November 9th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

अहो दुर्जनसंसर्गात् मानहानिः पदे पदे ।

पावको लोहसङ्गेन मुद्गरैरभिताड्यते ॥

- सुभाषितरत्नसमुच्चय

Transliteration:

aho durjanasaṃsargāt mānahāniḥ pade pade ।

pāvako lohasaṅgena mudgarairabhitāḍyate ॥

- subhāṣitaratnasamuccaya

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Alas!  In the company of evil, one has to face contempt again and again.  Fire, in the company of iron, will get beaten with hammers (again and again). 

Commentary:

Nothing shapes a man's character more than the company he keeps.

Bad company corrupts even the most virtuous of individuals. It is far wiser to be alone than to surround oneself with the wrong crowd. Shallow morals never earn respect, and in bad company, one is destined to face disgrace and contempt time and again.

The poet wisely points out that when shaping hot iron, the fire itself is subjected to the beating as well. Fire, known as the purifier (pāvaka), cleanses all things.  Yet, even this pure element is tainted in the company of iron, which is prone to rust and decay. (This example should not be extended beyond its intended metaphor). Similarly, the company of the wicked pollutes everything it touches. In the presence of evil, we too are tainted. It drags down our honor and diminishes our worth.

To maintain integrity, we must distance ourselves from shallow and corrupt individuals. The company of the good is like entering a perfume store—whether we buy or not, we are bound to leave with its fragrance.

pada vigrahaH:

अहो दुर्जन-संसर्गात् मान-हानिः पदे पदे ।

aho durjana-saṃsargāt māna-hāniḥ pade pade ।

पावकः लोह-सङ्गेन मुद्गरैः अभिताड्यते ॥

pāvakaḥ loha-saṅgena mudgaraiḥ abhitāḍyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

aho durjanasaMsargaat maanahaaniH pade pade |

paavako lohasa~ngena mudgarairabhitaaDyate ||

- subhaaShitaratnasamuchchaya

aho durjana-saMsargaat maana-haaniH pade pade |

paavakaH loha-sa~ngena mudgaraiH abhitaaDyate ||

November 7th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

माता मित्रं पिता चेति स्वभावात् त्रितयं हितम् ।

कार्यकारणतश्चान्ये भवन्ति हितबुद्धयः ॥

- हितोपदेश, मित्रलाभ

Transliteration:

mātā mitraṃ pitā ceti svabhāvāt tritayaṃ hitam ।

kāryakāraṇataścānye bhavanti hitabuddhayaḥ ॥

- hitopadeśa, mitralābha

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Mother, father, and friend—these 3 are well-wishers by nature.  The rest show seeming support due to an incidental motive.  

Commentary:

A true well-wisher is like a shadow, always by our side. Regardless of the circumstances, they are the ones who say, "Relax and rejuvenate. I’m here for you!" Starting from childhood, such unwavering supporters are only a handful: our Mother, our Father, and our Friend (could be one or many). 

Parents wish only well for their children, even before they are born.  They take care of their every small need, without even being asked.  Even after the children grow up and become adults, parents wish them only happiness and strive to give them comfort in every way.  

Then, there are those we meet by chance and become friends by choice. They become the family we create. Through thick and thin, their support transcends time, distance, and even silence. While parents may one day be gone, true friends remain, always wishing the best for us.

Yet, life teaches us a hard truth—not everyone who speaks kindly is a true well-wisher. Some may offer sweet words, but their motives are self-serving, and fade once their needs are fulfilled. Though we may choose to believe them for the moment, we must remain vigilant and aware of their true intentions.

The key to a fulfilling life lies in discerning who truly wishes us well. Knowing whom to lean on is integral to living a happy and successful life.

pada vigrahaH:

माता मित्रं पिता च इति स्वभावात् त्रितयं हितम् ।

mātā mitraṃ pitā ca iti svabhāvāt tritayaṃ hitam ।

कार्य-कारणतः च अन्ये भवन्ति हित-बुद्धयः ॥

kārya-kāraṇataḥ ca anye bhavanti hita-buddhayaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

maataa mitraM pitaa cheti svabhaavaat tritayaM hitam |

kaaryakaaraNatashchaanye bhavanti hitabuddhayaH ||

- hitopadeSa, mitralaabha

maataa mitraM pitaa cha iti svabhaavaat tritayaM hitam |

kaarya-kaaraNataH cha anye bhavanti hita-buddhayaH ||

November 6th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

शुचित्वं त्यागिता शौर्यं समानसुखदुःखता ।

दाक्षिण्यं चानुरक्तिश्च सत्यता च सुहृद्गुणाः ॥

- हितोपदेश, मित्रलाभ

Transliteration:

śucitvaṃ tyāgitā śauryaṃ samānasukhaduḥkhatā ।

dākṣiṇyaṃ cānuraktiśca satyatā ca suhṛdguṇāḥ ॥

- hitopadeśa, mitralābha

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Purity, generosity, courage, equanimity in pleasure and pain, kindness, affection, and honesty—these are the characteristics of a friend. 

Commentary:

In this world, there are friends and there is family. Then there are friends who transcend both to become family in their own right.  They are characterized by their purity, generosity, courage, equanimity in pleasure and pain, kindness, affection, and honesty.  

Friendship is perhaps the most difficult of bonds to define. Unlike the formal ties of other relationships, it has no official seal and no prescribed structure. It is not something we are born with or born into—it is something that blossoms from our own choosing!

A friend is one who not only accepts us as we are but gives us the space to truly be free. Through that freedom, they help shape us into who we are meant to become. A true friend is the one who walks in when the world has walked out.

They are a mirror, reflecting our truest selves, yet they also gently point out our flaws with love, kindness, and honesty. A friend is someone whose intentions are pure, whose generosity is boundless, and whose courage is unwavering.

A true friend is not there only in the joy of bright days, but especially in the darkest of times. For, no friend is perfect and those who seek perfection in friendship will find themselves alone. True friendship is when two souls can walk in opposite directions and still remain side by side.

It is these friends we meet along the way who help us understand the value of the journey. They may not always walk beside us, but they will always be there for us. In moments of joy, they make the good times richer; in moments of hardship, they make the burdens lighter. 

Birds of a feather flock together. True friendship is not merely found but nurtured through the very traits we embody.  The poet's aim is not only to guide us toward good friends but also to call upon us to cultivate the qualities in ourselves that make us worthy of such friendships.  

pada vigrahaH:

शुचित्वं त्यागिता शौर्यं समान-सुख-दुःखता ।

śucitvaṃ tyāgitā śauryaṃ samāna-sukha-duḥkhatā ।

दाक्षिण्यं च-अनुरक्तिः च सत्यता च सुहृत्-गुणाः ॥

dākṣiṇyaṃ ca-anuraktiḥ ca satyatā ca suhṛt-guṇāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

shucitvaM tyaagitaa shauryaM samaanasukhaduHkhataa |

daakShiNyaM chaanuraktishcha satyataa ca suhRudguNaaH ||

- hitopadesha, mitralaabha

shucitvaM tyaagitaa shauryaM samaana-sukha-duHkhataa |

daakShiNyaM cha-anuraktiH cha satyataa ca suhRut-guNaaH ||

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 ॥

April 16th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यत्र विद्वज्जनो नास्ति श्लाघ्यस्तत्राल्पधीरपि ।
निरस्तपादपे देशे एरण्डोऽपि द्रुमायते ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नसमुच्चय

Transliteration:
yatra vidvajjano nāsti ślāghyastatrālpadhīrapi ।
nirastapādape deśe eraṇḍo'pi drumāyate ॥
- subhāṣitaratnasamuccaya

Meaning of the subhAShita:

In a place where there are no learned people, even a dull-witted person becomes laudable.  In a place where there is no vegetation, even a castor plant passes for a tree!

Commentary:

This verse critiques those who take pride in their superiority only because they are surrounded by mediocrity. When everyone around possesses average or limited capabilities, even someone with a few accomplishments may be celebrated as a hero. The example used here is the castor oil plant—a modest shrub with scanty leaves, in the absence of any other vegetation, may pass for a "tree."

True achievement lies in one's intrinsic abilities and accomplishments, not in how they compare to those around them. Inflating one's ego by claiming superiority over mediocrity serves no real purpose. It's akin to the frog in the well, who believes he is the greatest swimmer in the world simply because he has never encountered the vastness of the ocean.

If the bar were raised, such individuals might either rise to the challenge and grow or, at the very least, develop humility regarding their actual standing. Surrounding oneself with mediocrity can create a false ceiling, limiting growth and fostering complacency. A higher standard and exposure to excellence push individuals to refine their skills and broaden their horizons.

The best way to continually grow is to compete with oneself. By striving to improve daily, there are no limits to what one can achieve. This approach fosters humility and ensures progress is independent of external comparisons.

Ultimately, it is far more commendable to achieve modest success under challenging circumstances than to thrive effortlessly in a weak setup. Taking risks and continuously striving for self-improvement is what separates the ordinary from the extraordinary. Aim higher, challenge yourself, and grow beyond the confines of comfort!

pada vigrahaH:
यत्र विद्वत् जनः न अस्ति श्लाघ्यः तत्र अल्प-धीः अपि ।
yatra vidvat janaḥ na asti ślāghyaḥ tatra alpa-dhīḥ api ।

निरस्त पादपे देशे एरण्डः अपि द्रुमायते ॥
nirasta pādape deśe eraṇḍaḥ api drumāyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yatra vidvajjano naasti shlaaghyastatraalpadhIrapi ।
nirastapaadape deshe eraNDo.pi drumaayate ॥
- subhaaShitaratnasamuchchaya

yatra vidvat janaH na asti shlaaghyaH tatra alpa-dhIH api ।
nirasta paadape deshe eraNDaH api drumaayate ॥

February 12th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
दुर्जनेन समं वैरं प्रीतिं चापि न कारयेत् ।
उष्णो दहति चाङ्गारः शीतः कृष्णायते करम् ॥

Transliteration:
durjanena samaṃ vairaṃ prītiṃ cāpi na kārayet ।
uṣṇo dahati cāṅgāraḥ śītaḥ kṛṣṇāyate karam ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Do not have (develop) either enmity or affection with the evil.  When hot, coal burns; when cold, it blackens the hand!

Commentary:

When one comes across an evil-doer, what kind of bond should he build?  Should he make friends with him, so that he doesn't get in the evil-doer's bad books?  Or, should get on his bad side by erupting into an argument and declaring open enmity?!

The poet says, "Neither!"  Here's the reason—a piece of charcoal, when hot, will burn the hand holding it.  Does that mean, it is okay to handle it when it is not hot?  Not necessarily!  A piece of charcoal when cold will blacken the hand that holds it.  It is not a pleasant outcome either way. Who wants a lose-lose situation?!

Similar is the companionship of an evildoer.  When he is angry, the enmity with him will prove fatal. That said, even when he is calm, his friendship may cost heavily as his values are not placed in the right direction.  His motives can be misguided or worse, driven out of selfishness.  Hence, the best approach towards such a person is—keeping away and staying neutral.  One needs to be aware of one's company at all times, in order to keep positive aspects like joy, peace, love, and hope in his life.

pada vigrahaH:
दुर्जनेन समं वैरं प्रीतिं च अपि न कारयेत् ।
durjanena samaṃ vairaṃ prītiṃ ca api na kārayet ।

उष्णः दहति च अङ्गारः शीतः कृष्णायते करम् ॥
uṣṇaḥ dahati ca aṅgāraḥ śītaḥ kṛṣṇāyate karam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
durjanena samaM vairaM prItiM chaapi na kaarayet ।
uShNo dahati chaa~ngaaraH shItaH kRuShNaayate karam ॥

durjanena samaM vairaM prItiM cha api na kaarayet ।
uShNaH dahati cha a~ngaaraH shItaH kRuShNaayate karam ॥

January 1st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सन्तोषः परमो लाभः सत्सङ्गः परमा गतिः ।
विचारः परमं ज्ञानं शमो हि परमं सुखम् ॥

Transliteration:
santoṣaḥ paramo lābhaḥ satsaṅgaḥ paramā gatiḥ ।
vicāraḥ paramaṃ jñānaṃ śamo hi paramaṃ sukham ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Contentment is the highest gain; the company of the wise is the best acquisition.  Reflection is the paramount form of knowledge; quietude of the mind is the zenith of happiness. 

Commentary:

One may accumulate wealth in many forms and shapes.  He may be the richest person in the entire world.  However, he who has the most is not rich but he who needs the least!  Without the factor of contentment, no amount of possessions will make him happy.  Hence, attaining contentment is the attainment of the highest order.

People tend to emulate those who are around them.  One can progressively better himself only if he has someone better than himself to emulate.  That can happen only in the company of the good and wise.  If one attains such company bettering himself is only a matter of time.  Hence, attaining good company is unparalleled.

Reading, listening, watching—all these are means of learning.  But, unless it is reflected upon and inculcated into one's life, he does not have the authority over that knowledge.  Hence reflection is the best form of knowledge.

Some may say that happiness can be found in many things—having grand possessions, a fat bank balance, or a sleek car.  Those are ephemeral.  Possessions can be lost, bank balance can dwindle, and a car can get rusty.  What lasts forever is the tranquility of the mind.  If one has succeeded at silencing the mind's chatter, he has found the pinnacle of happiness.

May this verse be a harbinger of progress, achievement, knowledge, and enjoyment!  

May everyone attain contentment, company of the wise, time to reflect, and the serenity of the mind. 

pada vigrahaH:
सन्तोषः परमः लाभः सत्-सङ्गः परमा गतिः ।
santoṣaḥ paramaḥ lābhaḥ sat-saṅgaḥ paramā gatiḥ ।

विचारः परमं ज्ञानं शमो हि परमं सुखम् ॥
vicāraḥ paramaṃ jñānaṃ śamo hi paramaṃ sukham ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
santoShaH paramo laabhaH satsa~ngaH paramaa gatiH ।
vichaaraH paramaM j~naanaM shamo hi paramaM sukham ॥

santoShaH paramaH laabhaH sat-sa~ngaH paramaa gatiH ।

vichaaraH paramaM j~naanaM shamo hi paramaM sukham ॥

September 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यदि सत्सङ्गनिरतः भविष्यसि भविष्यसि ।
तथा सज्जनगोष्ठीषु पतिष्यसि पतिष्यसि ॥
- हितोपदेश, मित्रलाभ

Transliteration:
yadi satsaṅganirataḥ bhaviṣyasi bhaviṣyasi ।
tathā sajjanagoṣṭhīṣu patiṣyasi patiṣyasi ॥
- hitopadeśa, mitralābha

Meaning of the subhAShita:

If (you) stay in good company, you shall remain.  Similarly, if (you) fall off from good company, (you) shall fall.

Commentary:

One's character is immensely influenced by the company he keeps.  The more one stays in good company, the better he fares.  When one's association is not up to mark, he shall fall in his character.  The company one keeps speaks volumes about his mettle. 

As the saying goes, 'Tell me your friends and I shall tell you your character!'  Such is the profoundness of one's association.  The more one keeps good company, the more he grows.  The more one moves away from it, the more he regresses.  One has to be mindful of this always.  It is not a goal to achieve one day and forget about another!  It is a constant process towards progress.

The beauty of the verse is also in the play of the words.  The verse at first glance might seem repetitive, confusing, or even wrong!  Punctuation is powerful.  There is a pause (,) between the two bhaviṣyasi-s and the two patiṣyasi-s!  The first bhaviṣyasi indicates being in good company.  The second one means you shall be (as in, survive)!  Similarly, the first patiṣyasi means to fall off from good company.  The second one indicates that you shall fall (in morality) and hence perish!!

May each person be good and keep good company so the entire universe will be a 'company to keep!'

pada vigrahaH:
यदि सत्-सङ्ग-निरतः भविष्यसि भविष्यसि ।
yadi sat-saṅga-nirataḥ bhaviṣyasi bhaviṣyasi ।

तथा सज्जन-गोष्ठीषु पतिष्यसि पतिष्यसि ॥
tathā sajjana-goṣṭhīṣu patiṣyasi patiṣyasi ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yadi satsa~nganirataH bhaviShyasi bhaviShyasi ।
tathaa sajjanagoShThiShu patiShyasi patiShyasi ॥
- hitopadesha, mitralaabha

yadi sat-sa~nga-nirataH bhaviShyasi bhaviShyasi ।

tathaa sajjana-goShThIShu patiShyasi patiShyasi ॥

April 15th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वरं पर्वतदुर्गेषु भ्रान्तं वनचरैः सह ।
न मूर्खजनसंपर्कः सुरेन्द्रभवनेष्वपि ॥
- नीतिशतक

Transliteration:
varaṃ parvatadurgeṣu bhrāntaṃ vanacaraiḥ saha ।
na mūrkhajanasaṃparkaḥ surendrabhavaneṣvapi ॥
- nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

It is rather a blessing to wander in the mountains and caves with wild animals than keep the company of the foolish even if it is in the palatial quarters of Indra (the king of the demigods)!

Commentary:

It’s not so much about the ambiance as it is about the company you keep. Good company should share a common goal and foster a productive direction, creating an enjoyable and meaningful experience for everyone involved. If that’s not the case, it’s better to have no company at all.

The poet boldly states that wandering through the mountains and caves of a forest among wild animals is far more blissful than enduring the company of fools—even if the setting is Heaven itself!

The company of fools often brings adverse consequences to those around them. It yields no fruitful outcomes, rendering time and effort futile or even detrimental to one’s progress. Time and again, it has been proven: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Isn’t it wiser to preserve your sanity than to rebuild it?

As the saying humorously goes, “Go to Heaven for the climate and Hell for the company.” In reality, if the company is bad, even the climate doesn’t matter—walk away!

pada vigrahaH:
वरं पर्वत-दुर्गेषु भ्रान्तं वन-चरैः सह ।
varaṃ parvata-durgeṣu bhrāntaṃ vana-caraiḥ saha ।

न मूर्ख-जन-संपर्कः सुरेन्द्र-भवनेषु अपि ॥
na mūrkha-jana-saṃparkaḥ surendra-bhavaneṣu api ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
varaM parvatadurgeShu bhraantaM vanacharaiH saha ।
na mUrkhajanasaMparkaH surendrabhavaneShvapi ॥
- nItishataka

varaM parvata-durgeShu bhraantaM vana-charaiH saha ।

na mUrkha-jana-saMparkaH surendra-bhavaneShu api ॥

August 30th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अन्तःसारविहीनानाम् उपदेशो न जायते ।
मलयाचल संसर्गात् न वेणुश्चन्दनायते ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
antaḥsāravihīnānām upadeśo na jāyate ।
malayācala saṃsargāt na veṇuścandanāyate ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

No point in advising those who are devoid of inner substance. Bamboo cannot become sandalwood in the company of the Malaya mountain!

Commentary:

Many times, the company isn't everything. If a certain intrinsic nature is not already present in a person, the company he keeps will not put a dent in his persona. The example the poet uses is—just because a shoot of bamboo grows on Malaya mountain (which bears an abundant population of sandal trees), it doesn't qualify it to acquire the qualities of sandalwood!

If seen on a more trivial level, just because a child keeps the company of a research scholar, he will not be able to attain the same level of intelligence just yet. The child lacks the required maturity to grasp the concepts the scholar might be speaking about. No matter how hard the child tries, his efforts shall go futile. 

Similarly, there is no point in advising those who are devoid of inner ethos. Growing physically is certainly different from growing spiritually and emotionally. If a prior readiness to receive knowledge given by others is missing, then the effort to teach such a person is futile.

Conserve your resources. Know when to spend your effort on who, how much, and why.  Do not invest energy in a place where the essence of your words cannot be grasped. 

pada vigrahaH:
अन्तः-सार-विहीनानाम् उपदेशः न जायते ।
antaḥ-sāra-vihīnānām upadeśaḥ na jāyate ।

मलयाचल संसर्गात् न वेणुः चन्दनायते ॥
malayācala saṃsargāt na veṇuḥ candanāyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
antaHsaaravihInaanaam upadesho na jaayate ।
malayaachala saMsargaat na veNushchandanaayate ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

antaH-saara-vihInaanaam upadeshaH na jaayate ।

malayaachala saMsargaat na veNuH chandanaayate ॥

August 19th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अनवस्थितकार्यस्य न जने न वने सुखम् ।
जने दहति संसर्गः वने सङ्गविवर्जनम् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
anavasthitakāryasya na jane na vane sukham ।
jane dahati saṃsargaḥ vane saṅgavivarjanam ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

For the unsettled/disorderly, there is no solace amidst people or in the forest. Amidst people, association cauterizes; in the forest, the lack of it!

Commentary:

One can live in a palatial bungalow amidst kith and kin, or by himself in the wilderness of the forest. But if the mind is not organized, it is immaterial where he is or with whom he lives. When living amongst people, their company brings him misery. He magnetically attracts trouble when with people. If he gives up everything and runs away to a no man's land, then the lack of it (the company) brings him sorrow. He is not at peace anywhere!

Organizing one's own thoughts, surroundings and schedules is always a great way to avoid such a plight. Electricity is really just organized lightning! If it just keeps striking everywhere randomly, it cannot be productive. When it is organized like electricity, it has the potential to do many things. Similar is the effect of being organized in one's life. It can help one reach heights and keep him contented in life too.

A good system shortens the road to any goal and getting organized is also a sign of self-respect. Having an organized mind and thoughts is key! When thoughts are streamlined, the surroundings will be harmonized. There is nothing more calming than an organized home and mind. 

pada vigrahaH:
अनवस्थित-कार्यस्य न जने न वने सुखम् ।
anavasthita-kāryasya na jane na vane sukham ।

जने दहति संसर्गः वने सङ्ग-विवर्जनम् ॥
jane dahati saṃsargaḥ vane saṅga-vivarjanam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
anavasthitakaaryasya na jane na vane sukham ।
jane dahati saMsargaH vane sa~ngavivarjanam ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

anavasthita-kaaryasya na jane na vane sukham ।

jane dahati saMsargaH vane sa~nga-vivarjanam ॥

June 28th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
एकः प्रसूयते जन्तुः एक एव प्रलीयते ।
एकोऽनुभुङ्क्ते सुकृतम् एक एव च दुष्कृतम् ॥
- भागवत


Transliteration:
ekaḥ prasūyate jantuḥ eka eva pralīyate ।
eko'nubhuṅkte sukṛtam eka eva ca duṣkṛtam ॥
- bhāgavata

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A being is born alone (and) will perish alone. He enjoys the fruit of his good deeds alone, and also (suffers the fruit) of the bad deeds alone.

Commentary:

A being is alone at birth and he dies alone as well. In between, during his life, he tries all possible tricks and trades to beat the loneliness, to no avail. One might have numerous friends and family around him, but then, when he passes on, he goes alone. None can keep him company on the onward journey, except, his vices and virtues.

If one performs good deeds in his lifetime, he alone gets to reap the benefit of those virtues. He cannot say, 'I think I have enough virtues in my share, maybe I'll share some with my spouse', or, 'I have collected ample merits, I would love to leave it for my children as an inheritance'!!

Likewise with vices too. One has to bear the brunt of his misdeeds all on his own as well. By simply saying that he was corrupt because he wanted to provide for his family, his family would not be able to shoulder accountability for his actions. He has to take it upon himself! He has no choice, actually. It comes with him automatically and he has to suffer the brunt—alone.

Life is even more lonely when one doesn't know himself. Be prudent.  Find comfort in your own company!  Because happiness is—being able to enjoy one's own company!  

pada vigrahaH:
एकः प्रसूयते जन्तुः एकः एव प्रलीयते ।
ekaḥ prasūyate jantuḥ ekaḥ eva pralīyate ।

एकः अनुभुङ्क्ते सुकृतम् एकः एव च दुष्कृतम् ॥
ekaḥ anubhuṅkte sukṛtam ekaḥ eva ca duṣkṛtam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ekaH prasUyate jantuH eka eva pralIyate ।
eko.nubhu~nkte sukRutam eka eva cha duShkRutam ॥
- bhaagavata

ekaH prasUyate jantuH ekaH eva pralIyate ।

ekaH anubhu~nkte sukRutam ekaH eva cha duShkRutam ॥

June 24th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
दर्शनध्यानसंस्पर्शैः मत्सी कूर्मी च पक्षिणी ।
शिशुं पालयते नित्यं तथा सज्जनसङ्गतिः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
darśanadhyānasaṃsparśaiḥ matsī kūrmī ca pakṣiṇī ।
śiśuṃ pālayate nityaṃ tathā sajjanasaṅgatiḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Just like the fish, by watching over; turtle, through contemplation; birds, by incubation—take care of their young, (people) should protect their children by keeping them in good company, at all times.

Commentary:

Most animals are known to give birth to their offspring and after a short period of nurture, they leave them to fend for themselves. But during those nurturing stages, they take the utmost care, almost as if there is nothing else in the world they would rather do!

• Fish keep a constant watch over their eggs till they hatch.
• Turtles lay their eggs and are done with childcare. But, even then, they carefully contemplate their predators' actions and select the safest spot for the eggs. They dig a hole in a spot that best suits their young to grow and hatch.
• Birds incubate their eggs.  They protect them from harsh climatic conditions and predators as well. They even feed and nurture them until their wings are strong enough to fly by themselves. 

If not, the young shall lose the battle of life before it even begins! However, all these—animals, birds, and fish alike, let go of their young! A human is the only being who shelters, nurtures, and pampers his offspring for the longest duration! 

Is a parent's job done if he builds a home and feeds his children?! This would only protect children from harsh climates and starvation. Shouldn't that be sufficient for the well-being of the child?! The maturity at which humans work requires more than mere physical protection and food for nourishment! They also need intellectual and spiritual growth. 

How is that done? How does one provide nourishment for the mind and the intellect?  By always keeping them in good company! This not only aids positive growth of the mind but also protects them from going on a negative path. It is a win-win situation. Good company is the only insurance that assures to keep one's offspring safe and sound in either harsh or friendly environments at all times.  This equips the children to learn to deal with life on their own once they are out of the nest, so to speak.

Hence, at all costs, parents should strive to keep their children in good company, beginning with themselves!  They have to be the good company to their own children. The best protective shield they can provide their children is—teaching them to seek and enjoy the company of noble people!

No road is long with good company because good company is the shortest and easiest route in the journey of life. Find your shortcuts (good company) and aid your children in finding theirs.

pada vigrahaH:
दर्शन-ध्यान-संस्पर्शैः मत्सी कूर्मी च पक्षिणी ।
darśana-dhyāna-saṃsparśaiḥ matsī kūrmī ca pakṣiṇī ।

शिशुं पालयते नित्यं तथा सज्जन-सङ्गतिः ॥
śiśuṃ pālayate nityaṃ tathā sajjana-saṅgatiḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
darshanadhyaanasaMsparshaiH matsI kUrmI cha pakShiNI ।
shishuM paalayate nityaM tathaa sajjanasa~ngatiH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

darshana-dhyaana-saMsparshaiH matsI kUrmI cha pakShiNI ।

shishuM paalayate nityaM tathaa sajjana-sa~ngatiH ॥

March 24th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
पिता रत्नाकरो यस्य लक्ष्मीर्यस्य सहोदरी ।
शङ्खो भिक्षाटनं कुर्यात् नादत्तमुपतिष्ठते ॥
- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
pitā ratnākaro yasya lakṣmīryasya sahodarī ।
śaṅkho bhikṣāṭanaṃ kuryāt nādattamupatiṣṭhate ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

His father is the ocean, Goddess Lakshmi herself is his sister, (but) the conch is used for begging alms..., justice is not done by it.

Commentary:

A conch is born in the ocean. So, the ocean is his father.  Goddess Lakshmi, who is the Goddess of wealth, was also born from the ocean. Hence, she is considered the conch's sister. The ocean is also the maker of an abundance of precious gems. Despite a lineage of such order, in the hands of a beggar, a conch gets used for the purpose of begging. 

A beggar roams from door to door, begging for food. To grab the attention of the people inside, he picks up a conch and blows on it! To him, the origination or the kin of the conch does not matter. He puts it to best use according to his wisdom.

This is exactly what happens in the world. People apply available resources to the best of their knowledge. The value (worthiness) of the resources themselves does not matter. This happens day in and day out, whether it is devaluing people around or misusing natural resources—People get belittled and mistreated all the time!  For example, today's mankind does not realize the worth of natural resources nor the harm they are causing to future generations.  This does not denigrate the value of the resources or the future generations in any way! A diamond is a diamond, whether someone recognizes it or not.

In today's world teeming with multitudes of material comforts, shouldn't we give a little thought to the usability and liabilities of the luxuries we have around us today?! Be it material comforts or the people around us—how are we utilizing them and at what cost?! Something to ponder about deeply!

pada vigrahaH:
पिता रत्नाकरः यस्य लक्ष्मीः यस्य सह-उदरी ।
pitā ratnākaraḥ yasya lakṣmīḥ yasya saha-udarī ।

शङ्खो भिक्षा-अटनं कुर्यात् न अदत्तम् उपतिष्ठते ॥
śaṅkho bhikṣā-aṭanaṃ kuryāt na adattam upatiṣṭhate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
pitaa ratnaakaro yasya lakShmIryasya sahodarI ।
sha~nkho bhikShaaTanaM kuryaat naadattamupatiShThate ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

pitaa ratnaakaraH yasya lakShmIH yasya saha-udarI ।

sha~nkho bhikShaa-aTanaM kuryaat na adattam upatiShThate ॥

March 2nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
हीयते हि मतिस्तात हीनैः सह समागमात् ।
समैश्च समतामेति विशिष्टैश्च विशिष्टताम् ॥
- हितोपदेश


Transliteration:
hīyate hi matistāta hīnaiḥ saha samāgamāt ।
samaiśca samatāmeti viśiṣṭaiśca viśiṣṭatām ॥
- hitopadeśa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Oh, Sir! In the company of the inferior, intellect attains inferiority; with equals, it attains evenness; with the distinguished, it excels!

Commentary:

As is the company, so will the intellect—prosper or fail.

Just as one rotten apple spoils the whole lot, a company of the forsaken makes one perform actions that are forbidden. There isn't any positive growth. On the contrary, there is deterioration. At any cost, one should keep away from such influences.

Being with equals does no harm to one's thinking or his prospects. They do not drop in the growth chart, but they do not attain greater heights either. Their progress plateaus and knowledge stagnates. Although this is not as bad as the previous type of association, it isn't very beneficial either.

Association with the distinguished and wise makes even a dull-witted person wise. There is no downside to this kind of company. One does not fall off from his level of intellect nor does he stagnate. However small, there is growth for sure! One should always aim higher than himself and keep his eyes on goals that make him better with each passing day. This is possible only when the company kept is stellar.

Keep good company!

pada vigrahaH:
हीयते हि मतिः तात हीनैः सह समागमात् ।
hīyate hi matiḥ tāta hīnaiḥ saha samāgamāt ।

समैः च समताम् एति विशिष्टैः च विशिष्टताम् ॥
samaiḥ ca samatām eti viśiṣṭaiḥ ca viśiṣṭatām ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

hIyate hi matistaata hInaiH saha samaagamaat ।

samaishcha samataameti vishiShTaishcha vishiShTataam ॥

- hitopadesha

hIyate hi matiH taata hInaiH saha samaagamaat ।

samaiH cha samataam eti vishiShTaiH cha vishiShTataam ॥

January 27th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सत्सङ्गश्च विवेकश्च निर्मलं नयनद्वयम् ।
यस्य नास्ति नरः सोऽन्धः कथं न स्यादमार्गगः ॥
- गरुडपुराण


Transliteration:
satsaṅgaśca vivekaśca nirmalaṃ nayanadvayam ।
yasya nāsti naraḥ so'ndhaḥ kathaṃ na syādamārgagaḥ ॥
- garuḍapurāṇa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

One who doesn't have two pure eyes (namely)—the company of the wise and (intellectual) prudence—is blind. How can he not tread on the wrong paths?!

Commentary:

No one is born intelligent. Our knowledge base grows as we grow. The kind of stimulus and exposure that surrounds us, greatly influences who we become. The measure of intelligence truly is the ability to change. 

Being around the virtuous makes one want to be virtuous, too. The company of the wise and knowledgeable comes only by God's grace. If we make the best of it, their company will make us wise and prudent, as well. One with wisdom rarely treads on the wrong paths.

Hence the poet opines that wisdom and the company of the wise should act as two eyes, giving a person clarity of vision. One with a clear vision stays on his path. A person who can't see is termed as—blind. Therefore, anyone who doesn't possess these two essential eyes is deemed blind.  It is no wonder he can't see straight!

It is not what you look at that matters, it is what you see! Keep good company and wisdom for your clarity of vision.  

pada vigrahaH:

सत्सङ्गः च विवेकः च निर्मलं नयन-द्वयम् ।
satsaṅgaḥ ca vivekaḥ ca nirmalaṃ nayana-dvayam ।

यस्य न अस्ति नरः सः अन्धः कथं न स्यात् अमार्गगः ॥
yasya na asti naraḥ saḥ andhaḥ kathaṃ na syāt amārgagaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
satsa~ngashcha vivekashcha nirmalaM nayanadwayam ।
yasya naasti naraH so.ndhaH kathaM na syaadamaargagaH ॥
- garuDapuraaNa

satsa~ngaH cha vivekaH cha nirmalaM nayana-dwayam ।

yasya na asti naraH saH andhaH kathaM na syaat amaargagaH ॥

January 4th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
राजा बन्धुरबन्धूनां राजा चक्षुरचक्षुषां ।
राजा पिता च माता च राजा चार्तिहरो गुरुः ॥

Transliteration:
rājā bandhurabandhūnāṃ rājā cakṣuracakṣuṣāṃ ।
rājā pitā ca mātā ca rājā cārtiharo guruḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The king is a relative to those who don't have kinsmen; the king is the eye for those without eyes; the king is also a mother and father; and the king is the teacher who takes away distress.

Commentary:

For a nation to prosper, its king should have his heart and mind in the right places. The position of a king is such that he needs to act as the kinsman for even those who do not have any kith and kin in this world. He cannot discriminate between his citizens. He should act as the eyes for the blind, meaning he should provide aid in all possible ways to make life comfortable for all those who are challenged. Eyes here are not necessarily the physical eyesight, but those who lack vision too.  A king has to be the visionary to guide them and lead them.  More importantly, he is the mother as well as the father to his whole nation. He is the teacher who guides his people away from distress and trouble.

Such should be the quality of a leader. The title could be King, President, Prime Minister, Mayor, or even Parent! They are leaders in their own right. When leaders have the correct approach to things, all the people under them will prosper, which in turn, allows the entire nation to prosper. This is the universal truth.

Leaders become great not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others to prosper. 

pada vigrahaH:

राजा बन्धुः अबन्धूनां राजा चक्षुः अचक्षुषां ।
rājā bandhuḥ abandhūnāṃ rājā cakṣuḥ acakṣuṣāṃ ।

राजा पिता च माता च राजा च आर्ति-हरः गुरुः ॥
rājā pitā ca mātā ca rājā ca ārti haraḥ-guruḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
raajaa bandhurabandhUnaaM raajaa chakShurachakShuShaaM ।
raajaa pitaa cha maataa cha raajaa chaartiharo guruH ॥

raajaa bandhuH abandhUnaaM raajaa chakShuH achakShuShaaM ।

raajaa pitaa cha maataa cha raajaa cha aarti-haraH guruH ॥

December 15th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वित्तं बन्धुर्वयः कर्म विद्या भवति पञ्चमी ।
एतानि मान्यस्थानानि गरीयो यद्यदुत्तरम् ॥
- मनुस्मृति

Transliteration:
vittaṃ bandhurvayaḥ karma vidyā bhavati pañcamī ।
etāni mānyasthānāni garīyo yadyaduttaram ॥
- manusmṛti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

These are the 5 domains of recognition in order of their progression—Money, relatives, age, work,  and good education.

Commentary:

 Here's the order in which people gain respect in the world. 

1. Most people unfortunately don't value their word as much as they value their money! Hence, the person who possesses more money is valued.  Therefore, the wealthy are respected.
2. Having good kin brings even more respect—even if they don't have much money.
3. Whether one has the money or not, whether one has respectable kin or not, a person is given respect for his age.  Elders are always respected, no matter what.
4. If one's actions are respectable, then neither his financial status, his kin nor his age will come into the picture. He will be respected for his work or actions.
5. However, the most respected value of all values is—good education. A well-educated person is highly respected and his other possessions become obscure. His wealth, relatives, age, and work all become obsolete and he is esteemed for his knowledge and education alone.

Hence, vidyā (knowledge) is the one true adornment that upholds everything else!  It is one prized possession that can change the world and make it a better place. 

pada vigrahaH:
वित्तं बन्धुः वयः कर्म विद्या भवति पञ्चमी ।
vittaṃ bandhuḥ vayaḥ karma vidyā bhavati pañcamī ।

एतानि मान्य-स्थानानि गरीयः यत् यत् उत्तरम् ॥
etāni mānya-sthānāni garīyaḥ yat yat uttaram ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
vittaM bandhurvayaH karma vidyaa bhavati pa~nchamI ।
etaani maanyasthaanaani garIyo yadyaduttaram ॥
- manusmRuti

vittaM bandhuH vayaH karma vidyaa bhavati pa~nchamI ।

etaani maanya-sthaanaani garIyaH yat yat uttaram ॥

December 8th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
दुर्लभं त्रयमेवैतत् दैवानुग्रहहेतुकम्  ।
मनुष्यत्वं मुमुक्षुत्वं महापुरुषसंश्रयः ॥
- विवेकचूडामणि


Transliteration:
durlabhaṃ trayamevaitat daivānugrahahetukam ।
manuṣyatvaṃ mumukṣutvaṃ mahāpuruṣasaṃśrayaḥ ॥
- vivekacūḍāmaṇi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

These three are hard to come by and come only with God's grace—human birth, desire for liberation, company of the learned noble.

Commentary:

To live is the rarest thing in this world, most people simply exist!

1. In this life, so much is taken for granted.  One does not realize that just being born as a human being is a rare blessing in itself. Amongst the multitudes of billions of organisms (living beings in each of the many species existent), only a rare few are bestowed the opportunity to be born as humans. It should be considered a privilege and be utilized with utmost respect.
2. Even if one is born as a human, not everyone is smitten by the desire to seek liberation (mokSha).  'Liberation' referred to here is not liberation from life but liberation from suffering!  It is said that pain is common but suffering is optional.  Liberation can be achieved only due to an intense desire to be liberated from mundane afflictions. Very few of us are driven by this desire.
3. Despite being inspired to attain mokṣa, not everyone is lucky enough to get the company and the proximity of the learned and enlightened.  Only through learning from their experience, can one attain this state.  No amount of toil will lead toward the goal of liberation, but the company of the wise and enlightened will.

Those who are blessed with the above three factors are truly fortunate! We should be glad that our blessings outweigh our troubles.  We should utilize every opportunity and count our blessings along the way.  

pada vigrahaH:

दुर्लभं त्रयम् एव एतत् दैव-अनुग्रह हेतुकम् ।
durlabhaṃ trayam eva etat daiva-anugraha hetukam ।

मनुष्यत्वं मुमुक्षुत्वं महापुरुष-संश्रयः ॥
manuṣyatvaṃ mumukṣutvaṃ mahāpuruṣa-saṃśrayaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
durlabhaM trayamevaitat daivaanugrahahetukam ।
manuShyatvaM mumukShutvaM mahaapuruShasaMshrayaH ॥
- vivekachUDaamaNi

durlabhaM trayam eva etat daiva-anugraha hetukam ।

manuShyatvaM mumukShutvaM mahaapuruSha-saMshrayaH ॥

December 6th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यस्मिन् देशे न सम्मानो न प्रीतिर्न च बान्धवाः । 

न च विद्यागमः कश्चिन्न तत्र दिवसं वसेत् ॥
- हितोपदेश, मित्रलाभ


Transliteration:
yasmin deśe na sammāno na prītirna ca bāndhavāḥ ।

na ca vidyāgamaḥ kaścinna tatra divasaṃ vaset ॥
- hitopadeśa, mitralābha

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Do not live in such a place even for a day where there is—no respect, no affection, no relatives, nor an avenue for learning.

Commentary:

The place we call home should have something more than just material comforts. One can live in a palatial building, sleep on the softest bed, eat from golden plates and spoons, and still be unhappy. For happiness to be present in a home, there needs to be respect and love for one another. There also needs to be dear ones around. (Family doesn't necessarily mean related by blood. It is all the kin who one considers close to their heart.)

Wherever we are, we need to learn and grow, each and every day. If there is no avenue for learning and growing as individuals, then such a place will not be suitable as a home, either. The poet vehemently advises not to live in such a place even for a single day.

The lesson to be learnt here is: don't run away from home if these things are not available, rather work towards making conditions better! It is a reminder to make sure that a home is a happy place where everyone respects, loves, understands, and allows each other to grow as individuals.

Create a nurturing environment for those around you. Growing and allowing everyone to flourish is the key to happiness!  

pada vigrahaH:

यस्मिन् देशे न सम्मानः न प्रीतिः न च बान्धवाः ।
yasmin deśe na sammānaḥ na prītiḥ na ca bāndhavāḥ ।

न च विद्यागमः कश्चित् न तत्र दिवसं वसेत् ॥
na ca vidyāgamaḥ kaścit na tatra divasaṃ vaset ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yasmin deshe na sammaano na preetirna cha baandhavaaH ।
na cha vidyaagamaH kashchinna tatra divasaM vaset ॥
- hitopadesha, mitralaabha

yasmin deshe na sammaanaH na preetiH na cha baandhavaaH ।

na cha vidyaagamaH kashchit na tatra divasaM vaset ॥