhāro hi manuṣyāṇāṃ janmanā saha jāyate ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The wise do not think about food but reflect on dharma alone. (Because) food for beings is born along with them!

Commentary:

Human birth is a rare and precious gift, a blessing bestowed upon us for realizing the ultimate purpose of life—call it mokṣa, salvation, or liberation. This lofty goal can only be achieved by contemplating and living according to dharma. True nourishment for the soul comes from reflecting on righteousness, not merely feeding the body. Food for thought is as vital, if not more so, than food for sustenance.

The wise understand that the Lord, in His infinite wisdom, has already provided for every being. He sustains even the smallest frog hidden beneath a remote stone, ensuring that its nourishment is within reach. Why, then, should one excessively worry or hoard wealth and provisions to secure comfort for ten future generations? The Lord has placed sustenance in the very vicinity of every living creature—it comes as part of the grand design.

Thus, one need not be consumed by anxiety over fulfilling the body’s needs. Each being’s rightful share of sustenance is born alongside them. Instead, what truly warrants contemplation is the virtue of one’s actions. Are my deeds aligned with dharma? Am I walking the path of righteousness? Such reflections are far more enriching and transformative.

So, let us focus on offering food for thought, not just food for the body. A nourished mind and spirit elevate life far beyond mere existence, paving the way to the ultimate goal.

pada vigrahaH:
न अहारं चिन्तयेत् प्राज्ञः धर्मम् एकं हि चिन्तयेत् ।
na ahāraṃ cintayet prājñaḥ dharmam ekaṃ hi cintayet ।

आहारो हि मनुष्याणां जन्मना सह जायते ॥
āhāro hi manuṣyāṇāṃ janmanā saha jāyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
naahaaraM chintayet praaj~naH dharmamekaM hi chintayet ।
aahaaro hi manuShyaaNaaM janmanaa saha jaayate ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

na ahaaraM chintayet praaj~naH dharmam ekaM hi chintayet ।

aahaaro hi manuShyaaNaaM janmanaa saha jaayate ॥

June 10th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
नान्नोदकसमं दानं न तिथिर्द्वादशी समा ।
न गायत्र्याः परो मन्त्रः न मातुः परं दैवतम् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
nānnodakasamaṃ dānaṃ na tithirdvādaśī samā ।
na gāyatryāḥ paro mantraḥ na mātuḥ paraṃ daivatam ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

There is no giving better than of food and water; there is no time better than the twelfth day of the lunar month (dvādaśī); there is no formula of prayer better than the gāyatrī mantra; (and) there is no deity better than a mother.

Commentary:

Food and water are the best types of offerings to a hungry man. No amount of wealth can quench his thirst and hunger at that moment. When he is satiated, he heartily blesses the giver.  Hence the statement, 'annadātā sukhībhava' (Oh! giver of food, may you attain happiness), is coined.

Among all days in a month, the twelfth day of the lunar calendar, dvādaśī, is considered very auspicious. Any tasks undertaken on that day are bound to be fruitful.

Among all mantras, the 'gāyatrī mantra' is deemed the most sacred of all. It kindles the intellect which eventually leads to all other realizations.

A mother is considered better than any other deity! All the deities cannot come and reside with each and every child. Hence, the Lord appoints a mother to take His place in each home. A mother takes care of the entire family, pays attention to the smallest of their needs, and protects them against all impending calamities. She puts her family as her first and foremost priority, even ahead of her own needs. What works for one family may not be suitable for another. A mother knows exactly what is best for her family and is constantly working towards their betterment.

Someone once said, "The term 'working mother' is redundant!" The term 'mother' already implies that she is working!! She never really leaves her children at home, even when she does not take them along with her. Meaning—she is carrying them around in her heart always!

Love your mother as trees love water and sunshine.  She nourishes you to grow, prosper, and reach new heights! Her love is like a circle—it has no beginning or ending. 

pada vigrahaH:
न अन्न उदक-समं दानं न तिथिः द्वादशी समा ।
na anna udaka-samaṃ dānaṃ na tithiḥ dvādaśī samā ।

न गायत्र्याः परः मन्त्रः न मातुः परं दैवतम् ॥
na gāyatryāḥ paraḥ mantraḥ na mātuḥ paraṃ daivatam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
naannodakasamaM daanaM na tithirdvaadashI samaa ।
na gaayatryaaH paro mantraH na maatuH paraM daivatam ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

na anna udaka-samaM daanaM na tithiH dvaadashI samaa ।

na gaayatryaaH paraH mantraH na maatuH paraM daivatam ॥

June 5th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
न माता शपते पुत्रं न दोषं लभते मही ।
न हिंसां कुरुते साधुः न देवः सृष्टिनाशकः ॥
-सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार


Transliteration:
na mātā śapate putraṃ na doṣaṃ labhate mahī ।
na hiṃsāṃ kurute sādhuḥ na devaḥ sṛṣṭināśakaḥ ॥
-subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A mother will never curse her child, no blemish will taint the earth, the noble do not harm others, God will not destroy His creation.

Commentary:

A mother does everything in her power and even beyond to make her children better than she ever was. She will work beyond her means, investing both her heart and effort. After all that, could she ever have the heart to curse her child? The best well-wisher a child could ever have is his mother!

Mother Earth is considered the most forgiving. No matter how much man exploits her, she has tolerance. In recent times, we hear slogans everywhere—save the earth! Truth is, in a few centuries from now, the earth will still be here. It is the human species that needs saving from making itself extinct by abusing the resources! No amount of extortion will blemish the earth.

Those who are truly noble from the bottom of their hearts will never inflict harm on others. They are ever-compassionate and work tirelessly towards the betterment of those around them. How can such people involve themselves in hurting others?!

Likewise, God never destroys his own creation! All the natural calamities, apocalypses, etc., might look like destruction but in reality, it is dissolution. He does everything with a higher good in mind. There is always something better to come one way or another. He will take care of everyone here and hereafter! Our ignorance about this fact doesn't mean that God is destroying His own creation. Just as a mother won't hurt her child, God, the creator of the whole universe, won't put a dent in his creation with destructive intent. Everything dissolves and when the right time comes, everything resolves too! 

Faith is trusting God even when you don't understand His plan. He is there to protect the smallest insect, to the largest of creatures. Keep the faith! 

pada vigrahaH:
न माता शपते पुत्रं न दोषं लभते मही ।
na mātā śapate putraṃ na doṣaṃ labhate mahī ।

न हिंसां कुरुते साधुः न देवः सृष्टि-नाशकः ॥
na hiṃsāṃ kurute sādhuḥ na devaḥ sṛṣṭi-nāśakaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
na maataa shapate putraM na doShaM labhate mahI ।
na hiMsaaM kurute saadhuH na devaH sRuShTinaashakaH ॥
-subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

na maataa shapate putraM na doShaM labhate mahI ।

na hiMsaaM kurute saadhuH na devaH sRuShTi-naashakaH ॥

June 4th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
नाकाले म्रियते जन्तुः विद्धः शरशतैरपि ।
कुशकण्टकविद्धोऽपि प्राप्‍तकालो न जीवति ॥
- महाभारत

Transliteration:
nākāle mriyate jantuḥ viddhaḥ śaraśatairapi ।
kuśakaṇṭakaviddho'pi prāp‍takālo na jīvati ॥
- mahābhārata

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A living being, even when pierced by a hundred arrows, will not die if it is not its time. Come its time, it will not survive even the touch of a straw thorn.

Commentary:

It's all in good time! Each and every being comes to this world with his very own baggage. One has to run out of all the deeds and actions that are meant to be exhausted in that life. When the purpose of his life has not been achieved, no matter what happens, he is going to live. 

Time and again, we have heard or seen that some people survived the deadliest crash or came out of the worst epidemic, etc. These are examples of the very fact that their life's purpose has not been attained yet. The verse says that if the time is not ripe, he will live through to see another sunrise even if pierced by a hundred arrows.

On the contrary, if his assignment here is done, nothing or nobody has the ability to hold him back. When his time is up, no reason is necessary. A healthy person could drop dead in an instant. Sometimes, a person who has survived the most impossible circumstances could pass on due to most trivial of reasons. He could trip on a pebble and die. Or, as the verse says, he could be pricked by a strand of hay which becomes the reason for his death. These become only 'nimitta-mātra' (mere causes)—means to an end, so to speak—figuratively and literally!

Hence, there is no point in living life in perpetual fear of death. It is inevitable and there is nothing one can do about it! Shouldn't we live life to the fullest when we are alive?! That's why someone once said, “If you can't change your fate, change your attitude”. Think about it...

pada vigrahaH:
न अकाले म्रियते जन्तुः विद्धः शर-शतैः अपि ।
na akāle mriyate jantuḥ viddhaḥ śara-śataiḥ api ।

कुश-कण्टक-विद्धः अपि प्राप्‍त-कालः न जीवति ॥
kuśa-kaṇṭaka-viddhaḥ api prāp‍ta-kālaḥ na jīvati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
naakaale mriyate jantuH viddhaH sharashatairapi ।
kushakaNTakaviddho.pi praaptakaalo na jIvati ॥
- mahaabhaarata

na akaale mriyate jantuH viddhaH shara-shataiH api ।

kusha-kaNTaka-viddhaH api praapta-kaalah na jIvati ॥

May 30th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
न कश्चिदपि जानाति किं कस्य श्वो भविष्यति ।
अतः श्वः करणीयानि कुर्यादद्यैव बुद्धिमान् ॥

Transliteration:
na kaścidapi jānāti kiṃ kasya śvo bhaviṣyati ।
ataḥ śvaḥ karaṇīyāni kuryādadyaiva buddhimān ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

No one knows what happens to whom tomorrow. Hence, the intelligent do tomorrow's task right now!

Commentary:

How many times has one said, "This job should be done 'now', but, I will do it later". When that 'later' comes, there will be a job assigned for that 'later', while the 'now' job is still pending. So, he will start working on the 'now' job. Something will come up in between, that needs immediate attention. The 'later' job is pushed 'further later' because the 'now' job needs more time as well. Then something else interesting comes up. When that 'further later comes', the 'now' job is still not done, the 'later' job is still pending and now the 'further later' job is added to the clutter! So on and so forth... What a mess this is! 

This will turn into a vicious cycle and become a constant battle against the clock! There is no peace of mind, then what to speak of the lack of productivity, and poor quality of work to top all these.

The wise understand this basic concept and never get themselves entrapped in such a situation. We can encounter numerous, unforeseen circumstances in our day-to-day lives. No one can predict what is in store for tomorrow. Hence, the wise keep themselves ahead. They do tomorrow's job today and today's job right now!

Be wise. Do not procrastinate! It is just a lazy man's apology which makes easy things difficult and difficult things even more difficult. 

pada vigrahaH:
न कश्चित् अपि जानाति किं कस्य श्वः भविष्यति ।
na kaścit api jānāti kiṃ kasya śvaḥ bhaviṣyati ।

अतः श्वः करणीयानि कुर्यात् अद्य एव बुद्धिमान् ॥
ataḥ śvaḥ karaṇīyāni kuryāt adya eva buddhimān ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
na kashchidapi jaanaati kiM kasya shvo bhaviShyati ।
ataH shvaH karaNIyaani kuryaadadyaiva buddhimaan ॥

na kashchit api jaanaati kiM kasya shvaH bhaviShyati ।

ataH shvaH karaNIyaani kuryaat adya eva buddhimaan ॥

May 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
न कुलं वृत्तहीनस्य प्रमाणमिति मे मतिः ।
अन्तेष्वपि हि जातानां वृत्तमेव विशिष्यते ॥
- महाभारत, उद्योगपर्व


Transliteration:
na kulaṃ vṛttahīnasya pramāṇamiti me matiḥ ।
anteṣvapi hi jātānāṃ vṛttameva viśiṣyate ॥
- mahābhārata, udyogaparva

Meaning of the subhAShita:

In my opinion, the attestation for a person of low character is not his clan. Even for someone born of a lowly lineage—his conduct is more distinctive.

Commentary:

People are constantly judged and scrutinized in society. They are judged on all grounds starting from their lineage to their attire.

But the poet clearly says, in his opinion any person must be classified mainly according to his conduct, irrespective of his birth in a family of higher or lower order (as per definitions of the society). 

Just because one is born into a reputed family (higher clan) it will not establish his character.  A person's conduct comes from his value base, not his birth. What he has learnt along the way and what he has come to respect says a lot more about him as a human being. These thoughts and values differentiate him from others as either good or bad.  That makes him a human of higher quality! 

Quality is—presence of values not absence of mistakes. Value the values in a person, not his background.

pada vigrahaH:
न कुलं वृत्त-हीनस्य प्रमाणम् इति मे मतिः ।
na kulaṃ vṛtta-hīnasya pramāṇam iti me matiḥ ।

अन्तेषु अपि हि जातानां वृत्तम् एव विशिष्यते ॥
anteṣu api hi jātānāṃ vṛttam eva viśiṣyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
na kulaM vRuttahInasya pramaaNamiti me matiH ।
anteShvapi hi jaataanaaM vRuttameva vishiShyate ॥
- mahaabhaarata, udyogaparva

na kulaM vRutta-hInasya pramaaNam iti me matiH ।

anteShu api hi jaataanaaM vRuttam eva vishiShyate ॥

May 23rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
न द्विषन्ति न याचन्ते परनिन्दां न कुर्वते ।
अनाहूता न चायान्ति तेनाश्मनोऽपि देवताः ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार


Transliteration:
na dviṣanti na yācante paranindāṃ na kurvate ।
anāhūtā na cāyānti tenāśmano'pi devatāḥ ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

(They) do not hate, plead, offend others, or come uninvited.  Due to this, even stones are divine.

Commentary:

Extending from the fact that idols of deities are made from stone, the poet opines that the very reason for making these from stone is—their nature. By nature, the stones:

• do not develop strong likes or dislikes towards anyone or anything. They do not have 'rāga dvesha' (likes and dislikes).
• do not have any desires or attachments. They do not solicit others for favors or materials. They do not have 'moha' (delusionary attachment).
• do not hurl insulting and demeaning words at others. (This happens when one has a big ego. He feels hurt and insults others.) They do not have 'ahankāra' (egotism/self-pride).
• do not come uninvited (anāhūta)! (Well, a stone comes to a place only if someone brings it there. It won't come uninvited by itself anywhere!)

Hence, stones are like Gods because Gods have these traits. It is no surprise that idols are made from the very objects that emulate their characteristics!

Emanating divinity from oneself is as simple as not hating other beings, not begging or soliciting, not insulting others, and also not responding without being asked! 

pada vigrahaH:
न द्विषन्ति न याचन्ते पर-निन्दां न कुर्वते ।
na dviṣanti na yācante para-nindāṃ na kurvate ।

अनाहूताः न च आयान्ति तेन अश्मनः अपि देवताः ॥
anāhūtāḥ na ca āyānti tena aśmanaḥ api devatāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
na dviShanti na yaachante paranindaaM na kurvate ।
anaahUtaa na chaayaanti tenaashmano.pi devataaH ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

na dviShanti na yaachante para-nindaaM na kurvate ।

anaahUtaaH na cha aayaanti tena ashmanaH api devataaH ॥

May 18th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
नाराजके जनपदे स्वकं भवति कस्यचित् ।
मत्स्या इव नरा नित्यं भक्षयन्ति परस्परम् ॥
- रामायण, अयोध्याकाण्ड


Transliteration:
nārājake janapade svakaṃ bhavati kasyacit ।
matsyā iva narā nityaṃ bhakṣayanti parasparam ॥
- rāmāyaṇa, ayodhyākāṇḍa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

In a nation with no leader, nothing is one's own. Just like fish, people constantly consume each other.

Commentary:

Anarchy is detrimental to society on many levels. It disrupts people's lives because a commoner cannot even lead a life of normalcy and feel safe under his own roof. There is nothing one can claim as his own in such a land. In that case, where are peace and prosperity?

When there is no commander-in-chief for a society, everyone has their own say. Only the rough and rugged survive in these scenarios. The milder ones—who make up the majority of the population—suffer unjustly. Just as the bigger fish in a tank prey upon the smaller fish, the rugged devour the weak in such a society.

Anarchy is the sure consequence of tyranny; for no power that is not limited by laws can ever be protected by them. Avoid such situations at all costs.

pada vigrahaH:
न अराजके जनपदे स्वकं भवति कस्यचित् ।
na arājake janapade svakaṃ bhavati kasyacit ।

मत्स्याः इव नराः नित्यं भक्षयन्ति परस्परम् ॥
matsyāḥ iva narāḥ nityaṃ bhakṣayanti parasparam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
naaraajake janapade svakaM bhavati kasyachit ।
matsyaa iva naraa nityaM bhakShayanti parasparam ॥
- raamaayaNa, ayodhyaakaaNDa

na araajake janapade svakaM bhavati kasyachit ।

matsyaaH iva naraaH nityaM bhakShayanti parasparam ॥

April 28th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
न तेन वृद्धो भवति येनास्य पलितं शिरः ।
यो वै युवाप्यधीयानः तं देवाः स्थविरं विदुः ॥
- मनुस्मृति

Transliteration:
na tena vṛddho bhavati yenāsya palitaṃ śiraḥ ।
yo vai yuvāpyadhīyānaḥ taṃ devāḥ sthaviraṃ viduḥ ॥
- manusmṛti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

One doesn't become a grown man because of his graying head. Those who are learned, even if young, are considered exalted-wise (even) by the Gods.

Commentary:

Aging is not about how many years of life have passed, but how much life one has embraced! 

Age and maturity are not always directly proportional. Hence, one's maturity and learnedness are not based upon the number of gray hair he has on his head. A youngster could be more learned and wiser than an old man with a ripe head full of gray hair.

The poet says that even the Gods accept this and revere the learned one more than the aged one. There are multitudes of such instances, both in scriptures and reality, where a little child has enlightened their elders.

Age is just a number. Revere knowledge in anyone, irrespective of their numerical age. Capture it, whether it comes from a little one's mouth or an elderly person's. 

pada vigrahaH:
न तेन वृद्धः भवति येन अस्य पलितं शिरः ।
na tena vṛddhaḥ bhavati yena asya palitaṃ śiraḥ ।

यः वै युवा अपि अधीयानः तं देवाः स्थविरं विदुः ॥
yaḥ vai yuvā api adhīyānaḥ taṃ devāḥ sthaviraṃ viduḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
na tena vRuddho bhavati yenaasya palitaM shiraH ।
yo vai yuvaapyadhIyaanaH taM devaaH sthaviraM viduH ॥
- manusmRuti

na tena vRuddhaH bhavati yena asya palitaM shiraH ।

yaH vai yuvaa api adhIyaanaH taM devaaH sthaviraM viduH ॥

April 26th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
नात्यन्तं सरलैर्भाव्यं गत्वा पश्य वनस्थलीम् ।
छिद्यन्ते सरलास्तत्र कुब्जास्तिष्ठन्ति पादपाः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
nātyantaṃ saralairbhāvyaṃ gatvā paśya vanasthalīm ।
chidyante saralāstatra kubjāstiṣṭhanti pādapāḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Do not have the simplest of demeanor. Go and see in the forest—the straight-standing trees are felled and the crooked (ones) still stand!

Commentary:

This verse is not a call for "learning a contorted disposition" in any way! 

It is mainly a call for the really simple and forthright souls. They are the ones who generally bear the brunt of the evil and spiteful people of the world. The poet gives them the example of the trees in the forest. It is easier to cut down a straight tree than a bent-out, crooked tree. Therefore, the woodcutters take the easiest route and chop down the straight trees.  And because it requires more effort, not many people bother to take down the crooked tree. 

Similarly, if one is not too straightforward and knows how to stand up for himself, he won't get into many unwanted situations. He has to be diplomatic and troublemakers will consider themselves warned and keep their distance.

It is like the story where the sage tells a snake that it is okay to hiss in self-defense, but not to hurt passers-by. This demeanor is okay to be used in self-defense, but not for afflicting pain upon others.

pada vigrahaH:
न अत्यन्तं सरलैः भाव्यं गत्वा पश्य वन-स्थलीम् ।
na atyantaṃ saralaiḥ bhāvyaṃ gatvā paśya vana-sthalīm ।

छिद्यन्ते सरलाः तत्र कुब्जाः तिष्ठन्ति पादपाः ॥
chidyante saralāḥ tatra kubjāḥ tiṣṭhanti pādapāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
naatyantaM saralairbhaavyaM gatvaa pashya vana-sthalIm ।
Chidyante saralaastatra kubjaastiShThanti paadapaaH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

na atyantaM saralaiH bhaavyaM gatvaa pashya vanasthalIm ।

Chidyante saralaaH tatra kubjaaH tiShThanti paadapaaH ॥

March 11th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
नमन्ति फलिता वृक्षाः नमन्ति च बुधा जनाः ।
शुष्ककाष्ठानि मूर्खाश्च भिद्यन्ते न नमन्ति च ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि


Transliteration:
namanti phalitā vṛkṣāḥ namanti ca budhā janāḥ ।
śuṣkakāṣṭhāni mūrkhāśca bhidyante na namanti ca ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Fruit bearing trees are bent in prostration and so are the learned people. Dry twigs and the foolish do not bend and are slit and broken.

Commentary:

A tree bearing lots of fruit cannot stand stiff and straight, as if in pride. It bends down, as if in humility, and offers its fruit to the world. Similarly, the wise bow down in prostration to the supreme power in each individual. They do not pride themselves and display arrogance towards others. They are neither haughty nor high-strung due to their knowledge. Rather, they are humble and compassionate.

On the other hand, dry sapless trees stand stiff and straight as if nothing can affect them. But one fine day, they get felled by someone, break due to wind, or become fuel for some wildfire! Similarly, only fools think highly of themselves and do not care for true knowledge. If they attain the same fate as the dry twigs of a sapless tree, why should one be surprised?!

Humility is an adornment of the wise. Be humble. It will open more doors than arrogance ever will! 

pada vigrahaH:
नमन्ति फलिताः वृक्षाः नमन्ति च बुधाः जनाः ।
namanti phalitāḥ vṛkṣāḥ namanti ca budhāḥ janāḥ ।

शुष्क-काष्ठानि मूर्खाः च भिद्यन्ते न नमन्ति च ॥
śuṣka-kāṣṭhāni mūrkhāḥ ca bhidyante na namanti ca ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
namanti phalitaa vRukShaaH namanti cha budhaa janaaH ।
shuShkakaaShThaani mUrkhaashcha bhidyante na namanti cha ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

namanti phalitaaH vRukShaa namanti cha budhaaH janaaH ।

shuShka-kaaShThaani mUrkhaaH cha bhidyante na namanti cha ॥

February 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
निःसारस्य पदार्थस्य प्रायेणाडम्बरो महान्  ।
न हि स्वर्णे ध्वनिस्तादृक् यादृक् कांस्ये प्रजायते ॥
- यशस्तिलक


Transliteration:
niḥsārasya padārthasya prāyeṇāḍambaro mahān ।
na hi svarṇe dhvanistādṛk yādṛk kāṃsye prajāyate ॥
- yaśastilaka

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Things of lesser quintessential value probably catch more attention. Gold doesn't make noise like brass.

Commentary:

Brass pots make noise generously at the slightest instigation! Gold, on the other hand, doesn't draw noisy attention to itself. It is a rarer metal that has more value in terms of quality. Unlike brass, gold doesn't lose luster over time. (Although brass can gain its shine back when cleaned, it also tarnishes fast.) Yet, clinking gold does not generate much noise. 

The poet has used this fact as a metaphor for things of more qualitative essence, and that they do not propagate much clamor about themselves. Mundane things like gossip are not proactive towards the betterment of anyone.  However, they will come in all kinds of flashy hues and shades. They generate noise in the minds of people and become topics of interest. But in reality, they are distractive just like brass.

This applies to people as well. Learned people do not blow their own horns. They do not show off their prowess with glitz and glamor! Their purpose is to learn more, share their knowledge with their fellow beings, and use their learning for the betterment of society, silently. They are not concerned about who is walking away with credit! 

As someone said, "There is no limit to what can be accomplished if it doesn't matter who gets the credit." Such people work humbly towards a higher goal, without being pompous about their endeavors. Work hard in silence and let your success be your noise! 

pada vigrahaH:
निःसारस्य पदार्थस्य प्रायेण अडम्बरः महान् ।
niḥsārasya padārthasya prāyeṇa aḍambaraḥ mahān ।

न हि स्वर्णे ध्वनिः तादृक् यादृक् कांस्ये प्रजायते ॥
na hi svarṇe dhvaniḥ tādṛk yādṛk kāṃsye prajāyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
niHsaarasya padaarthasya praayeNaaDambaro mahaan ।
na hi svarNe dhvanistaadRuk yaadRuk kaaMsye prajaayate ॥
- yashastilaka

niHsaarasya padaarthasya praayeNa aDambaraH mahaan ।

na hi svarNe dhvaniH taadRuk yaadRuk kaaMsye prajaayate ॥