November 12th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यस्तु सञ्चरते देशान् यस्तु सेवेत पण्डितान् ।
तस्य विस्तरिता बुद्धिः तैलबिन्दुरिवाम्भसि ॥ 
- समयोचितपद्यमालिका

Transliteration:
yastu sañcarate deśān yastu seveta paṇḍitān ।
tasya vistaritā buddhiḥ tailabindurivāmbhasi ॥
- samayocitapadyamālikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

He who travels the world, he who serves the erudite—his acumen shall expand, just as a drop of oil on water!

Commentary:

It is said that the world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page!  Travelling exposes a person to many varieties of cultures and many different perspectives as well.  Life is a journey in itself.  Travel gives a unique touch of experience to one's knowledge.  He who resists travel holds off his own personal growth.

He who is in the company of the learned is always posed with an opportunity to learn.  Just by sheer proximity to the scholars, he gets an insight into how they think.  Even the subtlest action of the wise teaches a thing or two. When interwoven into daily life, acquiring wisdom never ceases and progress never freezes.

The very apt example given in the verse is: a drop of oil on water.  A tiny drop of oil placed on the water just keeps spreading, till it reaches the edge of the water itself! Such would be the vastness of the wisdom of someone with these two attributes—traveling and keeping company with the learned.  These two aspects broaden his horizon and deepen his understanding of the world.

Read, travel, and learn with the learned!

pada vigrahaH:
यः तु सञ्चरते देशान् यः तु सेवेत पण्डितान् ।
yaḥ tu sañcarate deśān yaḥ tu seveta paṇḍitān ।

तस्य विस्तरिता बुद्धिः तैल-बिन्दुः इव अम्भसि ॥ 
tasya vistaritā buddhiḥ taila-binduḥ iva ambhasi ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yastu sa~ncharate deshaan yastu seveta paNDitaan ।
tasya vistaritaa buddhiH tailabindurivaambhasi ॥
- samayochitapadyamaalikaa

yaH tu sa~ncharate deshaan yaH tu seveta paNDitaan ।
tasya vistaritaa buddhiH taila-binduH iva ambhasi ॥

July 3rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
येन केन प्रकारेण यस्य कस्यापि देहिनः ।
सन्तोषं जनयेत् प्राज्ञः तदेवेश्वरपूजनम् ॥
- समयोचितपद्यमालिका

Transliteration:
yena kena prakāreṇa yasya kasyāpi dehinaḥ ।
santoṣaṃ janayet prājñaḥ tadeveśvarapūjanam ॥
- samayocitapadyamālikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

However or by whatever means; to whichever or whatever embodiment (being), learned people propagate happiness.  This alone is the worship of the Lord!

Commentary:

Being happy in themself is one way of being wise!  However, their wisdom of the wise takes them a step ahead.  They strive to share happiness with whomever they come across—no matter the time, space, or species.  They are equanimous towards all beings, human or animal alike.  They are cheerful in their element and their presence uplifts those around.  They strive to bring joy to others in any way or form.

The poet says there is no better bliss or benediction one can offer to the Lord!  Showing gratitude for the grace He has showered upon us is as easy as giving happiness to another being.  In fact, the essence of all the scriptures is, 'giving happiness and causing no harm'.  That is the road to paradise!

The best feeling of happiness is when you are happy that you have made someone else happy.  Together, let's make a happy world.

pada vigrahaH:
येन केन प्रकारेण यस्य कस्य अपि देहिनः ।
yena kena prakāreṇa yasya kasya api dehinaḥ ।

सन्तोषं जनयेत् प्राज्ञः तत् एव ईश्वर-पूजनम् ॥
santoṣaṃ janayet prājñaḥ tat eva īśvara-pūjanam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yena kena prakaareNa yasya kasyaapi dehinaH ।
santoShaM janayet praaj~naH tadeveshvarapUjanam ॥
- samayochitapadyamaalikaa

yena kena prakaareNa yasya kasya api dehinaH ।
santoShaM janayet praaj~naH tat eva Ishvara-pUjanam ॥

August 12th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
इदमेव हि पाण्डित्यं चातुर्यमिदमेव हि ।
इदमेव सुबुद्धित्वम् आयादल्पतरो व्ययः ॥
- समयोचितपद्यमालिका

Transliteration:
idameva hi pāṇḍityaṃ cāturyamidameva hi ।
idameva subuddhitvam āyādalpataro vyayaḥ ॥
- samayocitapadyamālikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

This alone is erudition, this alone is dexterity, this alone is good intellect—expense must be less than revenue.

Commentary:

Not stretching beyond means!

What one possesses, only that, he can expend.  What one owns, only that, he can give.  What one earns, only that, he can spend.  Isn't this a straightforward philosophy?  

The poet opines that this alone is erudition, dexterity, and good intellect.  Although these are different facets of decision-making, they have been mentioned individually to emphasize that 'all these have to give the same end result'—spending less than what is earned.  There is no choice about it.  For, owing to someone is a burden of the heaviest kind.   The heaviest interest a debtor pays is his dignity and his self-respect!

The most sensible way to avoid this scenario is: to live within one's means; not stretching beyond what he can afford, always having something stored for a rainy day...  Even ants do that!  Shouldn't humans do this more ardently?

Spending is quick, earning is slow.  Beware!  Earn slowly, and spend even more slowly.

pada vigrahaH:
इदम् एव हि पाण्डित्यं चातुर्यम् इदम् एव हि ।

idam eva hi pāṇḍityaṃ cāturyam idam eva hi ।

इदम् एव सु-बुद्धित्वम् आयात् अल्पतरः व्ययः ॥
idam eva su-buddhitvam āyāt alpataraḥ vyayaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
idameva hi paaNDityaM chaaturyamidameva hi ।
idameva subuddhitvam aayaadalpataro vyayaH ॥
- samayochitapadyamaalikaa

idam eva hi paaNDityaM chaaturyam idam eva hi ।

idam eva su-buddhitvam aayaat alpataraH vyayaH ॥

July 14th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सन्तोषस्त्रिषु कर्तव्यः कलत्रे भोजने धने ।
त्रिषु चैव न कर्तव्यः अध्ययने जपदानयोः ॥
- समयोचितपद्यरत्नमालिका


Transliteration:
santoṣastriṣu kartavyaḥ kalatre bhojane dhane ।
triṣu caiva na kartavyaḥ adhyayane japadānayoḥ ॥
- samayocitapadyaratnamālikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

There should be satisfaction in 3 (aspects): wife, food, money. There should be no satisfaction in 3 (others): learning, meditating, giving.

Commentary:

The same rule doesn't apply to all issues! 'Satisfaction' is a strange thing. Experiencing it in some aspects gives peace, but experiencing it in others may hinder progress.

One should be happy and contented with: his spouse, the food he eats, and the wealth he possesses. Dissatisfaction with these will lead to unrest and constant agitation towards acquiring something more or someone better! Moreover, these pursuits are NOT something that will lead one toward the purpose of life. So, it is better to be happy with what there is while working on the true quest of life.

However, complacency and contentment should have no place when it comes to: learning, meditating, or giving. One can never say that he has learnt everything and is very satisfied with his knowledge base. Knowing everything good that there is to know cannot happen until one is a jīvanmukta-puruṣa (a liberated soul)! Therefore, never be satisfied with learning.

Saying, 'I've put in this many hours, so I'm done for the week' works only at the office. There is no end to meditation. Prayer is talking to God, but meditation is listening to Him! Meditation is not just chanting the name of the Lord with closed eyes. Having Him in your thoughts every step of the way, through every action, every minute, is constant open-eyed meditation. There is no upper ceiling on how much meditation one can do. Keep His thoughts going!

Giving is the most selfless action which reiterates that material possessions are temporary. To give, one has to be selfless and unattached. Both are beneficial for raising the jīva (soul) to a platform closer to Him. Give heartily. There are always people who can use help.

Be satisfied with your fortune, but dissatisfied with your intellect.  Keep learning!

pada vigrahaH:
सन्तोषः त्रिषु कर्तव्यः कलत्रे भोजने धने ।
santoṣaḥ triṣu kartavyaḥ kalatre bhojane dhane ।

त्रिषु च एव न कर्तव्यः अध्ययने जप-दानयोः ॥

triṣu ca eva na kartavyaḥ adhyayane japa-dānayoḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
santoShastriShu kartavyaH kalatre bhojane dhane ।
triShu chaiva na kartavyaH adhyayane japadaanayoH ॥
- samayochitapadyaratnamaalikaa

santoShaH triShu kartavyaH kalatre bhojane dhane ।

triShu cha eva na kartavyaH adhyayane japa-daanayoH ॥

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 19th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
मर्कटस्य सुरापानं मध्ये वृश्चिकदंशनम् ।
तन्मध्ये भूतसञ्चारो यद्वा तद्वा भविष्यति ॥
- समयोचितपद्यमालिका


Transliteration:
markaṭasya surāpānaṃ madhye vṛścika daṃśanam ।
tanmadhye bhūtasañcāro yadvā tadvā bhaviṣyati ॥
- samayocitapadyamālikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A monkey who is drunk, stung by a scorpion amidst (all these), and invaded by ghosts in the thick of all this—anything can happen!

Commentary:

To begin with, he is a monkey. Then he is given alcohol to make him tipsy. (As if he needs alcohol to get jumpy :). On top of it, he gets stung by a scorpion. As if this wasn't sufficient, there is an invasion of ghosts!! What else can be expected but catastrophic chaos?!! No one can predict the outcome of such situations, and not to mention that the result will be different each time too!

This is a metaphor for the mind. The mind is already very unstable. What if it is provided with an ambiance where it can splurge on all of its whims and fancies?! To top that, what if it is provided with the means to fulfill them without any hurdles on the way?! Nobody to ask nor to question! What will be the outcome of such an individual?! Just as the verse satirically says, 'totally unpredictable!' 

Do not feed the monkey mind! Put a saddle on it and direct it in the right direction. Don't let it run wild and then end up repenting after situations go out of hand. Taming the mind is a full-time assignment. 

pada vigrahaH:
मर्कटस्य सुरापानं मध्ये वृश्चिक-दंशनम् ।
markaṭasya surāpānaṃ madhye vṛścika daṃśanam ।

तत् मध्ये भूत-सञ्चारः यत् वा तत् वा भविष्यति ॥
tat madhye bhūta-sañcāraḥ yat vā tat vā bhaviṣyati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
markaTasya suraapaanaM madhye vRushchikadaMshanam ।
tanmadhye bhUtasa~nchaaro yadvaa tadvaa bhaviShyati ॥
- samayochitapadyamaalikaa

markaTasya suraapaanaM madhye vRushchika-damshanam ।

tat madhye bhUta-sa~nchaaraH yat vaa tat vaa bhaviShyati ॥

March 12th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
परोपदेशे पाण्डित्यं सर्वेषां सुकरं नृणाम् ।
धर्मे स्वीयमनुष्ठानं कस्यचित्तु महात्मनः ॥
- समयोचितपद्यमालिका


Transliteration:
paropadeśe pāṇḍityaṃ sarveṣāṃ sukaraṃ nṛṇām ।
dharme svīyamanuṣṭhānaṃ kasyacittu mahātmanaḥ ॥
- samayocitapadyamālikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

When advising others it is very easy for everyone to show off their erudition. But when it comes to oneself, following the path of dharma is possible only for a select few mahātmās (noble people).

Commentary:

When one falters or makes the slightest mistake, everyone around offers their opinions and thoughts generously. They won't hesitate for a minute to stop and think if their advice is wanted or not. Everyone shares their expertise eagerly to show off their knowledge bank and make a big show of their aptitude.

When it comes to themselves staying on the path of dharma, only very few great souls (mahātmās) can keep their feet on the ground, while keeping their sights on higher goals. Instead of making huge speeches from a podium, their focus will remain on following the words of wisdom themselves, every step of the way, while analyzing their thoughts and actions incessantly. The strength of their words comes from the very fact that their thoughts, actions, and speech are all in sync and aligned. They follow what they say and they say what they think. They are not pompous about their scholarliness either. They are the true mahātmās.

Preach what you practice and practice what you preach!

pada vigrahaH:
पर-उपदेशे पाण्डित्यं सर्वेषां सुकरं नृणाम् ।
para-upadeśe pāṇḍityaṃ sarveṣāṃ sukaraṃ nṛṇām ।

धर्मे स्वीयम् अनुष्ठानं कस्यचित् तु महात्मनः ॥
dharme svīyam anuṣṭhānaṃ kasyacit tu mahātmanaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
paropadeshe paaNDityaM sarveShaaM sukaraM nRuNaam ।
dharme swIyamanuShThaanaM kasyachittu mahaatmanaH ॥
- samayochitapadyamaalikaa

para-upadeshe paaNDityaM sarveShaaM sukaraM nRuNaam ।

dharme swIyam anuShThaanaM kasyachit tu mahaatmanaH ॥

February 20th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अनभ्यासे विषं विद्या अजीर्णे भोजनं विषम् ।
मूर्खस्य च विषं गोष्ठी वृद्धस्य तरुणी विषम् ॥
- समयोचितपद्यमालिका


Transliteration:
anabhyāse viṣaṃ vidyā ajīrṇe bhojanaṃ viṣam ।
mūrkhasya ca viṣaṃ goṣṭhī vṛddhasya taruṇī viṣam ॥
- samayocitapadyamālikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Knowledge (turns) poisonous without practice; food is (like) poison (during) indigestion; an assembly is (like) poison for the foolish; a young girl is (equal to) poison for an aging man.

Commentary:

Poison is disastrous whether it causes death or not. This verse has examples of things that can be as fatal as poison (even if they don't cause death).

1. Practice makes perfect!  Knowledge, that has lost touch, is out of tune, or is not updated—is a disaster waiting to happen. A person cannot claim authority over a vidyā that he has not practiced. Because, chances are, he might have forgotten bits and pieces, and not even be aware of it. He may not be abreast with the latest facts on the subject. He may not be as skillful either, due to lack of practice. Such knowledge can be dangerous.
2. On occasions of indigestion, the best rule to follow is - लङ्घनं परमौषधम् (laṅghanaṃ paramauṣadham). This means that 'skipping a meal is the best medicine'!  Given a little time, nature sets itself right quickly. To make an avenue for that, the best remedy is to not stuff the stomach with more food. Otherwise, food can turn as painful as poison.
3. An assembly of people where thoughts are being discussed and ideas exchanged, is not a place a foolish person enjoys going to. He may not have the required knowledge, material, or oratory skills essential for such a setting. For him, such a place is as unpleasant as poison.
4. A young girl brings distress to an old man. She reminds him of his lost years of youth and therefore brings unhappiness.

If one can identify his shortcomings, it will become easy to avoid getting into stressful situations like those stated above.

pada vigrahaH:
अनभ्यासे विषं विद्या अजीर्णे भोजनं विषम् ।
anabhyāse viṣaṃ vidyā ajīrṇe bhojanaṃ viṣam ।

मूर्खस्य च विषं गोष्ठी वृद्धस्य तरुणी विषम् ॥
mūrkhasya ca viṣaṃ goṣṭhī vṛddhasya taruṇī viṣam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
anabhyaase viShaM vidyaa ajIrNe bhojanaM viSham ।
mUrkhasya cha viShaM goShThI vRuddhasya taruNI viSham ॥
- samayochitapadyamaalikaa

anabhyaase viShaM vidyaa ajIrNe bhojanaM viSham ।

mUrkhasya cha viShaM goShThI vRuddhasya taruNI viSham ॥

January 31st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
गुरवो बहवः सन्ति शिष्यवित्तापहारकाः ।
दुर्लभः स गुरुर्लोके शिष्यचित्तापहारकः ॥
- समयोचितपद्यमालिका


Transliteration:
guravo bahavaḥ santi śiṣyavittāpahārakāḥ ।
durlabhaḥ sa gururloke śiṣyacittāpahārakaḥ ॥
- samayocitapadyamālikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

There are many teachers who take away wealth from the students. (However,) a teacher who captures the mind/thoughts of the students is hard to find in this world.

Commentary:

Teachers are held in very high esteem. It is said 'आचार्य देवो भव (ācārya devo bhava)' meaning, 'teacher is God himself'. Unfortunately, in the current world where education should be pivotal to the betterment of society, the people in charge of educating a whole new generation are not as dedicated to their duties as they should be. 

The entire education system is driven by monetary benefits for everyone involved, except the child and his family. Education is very expensive. The fees and other expenses are such an appalling burden on the parents that it makes their lives so stressful.  The true intent of education is lost in the process. 

Teachers should focus on making children better people so that they, in turn, make the world a better place. Value-based education, which inspires students and gets them excited about learning should be the goal. How often do we come across such inspiring teachers, whom we will never forget and be thankful for?! Sure, we have all had a handful of them! But how wonderful would it be if each and every teacher was like that?!

A good education can change anyone, whereas a good teacher can change everything!  Teachers are the guiding lights for society and future generations.  Salutations to such inspirers in our lives.

pada vigrahaH:

गुरवः बहवः सन्ति शिष्य-वित्त-अपहारकाः ।
guravaḥ bahavaḥ santi śiṣya-vitta-apahārakāḥ ।

दुर्लभः सः गुरुः लोके शिष्य-चित्त-अपहारकः ॥
durlabhaḥ saḥ guruḥ loke śiṣya-citta-apahārakaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
guravo bahavaH santi shiShyavittaapahaarakaaH ।
durlabhaH sa gururloke shiShyachittaapahaarakaH ॥
- samayochitapadyamaalikaa

guravaH bahavaH santi shiShya vitta apahaarakaaH ।

durlabhaH saH guruH loke shiShya chitta apahaarakaH ॥

January 30th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अश्वं नैव गजं नैव व्याघ्रं नैव च नैव च ।
अजापुत्रं बलिं दद्यात् दैवो दुर्बलघातकः ॥
- समयोचितपद्यमालिका


Transliteration:
aśvaṃ naiva gajaṃ naiva vyāghraṃ naiva ca naiva ca ।
ajāputraṃ baliṃ dadyāt daivo durbalaghātakaḥ ॥
- samayocitapadyamālikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Not a horse, not an elephant, and certainly not a tiger! Give a kid (a young goat) as oblation; (alas), destiny slays the weak.

Commentary:

In our day-to-day lives, we see the weak being bullied, being sidelined, being left behind. It is not just people who leave the weak behind. Even destiny has a low priority for the weak, says this verse. At the sacrificial altar, no one would dare bring a tiger, an elephant, or even a horse, for that matter. A little helpless young one of a goat (kid) is the one slaughtered at the balipīṭha (sacrificial altar). The reason is, it doesn't protest much. No one will even consider bringing a tiger to the altar, as they know pretty well that they will become oblation instead!

This is a reminder that we have to take charge of our lives and face life's circumstances bravely. Courage is the only tool for survival through tough situations. We need to help ourselves and not expect some supernatural spirit to come to our rescue. Even destiny takes sides. It only chooses those who dare to stand up for themselves and for what matters to them. It is our primary responsibility to strive to be who we want to be and stand up for what we believe in. Life becomes less stressful when lived fearlessly. In fact, fear should come when the deeds and intentions are wrong, not otherwise.

Let's dare to think, let's dare to act - with our hearts and minds in their right places!

pada vigrahaH:
अश्वं न एव गजं न एव व्याघ्रं न एव च न एव च ।
aśvaṃ na eva gajaṃ na eva vyāghraṃ na eva ca na eva ca ।

अजापुत्रं बलिं दद्यात् दैवः दुर्बल-घातकः ॥
ajāputraṃ baliṃ dadyāt daivaḥ durbala-ghātakaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ashvaM naiva gajaM naiva vyaaghraM naiva cha naiva cha ।
ajaaputraM baliM dadyaat daivo durbalaghaatakaH ॥
- samayochitapadyamaalikaa

ashvaM na eva gajaM na eva vyaaghraM na eva cha na eva cha ।

ajaaputraM baliM dadyaat daivaH durbala-ghaatakaH ॥

January 11th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अमन्त्रमक्षरं नास्ति नास्ति मूलमनौषधम् ।
अयोग्यः पुरुषो नास्ति योजकस्तत्र दुर्लभः ॥
-समयोचितपद्यमालिका

Transliteration:
amantramakṣaraṃ nāsti nāsti mūlamanauṣadham ।
ayogyaḥ puruṣo nāsti yojakastatra durlabhaḥ ॥
-samayocitapadyamālikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

There is not a syllable that is not a mantra; there is not a root that is not a medicine; there is no person who is useless... only, the harnesser is hard to find!

Commentary:

Every sound, every syllable has innate energy in it, and we must respect the 'shabdabrahma' (cosmic energy of sound). Every word when pronounced, has the strength to inflict changes in life.

Every root, twig, sprig of grass, or leaf that ever grew has medicinal value!  This verse mentions roots specifically, as roots have a higher medicinal value than any part of the plant.

Similarly, no being that is born is deemed futile.

When God made the world, He made everything that would be needed under any circumstance. At the same time, He did not make anything which is useless either. He made the entire creation and there wasn't an ounce of 'garbage' (so to say) generated!

Only scarcity is of the harnesser, an employer, a contriver.

When sounds are learnt, one should know how to put them together, speak nice words, and not inflict pain on others. He should be very cautious in what he says. Many a time, harsh words are forgotten by the one who causes the affliction but remains forever in the mind of the afflicted... Spoken words and sped arrows can never be taken back.

Roots, herbs, and plants are remedies for all kinds of health issues. But then, in the story of Rāmāyaṇa, even the very knowledgeable Hanumān couldn't find the right herb and ended up bringing the whole 'Sañjīvini mountain' to save time! Only vaidya Suṣeṇa (a doctor), knew the right remedy for the problem.  A person with the knowledge required to resolve a problem is hard to find.

Similarly, no creature or human being is a waste of space. But someone who can tap into his strengths and encourage him to put them to use is hard to find!

Like they say - the 'appendix' is an organ for which mankind hasn't found a use yet! Nonetheless, it is there for a purpose. We just haven't discovered its usefulness yet.

Let's respect every person we come across and value every creation as God's gift to us.

pada vigrahaH:
अमन्त्रम् अक्षरं न अस्ति न अस्ति मूलम् अनौषधम् ।
amantram akṣaraṃ na asti na asti mūlam anauṣadham ।

अयोग्यः पुरुषः न अस्ति योजकः तत्र दुर्लभः ॥
ayogyaḥ puruṣaḥ na asti yojakaḥ tatra durlabhaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
amantramakSharaM naasti naasti mUlamanouShadham ।
ayogyaH puruSho naasti yojakastatra durlabhaH ॥
-samayochitapadyamaalikaa

amantram akSharaM na asti na asti mUlam anouShadham ।

ayogyaH puruShaH na asti yojakaH tatra durlabhaH ॥

December 13th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
आशायाः ये दासाः ते दासास्सर्वलोकस्य ।
आशा येषां दासी तेषां दासायते लोकः ॥
- समयोचितपद्यमालिका


Transliteration:
āśāyāḥ ye dāsāḥ te dāsāssarvalokasya ।
āśā yeṣāṃ dāsī teṣāṃ dāsāyate lokaḥ ॥
- samayocitapadyamālikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Those who are enslaved to desire, are enslaved to the entire world; (but) for those under whom desire is enslaved, to them the whole world is enslaved.

Commentary:

'Desire' has a strange power. Once it gets its hold on a person, he will act as if he's possessed by it! His sole purpose in life becomes fulfilling that desire. In due course, he will throw his true goals of life, as well as his values, morals, and self-esteem to the wind. A person with no self-esteem or morals will stoop to any level, only to achieve his desires. He would be willing to be a slave to anyone or anything just so his desires are met!  Hence, he is considered a slave to the whole world.

It is difficult to control desire but keeping it under check is a mark of maturity.  Life is merry to a person with the willpower to overcome his 'desires'. He will have higher and nobler goals in mind and will strive to achieve them. Naturally, he earns the respect of those around him. He can grow to heights where the entire world is ready to work with him, look up to him, and be willing to serve him!  

Brutal is the power of desire! But, once that grip is overcome, then there is no stopping the growth and magnanimity of that person.

pada vigrahaH:

आशायाः ये दासाः ते दासाः सर्व लोकस्य ।
āśāyāḥ ye dāsāḥ te dāsāḥ sarva lokasya ।

आशा येषां दासी तेषां दासायते लोकः ॥
āśā yeṣāṃ dāsī teṣāṃ dāsāyate lokaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
aashaayaaH ye daasaaH te daasaassarvalokasya ।
aashaa yeShaaM daasI teShaaM daasaayate lokaH ॥
- samayochitapadyamaalikaa

aashaayaaH ye daasaaH te daasaaH sarva lokasya ।

aashaa yeShaaM daasI teShaaM daasaayate lokaH ॥

November 4th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अजरामरवत् प्राज्ञः विद्यामर्थं च साधयेत् ।
गृहीत इव केशेषु मृत्युना धर्ममाचरेत् ॥
- समयोचितपद्यमालिका

Transliteration:
ajarāmaravat prājñaḥ vidyāmarthaṃ ca sādhayet ।
gṛhīta iva keśeṣu mṛtyunā dharmamācaret ॥
- samayocitapadyamālikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Intelligent people pursue knowledge and wealth as if (they are) ageless and eternal. (But) they tread (on the path) of dharma, as if, death were holding them by the hair.

Commentary:

It is well known that one should perform virtuous deeds before passing on from this life. Procrastinating those deeds for old age is not an option for the learned. Intelligent people perform meritorious actions at all times, as if, death were grabbing them by their hair, ready to snatch their life away.  To them, each action would seem as if it was their last deed. Only then, can one perform dharma throughout their life!

But, when learning and earning, their perspective shifts completely in the opposite direction.  They pursue these two fields with the same vibrancy as they did in their youth as if they are timeless and ageless.  There is no end to learning. One lifetime is just not enough for all the learning that can be done, so they waste no time. To them, sitting idle and not being productive is not an option. They strive to contribute to society and earn wealth in due course.

Keep learning, keep growing.  Engage in righteous deeds always.

pada vigrahaH:
अजर-अमरवत् प्राज्ञः विद्याम् अर्थं च साधयेत् ।
ajara-amaravat prājñaḥ vidyām arthaṃ ca sādhayet ।

गृहीत इव केशेषु मृत्युना धर्मम् आचरेत् ॥
gṛhīta iva keśeṣu mṛtyunā dharmam ācaret ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ajaraamaravat praaj~naH vidyaamarthaM cha saadhayet ।
gRuhIta iva kesheShu mRutyunaa dharmamaacharet ॥
- samayochitapadyamaalikaa

ajara-amaravat praaj~naH vidyaam arthaM cha saadhayet ।

gRuhIta iva kesheShu mRutyunaa dharmam aacharet ॥

October 24th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
मन्त्रे तीर्थे द्विजे दैवे दैवज्ञे भेषजे गुरौ ।
यादृशी भावना यत्र सिद्धिर्भवति तादृशी ॥
- समयोचितपद्यमालिका


Transliteration:
mantre tīrthe dvije daive daivajñe bheṣaje gurau ।
yādṛśī bhāvanā yatra siddhirbhavati tādṛśī ॥
- samayocitapadyamālikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The usefulness of mantras, pilgrimages, brāhmaṇas (knower of Brahman), deities, seekers/knowers of God, doctors, and teachers will be proportional to the faith we put in them.

Commentary:

Vedic chants, prayers, places of worship, brāhmaṇas (brāhmaṇa here is not a Brāhmin in the community, but a brāhmaṇa - one who knows Brahman) and their knowledge, Gods and Goddesses, ascetics, doctors, and teachers—all these groups contribute to society in their own special ways. How useful they are to us depends on how much faith we put in them!

There are lots of examples of this in real life where a particular treatment was fruitful to one person and not to another. In a Placebo effect, they are not even given a real medicine but they seem to get better just because they believe the medication will help them! 

A particular teacher might be thought of as a 'wonderful one' by one student, whereas a 'hopeless one' by another. The first student learns much more than the other one, from the same teacher.  

Miracles seem to happen to some people and not to others. The list goes on. 

The mysterious ingredient behind these differences in results is, probably, the faith with which they started off, in the first place. People who have more trust end up getting better results!

Trust is the highest form of human motivation. It brings out the very best in people. Begin with trust.  Even if the results end up being bad, accept it as God's will. He knows what's best for whom. He never lets anyone down, anywhere, anytime!

pada vigrahaH:
मन्त्रे तीर्थे द्विजे दैवे दैवज्ञे भेषजे गुरौ ।
mantre tīrthe dvije daive daivajñe bheṣaje gurau ।

यादृशी भावना यत्र सिद्धिः भवति तादृशी ॥
yādṛśī bhāvanā yatra siddhiḥ bhavati tādṛśī ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
mantre tIrthe dvije daive daivajne bheShaje gurou ।
yaadRushee bhaavanaa yatra siddhirbhavati taadRushee ॥
- samayochitapadyamaalikaa

mantre tIrthe dvije daive daivaj~je bheShaje gurou ।

yaadRushee bhaavanaa yatra siddhiH bhavati taadRushee ॥

October 7th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
चिन्तनीया हि विपदाम् आदावेव प्रतिक्रिया ।
न कूपखननं युक्तं प्रदीप्ते वह्निना गृहे ॥
- समयोचितपद्यमालिका

Transliteration:
cintanīyā hi vipadām ādāveva pratikriyā ।
na kūpakhananaṃ yuktaṃ pradīpte vahninā gṛhe ॥
- samayocitapadyamālikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The remedy to a problem should be thought of ahead of time. It is not appropriate to dig a well when the house is on fire.

Commentary:

Fire hydrants! It is not a smart idea to start digging a well when the house is burning ablaze. The problem should be anticipated well ahead of time and appropriate plans should be made in case a crisis may occur. This is called planning.

Without planning, no job can be accomplished to its fullest potential. Crisis management should be given enough thought in the very beginning, else, the effort put into the actual job might go to waste.

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail!  Get proactive. Plan intelligently.

pada vigrahaH:
चिन्तनीया हि विपदाम् आदौ एव प्रतिक्रिया ।
cintanīyā hi vipadām ādau eva pratikriyā ।

न कूप-खननं युक्तं प्रदीप्ते वह्निना गृहे ॥
na kūpa-khananaṃ yuktaṃ pradīpte vahninā gṛhe ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
chintanIyaa hi vipadaam aadaaveva pratikriyaa ।
na kUpakhananaM yuktaM pradIpte vahninaa gRuhe ॥
- samayochitapadyamaalikaa

chintanIyaa hi vipadaam aadau eva pratikriyaa ।

na kUpa-khananaM yuktaM pradIpte vahninaa gRuhe ॥

September 30th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
चिन्तायाश्च चितायाश्च बिन्दुमात्रं विशेषता ।
सजीवं दहते चिंता निर्जीवं दहते चिता ॥
- समयोचितपद्यमालिका

Transliteration:
cintāyāśca citāyāśca bindumātraṃ viśeṣatā ।
sajīvaṃ dahate ciṃtā nirjīvaṃ dahate citā ॥
- samayocitapadyamālikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:
The difference between चिता 'citā' and चिंता 'ciṃtā' is just a dot. While 'citā' burns one dead, 'ciṃtā' burns one alive.

Commentary:
When written on paper (in Sanskrit), the words citā and ciṃtā differ just by a bindu (dot). (Grammatically speaking, the word 'ciṃtā' has to be written as चिन्ता.  But the poet has taken the liberty of writing it as चिंता.  Therefore, he has said that the only difference is the 'dot on the top'.)

But the essence of these two words is entirely different from each other. While citā (pyre) burns a person after death, ciṃtā (anxiety) burns a person alive. This clearly illustrates that anxiety is more harmful than even the burning pyre. 

There isn't much that can be achieved by being anxious. No solutions have ever been reached by anxiety, except a bunch of health hazards. So why bother with it?

Worrying does not take away tomorrow's troubles, but will certainly take away today's peace.  Therefore, the motto should be, 'Don't worry, be happy'.

pada vigrahaH:
चिन्तायाः च चितायाः च बिन्दु-मात्रं विशेषता ।
cintāyāḥ ca citāyāḥ ca bindu-mātraṃ viśeṣatā ।

सजीवं दहते चिन्ता निर्जीवं दहते चिता ॥
sajīvaṃ dahate cintā nirjīvaṃ dahate citā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
chintaayaashcha chitaayaashcha bindumaatraM visheShataa ।
sajeevaM dahate chintaa nirjeevaM dahate chitaa ॥
- samayochitapadyamaalikaa

chintaayaaH cha chitaayaaH cha bindu-maatraM visheShataa ।

sajeevaM dahate chintaa nirjeevaM dahate chitaa ॥

September 29th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
तक्षकस्य विषं दन्ते मक्षिकायाश्च मस्तके ।
वृश्चिकस्य विषं पुच्छे सर्वाङ्गे दुर्जनस्य च ॥
- समयोचितपद्यमालिका

Transliteration:
takṣakasya viṣaṃ dante makṣikāyāśca mastake ।
vṛścikasya viṣaṃ pucche sarvāṅge durjanasya ca ॥
- samayocitapadyamālikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A snake has poison in its teeth; a bee (has poison) in its head; a scorpion has poison in its tail; whereas a durjana (evil-doer) has poison in all parts of his body.

Commentary:

Animals store poison in different parts of their body as a mode of defense from their predators. They hold it in only one specific part of their body, i.e., a snake in its teeth; a bee in its head (the sting is located on its head); and a scorpion in its tail.  Also, animals won't strike unless provoked.  And when they do, they strike to protect themselves.

But an evildoer has poison in all parts of his body! In the sense that his thoughts, words, actions, intentions, etc., are all poisonous and evil. Many a time he doesn't even need to be provoked.  He will strike just for self-gratification or amusement!  

Evil people don't just hurt others, but they draw happiness from the pain of their victims.  Be warned and beware of them.

pada vigrahaH:
तक्षकस्य विषं दन्ते मक्षिकायाः च मस्तके ।
takṣakasya viṣaṃ dante makṣikāyāḥ ca mastake ।

वृश्चिकस्य विषं पुच्छे सर्व-अङ्गे दुर्जनस्य च ॥
vṛścikasya viṣaṃ pucche sarva-aṅge durjanasya ca ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
takShakasya viShaM dante makShikaayaashcha mastake ।
vRushchikasya viShaM puchChe sarvaange durjanasya cha ॥
- samyochitapadyamaalikaa

takShakasya viShaM dante makShikaayaaH cha mastake ।

vRushchikasya viShaM puchChe sarva-a~nge durjanasya cha ॥