June 22nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उभयोर्नास्ति भोगेच्छा परार्थं धनसञ्चयः ।
कृपणोदारयोः पश्य तथापि महदन्तरम् ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि

Transliteration:
ubhayornāsti bhogecchā parārthaṃ dhanasañcayaḥ ।
kṛpaṇodārayoḥ paśya tathāpi mahadantaram ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Neither of them has the desire to indulge, (both) earn wealth for the benefit of others!  Yet, see the huge difference (between) a miser and a generous (one).

Commentary:

The poet very tactfully compares and (in the next moment) contrasts the attributes of a miser vs. a giver.  In the first part of the verse, he says there is a stark similarity between two people—both earn wealth for the benefit of others!  At first thought, the listener would think the verse is about two noble people.  But the second half brings attention to the distinct disparity between the two!

If one has to see the difference between a miser and a giver, it is quite easy.  A miser hoards his assets whereas a generous and charitable giver readily parts with his bounty!  The world considers a giver as a magnanimous soul whereas a hoarder is considered stingy and selfish.  So far, their differences are precise and comprehensible.

How about the similarity between the two?  Well, the author cleverly points to the impact of each one's actions.  When a hoarder accumulates wealth, he is neither enjoying the resources himself nor is he utilizing it for the benefit of others.  His affluence stagnates and comes to no use for anyone. But one day, at least the day he passes away, he has to part with his wealth.  That which he had so carefully and diligently accumulated is finally enjoyed (or misused) by his survivors! After all, there is no saying that one's assets will be put to good use or utilized for the wrong causes by others.  

On the other hand, a generous person willingly parts with his money when alive.  He gets the opportunity to revel in the happiness of the beneficiaries of his good deeds, which in turn makes him happy!  At least there is a guarantee that it was used for the right cause. Hence the wealth of both a miser and a generous one will have the same outcome. 

Whether willingly or unwillingly, when the wealth accumulated is eventually for the benefit of others, we might as well do good and be happy.  It is impossible for one's heart to be enlightened and still be a miser!  Happiness isn't a result of what we get, but of what we give.  For, it is in the giving that we receive!

pada vigrahaH:

उभयोः न अस्ति भोग इच्छा परार्थं धन-सञ्चयः ।

ubhayoḥ na asti bhoga icchā parārthaṃ dhana-sañcayaḥ ।

कृपण-उदारयोः पश्य तथा-अपि महत् अन्तरम् ॥

kṛpaṇa-udārayoḥ paśya tathā-api mahat antaram ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ubhayornaasti bhogechChaa paraarthaM dhanasa~nchayaH ।
kRupaNodaarayoH pashya tathaapi mahadantaram ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

ubhayoH na asti bhoga ichChaa paraarthaM dhana-sa~nchayaH ।
kRupaNa-udaarayoH pashya tathaa-api mahat antaram ॥

June 10th

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

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

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

Commentary:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

uchchaiH uchcharitavyaM yat ki~nchit ajaanataaH api puruSheNa ।

mUrkhaaH bahu manyante viduShaam api saMshayaH bhavati ॥

November 26th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सुजनो न याति वैरं परहितबुद्धिर्विनाशकालेऽपि ।
छेदेऽपि चन्दनतरुः सुरभयति मुखं कुठारस्य ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि

Transliteration:
sujano na yāti vairaṃ parahitabuddhirvināśakāle'pi ।
chede'pi candanataruḥ surabhayati mukhaṃ kuṭhārasya ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

An affable person (who is) always engrossed in the benefaction of others shall not resort to hostility, even in times of (his own) downfall.  Upon chopping, the sandal tree only smears its fragrance onto the blade of the axe.

Commentary:

When an axe strikes down a sandalwood tree, the tree does not retaliate with hostility or defend itself with a shield. Instead, it stands firm, allowing itself to be felled, and even bestows its sweet fragrance upon the blade that cuts it. Such is the grace of a truly benevolent person—they remain composed and compassionate even in the face of adversity and harm.

A person of such character never truly falls, regardless of appearance. What may seem like a downfall by worldly standards is, in reality, a testament to their greatness. On the scales of benevolence and grace, they remain towering figures. Their honor and reputation remain untarnished, for true eminence lies not in material success but in steadfast virtue.

The truest measure of amicability is constancy in the face of adversity. Doesn't this prove that a person’s affability is rooted in what they give "of" themselves rather than what they seek "for" themselves? Give generously, with pure intentions and a kind heart—this will be your enduring legacy and shield through life’s trials.

pada vigrahaH:
सुजनः न याति वैरं पर-हित-बुद्धिः विनाश-काले अपि ।
sujanaḥ na yāti vairaṃ para-hita-buddhiḥ vināśa-kāle api ।

छेदे अपि चन्दन-तरुः सुरभयति मुखं कुठारस्य ॥
chede api candana-taruḥ surabhayati mukhaṃ kuṭhārasya ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sujano na yaati vairaM parahitabuddhirvinaashakaale.pi ।
Chede.pi chandanataruH surabhayati mukhaM kuThaarasya ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

sujanaH na yaati vairaM para-hita-nirataH vinaasha-kaale api ।

Chede api chandana-taruH surabhayati mukhaM kuThaarasya ॥

September 15th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
दुःखे दुःखाधिकान्पश्येत् सुखे पश्येत्सुखाधिकान् ।
आत्मानं शोकहर्षाभ्यां शत्रुभ्यामिव नार्पयेत् ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि


Transliteration:
duḥkhe duḥkhādhikānpaśyet sukhe paśyetsukhādhikān ।
ātmānaṃ śokaharṣābhyāṃ śatrubhyāmiva nārpayet ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

When in sorrow, see those who are in more sorrow; in times of pleasure, see those who have more pleasure. Just as one wouldn't offer himself to his enemies, do not give into pleasures and sorrows.

Commentary:

When in sorrow, one should reflect on someone in greater distress and remind themselves of this profound saying: "I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet." Such reflection can be humbling and bring perspective.

Likewise, when basking in riches and feeling proud of one's possessions, consider the humility of a king who has seen far greater wealth yet remains grounded. Let that thought check any budding arrogance.

When faced with an enemy, would one surrender and offer themselves as easy prey? Certainly not! So why yield to the enemy called mundane pains and pleasures, allowing it to carry us adrift? Always remember: this too shall pass. Pain or pleasure—both are fleeting, with their expiration dates. Once they fade, the tide inevitably turns. Why, then, get entangled in what is so impermanent?

An hour of pain can stretch endlessly, just as a day of pleasure can feel fleeting—depending on how we perceive it. The key to success lies in learning to master pain and pleasure rather than allowing them to master us. When we take charge, we control our lives; if not, life controls us.

pada vigrahaH:
दुःखे दुःख-अधिकान् पश्येत् सुखे पश्येत् सुख-अधिकान् ।
duḥkhe duḥkha-adhikān paśyet sukhe paśyet sukha-adhikān ।

आत्मानं शोक-हर्षाभ्यां शत्रुभ्याम् इव न अर्पयेत् ॥
ātmānaṃ śoka-harṣābhyāṃ śatrubhyām iva na arpayet ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
duHkhe duHkhaadhikaanpashyet sukhe pashyetsukhaadhikaan ।
aatmaanaM shokaharShaabhyaaM shatrubhyaamiva naarpayet ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

duHkhe duHkha-adhikaan pashyet sukhe pashyet sukha-adhikaan ।

aatmaanaM shoka-harShaabhyaaM shatrubhyaam iva na arpayet ॥

July 20th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
शयानं चानुशयति तिष्ठन्तं चानुतिष्ठति ।
अनुधावति धावन्तं कर्म पूर्वकृतं नरम् ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि


Transliteration:
śayānaṃ cānuśayati tiṣṭhantaṃ cānutiṣṭhati ।
anudhāvati dhāvantaṃ karma pūrvakṛtaṃ naram ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The fruits of deeds of the past follow a being in his sleep, follow him when standing, (and) follow when running.  (No respite!)

Commentary:
One may be amidst a hundred friends and still feel lonely, or he may think he is all alone, by himself. But in reality, he is never alone.

There is something that follows him better than a shadow! A shadow follows him only when there is light in the vicinity. This is better than that because it follows him without any conditions or exceptions! 

That unrelenting companion is the fruit of his past deeds. It follows him through every moment of his life. It sleeps with him, stands with him, and even runs with him if he runs! Can one ask for any company more constant than that?! Whether he wants it or not, whether he likes it or not, it is present with him all the time.

If one wants pleasant company, then he should probably invest more in doing good deeds.

pada vigrahaH:
शयानं च अनुशयति तिष्ठन्तं च अनु-तिष्ठति ।
śayānaṃ ca anuśayati tiṣṭhantaṃ ca anu-tiṣṭhati ।

अनु-धावति धावन्तं कर्म पूर्व-कृतं नरम् ॥
anu-dhāvati dhāvantaṃ karma pūrva-kṛtaṃ naram ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
shayaanaM chaanushayati tiShThantaM chaanutiShThati ।
anudhaavati dhaavantaM karma pUrvakRutaM naram ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

shayaanaM cha anushayati tiShThantaM cha anu-tiShThati ।

anu-dhaavati dhaavantaM karma pUrva-kRutaM naram ॥

June 9th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
धर्मः श्रुतो वा दृष्टो वा स्मृतो वा कथितोऽपि वा ।
संवादितो वा राजेन्द्र पुनाति पुरुषं सदा ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि


Transliteration:
dharmaḥ śruto vā dṛṣṭo vā smṛto vā kathito'pi vā ।
saṃvādito vā rājendra punāti puruṣaṃ sadā ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Oh king, 'dharma'—if heard, seen, thought of, spoken of, or approved of—purifies the being always.

Commentary:

Any action should be justified as per dharma (virtue). There are many facets to any act or deed—hearing, seeing, thinking, speaking, or even standing by as the approver.

Even if one hears, sees, thinks, speaks, or approves of a virtuous deed, it cleanses him! Dharma is an attribute that should be incorporated into every single thought and action of a person. There is no end to it. One cannot say that because he did dharma today, tomorrow he can take some rest. 

Dharma is a constant process that is holding up the entire universe. Because the planets are following their dharma, the 5 elements are following their dharma, and the sun, moon, and stars are following their respective dharmas, the universe is the way it is today. One day, fire can't suddenly decide to be cold and water can't decide to burn!

Similarly, as beings, we have our own dharma. This needs to be eternally upheld through every breath. Hence, if one partakes even in a small aspect of a dharmic act, it aids in purging his mind, clarifying his thoughts, and purifying his actions. It reinforces the importance of abiding by dharma to the individual and leads him on the right path!

Through incessant practice, our values should turn into virtues.  The reward of virtue is virtue alone! Sin can be committed in thought, word, or deed. So can virtue! 

pada vigrahaH:

धर्मः श्रुतः वा दृष्टः वा स्मृतः वा कथितः अपि वा ।
dharmaḥ śrutaḥ vā dṛṣṭaḥ vā smṛtaḥ vā kathitaḥ api vā ।

संवादितः वा राजेन्द्र पुनाति पुरुषं सदा ॥
saṃvāditaḥ vā rājendra punāti puruṣaṃ sadā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
dharmaH shruto vaa dRuShTo vaa smRuto vaa kathito.pi vaa ।
saMvaadito vaa raajendra punaati puruShaM sadaa ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

dharmaH shrutaH vaa dRuShTaH vaa smRutaH vaa kathitaH api vaa ।

samvaaditaH vaa raajendra punaati puruShaM sadaa ॥

May 22nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
दूरादतिथयो यस्य गृहमायान्ति निर्वृताः ।
गृहस्थः स तु विज्ञेयः शेषास्तु गृहरक्षिणाः ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि

Transliteration:
dūrādatithayo yasya gṛhamāyānti nirvṛtāḥ ।
gṛhasthaḥ sa tu vijñeyaḥ śeṣāstu gṛharakṣiṇāḥ ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

He, to whose house guests come from near and far happily, should be considered a householder; the rest are just guards to their houses.

Commentary:
In Sanskrit, the word for guest is—अतिथि, atithi (अ-तिथि, a-tithi)—which means, one who doesn't have an appointment. In essence, he does not have a set तिथि (tithi - date and time) as to when he arrives. That means—he is welcome to come to the house at any given time without any prior notice.

The guest's comfort level depends on the way the host treats his guests. Someone can drop into another person's house and feel at ease, only if his relationship is a pleasant one. This depends on whether the host is being a good host or hostile! 

The poet says a householder is one to whose residence guests come and go cheerfully. If not, the owner of that house is as good as a guard to the house. There is no heart or emotions invested in running such a household. It is a sad situation if one is deemed as the front door guard of his own house!

Guests are considered as divine - 'अतिथि देवो भव' (atithi devo bhava). No one treats deities indifferently. The same applies to guests as well.

Someone said, 'If it were not for guests, all houses would be graves'. They make the mundane routine of the house a little different and more lively. Guests are the ornaments of the house. Be a householder, not a guard to your own house!

pada vigrahaH:
दूरात् अतिथयः यस्य गृहम् आयान्ति निर्वृताः ।
dūrāt atithayaḥ yasya gṛham āyānti nirvṛtāḥ ।

गृहस्थः स तु विज्ञेयः शेषाः तु गृहरक्षिणाः ॥
gṛhasthaḥ sa tu vijñeyaḥ śeṣāḥ tu gṛharakṣiṇāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
dUraadatithayo yasya gRuhamaayaanti nirvRutaaH ।
gRuhasthaH sa tu vij~neyaH sheShaastu gRuharakShiNaaH ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

dUraat atithayaH yasya gRuham aayaanti nirvRutaaH ।

gRuhasthaH sa tu vij~neyaH sheShaaH tu gRuharakShiNaaH ॥

April 15th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
परनिन्दासु पाण्डित्यं स्वेषु कार्येष्वनुद्यमः ।
प्रद्वेषश्च गुणज्ञेषु पन्थानो ह्यापदां त्रयः ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि


Transliteration:
paranindāsu pāṇḍityaṃ sveṣu kāryeṣvanudyamaḥ ।
pradveṣaśca guṇajñeṣu panthāno hyāpadāṃ trayaḥ ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Erudition in criticizing others, languidness toward one's own duties, hatred towards the meritorious—these 3 are the paths towards trouble.

Commentary:

Eloquence and scholarship should be shown by appreciating an achievement or by doing good to those around. Instead, if these faculties are applied in criticizing others, it will not be beneficial for anyone! It only brews resentful feelings in the criticizer and the criticized, causing a rift between the two, and bringing on more trouble.

There are no compromises when it comes to one's duties—they have to be accomplished by oneself. If someone else performs them for him, then it would not be called 'his' duty, to begin with. Non-industriousness and laziness towards one's own duties is an open invitation for trouble!

When in the company of meritorious and talented, the best thing to do is to learn from them and compare opinions. Having an intellectual conversation with such people only adds to one's own knowledge base and value base. Instead, if one breeds contempt and hatred towards them, he not only hates the people but also inherently tends to hate their values as well. Who is the loser by doing so?! Isn't he putting himself at a disadvantage and in turn, putting himself in trouble?

Think about it. Is it really worth the effort to gossip about others, procrastinate our duties, or hate anyone?! Stay away from actions that bring trouble.

pada vigrahaH:
पर-निन्दासु पाण्डित्यं स्वेषु कार्येषु अनुद्यमः ।
para-nindāsu pāṇḍityaṃ sveṣu kāryeṣu anudyamaḥ ।

प्रद्वेषः च गुणज्ञेषु पन्थानः हि आपदां त्रयः ॥
pradveṣaḥ ca guṇajñeṣu panthānaḥ hi āpadāṃ trayaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
paranindaasu paaNDityaM sveShu kaaryeShvanudyamaH ।
pradveShashcha guNaj~neShu panthaano hyaapadaaM trayaH ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

para-nindaasu paaNDityaM sveShu kaaryeShu anudyamaH ।

pradveShaH cha guNaj~neShu panthaanaH hi aapadaaM trayaH ॥

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 ॥

March 8th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अप्रार्थितानि दुःखानि यथैवायान्ति देहिनाम् ।
सुखान्यपि तथा मन्ये दैन्यमत्रातिरिच्यते ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि


Transliteration:
aprārthitāni duḥkhāni yathaivāyānti dehinām ।
sukhānyapi tathā manye dainyamatrātiricyate ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Just as sorrows come and unite with beings (ones with bodies) without being asked for, so do the pleasures, I deem. But, only (in sorrow), affliction is predominant.

Commentary:

As beings, the spontaneous response to sorrow is, 'Why me? Why do I get so much pain?!' Affliction and misery come by as if they are a package deal, accompanying the sorrow. We are depressed, tense, and anxious all the time...

When blissful we, almost NEVER, hear anyone say 'Why me?  Why did I get so much pleasure! Why does this always happen to me?!' One indulges in his comforts and happiness, blissfully!

The poet deems that pleasure and pain both come along, without being asked for. It is not in one's hands to pray for either joys or sorrows. Neither of them stops its advent because we don't want it to nor do they come by because we want them to! Both come naturally one after the other. Like a wheel, they turn cycles. What was at the highest point has to certainly go to the lowest too, before it comes back to the highest position again... There is no difference in the idiosyncracies of either of them. However, the only difference is in the agony that one feels when in sorrow.

Why validate the misery by feeling miserable? Why not take it in a stride and say, 'This too shall pass!'. Because, no matter what we say, no state will linger on or stagnate forever. Then, why make the feeling linger?! 

pada vigrahaH:

अप्रार्थितानि दुःखानि यथा एव आयान्ति देहिनाम् ।
aprārthitāni duḥkhāni yathā eva āyānti dehinām ।

सुखानि अपि तथा मन्ये दैन्यम् अत्र अतिरिच्यते ॥
sukhāni api tathā manye dainyam atra atiricyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
apraarthitaani duHkhaani yathaivaayaanti dehinaam ।
sukhaanyapi tathaa manye dainyamatraatirichyate ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

apraarthitaani duHkhaani yathaa eva aayaanti dehinaam ।

sukhaani api tathaa manye dainyam atra atirichyate ॥

February 23rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
तमःपरिवृतं वेश्म यथा दीपेन दीप्यते ।
तथा बुद्धिप्रदीपेन शक्य आत्मा निरीक्षितुम् ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि

Transliteration:
tamaḥparivṛtaṃ veśma yathā dīpena dīpyate ।
tathā buddhipradīpena śakya ātmā nirīkṣitum ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Just as a house engulfed in darkness shines with a lamp, so can the soul be seen with the light called intellect.

Commentary:

A house can be immersed in darkness. But lighting a small lamp spreads the glow instantaneously. It illumines the whole house, allowing one to see where the walls are, where he can step without tripping, etc. But he needs to find the lamp and light it, to be able to look around the house.

Similarly, to see the soul that is engulfed in darkness (of ignorance), one needs to light the lamp of wisdom. When he opens his ज्ञान चक्षुस् (jñāna cakṣus - the eye of wisdom), however feeble, the awareness of the soul emerges immediately. With this sight, he can find his way around. He can step away from unwanted distractions of the mundane world. And as he familiarizes himself with his tread, the light of knowledge will get stronger and stronger, giving more visibility into his own real nature.

Knowledge of any other topic won't be able to shed light on the soul. (Just as knowledge of medicine won't obviously mean that a person can fix computers, but it is knowledge nonetheless!) Hence, in this context,  intellect, knowledge, and wisdom are all in relation to the soul alone. Knowing oneself is the direct route to salvation.

Knowledge is power!  Knowledge is light!  May we all kindle the light of knowledge within ourselves!!

pada vigrahaH:
तमः-परिवृतं वेश्म यथा दीपेन दीप्यते ।
tamaḥ-parivṛtaṃ veśma yathā dīpena dīpyate ।

तथा बुद्धि प्रदीपेन शक्य आत्मा निरीक्षितुम् ॥
tathā buddhi pradīpena śakya ātmā nirīkṣitum ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
tamaHparivRutaM veshma yathaa deepena deepyate ।
tathaa buddhipradeepena shakya aatmaa nireekShitum ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

tamaH-parivRutaM veshma yathaa deepena deepyate ।

tathaa buddhi pradeepena shakya aatmaa nireekShitum ॥

February 7th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
निर्धनश्चापि कामार्थी दरिद्रः कलहप्रियः ।
मन्दशास्त्रो विवादार्थी त्रिविधं मूर्खलक्षणम् ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि


Transliteration:
nirdhanaścāpi kāmārthī daridraḥ kalahapriyaḥ ।
mandaśāstro vivādārthī trividhaṃ mūrkhalakṣaṇam ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Penniless yet desirous; poor yet contentious; weak in knowledge yet seeking disputes—(these) three characteristics are that of an idiot.

Commentary:

One should not stretch his wants and desires beyond his means. It will only get him in trouble. Desire is a strange thing. It will convince the mind to perform all kinds of unethical actions to fulfill itself. The wise are very aware of this fact. Only the foolish indulge in stretching beyond their means.

A contentious and quarrelsome attitude in anyone is not appreciated.  It is especially harmful to those who can't afford to expend extra energy instead of making ends meet. Their efforts will be spent on fighting, unnecessarily.  Only the silly engage in such actions.

To get into an argument, one should know what he is talking about. One needs to be knowledgeable to understand if there is validity to his argument.  There is no point in entering an argument if he does not have the required acumen.  The wise do not involve themselves in such situations; only the foolish do.

Hence, the above 3 characteristics do not suit the wise. It is a screaming indication of foolishness to engage in any of the above.

Now, it is up to us to determine whether we want to be foolish or wise!

pada vigrahaH:

निर्धनः च अपि कामार्थी दरिद्रः कलहप्रियः ।
nirdhanaḥ ca api kāmārthī daridraḥ kalahapriyaḥ ।

मन्दशास्त्रो विवादार्थी त्रिविधं मूर्ख लक्षणम् ॥
mandaśāstro vivādārthī trividhaṃ mūrkha lakṣaṇam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
nirdhanashchaapi kaamaarthI daridraH kalahapriyaH ।
mandashaastro vivaadaarthI trividhaM mUrkhalakShaNam ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

nirdhanaH cha api kaamaarthI daridraH kalahapriyaH ।

mandashaastro vivaadaarthI trividhaM mUrkha lakShaNam ॥

November 8th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
गुणवज्जनसंसर्गात् याति नीचोऽपि गौरवम् ।
पुष्पमालाप्रसङ्गेण सूत्रं शिरसि धार्यते ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि


Transliteration:
guṇavajjanasaṃsargāt yāti nīco'pi gauravam ।
puṣpamālāprasaṅgeṇa sūtraṃ śirasi dhāryate ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Due to the company of good people, even an insignificant person will attain respectability. Under the pretext of the flowers, the thread (too) gets worn on the head.

Commentary:

Flowers get tied into a garland using a string. This thread, in the form of a garland, will be offered to the Lord. It attains the highest respect of being at His feet or better yet, close to His heart. People would even wear it on their heads! Usually, nobody would wear just a string of thread on their hair as an adornment. But it is the company of the flowers that brings honor to the thread.

Similarly, being in the company of the meritorious will bring respect and dignity to the insignificant as well.

No road is long when the company is good.  Keep good company!

pada vigrahaH:

गुणवत् जन-संसर्गात् याति नीचः अपि गौरवम् ।

guṇavat jana-saṃsargāt yāti nīcaḥ api gauravam ।

पुष्प-माला-प्रसङ्गेण सूत्रं शिरसि धार्यते ॥
puṣpa-mālā-prasaṅgeṇa sūtraṃ śirasi dhāryate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
guNavajjanasaMsargaat yaati nIcho.pi gauravam ।
puShpamaalaaprasa~ngeNa sUtraM shirasi dhaaryate ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

guNavat jana-saMsargaat yaati nIchaH api gauravam ।

puShpa-maalaa-prasa~ngeNa sUtraM shirasi dhaaryate ॥