November 10th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

धृतिः, क्षमा दमोऽस्तेयं शौचमिन्द्रियनिग्रहः ।

धीर्विद्या सत्यमक्रोधो दशकं धर्मलक्षणम् ॥

- मनुस्मृति

Transliteration:

dhṛtiḥ, kṣamā damo'steyaṃ śaucamindriyanigrahaḥ ।

dhīrvidyā satyamakrodho daśakaṃ dharmalakṣaṇam ॥

- manusmṛti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Fortitude, forgiveness, self-control, non-stealing, purity, control of senses, intelligence, knowledge, truth, and calmness (non-anger)—these ten are the characteristics of Dharma.

Commentary:

Dharma is an all-encompassing word that cannot be effectively translated into English. It is best to use it as is.  These ten qualities form the very definition of dharma and guide one toward a life of virtue and spiritual fulfillment.

Fortitude is the strength to endure life's trials and adversities with courage and resilience, without losing purpose and integrity. It teaches us that hardship is a part of the journey, and it is through enduring challenges that we develop true strength.

Forgiveness is the ability to release resentment and anger and see beyond faults. It is giving up grudges and realizing that forgiving liberates the heart to foster peace within.

Self-control is the mastery of one’s desires and impulses and the ability to remain grounded despite temptations or distractions. It is about channeling instincts in a disciplined and purposeful manner, ensuring that one’s actions align with higher principles.

Non-stealing extends beyond the physical act of taking what does not belong to us. It encompasses a deeper understanding of integrity, where one refrains from taking anything—material, emotional, or intellectual—that has not been earned. It is a commitment to respect the boundaries of others and to live honestly in all circumstances.

Purity is the cleansing of the mind, body, and spirit. It is the practice of keeping one’s thoughts and actions aligned with the truth and free from corruption or malice. Purity enables clarity of purpose.

Control of the senses involves mastering the external influences that can distract or mislead us.  It is for cultivating inner focus and directing one’s energy toward higher pursuits.

Intelligence is the sharpness of the mind. It is not merely intellectual capacity, but the wisdom to apply knowledge with clarity, compassion, and discernment.

Knowledge goes hand in hand with intelligence, but it is rooted in experience and understanding of the world and the Self. Knowledge is the pursuit of truth, the continuous journey of learning, and the foundation upon which wisdom is built.

Truth is the essence of dharma. It is not just speaking accurately, but living authentically, aligned with the ultimate truths of existence. Truth requires one to shed pretense and embrace sincerity, both with oneself and with others, as it is only through truth that real growth occurs.

Calmness (non-anger), is the serene acceptance of life as it unfolds, free from wrath or frustration. It is the capacity to remain composed in the face of adversity, to approach all situations with a peaceful heart and clear mind, and to respond rather than react.

These ten virtues form the foundation and definition of Dharma (hence this word cannot be captured in its full essence with any translated word). Embracing them is not just about adhering to rules, but walking a path that leads to righteousness, peace, and fulfillment.

pada vigrahaH:

धृतिः, क्षमा दमः अस्तेयं शौचम् इन्द्रिय-निग्रहः ।

dhṛtiḥ, kṣamā damaḥ asteyaṃ śaucam indriya-nigrahaḥ ।

धीः विद्या सत्यम् अक्रोधः दशकं धर्म-लक्षणम् ॥

dhīḥ vidyā satyam akrodhaḥ daśakaṃ dharma-lakṣaṇam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

dhRutiH, kShamaa damo.steyaM shauchamindriyanigrahaH |

dheervidyaa satyamakrodho dashakaM dharmalakShaNam ||

- manusmRuti

dhRutiH, kShamaa damaH asteyaM shaucham indriya-nigrahaH |

dheeH vidyaa satyam akrodhaH dashakaM dharma-lakShaNam ||

October 16th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

क्रोधो वैवस्वतो राजा तॄष्णा वैतरणी नदी।

विद्या कामदुघा धेनुः सन्तोषो नन्दनं वनम्॥

- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:

krodho vaivasvato rājā tṝṣṇā vaitaraṇī nadī।

vidyā kāmadughā dhenuḥ santoṣo nandanaṃ vanam॥

- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Anger is the Lord of the South (Yama, the Lord of death), and intense desire is hell's river, Vaitaraṇī (to be crossed over after death).  Knowledge is like the wish-fulfilling cow, and contentment is heaven's paradise. 

Commentary:

Both heaven and hell lie in our own reach.

Anger sits just one letter away from danger. To give wisdom over to anger is, to willingly surrender to Yama, the Lord of Death. Anger never solves anything; instead, it destroys everything good. It’s a counterfeit power—no one can be controlled by it, but will only get controlled by it. What begins in anger often ends in shame. When anger stirs, it is best to pause and consider the cost; this alone can bring the mind to calm. Otherwise, unchecked anger is a fast track to our own demise.

Equally perilous is intense desire. Desires can take any form, and once rooted, will not let the mind rest until they’re satiated—often at any cost. Strong cravings are likened to the Vaitaraṇī River from the scriptures, a filthy boundary between the living and the dead. After death, each jīva must cross it, its ease dependent on the life they led. But if one wants to create a living hell for himself here and now, having unrelenting desires is the easiest way!  

By contrast, knowledge is a wish-fulfilling cow (Kāmadhenu), a source of endless bounty. One need not seek heaven to have wishes fulfilled; true knowledge guides us to a life that itself feels heavenly. Knowledge is both power and liberation.

Contentment is finding peace in the present. Cravings have no end; the verse already compared it to the river of hell. Contentment, however, is a celestial garden, Nandanavana, where peace and joy flourish. Contentment sprouts from deep satisfaction rooted in acceptance of who we are and our situations.  The serenity obtained by this kind of satisfaction is nothing short of a heavenly grove! 

Thus, heaven or hell is in our hands. Our minds hold the power to choose—to live in anger and insatiable desire and call it hell, or to pursue knowledge and contentment and live in heavenly bliss. The choice is ours! 

pada vigrahaH:

क्रोधः वैवस्वतः राजा तॄष्णा वैतरणी नदी।

krodhaḥ vaivasvataḥ rājā tṝṣṇā vaitaraṇī nadī।

विद्या कामदुघा धेनुः सन्तोषः नन्दनं वनम्॥

vidyā kāmadughā dhenuḥ santoṣaḥ nandanaṃ vanam॥

Alternate Transliteration:

krodho vaivasvato raajaa tRUShNaa vaitaraNI nadI |

vidyaa kaamadughaa dhenuH santoSho nandanaM vanam ||

- chaaNakya neeti

krodhaH vaivasvataH raajaa tRUShNaa vaitaraNI nadI |

vidyaa kaamadughaa dhenuH santoShaH nandanaM vanam ||

December 10th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
लोभात् क्रोधः प्रभवति लोभात् कामः प्रजायते  ।
लोभात् मोहश्च नाशश्च लोभः पापस्य कारणम् ॥
- हितोपदेश

Transliteration:
lobhāt krodhaḥ prabhavati lobhāt kāmaḥ prajāyate ।
lobhāt mohaśca nāśaśca lobhaḥ pāpasya kāraṇam ॥
- hitopadeśa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

From greed originates anger; greed gives rise to lust/desire; from greed (come) attachment and ruin.  Greed is the cause of sin.

Commentary:

Poverty wants much, but avarice... everything!  A poor person wants many things to make ends meet.  He is satiated after that.  But he who is excessively greedy always wants something, whether he needs it or not.  Greed is like a monster, standing with his mouth wide open, to devour everything that comes its way.  The more that greed is fed, the more hungry it gets!

Along with all the havoc greed causes it is the originator of anger.  When the greedy do not get what their heart desires, the first response is, getting angry.  Anger breeds resentment, another unhealthy emotion.  Anger first burns the one who is angry even before causing any harm to the person he is angry with!

Greed gives rise to lust.  Lust is never quenched and is flamed further with indulgence.

Greed conjoined with lust and anger can only lead towards attachment and destruction, all of which lead one towards committing sin.  They say hell has 3 gates—lust, anger, and greed.  All of these can originate from greed.  The best remedy to protect oneself from spiraling down this ladder of fall is to keep greed at bay.

pada vigrahaH:
लोभात् क्रोधः प्रभवति लोभात् कामः प्रजायते ।
lobhāt krodhaḥ prabhavati lobhāt kāmaḥ prajāyate ।

लोभात् मोहः च नाशः च लोभः पापस्य कारणम् ॥
lobhāt mohaḥ ca nāśaḥ ca lobhaḥ pāpasya kāraṇam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
lobhaat krodhaH prabhavati lobhaat kaamaH prajaayate ।
lobhaat mohashcha naashashcha lobhaH paapasya kaaraNam ॥
- hitopadesha

lobhaat krodhaH prabhavati lobhaat kaamaH prajaayate ।

lobhaat mohaH cha naashaH cha lobhaH paapasya kaaraNam ॥

August 6th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
पक्षीणां काकश्चाण्डालः पशूनाञ्चैव कुक्कुरः ।
मुनीनां कोपी चाण्डालः सर्वेषां चैव निन्दकः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
pakṣīṇāṃ kākaścāṇḍālaḥ paśūnāñcaiva kukkuraḥ ।
munīnāṃ kopī cāṇḍālaḥ sarveṣāṃ caiva nindakaḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Among birds, a crow is basal; among animals a dog is bottom; in ascetics, an angry one is a derelict; among everyone, a criticizer is an outcast.

Commentary:

A crow eats anything and everything. It is hence called the most basal of all birds. A dog is unclean and is not considered auspicious.

Calmness is one of the foremost characteristics of an ascetic. One who cannot keep his cool and gets angry is the most derelict of ascetics.

Among all kinds of beings, one who constantly criticizes, accuses, or finds faults is the worst of all. There is no one lower than him, says the poet. A criticizer has no good feelings towards the criticized. His only goal is to put the other person down. When one doesn't have the interest of the other person at heart, that is when he looks for avenues to find shortcomings. This is not conducive to the path of the eternal goal—seeing the oneness in everyone and everything.

Criticizing is not the only way to communicate. We gain nothing by pointing out the imperfections in others. It is much more valuable to look for their strengths. 

pada vigrahaH:
पक्षीणां काकः चाण्डालः पशूनां च एव कुक्कुरः ।
pakṣīṇāṃ kākaḥ cāṇḍālaḥ paśūnāṃ ca eva kukkuraḥ ।

मुनीनां कोपी चाण्डालः सर्वेषां च एव निन्दकः ॥
munīnāṃ kopī cāṇḍālaḥ sarveṣāṃ ca eva nindakaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
pakShINaaM kaakashchaaNDaalaH pashUnaa~nchaiva kukkuraH ।
munInaaM kopI chaaNDaalaH sarveShaaM chaiva nindakaH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

pakShINaaM kaakaH chaaNDaalaH pashUnaaM cha eva kukkuraH ।

munInaaM kopI chaaNDaalaH sarveShaaM cha eva nindakaH ॥

June 26th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अक्रोधेन जयेत् क्रोधम् असाधुं  साधुना जयेत् ।
जयेत् कदर्यं दानेन जयेत् सत्येन चानृतम् ॥
- महाभारत, उद्योगपर्व


Transliteration:
akrodhena jayet krodham asādhuṃ sādhunā jayet ।
jayet kadaryaṃ dānena jayet satyena cānṛtam ॥
- mahābhārata, udyogaparva

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Anger is won over with calmness (without anger); the immoral are won with morale; a miser is won by giving; lies are won over with truth.

Commentary:

An eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, limb for a limb, life for a life—there is no solace in spite!

If one expresses anger all the time while an onlooker continuously keeps his calm, then how long can an angry man keep his temper? He would feel like he is kicking his arms and legs against the air—no matter how much he tries, he can't hurt the air. Eventually, he will learn to keep his calm because he has no choice. Anger is won over with calmness.

When immoral laws are exercised, they are won over with morality. No matter how many devious plans are made, good triumphs over evil in the end.

A miser is won over with generosity. If a miser is given and given endlessly without reservations, he is bound to become influenced at some point, understanding the importance of giving. Possessions are meant to be put to use for other's welfare, not to be clung onto. That is what is taught by giving.

Winning over lies is as simple as telling the truth! Honesty keeps the mind and soul peaceful. Lies will not stand a chance in front of the truth. Also, it is so much easier to be honest than not. When telling the truth one doesn't have to keep track of all their lies, nor carry the fear of being caught! More importantly, truthfulness is the only path when one's quest is: the ultimate truth. Speaking the truth becomes a win-win situation for everyone.

Keep your calm, morality, generosity, and honesty. Make life simple and peaceful.

pada vigrahaH:

अक्रोधेन जयेत् क्रोधम् असाधुं साधुना जयेत् ।
akrodhena jayet krodham asādhuṃ sādhunā jayet ।

जयेत् कदर्यं दानेन जयेत् सत्येन च अनृतम् ॥
jayet kadaryaṃ dānena jayet satyena ca anṛtam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
akrodhena jayet krodham asaadhuM saadhunaa jayet ।
jayet kadaryaM daanena jayet satyena chaanRutam ॥
- mahaabhaarata, udyogaparva

akrodhena jayet krodham asaadhuM saadhunaa jayet ।

jayet kadaryaM daanena jayet satyena cha anRutam ॥

June 19th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
षड्दोषाः पुरुषेणेह हातव्या भूतिमिच्छता ।
निद्रा तन्द्रा भयं क्रोधः आलस्यं दीर्घसूत्रता ॥
- विदुरनीति

Transliteration:
ṣaḍdoṣāḥ puruṣeṇeha hātavyā bhūtimicchatā ।
nidrā tandrā bhayaṃ krodhaḥ ālasyaṃ dīrghasūtratā ॥
- viduranīti 

Meaning of the subhAShita:

One desirous of prosperity should avoid these 6 vices in this world—(excessive) sleep, fatigue, fear, anger, laziness, and procrastination.

Commentary:

Hard work is what leads to prosperity and the success of any endeavor.

1. Excessive sleep: robs not only the time spent sleeping but also compromises the alertness of the person.
2. Fatigue: curtails one's enthusiasm to work towards his goal.
3. Fear: will not encourage one to be adventurous or to try new avenues to accomplish tasks.
4. Anger: clouds one's judgement and leads him towards taking wrong and hasty steps that end up wrecking his chances of achieving goals.
5. Laziness: does not motivate one to get up and work. Nothing can be achieved by being stagnant. Industriousness is the only way to success.
6. Procrastination: is the art of putting off something that should have been done the day before yesterday, until the day after tomorrow!  This race of keeping up with yesterday is the most efficient method of self-sabotage.

None of the above points is conducive to prosperity. Avoid them at all costs!

pada vigrahaH:
षट् दोषाः पुरुषेण इह हातव्याः भूतिम् इच्छताः ।
ṣaṭ doṣāḥ puruṣeṇa iha hātavyāḥ bhūtim icchatāḥ ।

निद्रा तन्द्रा भयं क्रोधः आलस्यं दीर्घ-सूत्रता ॥
nidrā tandrā bhayaṃ krodhaḥ ālasyaṃ dīrgha-sūtratā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ShaDdoShaaH puruSheNeha haatavyaa bhUtimichChataa ।
nidraa tandraa bhayaM krodhaH aalasyaM dIrghasUtrataa ॥
- viduranIti

ShaT doShaaH puruSheNa iha haatavyaaH bhUtim ichChataaH ।

nidraa tandraa bhayaM krodhaH aalasyaM dIrgha-sUtrataa ॥

May 9th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
मूर्खस्य पञ्चचिन्हानि गर्वो दुर्वचनं तथा ।
क्रोधश्च दृढवादश्च परवाक्येष्वनादरः ॥

Transliteration:
mūrkhasya pañcacinhāni garvo durvacanaṃ tathā ।
krodhaśca dṛḍhavādaśca paravākyeṣvanādaraḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Five signs of foolish people are—vanity, despicable words, anger, relentless argument, and lack of respect for others' words.

Commentary:

One's acumen and intelligence are gauged through his conduct and mannerisms. This poet opines that there are five stark symptoms of a fool—

• Arrogance is a trait of the ignorant. It diminishes wisdom. It forces one to falter, make mistakes, and feeds the ego.
• Using obnoxious and despicable words is not only disrespectful to others, but it also brings down one's stature. Being hurtful and offensive to others is not warranted under any circumstance.
• Anger takes one to trouble, pride keeps him there. The wise do not opt for trouble, only a dunce does.
• Intellectual conversations and an exchange of ideas are pro-active towards growth and learning. However, a dunce finds it amusing to relentlessly argue on a baseless point! He keeps insisting on his viewpoint without purpose or proper evidence.
• It is not enough if one expresses his opinion. He needs to heed the opinions of others too. Showing negligence or disrespect towards others is a screaming symbol of idiotism.

Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something!  Choose to be wise!!

pada vigrahaH:
मूर्खस्य पञ्च चिन्हानि गर्वः दुर्वचनं तथा ।
mūrkhasya pañca cinhāni garvaḥ durvacanaṃ tathā ।

क्रोधः च दृढवादः च पर-वाक्येषु अनादरः ॥
krodhaḥ ca dṛḍhavādaḥ ca para-vākyeṣu anādaraḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
mUrkhasya pa~nchachinhaani garvo durvachanaM tathaa ।
krodhashcha dRuDhavaadashcha paravaakyeShvanaadaraH ॥

mUrkhasya pa~ncha chinhaani garvaH durvachanaM tathaa ।

krodhaH cha dRuDhavaadaH cha para-vaakyeShu anaadaraH ॥

April 18th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अत्यन्त कोपः कटुका च वाणी दरिद्रता च स्वजनेषु वैरम् ।
नीचप्रसङ्गः कुलहीनसेवा चिह्नानि देहे नरकस्थितानाम् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
atyanta kopaḥ kaṭukā ca vāṇī daridratā ca svajaneṣu vairam ।
nīcaprasaṅgaḥ kulahīnasevā cihnāni dehe narakasthitānām ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Excessive anger, displeasing diction, poverty, enmity in kin, company of the wretched, and servitude of the lowly—these are the signs of being in hell, even when embodied (having a bodily form).

Commentary:

Whether there is a heaven or hell afterlife or not, they certainly exist—right here, right now—while one is still living.

• Excessive anger hurts oneself the most, both physically and emotionally.
• Unpleasant diction or harsh words are not appealing to anyone, and others avoid such a person.
• Poverty is something that no one wishes for.
• Enmity with one's kin agitates the mind so much to the point that there is no peace in the mind.
• Company of the wretched not only hinders one's progress as an individual, but it also spirals him down the ladder of morals and ethics.
• The servitude of the lowly is unpleasant because one has to constantly slam his own faiths and beliefs, day in and day out, to please his master.

Under these circumstances, life becomes a living hell! He doesn't have to wait for the afterlife to get a taste of it!! One should get out of such situations as soon as he possibly can.

The mind can choose whether to make our life merry or miserable! What we make of our lives is in our own hands—heaven or hell. 

pada vigrahaH:

अत्यन्त कोपः कटुका च वाणी दरिद्रता च स्वजनेषु वैरम् ।
atyanta kopaḥ kaṭukā ca vāṇī daridratā ca svajaneṣu vairam ।

नीचप्रसङ्गः कुलहीन-सेवा चिह्नानि देहे नरक स्थितानाम् ॥
nīcaprasaṅgaḥ kulahīna-sevā cihnāni dehe naraka sthitānām ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
atyanta kopaH kaTukaa cha vaaNI daridrataa cha swajaneShu vairam ।
nIchaprasa~ngaH kulahInasevaa chihnaani dehe narakasthitaanaam ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

atyanta kopaH kaTukaa cha vaaNI daridrataa cha swajaneShu vairam ।

nIchaprasa~ngaH kulahIna-sevaa chihnaani dehe naraka sthitaanaam ॥

March 22nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अभ्यासाद्धार्यते विद्या कुलं शीलेन धार्यते ।
गुणेन ज्ञायते त्वार्यः कोपो नेत्रेण गम्यते ॥

- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
abhyāsāddhāryate vidyā kulaṃ śīlena dhāryate ।
guṇena jñāyate tvāryaḥ kopo netreṇa gamyate ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Knowledge is borne by practice; a lineage is carried in its integrity; the honorable are held through efficacy; anger is expressed through the eyes.

Commentary:

Right tool for the right reason. 

1. Learning something is not sufficient; it needs to be put to use through practice. Per the popular saying, 'practice makes perfect'. The efficiency of knowledge is clearly evident when applied. One who has great practice will execute the task with more ease than the one who simply learnt it. Therefore, one's knowledge is graded according to their practice of it.
2. A family's morals and values are expressed through a person's integrity and conduct. His morality, respectability, and values shine through his personality more than his material possessions.
3. Whether one is born in a higher or lower caste (per social norms), does not define his nobility. His greatness comes from his character and how he conducts himself when dealing with others.
4. Interestingly, the poet says that one's anger and displeasure need not be expressed in words or deeds. No matter what one says or does, his true temperament is reflected in his eyes. As the saying goes, 'eyes are the windows to one's soul'.  Eyes give away one's true feelings, irrespective of the individual's speech or actions. Hence, the best way to communicate with another person is by looking into his eyes. An eye contact is capable of communicating a lot more than mere words. It not only reveals one's true feelings but also compels others to be honest. Now, that's a bonus!

Good communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity. Use it effectively. 

pada vigrahaH:

अभ्यासात् धार्यते विद्या कुलं शीलेन धार्यते ।
abhyāsāt dhāryate vidyā kulaṃ śīlena dhāryate ।

गुणेन ज्ञायते तु आर्यः कोपः नेत्रेण गम्यते ॥
guṇena jñāyate tu āryaḥ kopaḥ netreṇa gamyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
abhyaasaaddhaaryate vidyaa kulaM shIlena dhaaryate ।
guNena j~naayate tvaaryaH kopo netreNa gamyate ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

abhyaasaat dhaaryate vidyaa kulaM shIlena dhaaryate ।

guNena j~naayate tu aaryaH kopaH netreNa gamyate ॥

March 13th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
कुग्रामवासः कुजनस्य सेवा
कुभोजनं क्रोधमुखी च भार्या  ।
मूर्खश्च पुत्रो विधवा च कन्या
दहन्ति चैतानि जनं विनाग्निम् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नसमुच्चय

Transliteration:
kugrāmavāsaḥ kujanasya sevā
kubhojanaṃ krodhamukhī ca bhāryā ।
mūrkhaśca putro vidhavā ca kanyā
dahanti caitāni janaṃ vināgnim ॥
- subhāṣitaratnasamuccaya

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Life in an ill-fated village; serving evil people; banal food; a wrathful wife; a stupid son; and a widowed daughter—these (six) burn one without the requirement of fire.

Commentary:

 Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.

1. Living in unfavorable circumstances and conditions is not fun. Living among people who do not have value for dharma or living in an ambiance that brings misery is not pleasant either.
2. When subservient to evil people, one must kill his own conscience. There is no hell worse than having to silence one's inner voice and slug along life, under an evildoer.
3. All the efforts and endeavors one undertakes, are for the sake of his stomach. At the end of the day, whether one is rich or poor, his efforts are to satiate his palette. If the food is stale and unhealthy, that will negate all his efforts put into earning it.  He would neither enjoy eating such food nor does it assist in nurturing his health. It only aids in slowly killing the person.
4. A wife is the backbone of the household in many respects. She needs to be strong, yet pleasant because she serves as the shock absorber for the entire family. If the shock absorber is not efficient the family will not be cushioned from calamities. If the spouse is always wrathful and angry-faced instead of peaceful and relaxed, one will not look forward to coming to a place called home. The pleasantness of the husband and wife towards each other is an integral part of a successful household.
5. Every parent wants their children to prosper in life. With this in mind, they equip their children with education, for, that alone is the tool for leading a happy life. What if the son is a dullard and refuses to learn?! The parents of such children suffer anxiety throughout their lives.
6. No parent wants to see their offspring suffer pain of any order. How can parents see their daughter suffer the loss of her husband?!  Sorrow of the child is like a death sentence to the parents.

All these circumstances above are equated to death. When a person dies, he is burnt on a pyre with fire. However, all of these circumstances are capable of burning a person alive, without the need for external fire.

Some of these circumstances are destiny. But whatever is within our control, shouldn't we take charge of those?!  Shouldn't we make sure that our own lives and the lives of those around us are as happy as we can make?!

pada vigrahaH:
कुग्राम-वासः कुजनस्य सेवा
kugrāma-vāsaḥ kujanasya sevā

कुभोजनं क्रोध-मुखी च भार्या ।
kubhojanaṃ krodha-mukhī ca bhāryā ।

मूर्खः च पुत्रः विधवा च कन्या
mūrkhaḥ ca putraḥ vidhavā ca kanyā

दहन्ति च एतानि जनं विना अग्निम् ॥
dahanti ca etāni janaṃ vinā agnim ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kugraamavaasaH kujanasya sevaa
kubhojanaM krodhamukhI cha bhaaryaa ।
mUrkhashcha putro vidhavaa cha kanyaa
dahanti chaitaani janaM vinaagnim ॥
- subhaaShitaratnasamuchchaya

kugraama-vaasaH kujanasya sevaa

kubhojanaM krodha-mukhI cha bhaaryaa ।

mUrkhaH cha putraH vidhavaa cha kanyaa

dahanti cha etaani janaM vinaa agnim ॥

March 10th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
ईर्ष्यी घृणी त्वसन्तुष्टः क्रोधनो नित्यशङ्कितः ।
परभाग्योपजीवी च षडेते दुःखभागिनः ॥
- हितोपदेश, मित्रलाभ


Transliteration:
īrṣyī ghṛṇī tvasantuṣṭaḥ krodhano nityaśaṅkitaḥ ।
parabhāgyopajīvī ca ṣaḍete duḥkhabhāginaḥ ॥
- hitopadeśa, mitralābha

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The jealous, the repugnant, the un-contented, the resentful, the ever-doubting, and those living off of other people's wealth—these six are eligible for sorrow.

Commentary:

Some people want to see everything go wrong for others because, in their heads, nothing is going right for them! 

1. Jealousy towards others yields no good. A jealous person is plotting constantly against his perceived enemy. Hence he can never be peaceful.
2. Repugnance, distaste, or aversion towards anyone or anything can breed no beautiful thoughts along with them. Such a person is always miserable.
3. One with no contentment is constantly working his mind towards acquiring something more to satisfy him. There is no calmness in such a mind.
4. A resentful and angry person is never happy with anything or anyone. He expresses displeasure every step of the way. How can pleasure even come near such a person?
5. A doubting Thomas, a skeptic, has no trust in any aspect of life. He needs constant assurance and physical evidence to make him believe every single dimension of his own life. Such an individual probably can't even sleep in peace.
6. A person living off of someone else's wealth has to constantly think of that someone literally! If the other person loses his source of income, so does he... The parasitic guilt that accompanies the scenario is a whole different issue to deal with. How can such a person be happy!

Any person who is—not at peace, always miserable, not calm, not happy, not pleasant nor satisfied—how can delight come near such an individual! The verse even says, such a person almost deserves to be sorrowful, meaning he can't escape sorrow.

Don't worry, be happy!

pada vigrahaH:
ईर्ष्यी घृणी तु असन्तुष्टः क्रोधनः नित्य-शङ्कितः ।
īrṣyī ghṛṇī tu asantuṣṭaḥ krodhanaḥ nitya-śaṅkitaḥ ।

पर-भाग्य-उपजीवी च षट् एते दुःख-भागिनः ॥
para-bhāgya-upajīvī ca ṣaṭ ete duḥkha-bhāginaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
IrShyI ghRuNI tvasantuShTaH krodhano nityasha~nkitaH ।
parabhaagyopajIvI cha ShaDete duHkhabhaaginaH ॥
- hitopadesha, mitralaabha

IrShyI ghRuNI tu asantuShTaH krodhanaH nitya-sha~nkitaH ।

para-bhaagya-upajIvI cha ShaT ete duHkha-bhaaginaH ॥

January 28th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
नित्यं क्रोधात्तपो रक्षेत् धर्मं रक्षेच्च मत्सरात् ।
विद्यां मानापमानाभ्याम् आत्मानं तु प्रमादतः ॥
- महाभारत, वनपर्व


Transliteration:
nityaṃ krodhāttapo rakṣet dharmaṃ rakṣecca matsarāt ।
vidyāṃ mānāpamānābhyām ātmānaṃ tu pramādataḥ ॥
- mahābhārata, vanaparva

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Always protect penance from anger; save righteousness from jealousy; defend knowledge from (the clutches of) pride and contempt; protect oneself (soul) from misdeeds.

Commentary:

In the scriptures is the proof of maharṣi dūrvāsa's rage. There are stories where his anger brought down the strength of his numerous penances. Penance (tapas) does not just imply the act of penance (performing rigorous rituals). It is a depiction of any kind of austerity. It could be as simple as vāktapas—the discipline of speech, which we follow in our day-to-day lives. Anger breaks this discipline. Anger and penance are two things that don't go hand in hand. Therefore, penance needs to be protected from anger.

Virtue and righteousness are life essentials. If one gets into the grip of jealousy, his sense of righteousness gets thrown to the wind. He would go to any level in order to satiate his jealousy. But he forgets one point—that jealousy is like a fire, a fire that is inside himself. It burns the bearer first and then everyone else around him. To reach higher goals in life, one must follow the path of dharma. The biggest obstacle on the path of dharma is jealousy. One must save dharma from jealousy.

Knowledge is the one tool that makes us different from animals. However, with the accumulation of knowledge comes the feeling of pride and contempt. Pride, because 'I know all these things', or contempt, because 'someone doesn't'. Contempt can come from the learned towards the less learned. These basal feelings will alter the path of a vidyārthī (student). If he is too proud of his prowess, then his growth will be curtailed. Or, if he lets someone's contempt discourage him, this also will curtail his growth. Vidyā should be saved from the clutches of pride and contempt.

All in all, one should beware of misdeeds. A misdeed is considered as any action that is not proactive towards the betterment of the soul. One should protect himself and his soul from misdeeds at all costs.

Beware of the vices in the path of virtue. 

pada vigrahaH:

नित्यं क्रोधात् तपः रक्षेत् धर्मं रक्षेत् च मत्सरात् ।
nityaṃ krodhāt tapaḥ rakṣet dharmaṃ rakṣet ca matsarāt ।

विद्यां मान-अपमानाभ्याम् आत्मानं तु प्रमादतः ॥
vidyāṃ māna-apamānābhyām ātmānaṃ tu pramādataḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
nityaM krodhaattapo rakShet dharmaM rakShechcha matsaraat ।
vidyaaM maanaapamaanaabhyaam aatmaanaM tu pramaadataH ॥
- mahaabhaarata, vanaparva

nityaM krodhaat tapaH rakShet dharmaM rakShet cha matsaraat ।

vidyaaM maana-apamaanaabhyaam aatmaanaM tu pramaadataH ॥