November 5th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

परोपकाराय फलन्ति वृक्षाः परोपकाराय वहन्ति नद्यः ।

परोपकाराय दुहन्ति गावः परोपकारार्थमिदं शरीरम् ॥

- त्रिशतीव्याख्या

Transliteration:

paropakārāya phalanti vṛkṣāḥ paropakārāya vahanti nadyaḥ ।

paropakārāya duhanti gāvaḥ paropakārārthamidaṃ śarīram ॥

- triśatīvyākhyā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

For the benefaction of others, trees bear fruit. For the benefaction of others, the rivers flow. For the benefaction of others, cows give milk. This body is meant for benefaction of others.  

Commentary: 

The highest form of benevolence acts without personal gain, offering freely and expecting nothing in return!

Look to nature as there are countless examples. Trees bear abundant fruit, yet never partake in the harvest themselves. Rivers flow endlessly, never taking a drop to quench their own thirst. Cows give milk in abundance, even after nourishing their calves, yet drink none of it to sustain themselves.

Benevolence is the essence of many natural processes. It is a virtue to be embraced by humanity in countless ways. To feel more for others than for ourselves is to suppress selfishness and elevate the human spirit through acts of kindness. One selfless act surpasses a million well-meaning thoughts. Benevolence speaks a universal language—a language that even the blind can see and the deaf can hear.

When a choice arises, the path of benefaction is the one that leads to the greatest good.  

pada vigrahaH:

पर उपकाराय फलन्ति वृक्षाः पर उपकाराय वहन्ति नद्यः ।

para upakārāya phalanti vṛkṣāḥ para upakārāya vahanti nadyaḥ ।

पर उपकाराय दुहन्ति गावः पर उपकार अर्थम् इदं शरीरम् ॥

para upakārāya duhanti gāvaḥ para upakāra artham idaṃ śarīram ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

paropakaaraaya phalanti vRukShaaH paropakaaraaya vahanti nadyaH |

paropakaaraaya duhanti gaavaH paropakaaraarthamidaM shareeram ||

- trishateevyaakhyaa

para upakaaraaya phalanti vRukShaaH para upakaaraaya vahanti nadyaH |

para upakaaraaya duhanti gaavaH para upakaara artham idaM shareeram ||

March 30th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सदयं हृदयं यस्य भाषितं सत्यभूषितम् ।
कायः परहिते यस्य कलिस्तस्य करोति किम् ॥
- सुभाषितावलि

Transliteration:
sadayaṃ hṛdayaṃ yasya bhāṣitaṃ satyabhūṣitam ।
kāyaḥ parahite yasya kalistasya karoti kim ॥
- subhāṣitāvali

Meaning of the subhAShita:

(He) whose heart is filled with compassion, (whose) speech is adorned with truth, (and) whose constitution (form) is for the benefaction of others—what can Kali (puruṣa) do to him?!

Commentary:

The current era, Kaliyuga, is deemed the most corrupt and atrocious of all the 4 eras.  It is said that the reigning master of the era, Kalipuruṣa, causes havoc in the world.  But the poet states that if one's heart is brimming with compassion, speech is adorned with honesty and he is readily available for the welfare of others—what can Kalipuruṣa do to such an individual?!  Even the most atrocious of the masters, Kali, can do nothing to shake the resolve or cause havoc in the life of such a person.  The tenacity of these attributes in one's character is so strong that he can ward off the worst effects brought about by the yuga-dharma (nature of the era).

• If one is compassionate to his fellow beings, the happiness that both the giver and the receiver get is immense.

• If there is honesty in one's words, he has nothing to hide or defend.

• If one is readily available to do welfare for others, then there is no ounce of selfish motive in him.  

How can such a person not be happy?  When one is happy internally, what can anyone do to deter his well-being or contentment?!!

May we all win over Kalipuruṣa's atrocities, develop these traits, and make the world a happier place!

pada vigrahaH:
सदयं हृदयं यस्य भाषितं सत्य-भूषितम् ।
sadayaṃ hṛdayaṃ yasya bhāṣitaṃ satya-bhūṣitam ।

कायः परहिते यस्य कलिः तस्य करोति किम् ॥
kāyaḥ parahite yasya kaliḥ tasya karoti kim ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sadayaM hRudayaM yasya bhaaShitaM satyabhUShitam ।
kaayaH parahite yasya kalistasya karoti kim ॥
- subhaaShitaavali

sadayaM hRudayaM yasya bhaaShitaM satya-bhUShitam ।
kaayaH parahite yasya kaliH tasya karoti kim ॥

July 29th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उपकर्तुं यथा स्वल्पः समर्थो न तथा महान् ।
प्रायः कूपस्तृषां हन्ति न कदापि तु वारिधिः ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नसमुच्चय

Transliteration:
upakartuṃ yathā svalpaḥ samartho na tathā mahān ।
prāyaḥ kūpastṛṣāṃ hanti na kadāpi tu vāridhiḥ ॥
- subhāṣitaratnasamuccaya

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The way a trifle can be of assistance, the great may not be able to.  Probably, a well can quench the thirst, but never the (mighty) ocean.

Commentary:

Each in its own place and time.  The purpose of one cannot be served by the other.  An ocean may be mighty and magnificent.  But, when a thirsty man comes to it, he will look for a different source of drinking water.  Although the ocean is a storehouse for most of the water available on earth and even torrential rains are nothing in the face of its capacity, not even a drop of it is useful in quenching the thirst of a weary traveler!  However, a water well may very well be a heavenly sight to a tired hiker, even though it is a minuscule speck in comparison to the size of the ocean.

The same holds true in all aspects of life.  Each person cannot be the leader of the world!  If that is true, then who will all the leaders lead?!  As much as leaders are required, people to be led are essential as well.  Every man can't be an architect, there needs to be someone to physically build the structure as well.  One person's shoe cannot fit another. Hence, the existence of each and every being is equally important.

Even the existence of every grain of sand and blade of grass is crucial.  If it wasn't required to be there, the Lord would have made sure it was not there!  If it is there, it is already important and essential.  Same with beings.  If they weren't special and essential He wouldn't have made them!!

It is said, 'Everybody is a genius.  But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid!'  What a profound statement it is!!

Never disrespect anything or anyone based on their pervasiveness.  Each and every being and object is indispensable in its own unique way!  Value each one for what it essentially is.  

pada vigrahaH: 
उपकर्तुं यथा स्वल्पः समर्थः न तथा महान् ।
upakartuṃ yathā svalpaḥ samarthaḥ na tathā mahān ।

प्रायः कूपः तृषां हन्ति न कदा अपि तु वारिधिः ॥
prāyaḥ kūpaḥ tṛṣāṃ hanti na kadā api tu vāridhiḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
upakartuM yathaa svalpaH samartho na tathaa mahaan ।
praayaH kUpastRuShaaM hanti na kadaapi tu vaaridhiH ॥
- subhaaShitaratnasamuchchaya

upakartuM yathaa svalpaH samarthaH na tathaa mahaan ।

praayaH kUpaH tRuShaaM hanti na kadaa api tu vaaridhiH ॥

April 22nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यदमी दशन्ति दशनाः रसना तत्स्वादमनुभवति ।
प्रकृतिरियं विमलानां क्लिश्यन्ति यदन्यकार्येषु ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
yadamī daśanti daśanāḥ rasanā tatsvādamanubhavati ।
prakṛtiriyaṃ vimalānāṃ kliśyanti yadanyakāryeṣu ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The taste of what is chewed by the teeth is enjoyed by the tongue!  Anguish over the benefaction of others—this is the nature of the impeccable souls.

Commentary:

One of the primary roles of teeth is to chew food, a task they perform diligently. Yet, despite their effort, they never get to savor the flavors of the food they help prepare. Instead, it is the tongue—having done little to aid in the chewing—that enjoys every bit of the taste.

This reflects the selfless nature of noble and virtuous individuals. Like the teeth that enable the tongue to relish food, such souls dedicate their entire being to the welfare of others, without seeking any personal gain. They labor tirelessly, not for material rewards but for the greater good, often receiving little recognition for their efforts. These noble individuals are the unsung heroes who form the backbone of a functioning society.

If every individual were to strive for the well-being of those around them, imagine the harmony and prosperity our world would witness! Even for those who may not aspire to such selflessness, the least they can do is not hinder or obstruct the efforts of these great souls. Sometimes, refraining from being an impediment is itself a small but meaningful contribution to society.

pada vigrahaH:
यत् अमी दशन्ति दशनाः रसना तत् स्वादम् अनुभवति ।
yat amī daśanti daśanāḥ rasanā tat svādam anubhavati ।

प्रकृतिः इयं विमलानां क्लिश्यन्ति यत् अन्य-कार्येषु ॥
prakṛtiḥ iyaṃ vimalānāṃ kliśyanti yat anya-kāryeṣu ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yadamI dashanti dashanaaH rasanaa tatsvaadamanubhavati ।
prakRutiriyaM vimalaanaaM klishyanti yadanyakaaryeShu ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

yat amI dashanti dashanaaH rasanaa tat svaadam anubhavati ।

prakRutiH iyaM vimalaanaaM klishyanti yat anya-kaaryeShu ॥

March 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
एतावानेव पुरुषः कृतं यस्मिन्न नश्यति ।
यावच्च कुर्यादन्योऽस्य कुर्याद्बहुगुणं ततः ॥
- महाभारत, आदिपर्व

Transliteration:
etāvāneva puruṣaḥ kṛtaṃ yasminna naśyati ।
yāvacca kuryādanyo'sya kuryādbahuguṇaṃ tataḥ ॥
- mahābhārata, ādiparva

Meaning of the subhAShita:

He to whom a favor done does not dissipate right there, is the real (noble) man.  Upon receiving benevolence from others, return it manifold.

Commentary:

Upon receiving generosity from others, it is not ethical to forget it and move on.  Neither is it business, to return an equal or lesser favor.  It is not a BOGO (buy one get one) sale.  Remembering and returning the favor in plentiful is a magnanimous attribute!

The scriptures are strewn with multitudes of such examples.  In Mahābhārata, Pāṇḍavas had taken shelter in a Brahmin's house in Ekacakranagara. They were in disguise after the lākṣāgṛha (wax palace) incident. A rākṣasa (demon) named Bakāsura was tormenting the people of that village. So, the people had made a pact with him—they had promised to take turns and one person from each family would go to him as food regularly.  When it was the Brahmin family's turn, Kuntī, the mother of the Pāṇḍavas, offered to send her own son Bhīma to Bakāsura (whom Bhīma eventually killed), in return for their favor.  They had given shelter to her and her sons in time of need.  In return, she offered to send her son to face the demon instead of a member of their family!  That is nobility!

In Rāmāyaṇa, too, after Hanumān visits Lankā and brings news about Sītā's whereabouts, Lord Rāma embraces Hanumān and pledges his friendship to him forever!! He does not diminish the immense favor Hanumān has done with a simple 'Thank you'! That is nobility! 

In fact, interestingly enough, there is NO equivalent word for 'thank you' in Sanskrit (dhanyavādaḥ is a later adaptation)!  There is only कृतज्ञता भाव (kṛtajñatā bhāva)—कृतं जानामि इति भावः (kṛtaṃ jānāmi iti bhāvaḥ)—I acknowledge your favor, I am aware of your benevolence; nothing can be done to repay that debt; I am greatly indebted to you!

An extension of this value is, not keeping track of the favors you do to others nor expecting return favors in exchange. Do your best at any given time to aid those in need and move on.

Don't these attributes make life much simpler and more satisfactory?  Don't they keep our hearts purer and lighter?  No baggage, no regrets, no guilt...

The take-home point here is that the noble never forget what they receive nor remember what they give!  Acquire nobility in its truest sense.

pada vigrahaH:
एतावान् एव पुरुषः कृतं यस्मिन् न नश्यति ।
etāvān eva puruṣaḥ kṛtaṃ yasmin na naśyati ।

यावत् च कुर्यात् अन्यः अस्य कुर्यात् बहु-गुणं ततः ॥
yāvat ca kuryāt anyaḥ asya kuryāt bahu-guṇaṃ tataḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
etaavaaneva puruShaH kRutaM yasminna nashyati ।
yaavachcha kuryaadanyo.sya kuryaadbahuguNaM tataH ॥
- mahaabhaarata, aadiparva

etaavaan eva puruShaH kRutaM yasmin na nashyati ।

yaavat cha kuryaat anyaH asya kuryaat bahu-guNaM tataH ॥

July 22nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
रत्नाकरः किं करोति स्वरत्नैः
विन्ध्याचलः किं करिभिः करोति ।
श्रीखन्ण्डखण्डैर्मलयाचलः किं
परोपकाराय सतां विभूतयः ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
ratnākaraḥ kiṃ karoti svaratnaiḥ
vindhyācalaḥ kiṃ karibhiḥ karoti ।
śrīkhanṇḍakhaṇḍairmalayācalaḥ kiṃ
paropakārāya satāṃ vibhūtayaḥ ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

What will the ocean do with its own gems? What will the vindhyā mountain do with the elephants (dwelling) there? Of what use are the sandal trees to the malaya mountain? The wealth of the noble is for the benefaction of others.

Commentary:

Most people spend their wealth on themselves—there's no greatness in that!

Yet, nature offers countless examples that stand in contrast to this mindset. An ocean is a storehouse for multitudes of precious gems. But does it use even a single prized stone to deck itself up? The vindhyā mountain is the house for many herds of elephants. Yet it does not direct them to work for its needs! There are more sandalwood trees on the malaya mountain than in any other place on Earth. But the mountain doesn't have any use for them!

Similarly, the noble do not obsess over their possessions. Instead, they put their wealth to use for the benefit of others. They are neither selfish nor attached to their material possessions. For them, 'using their wealth for the right purpose' takes more priority than 'for whom it is being used'!

If you have much, give your wealth; if you have little, certainly give your heart! There is never a scarcity for that! Just do every action wholeheartedly. The results will increase multifold.

pada vigrahaH:
रत्नाकरः किं करोति स्व-रत्नैः
ratnākaraḥ kiṃ karoti sva-ratnaiḥ

विन्ध्याचलः किं करिभिः करोति ।
vindhyācalaḥ kiṃ karibhiḥ karoti ।

श्रीखन्ण्ड-खण्डैः मलयाचलः किं
śrīkhanṇḍa-khaṇḍaiḥ malayācalaḥ kiṃ

पर-उपकाराय सतां विभूतयः ॥
para-upakārāya satāṃ vibhūtayaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ratnaakaraH kiM karoti svaratnaiH
vindhyaachalaH kiM karibhiH karoti ।
shrIkhanNDakhaNDairmalayaachalaH kiM
paropakaaraaya sataaM vibhUtayaH ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

ratnaakaraH kiM karoti sva-ratnaiH

vindhyaachalaH kiM karibhiH karoti ।

shrIkhanNDa-khaNDaiH malayaachalaH kiM

para-upakaaraaya sataaM vibhUtayaH ॥

October 17th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
छायामन्यस्य कुर्वन्ति तिष्ठन्ति स्वयमातपे ।
फलन्त्यपि परार्थाय वृक्षाः सत्पुरुषा इव ॥
- विक्रमचरित

Transliteration:
chāyāmanyasya kurvanti tiṣṭhanti svayamātape ।
phalantyapi parārthāya vṛkṣāḥ satpuruṣā iva ॥
- vikramacarita

Meaning of the subhAShita:

(They) give shade to others (but) stand in the sun themselves; (and) bear fruit for the benefit of others; trees are like the noble people.

Commentary:

Save the trees!

Trees truly are noble. They are serving for the benefit of others in every way. They take the brunt and give the best to the rest. The shade of a tree is enjoyed only by others. A tree can never enjoy its own shade. Only if the tree stands in the Sun shall the rest of the world get its shade! The tree doesn't eat its own fruit either. It is enjoyed by the people, birds, and animals around it.

Similarly, noble people take the heat and make sure others are comfortable. They rejoice in doing good for others. This sets them apart from the rest.

True nobility is in giving happiness to others.

pada vigrahaH:
छायाम् अन्यस्य कुर्वन्ति तिष्ठन्ति स्वयम् आतपे ।
chāyām anyasya kurvanti tiṣṭhanti svayam ātape ।

फलन्ति अपि पर-अर्थाय वृक्षाः सत्पुरुषाः इव ॥
phalanti api para-arthāya vṛkṣāḥ satpuruṣāḥ iva ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
Chaayaamanyasya kurvanti tiShThanti swayamaatape ।
phalantyapi paraarthaaya vRukShaaH satpuruShaa iva ॥
- vikramacharita

Chaayaam anyasya kurvanti tiShThanti swayam aatape ।

phalanti api para-arthaaya vRukShaaH satpuruShaaH iva ॥

October 16th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वृथा वृष्टिः समुद्रेषु वृथा तृप्‍तस्य भोजनम् ।
वृथा दानं समर्थेभ्यः वृथा दीपो दिवापि च ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नसमुच्चय

Transliteration:
vṛthā vṛṣṭiḥ samudreṣu vṛthā tṛp‍tasya bhojanam ।
vṛthā dānaṃ samarthebhyaḥ vṛthā dīpo divāpi ca ॥
- subhāṣitaratnasamuccaya

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Rain on the ocean is futile; feeding the satiated is in vain; bestowal to an able person is unnecessary; lighting a lamp in sunlight is useless.

Commentary:

At the right place, at the right time!

Waste isn't waste until we waste it. When performing deeds, one should be aware of their usefulness.  Although the deed is performed in good faith, the recipient should be worthy of it, too. Money given as charity to the needy cannot be equated to money given to the already wealthy!

Similarly,

1. The cool fresh waters of rain go futile when showered on the salty ocean. There is more than sufficient water in an ocean in the first place, and the rainwater won't make the water any less salty either. Hence, it is a wasted effort. But the same shower of rain in a desert will be very welcome.
2. Feeding the already fed—even if an elaborate menu is laid out in front of them, they wouldn't be in a position to enjoy it. The needy and hungry are the ones who know the value of food, they should be fed instead.
3. Giving charity to the already rich and well-to-do doesn't even make sense!
4. What is the use of lighting a lamp during broad daylight when the Sun is shining bright? There is no requirement.

Our deeds should be—in the right place, at the right time. The waste of plenty is the resource of scarcity. Be judicious.

pada vigrahaH:
वृथा वृष्टिः समुद्रेषु वृथा तृप्‍तस्य भोजनम् ।
vṛthā vṛṣṭiḥ samudreṣu vṛthā tṛp‍tasya bhojanam ।

वृथा दानं समर्थेभ्यः वृथा दीपः दिवापि च ॥
vṛthā dānaṃ samarthebhyaḥ vṛthā dīpaḥ divāpi ca ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
vRuthaa vRuShTiH samudreShu vRuthaa tRuptasya bhojanam ।
vRuthaa daanaM samarthebhyaH vRuthaa deepo divaapi cha ॥
- subhaaShitaratnasamuchchaya

vRuthaa vRuShTiH samudreShu vRuthaa tRuptasya bhojanam ।

vRuthaa daanaM samarthebhayaH vRuthaa deepaH divaapi cha ॥

October 3rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
मूलं भुजङ्गैः शिखरं प्लवङ्गैः
शाखा विहङ्गैः कुसुमानि भृङ्गैः ।
श्रितं सदा चन्दनपादपस्य
परोपकाराय सतां विभूतयः ॥


Transliteration:
mūlaṃ bhujaṅgaiḥ śikharaṃ plavaṅgaiḥ
śākhā vihaṅgaiḥ kusumāni bhṛṅgaiḥ ।
śritaṃ sadā candanapādapasya
paropakārāya satāṃ vibhūtayaḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The base with serpents, the tops with monkeys, the branches with birds, flowers with bees—(just) as (all these parts of) a sandal tree are always occupied, similarly, the wealth of the noble is for the benevolence (of others).

Commentary:

The description of the sandal tree here is very vivid. The tree not only makes its surroundings fragrant, but it also hosts a hoard of other beings. Snakes love to dwell by their roots, monkeys dangle from the high branches, an infinite number of birds make their nests in the cozy branches, and then, some bees are attracted to its flowers. The sandal tree is teeming with activity.  Its very existence is for the benefit of others. 

Such is the nature of the noble. Altruism is engrained in their every breath. Everything they do is for the good of others. paropakāra (para-upakāra - helping others) is their defining trait.

The highest benevolence acts without purpose, without selfishness.  Their selfless pursuits make the noble, well, 'noble'! 

pada vigrahaH:

मूलं भुजङ्गैः शिखरं प्लवङ्गैः
mūlaṃ bhujaṅgaiḥ śikharaṃ plavaṅgaiḥ

शाखाः विहङ्गैः कुसुमानि भृङ्गैः ।
śākhāḥ vihaṅgaiḥ kusumāni bhṛṅgaiḥ ।

श्रितं सदा चन्दन पादपस्य
śritaṃ sadā candana pādapasya

पर-उपकाराय सतां विभूतयः ॥
para-upakārāya satāṃ vibhūtayaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
mUlaM bhuja~ngaiH shikharaM plava~ngaiH
shaakhaa viha~ngaiH kusumaani bhRu~ngaiH ।
shritaM sadaa chandanapaadapasya
paropakaaraaya sataaM vibhUtayaH ॥

mUlaM bhuja~ngaiH shikharaM plava~ngaiH

shaakhaaH viha~ngaiH kusumaani bhRu~ngaiH ।

shritaM sadaa chandana paadapasya

para-upakaaraaya sataaM vibhUtayaH ॥