October 15th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

भस्मना शुद्ध्यते कांस्यं ताम्रमम्लेन शुद्ध्यति ।

रजसा शुद्ध्यते नारी नदी वेगेन शुद्ध्यति ॥

- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:

bhasmanā śuddhyate kāṃsyaṃ tāmramamlena śuddhyati ।

rajasā śuddhyate nārī nadī vegena śuddhyati ॥

- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Brass is scrubbed with ashes; copper is cleansed with sour things; a woman is restored through the menstrual cycle; a river is purged by its speed. 

Commentary:

Cleanliness is next to godliness.  

Chaos theory reminds us that everything in the universe naturally drifts toward disorder. To maintain harmony, continuous effort is required. Yet, what preserves balance for one may not work for another.

For example, observe brass and copper. Each demands its own kind of care—ashes for brass, sour agents like lemon, or tamarind for copper. By contrast, a river cleanses itself through its relentless flow, never giving debris a chance to settle.

The most fascinating example lies in the verse’s reflection on women. The poet says a woman's body is restored through her menstrual cycle.  Modern Science echoes this and has proven that menstrual cycles keep women healthy and help them live longer.  Excess toxins are flushed out reducing heart diseases.  It is the secret to keeping them youthful and energetic too.  Their hormonal functions are in harmony due to their cycles. They are in touch with nature through their cycles.  The benefits are manifold. In essence, it is a natural reset button—an extraordinary gift from nature that rejuvenates and restores women.  They are blessed by nature to be able to renew their own vigor frequently, without any external interference!   

Menstruation is not taboo, it is a blessing from Mother Nature!  

Mother Nature truly knows how to weave wonders into the very fabric of life.

pada vigrahaH:

भस्मना शुद्ध्यते कांस्यं ताम्रम् अम्लेन शुद्ध्यति ।

bhasmanā śuddhyate kāṃsyaṃ tāmram amlena śuddhyati ।

रजसा शुद्ध्यते नारी नदी वेगेन शुद्ध्यति ॥

rajasā śuddhyate nārī nadī vegena śuddhyati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

bhasmanaa shuddhyate kaaMsyaM taamramamlena shuddhyati |

rajasaa shuddhyate naaree nadee vegena shuddhyati ||

- chaaNakya neeti

bhasmanaa shuddhyate kaaMsyaM taamram amlena shuddhyati |

rajasaa shuddhyate naaree nadee vegena shuddhyati ||

July 15th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
भवन्ति नम्रास्तरवः फलोद्गमैः
नवाम्बुभिर्भूरिविलम्बिनो घनाः ।
अनुद्धताः सत्पुरुषाः समृद्धिभिः
स्वभाव एवैष परोपकारिणाम् ॥
- नीतिशतक

Transliteration:
bhavanti namrāstaravaḥ phalodgamaiḥ
navāmbubhirbhūrivilambino ghanāḥ ।
anuddhatāḥ satpuruṣāḥ samṛddhibhiḥ
svabhāva evaiṣa paropakāriṇām ॥
- nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Trees bow down when fruit are shooting forth; clouds hang low when filled with water; the noble become humble in opulence—this is the very nature of the benevolent.

Commentary:

"If you wish to find happiness, provide happiness for others"—this could well be the motto of trees, clouds, and noble people. They achieve inner peace and serenity through their acts of selfless kindness. They are not just kind but humble too—humility being their most defining trait.

A tree, laden with fruit, doesn’t stand rigid and boastful because it offers sustenance to all. Instead, it bends low in humility, making it easier for all to partake in its bounty.

When clouds are full of water, they don’t hover arrogantly high above. Instead, they hang low, as if in meekness, ready to shower the Earth with their cool, life-giving waters.

Noble individuals, when blessed with wealth or status, display profound humility. They are free from arrogance about their resources or accomplishments. They embody modesty, always aware that humility is a lifelong lesson to be embraced. This trait is ingrained in them, and they never stray from it. For them, humility is the cornerstone of all virtues, and they live by this principle at all times.

Those who do good for others never take pride in their actions. Pride breeds artificiality, while humility brings authenticity. Let us choose to be real!

pada vigrahaH:
भवन्ति नम्राः तरवः फल-उद्गमैः
bhavanti namrāḥ taravaḥ phala-udgamaiḥ

नव-अम्बुभिः भूरि-विलम्बिनः घनाः ।
nava-ambubhiḥ bhūri-vilambinaḥ ghanāḥ ।

अनुद्धताः सत्-पुरुषाः समृद्धिभिः
anuddhatāḥ sat-puruṣāḥ samṛddhibhiḥ

स्वभावः एव एषः पर-उपकारिणाम् ॥
svabhāvaḥ eva eṣaḥ para-upakāriṇām ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
bhavanti namraastraravaH phalodgamaiH
navaambubhirbhUrivilambino ghanaaH ।
anuddhataaH satpuruShaaH samRuddhibhiH
svabhaava evaiSha paropakaariNaam ॥
- nItishataka

bhavanti namraaH taravaH phala-udgamaiH

nava-ambubhiH bhUri-vilambinaH ghanaaH ।

anuddhataaH sat-puruShaaH samRuddhibhiH

svabhaavaH eva eShaH para-upakaariNaam ॥

September 6th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
बलाद्दत्तं बलाद्भुक्तं बलद्यच्चापि लेखितम् ।
सर्वान् बलकृतानर्थान् अकृतान् मनुरब्रवीत् ॥
- मनुस्मृति


Transliteration:
balāddattaṃ balādbhuktaṃ baladyaccāpi lekhitam ।
sarvān balakṛtānarthān akṛtān manurabravīt ॥
- manusmṛti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

That which is given forcefully, that which is possessed (enjoyed) forcefully, also that which is written forcefully; all tasks extracted by force are wretched, said Manu.

Commentary:

Any action should be performed willingly! Force should not be the driving force behind any deed, or else it becomes futile.

Giving should be beneficial to the receiver. Giving something for the sake of giving and forcing the other to receive it 'no matter what' is a wasteful effort. It could be a material object, monetary help, or even a piece of advice for that matter—giving by force is not appreciated.

Taking by force is obviously not moral either.  Nobody wants anything snatched from them for any reason! Even eating under force can come under this umbrella.  No one relishes the food that he is forced to eat!  Just the power struggle can put off even a hungry man from wanting to eat.

Using strength to make one write anything is not useful either. Forcing someone to write "I shall not lie" a hundred times, does not instill genuine value for honesty in that person. One can be forced to sign away their property, but such an action would not hold up in a court of law. True thoughts and emotions are expressed only when there is freedom, not when threatened by force.

The poet Manu says that any task achieved through force is wretched. No good results (karma-phala) can come from such actions. Pressuring someone to yield to another's strength only breeds contempt and fear, neither of which contribute to the betterment of either individual. Force transforms one into a tyrant and the other into the threatened, stifling spiritual growth in both. It curtails the blossoming of the soul. So, what is the point of using unnecessary force?

Force may be all-conquering, but its victories are short-lived! It is wiser to plan for the long term.

pada vigrahaH:
बलात् दत्तं बलात् भुक्तं बलत् यत् च अपि लेखितम् ।
balāt dattaṃ balāt bhuktaṃ balat yat ca api lekhitam ।

सर्वान् बलकृतान् अर्थान् अकृतान् मनुः अब्रवीत् ॥
sarvān balakṛtān arthān akṛtān manuḥ abravīt ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
balaaddattaM balaadbhuktaM baladyachchaapi lekhitam ।
sarvaan balakRutaanarthaan akRutaan manurabravIt ॥
- manusmRuti

balaat dattaM balaat bhuktaM balat yat cha api lekhitam ।

sarvaan balakRutaan arthaan akRutaan manuH abravIt ॥

August 28th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
बुद्धिर्यस्य बलं तस्य निर्बुद्धेस्तु कुतो बलम् ।
वने सिंहो मदोन्मत्तः शशकेन निपातितः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
buddhiryasya balaṃ tasya nirbuddhestu kuto balam ।
vane siṃho madonmattaḥ śaśakena nipātitaḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

He who has wisdom has strength. Where is that strength for the foolish? The intoxicated lion in the forest got thrown down by the rabbit. (In the Panchatantra story of The Lion and the Rabbit.)

Commentary:

One doesn’t always need physical strength to overcome an opponent. Often, a bit of extra wisdom is all it takes to turn the tide in one’s favor. With the ability to think quickly and strategically, a person can navigate even the most challenging situations.

In a story from the Panchatantra, a small hare defeats a mighty lion through cleverness. The hare convinces the lion that another lion, claiming to be the true King of the Jungle, resides in a well. The lion, unable to recognize his own reflection in the water, leaps into the well to confront the "other" lion, ultimately meeting his demise.

Even physical power is rendered useless without wisdom. One must know how to wisely direct their strength, or else their efforts will be in vain.

Victory does not always belong to the strongest. It belongs to the wisest!

pada vigrahaH:
बुद्धिः यस्य बलं तस्य निर्-बुद्धेः तु कुतः बलम् ।
buddhiḥ yasya balaṃ tasya nir-buddheḥ tu kutaḥ balam ।

वने सिंहः मद-उन्मत्तः शशकेन निपातितः ॥
vane siṃhaḥ mada-unmattaḥ śaśakena nipātitaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
buddhiryasya balaM tasya nirbuddhestu kuto balam ।
vane siMho madonmattaH shashakena nipaatitaH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

buddhiH yasya balaM tasya nir-buddheH tu kutaH balam ।

vane siMhaH mada-unmattaH shashakena nipaatitaH ॥

August 24th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
भारते संस्कृता भाषा कामधेनुः प्रकीर्तिता ।
जननी विश्वभाषाणां विज्ञानस्योपकारिणी ॥

Transliteration:
bhārate saṃskṛtā bhāṣā kāmadhenuḥ prakīrtitā ।
jananī viśvabhāṣāṇāṃ vijñānasyopakāriṇī ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

In Bhārata (India), the Sanskrit language is reputed as 'kāmadhenu' (the celestial cow that bestows all desires). Being the mother of world languages, it is the benefactor of wisdom.

Commentary:

Sanskrit is rightfully revered as the devabhāṣā, the language of the divine.

In India, it is also hailed as kāmadhenu, the celestial cow that fulfills all desires, catering to the needs of all. This sacred language and its vast literature can quench the thirst of anyone seeking knowledge, no matter the field. Sanskrit is not only a treasure trove of spiritual wisdom but encompasses an extraordinary range of topics— from nyāya śāstra (the study of logic) to nīti śāstra (moral and ethical education); from architecture to science; from medicine to astronomy. Its breadth is limitless and so is its depth.

Sanskrit is also considered the mother of many world languages. Numerous languages trace their roots to it, and its influence can be seen across the globe. It is a natural wellspring of wisdom, and the richness of its literature makes it an invaluable resource.

Let us celebrate Sanskrit and make an effort to partake, even if just a little, from the vast ocean of knowledge that this magnificent language offers.

P.S.: World Sanskrit Day is celebrated on the full moon day of the Śrāvaṇa month according to the Hindu calendar.

pada vigrahaH:
भारते संस्कृता भाषा कामधेनुः प्रकीर्तिता ।
bhārate saṃskṛtā bhāṣā kāmadhenuḥ prakīrtitā ।

जननी विश्व-भाषाणां विज्ञानस्य उपकारिणी ॥
jananī viśva-bhāṣāṇāṃ vijñānasya upakāriṇī ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
bhaarate saMskRutaa bhaaShaa kaamadhenuH prakIrtitaa ।
jananI vishvabhaaShaaNaaM vij~naanasyopakaariNI ॥

bhaarate saMskRutaa bhaaShaa kaamadhenuH prakIrtitaa ।

jananI vishva-bhaaShaaNaaM vij~naanasya upakaariNI ॥

August 22nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
बहूनां चैव सत्त्वानां समवायो रिपुञ्जयः ।
वर्षधाराधरो मेघः तृणैरपि निवार्यते ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
bahūnāṃ caiva sattvānāṃ samavāyo ripuñjayaḥ ।
varṣadhārādharo meghaḥ tṛṇairapi nivāryate ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A collection of people put together (in an army) wins over an enemy. The clouds that bring torrential rain can be stopped by straw!

Commentary:

A thatched roof, though made up of simple strands of straw, has the remarkable ability to shield one from even the harshest of storms. On its own, a single strand of straw cannot offer such protection, but when woven together, these individual strands form a collective strength that is far greater than the sum of its parts. It is the unity that grants them this power.

Similarly, a group of people united forms an army strong enough to overcome any adversary. A single soldier, no matter how brave or skilled, cannot achieve such a feat alone.

When this understanding is embraced, cooperation becomes effortless. Working together as a team transforms challenges into opportunities, making even the toughest tasks seem easy.

United we stand, divided we fall. True strength lies in unity!

pada vigrahaH:
बहूनां च एव सत्त्वानां समवायः रिपुञ्जयः ।
bahūnāṃ ca eva sattvānāṃ samavāyaḥ ripuñjayaḥ ।

वर्ष-धारा-धरः मेघः तृणैः अपि निवार्यते ॥
varṣa-dhārā-dharaḥ meghaḥ tṛṇaiḥ api nivāryate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
bahUnaaM chaiva sattvaanaaM samavaayo ripu~njayaH ।
varShadhaaraadharo meghaH tRuNairapi nivaaryate ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

bahUnaaM cha eva sattvaanaaM samavaayaH ripu~njayaH ।

varSha-dhaaraa-dharaH meghaH tRuNaiH api nivaaryate ॥

August 15th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
बन्धाय विषयाऽसक्तिः मुक्त्यै निर्विषयं मनः ।
मन एव मनुष्याणां कारणं बन्धमोक्षयोः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
bandhāya viṣayā'saktiḥ muktyai nirviṣayaṃ manaḥ ।
mana eva manuṣyāṇāṃ kāraṇaṃ bandhamokṣayoḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Devotion towards materials is only for bondage, disinterest in objects of pleasure is itself freedom. Mind alone is the reason for man's restraint and redemption.

Commentary:

Bondage is a peculiar noose—effortless to slip into but incredibly challenging to escape from. Material pleasures and indulgence only tighten its grip, pulling one deeper into its tangled web. True freedom lies in disinterest towards objects of pleasure, as detachment is the ultimate liberation.

When desires go unchecked, pursuing them becomes the sole focus, leading to an endless chase. Detachment serves as the strongest shield, protecting one from the chains of bondage. The moment the mind becomes attached, the self is dragged into a whirlpool of illusions, pulling it further from redemption and inner peace.

Happiness is not rooted in possessions but in the cultivation of the mind. As the saying goes, "It's all in the mind!" The mind holds the key to everything—what you think, you become. If your thoughts are confined to base desires, your growth will remain limited. However, if your vision is fixed on the stars, you may at least rise to the rooftop.

Avoid becoming consumed by the games of the mind. Instead, cultivate clarity and purpose, freeing yourself from illusions and paving the way to true fulfillment.

pada vigrahaH:
बन्धाय विषय-आसक्तिः मुक्त्यै निर्विषयं मनः ।
bandhāya viṣaya-āsaktiḥ muktyai nirviṣayaṃ manaḥ ।

मनः एव मनुष्याणां कारणं बन्ध-मोक्षयोः ॥
manaḥ eva manuṣyāṇāṃ kāraṇaṃ bandha-mokṣayoḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
bandhaaya viShayaa.saktiH muktyai nirviShayaM manaH ।
mana eva manuShyaaNaaM kaaraNaM bandhamokShayoH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

bandhaaya viShaya-aasaktaM muktyai nirviShayaM manaH ।

manaH eva manuShyaaNaaM kaaraNaM bandha-mokShayoH ॥

July 6th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
भवत्येकस्थले जन्म गन्धस्तेषां पृथक् पृथक् ।
उत्पलस्य मृणालस्य मत्स्यस्य कुमुदस्य च ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार


Transliteration:
bhavatyekasthale janma gandhasteṣāṃ pṛthak pṛthak ।
utpalasya mṛṇālasya matsyasya kumudasya ca ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Born in the same place, they (each) smell differently—water lily, lotus root, fish, and night lotus!

Commentary:

A water lily, a night lotus, a lotus root, and a fish are all born in water. Yet, they are vastly different. Their traits and temperaments vary widely—They do not look the same, smell the same, or feel the same! Daylilies and lotuses bloom during the day whereas night lilies and night lotuses bloom at night. Their roots remain underwater while the flowers bloom above. The fish are mobile and consume food as well. They have a completely different smell in comparison to the fragrance of the flowers which are born in the same pond! 

The only similarity among them seems to be their place of birth.  Each of them has a bigger set of attributes unique to them alone!

Likewise, children from the same parents or students of the same teacher cannot be expected to be similar. Perceptions differ based on prior vāsanās and experiences, which are beyond human cognizance. One child may have a keen interest in music while the other is eager to play sports. One may be extremely smart in math, yet the other may be exceptional in art!

Similarly, students taught by the same teacher cannot achieve the same results!  The teacher teaches both at the same time, but it is up to each student as to what he absorbs.  It is just like when the rain pours in an area.  The drops of water on the rock slide off, whereas the droplets that fall on the soil will nourish plants and allow them to grow!  There was no difference in the rain's intensity or composition.  Both the stone and the soil received the same rainwater. Yet their intrinsic natures made their outcomes different.  They are two different objects and just can't be compared to one another.

No matter what color and fragrance they carry, each being has his own place and specialty in this world. No one can substitute for the other! There is the Supreme driving force behind each entity and each belongs exactly where it is!

When two people are born from the same parents and in the same place but are still different, how can we expect everyone in the world to think and work alike?!  People come into one's life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When he figures out which one it is he will know exactly what to do. Value each person for themselves. Each one comes with his own flaws and strengths. Appreciate them for their good qualities and overlook their shortcomings.

pada vigrahaH:
भवति एक-स्थले जन्म गन्धः तेषां पृथक् पृथक् ।
bhavati eka-sthale janma gandhaḥ teṣāṃ pṛthak pṛthak ।

उत्पलस्य मृणालस्य मत्स्यस्य कुमुदस्य च ॥
utpalasya mṛṇālasya matsyasya kumudasya ca ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
bhavatyekasthale janma gandhasteShaaM pRuthak pRuthak ।
utpalasya mRuNaalasya matsyasya kumudasya cha ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

bhavati eka-sthale janma gandhaH teShaaM pRuthak pRuthak ।

utpalasya mRuNaalasya matsyasya kumudasya cha ॥

May 17th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
भये वा यदि वा हर्षे संप्राप्ते यो विमर्शयेत् ।
कृत्यं न कुरुते वेगात् न स सन्तापमाप्नुयात् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार


Transliteration:
bhaye vā yadi vā harṣe saṃprāpte yo vimarśayet ।
kṛtyaṃ na kurute vegāt na sa santāpamāpnuyāt ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

When in fear or in happiness, he who thinks his actions through and does nothing in haste will not undergo sorrow (suffering).

Commentary:

Life is a cycle. There are good times and bad times. Some bring excessive joy, while other times bring fear. In either circumstance, chances are, one might react hastily. When one responds hurriedly, he is bound to make mistakes that he will regret later. However, sped arrows and spoken words can never be taken back. He would have already caused damage, be it intentional or unintentional. When such actions are set in motion, chances are that the other person will retaliate with more force, leading to an unending vicious cycle.

The poet in this verse opines that—he who thinks his actions through, will save some suffering/regrets for himself and for others around him. Thoughtless actions have caused great harm and history is proof for that. Thoughtfulness about one's own actions is the winning way!

People of thoughtless actions are always surprised by consequences.  We must remember that construction is a slow and laborious task that takes years whereas destruction can occur from one thoughtless action in a minute. 

Think your actions through...

pada vigrahaH:
भये वा यदि वा हर्षे संप्राप्ते यः विमर्शयेत् ।
bhaye vā yadi vā harṣe saṃprāpte yaḥ vimarśayet ।

कृत्यं न कुरुते वेगात् न स सन्तापम् आप्नुयात् ॥
kṛtyaṃ na kurute vegāt na sa santāpam āpnuyāt ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
bhaye vaa yadi vaa harShe saMpraapte yo vimarshayet ।
kRutyaM na kurute vegaat na sa santaapamaapnuyaat ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

bhaye vaa yadi vaa harShe saMpraapte yaH vimarshayet ।

kRutyaM na kurute vegaat na sa santaapam aapnuyaat ॥

May 1st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
बालादपि ग्रहीतव्यं युक्तमुक्तं मनीषिभिः ।
रवेरविषये किं न प्रदीपस्य प्रकाशनम् ॥
- हितोपदेश, सुहृद्भेद

Transliteration:
bālādapi grahītavyaṃ yuktamuktaṃ manīṣibhiḥ ।
raveraviṣaye kiṃ na pradīpasya prakāśanam ॥
- hitopadeśa, suhṛdbheda

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Sensible words, if coming even from a child, should be received by mankind. Doesn't a lamp illuminate where the sun cannot?!

Commentary:

The sun might be the biggest source of light for the planet. But, there are places that even He cannot reach. Think about the deepest valleys, the darkest caves, or the thickest forests. These places might have never seen the faintest ray of sunlight. However, when a small lamp is taken there, it lights up the whole place! For such a place, a lamp is much more appropriate than the big bright sun.  How about at night?  The sun can't reach at night to light up the room, but a little lamp can!

The same is the case with wise words, which sometimes come from the mouth of a child, and are worth a million. Children speak with no malice and have the purest of hearts. Life is very simple in their terminology. Hence, when adults complicate things, children seem to speak more sensibly! At that time, one should not discount those words just because they came from a child. Wise words from any mouth must be accepted and respected.

Every child is born a genius. They are wise and observant!  Pay attention to their words.

pada vigrahaH:
बालात् अपि ग्रहीतव्यं युक्तम् उक्तं मनीषिभिः ।
bālāt api grahītavyaṃ yuktam uktaṃ manīṣibhiḥ ।

रवेः अविषये किं न प्रदीपस्य प्रकाशनम् ॥
raveḥ aviṣaye kiṃ na pradīpasya prakāśanam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
baalaadapi grahItavyaM yuktamuktaM manIShibhiH ।
raveraviShaye kiM na pradIpasya prakaashanam ॥
- hitopadesha, suhRudbheda

baalaat api grahItavyaM yuktam uktaM manIShibhiH ।

raveH aviShaye kiM na pradIpasya prakaashanam ॥

March 26th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
बह्वाशी अल्पसन्तुष्टः सुनिद्रः शीघ्रचेतनः ।
प्रभुभक्तिश्च शौर्यञ्च मन्तव्याः षट् शुनो गुणाः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
bahvāśī alpasantuṣṭaḥ sunidraḥ śīghracetanaḥ ।
prabhubhaktiśca śauryañca mantavyāḥ ṣaṭ śuno guṇāḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Has many desires; is satiated with little; sleeps deeply; quick to alert; faithfulness to the master; and courage—these 6 efficacies of a dog are honorable.

Commentary:

There is a lesson to learn from every being!

Actually 6, from a dog. A dog has many desires and eats well when food is offered. But if there isn't any food, he is just as happy. He is a sound sleeper, yet he stirs at the slightest noise. He is ever faithful to his master. The master's own kith and kin may leave his side, but the dog he fed will never leave him. Unlike some humans, backstabbing is a concept unknown to him. He is brave and will risk his life if required, to save his master.

Doesn't philosophy tell us to be happy with what we have?! Doesn't philosophy tell us to be aware and alert in the mind always?! Faithfulness is never put down in any school of thought. Courage is of course needed, not just for survival, but for venturing out into the unknown as well. Hence, there are valuable lessons to be learnt from every being, even a dog.

Great is his soul, who can recognize the greatness in another being, irrespective of his lineage, social stature, acquaintances, or even if it belongs to a different species! There is something of value in everyone. 

pada vigrahaH:
बहु-आशी अल्प-सन्तुष्टः सुनिद्रः शीघ्र-चेतनः ।
bahu-āśī alpa-santuṣṭaḥ sunidraḥ śīghra-cetanaḥ ।

प्रभु-भक्तिः च शौर्यं च मन्तव्याः षट् शुनः गुणाः ॥
prabhu-bhaktiḥ ca śauryaṃ ca mantavyāḥ ṣaṭ śunaḥ guṇāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
bahvaashI alpasantuShTaH sunidraH shIghrachetanaH ।
prabhubhaktishcha shaurya~ncha mantavyaaH ShaT shuno guNaaH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

bahu-aashI alpa-santuShTaH sunidraH shIghra-chetanaH ।

prabhu-bhaktiH cha shauryaM cha mantavyaaH ShaT shunaH guNaaH ॥

January 29th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
बालस्यापि रवेः पादाः पतन्त्युपरि भूभृताम् ।
तेजसा सह जातानां वयः कुत्रोपयुज्यते ॥ 
- पञ्चतन्त्र, मित्रभेद

Transliteration:
bālasyāpi raveḥ pādāḥ patantyupari bhūbhṛtām ।
tejasā saha jātānāṃ vayaḥ kutropayujyate ॥
- pañcatantra, mitrabheda

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Even the feet of a young Sun (sunrays) can fall on top of the mountains (kings). For those born with brilliance, where is the relevance of age?

Commentary:

The sun is very tender and young early in the morning. But this does not have any bearing on his reach! As easily as he can reach the deep valleys, can he also reach the mountain tops. He shines on kings and kingsmen. For those who are inherently brilliant, their age has no connection to their achievements. That certainly is an attribute everyone wants to possess!

Achievements are not necessarily gauged based on one's years of experience. Children, even with their naivety and innocence, teach the grown-ups a lot. Age is no factor to the little ones. They teach us to be curious always, be happy for no reason, and fight tirelessly for what we want.  As adults, why do we fall short of these traits?!

Children are inherently happy and their happiness is contagious. While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about!

pada vigrahaH:
बालस्य अपि रवेः पादाः पतन्ति उपरि भूभृताम् ।
bālasya api raveḥ pādāḥ patanti upari bhūbhṛtām ।

तेजसा सह जातानां वयः कुत्र उपयुज्यते ॥
tejasā saha jātānāṃ vayaḥ kutra upayujyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
baalasyaapi raveH paadaaH patantyupari bhUbhRutaam ।
tejasaa saha jaataanaaM vayaH kutropayujyate ॥
- pa~nchatantra, mitrabheda

baalasya api raveH paadaaH patanti upari bhUbhRutaam ।

tejasaa saha jaataanaaM vayaH kutra upayujyate ॥

January 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
बोद्धारो मत्सरग्रस्ताः प्रभवः स्मयदूषिताः ।
अबोधोपहताश्चान्ये जीर्णमङ्गे सुभाषितम् ॥
- नीतिशतक

Transliteration:
boddhāro matsaragrastāḥ prabhavaḥ smayadūṣitāḥ ।
abodhopahatāścānye jīrṇamaṅge subhāṣitam ॥
- nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The perceptive (people) are in the grasp of jealousy, the kings are corrupt with arrogance and the rest are beyond perception... (Alas!) the subhāṣitas dilapidated within myself.

Commentary:

भर्तृहरि (Bhartṛhari) who wrote the wonderful book 'नीतिशतक' (Nītiśataka), says that there are all kinds of people in the world. Some are sharp and perceptive, and some are not. Some have the power to propagate knowledge (like the kings) and some don't. He dolefully laments that the problem is—all these people have their own specific reasons for ignoring the subhāṣitas.

1. The intelligent are very busy trying to beat the rat race and outshining their fellow beings. Devoured by jealousy, they do not have any affection towards the subhāṣitas.
2. The kings, or other people in power, are so arrogant about their high position that instead of using their power for the propagation of values and ethics (that are in the subhāṣitas), they do not even care for the subhāṣitas.
3. The rest are not knowledgeable enough to be receptive to the subhāṣitas.

Alas, that represents most people.  So, who is to heed the words of wisdom? Despite knowing this, Bhartṛhari wrote the wonderful book with 100 beautiful verses, hoping that someone, someday will be eager to learn. Each verse is a pearl of wisdom that is a guiding light to daily life.

Let us be the people putting those luminous pearls to practical use in our day-to-day lives!

pada vigrahaH:
बोद्धारः मत्सर ग्रस्ताः प्रभवः स्मय-दूषिताः ।
boddhāraḥ matsara grastāḥ prabhavaḥ smaya-dūṣitāḥ ।

अबोध-उपहताः च अन्ये जीर्णम् अङ्गे सुभाषितम् ॥
abodha-upahatāḥ ca anye jīrṇam aṅge subhāṣitam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
boddhaaro matsaragrastaaH prabhavaH smayadUShitaaH ।
abodhopahataashchaanye jIrNama~nge subhaaShitam ॥
- nItishataka

boddhaaraH matsara grastaaH prabhavaH smaya-dUShitaaH ।

abodha-upahataaH cha anye jIrNam a~nge subhaaShitam ॥

December 24th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
भुक्त्वा तृणानि शुष्कानि पीत्वा तोयं जलाशयात् ।
दुग्धं ददति लोकेभ्यः गावो लोकस्य मातरः ॥

Transliteration:
bhuktvā tṛṇāni śuṣkāni pītvā toyaṃ jalāśayāt ।
dugdhaṃ dadati lokebhyaḥ gāvo lokasya mātaraḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

After eating dry grass and drinking water from the stream, cows give milk to people. (They truly) are (like) mothers to the world.

Commentary:

Cows do not look forward to choosing from fancy lunch or dinner menus. They'll eat whatever dry grass and leaves come their way and drink water from any available source of water - whether it is a lake, pool, pond, or stream. They do not expect anything from anyone. Yet at the same time, they don't live life indifferently. They provide an abundance of milk, that yields other products like yogurt, butter, ghee, etc.

Although they do not receive too much from the world, they do more than their fair share for society. They are like a mother who works tirelessly for her child without expecting anything in return. A mother always has the child's best interest at heart and continues to work towards putting forth her best possible efforts. Cows provide not just to one person, but to the entire world. Hence, they are considered as mothers of the world.

Cows are the gentlest of creatures that ever breathed. They are so divine that no wonder they are worshipped as Gods.  

pada vigrahaH:
भुक्त्वा तृणानि शुष्कानि पीत्वा तोयं जलाशयात् ।
bhuktvā tṛṇāni śuṣkāni pītvā toyaṃ jalāśayāt ।

दुग्धं ददति लोकेभ्यः गावो लोकस्य मातरः ॥
dugdhaṃ dadati lokebhyaḥ gāvo lokasya mātaraḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
bhuktvaa tRuNaani shuShkaani pItvaa toyaM jalaashayaat ।
dugdhaM dadati lokebhyaH gaavo lokasya maataraH ॥

bhuktvaa tRuNaani shuShkaani pItvaa toyaM jalaashayaat ।

dugdhaM dadati lokebhyaH gaavo lokasya maataraH ॥

December 21st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
भार्गवेण हता माता एकजायाश्च पाण्डवाः ।
परदाररतः कृष्णो न देवचरितं चरेत् ॥

Transliteration:
bhārgaveṇa hatā mātā ekajāyāśca pāṇḍavāḥ ।
paradārarataḥ kṛṣṇo na devacaritaṃ caret ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Paraśurāma killed his mother; (five) Pāṇḍava-s had one wife; and Kṛṣṇa indulged with others' wives.  Do not follow in the footsteps of the noble.

Commentary:

On first thought, this shloka seems like a misfit of words. However, one needs to delve deeper into the implicit meaning of the shloka.

• Bhārgava was another name for Paraśurāma. He cut off his own mother's head with his paraśu (axe) as per his father's orders. His only reason for that was because his father told him to (There is a back story for this which is nonessential in the context).  The father was pleased with his son's unwavering faith in his words and offered him a boon. As a boon, Paraśurāma asked his father to revive his mother, which he did. One needs to know the whole episode before simply saying that he killed his mother! (In today's world, there are no children who are so obedient, nor are there fathers who can bring people back to life.) 
• The 5 Pāṇḍava-s married one Draupadī, in order to keep their mother's word. That wasn't the only reason.  It was also the Lord's way of fulfilling a boon that Draupadī herself had asked for. She had wanted a husband with 5 of the best qualities—honest, strong, skilled in warfare, handsome, and kind. The Lord responded to her request by giving her 5 husbands—since it was simply impossible, even for the Lord, to create one man with all 5 qualities.
• Lord Kṛṣṇa wed 16,000 gopikās! He was liberating them from an asura (demon) named Narakāsura. However, we humans can't liberate our own sorrows, let alone liberate others from theirs. So, we can't blindly take notes that Kṛṣṇa married so many gopis simply because he wanted to.

The moral is: We cannot comprehend all the actions of the noble, and therefore, we should not blindly follow in their footsteps.  Their actions should be seriously contemplated before mimicking them.

Know how, why, and which actions of the noble can be emulated. Follow the truth, but follow no one blindly. 

pada vigrahaH:

भार्गवेण हता माता एक-जायाः च पाण्डवाः ।
bhārgaveṇa hatā mātā eka-jāyāḥ ca pāṇḍavāḥ ।

पर-दार-रतः कृष्णः न देव-चरितं चरित ॥
para-dāra-rataḥ kṛṣṇaḥ na deva-caritaṃ carita ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
bhaargaveNa hataa maataa ekajaayaashcha paaNDavaaH ।
paradaararataH kRuShNo na devacharitaM charet ॥

bhaargaveNa hataa maataa eka-jaayaaH cha paaNDavaaH ।

para-daara-rataH kRuShNaH na deva-charitaM charet ॥

November 10th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
भाषासु मुख्या मधुरा दिव्या गीर्वाणभारती ।
तस्यां हि काव्यं मधुरं तस्मादपि सुभाषितम् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
bhāṣāsu mukhyā madhurā divyā gīrvāṇabhāratī ।
tasyāṃ hi kāvyaṃ madhuraṃ tasmādapi subhāṣitam ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Among all languages, Saṃskṛtam (Sanskrit) is the most important, pleasant, and divine. In that (Sanskrit), poetry is the sweetest. And in that (poetry), subhāṣita is most charming.

Commentary:

Among all the languages, only Saṃskṛtam came to be defined as the 'devabhāṣā'. Not just because it is the language spoken by the Gods, but because it is as divine as the Gods themselves. It is the origin and mother of many other languages. Our scriptures, which are like a manual to the very existence of life, are written in Sanskrit. (The Vedas tell how life came about, what the purpose of life is, and our true nature.)

In such a charming language, the flavor of poetry is the absolute sweetest.  And among all the sweet poetry, the essence of subhāṣita-s is like honey! Therefore, subhāṣitas are the sweetest among the sweetest of the sweetest! :)

Now, one can only imagine the richness of a subhāṣita! Such is the value of a 'pearl of wisdom'. These pearls are relevant for any generation, of any era.

This is the beauty of Sanskrit! There are even subhāṣita-s about subhāṣita-s themselves.

We must start applying them in our daily lives.  Let's get learning! 

pada vigrahaH:
भाषासु मुख्या मधुरा दिव्या गीर्वाणभारती ।
bhāṣāsu mukhyā madhurā divyā gīrvāṇabhāratī ।

तस्यां हि काव्यं मधुरं तस्मात् अपि सुभाषितम् ॥
tasyāṃ hi kāvyaṃ madhuraṃ tasmāt api subhāṣitam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
bhaaShaasu mukhyaa madhuraa divyaa gIrvaaNabhaaratI ।
tasyaaM hi kaavyaM madhuraM tasmaadapi subhaaShitam ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

bhaaShaasu mukhyaa madhuraa divyaa gIrvaaNabhaaratI ।

tasyaaM hi kaavyaM madhuraM tasmaat api subhAShitam ॥