November 11th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

यथैकेन न हस्तेन तालिका संप्रपद्यते ।

तथोद्यमपरित्यक्तं कर्म नोत्पादयेत् फलम् ॥

- पञ्चतन्त्र

Transliteration:

yathaikena na hastena tālikā saṃprapadyate ।

tathodyamaparityaktaṃ karma notpādayet phalam ॥

- pañcatantra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Just as a clap cannot be generated with one hand, any destiny devoid of effort will not yield fruit.  

Commentary:

It takes two to tango! 

Effort and destiny—these are the partners in crime behind every result. Without them, no action bears fruit. This age-old debate between fate and free will persists, even in Vedāntic contexts. Do our outcomes lie in the hands of destiny, or is it our own free will that shapes them? Which holds the greater sway?

A simple story sheds light:

An astrologer once told a man, "You will win the lottery soon." With great anticipation, the man checked the lottery results every day for a year. Frustrated, he told a friend, "The astrologer was wrong—I never won!" His friend asked, "But did you buy a ticket?" The man replied, "Ticket? What ticket?! I never bought one!"

The moral is clear: just as sound cannot emerge from one clapping hand, destiny alone will not bring results without our effort. One can’t expect to win a lottery without buying a ticket.

Fate—destiny—is a given. Free will is how we act. A person may toil endlessly, but if it is not in his destiny, success will remain elusive. Conversely, no matter how bright a person’s fate may seem, he will not reach his potential without effort.

Actions plant the seeds of destiny while efforts cultivate them. Fate favors the fearless, and fearless take action.

If we cannot change our fate, we must change our attitude. Even if destiny is on our side, it will not unfold unless we choose to pursue it. So, life is a dance between fate and free will—rain is inevitable; whether we get wet in it or not is our choice. 

So long as I am the doer—kartā—I wield free will. So long as I am the enjoyer—bhoktā—I surrender to fate.  Without free will, there is no fate and without fate, there is no free will.  

In conclusion, fate and free will are intricately intertwined, working in harmony to shape the outcomes of our actions.    But, in the highest wisdom of Vedānta, one must transcend both. To release the attachment to both fate and free will one must surrender to the divine, dropping the ego! 

pada vigrahaH:

यथा एकेन न हस्तेन तालिका संप्रपद्यते ।

yathā ekena na hastena tālikā saṃprapadyate ।

तथा उद्यम-परित्यक्तं कर्म न उत्पादयेत् फलम् ॥

tathā udyama-parityaktaṃ karma na utpādayet phalam  ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

yathaikena na hastena tAlikA saMprapadyate । 

tathodyamaparityaktaM karma notpAdayet phalam ॥

- pa~nchatantra

yathaa ekena na hastena tAlikA saMprapadyate । 

tathaa udyama-parityaktaM karma na utpAdayet phalam ॥

May 21st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
खल्वाटो दिवसेश्वरस्य किरणैस्सन्तापितो मस्तके 
गच्छन्देशमनातपं द्रुतगतिस्तालस्य मूलं गतः ।
तत्राप्यस्य महाफलेन पतता भग्नं सशब्दं शिरः 
प्रायो गच्छति यत्र दैवहतकस्तत्रैव यान्त्यापदः ॥
-नीतिशतक

Transliteration:
khalvāṭo divaseśvarasya kiraṇaissantāpito mastake
gacchandeśamanātapaṃ drutagatistālasya mūlaṃ gataḥ ।
tatrāpyasya mahāphalena patatā bhagnaṃ saśabdaṃ śiraḥ
prāyo gacchati yatra daivahatakastatraiva yāntyāpadaḥ ॥
-nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A bald man, scorched in the head due to the sun's rays, in search of a place of shade, rushed hurriedly to the base of a palm tree.  There too, due to the falling of a huge palm fruit, his head was fractured with a huge noise!  Alas! perils probably go wherever those cursed by destiny go...

Commentary:

This story exemplifies the fortune of the ill-fated. Imagine this: a bald man, without even a strand of hair to shield him from the scorching sun, finds himself in a barren, sunbaked land on a hot day. Desperately seeking respite, he spots a lone palm tree and hurries beneath it to claim whatever meager scraps of shade it offers. (After all, a palm tree isn’t known for its dense foliage or thick shadow.)

Just as he stood under the tree, fate delivered its cruel twist—a large palm fruit (unusually large, mind you) fell directly onto his exposed head. With a loud crack, his skull gave way!

Alas, he was truly ill-fated. This incident brings to mind the saying: “Sometimes, the road of life takes an unexpected turn, and you have no choice but to follow it, ending up where you’re supposed to be.” Otherwise, why would he, of all places, willingly stand beneath a palm tree and offer his vulnerable bald head to an oversized falling fruit? Surely, there were countless other places he could have been at that moment, but circumstances—and his own choices—led him here.

Such moments remind us that no matter how much one prepares or plans, life doesn’t always go as expected. When logic, rhyme, or reason fail to explain the turn of events, we inevitably attribute it to destiny. And rightly so! There is only so much the human mind can comprehend. Some things lie beyond our understanding and control—it’s just the way of the universe. Whatever must happen, happens. If we were capable of explaining every occurrence, wouldn’t that make us akin to God?

Yet, even with our finite understanding, humans are known for their complex egos. Imagine if we possessed the ultimate power to know and control why everything happens—would the universe find any peace?

While fate or luck often plays a role, one can still strive to improve their chances. But even then, the Lord may override all efforts. In such moments, one must embrace the age-old mantra: “What can’t be cured must be endured.”

pada vigrahaH:
खल्वाटः दिवसेश्वरस्य किरणैः सन्तापितः मस्तके 
khalvāṭaḥ divaseśvarasya kiraṇaiḥ santāpitaḥ mastake

गच्छन् देशम् अनातपं द्रुत-गतिः तालस्य मूलं गतः ।
gacchan deśam anātapaṃ druta-gatiḥ tālasya mūlaṃ gataḥ ।

तत्र अपि अस्य महा-फलेन पतता भग्नं सशब्दं शिरः 
tatra api asya mahā-phalena patatā bhagnaṃ saśabdaṃ śiraḥ

प्रायः गच्छति यत्र दैव-हतकः तत्र एव यान्ति आपदः ॥
prāyaḥ gacchati yatra daiva-hatakaḥ tatra eva yānti āpadaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
khalvaaTo divaseshwarasya kiraNaissantaapito mastake
gachChandeshamanaatapaM drutagatistaalasya mUlaM gataH ।
tatraapyasya mahaaphalena patataa bhagnaM sashabdaM shiraH
praayo gachChati yatra daivahatakastatraiva yaantyaapadaH ॥
-nItishataka

khalvaaTaH divaseshwarasya kiraNaiH santaapitaH mastake
gachChan desham anaatapaM druta-gatiH taalasya mUlaM gataH ।
tatra api asya mahaa-phalena patataa bhagnaM sashabdaM shiraH
praayaH gachChati yatra daiva-hatakaH tatra eva yaanti aapadaH ॥

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 22nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
रात्रिर्गमिष्यति भविष्यति सुप्रभातम्
भास्वानुदेष्यति हसिष्यति पङ्कजश्रीः ।
इत्थं विचिन्तयति कोशगते द्विरेफे
हा हन्त हन्त नलिनीं गज उज्जहार ॥
- कुवलयानन्द

Transliteration:
rātrirgamiṣyati bhaviṣyati suprabhātam
bhāsvānudeṣyati hasiṣyati paṅkajaśrīḥ ।
itthaṃ vicintayati kośagate dvirephe
hā hanta hanta nalinīṃ gaja ujjahāra ॥
- kuvalayānanda

Meaning of the subhAShita:

"The night shall pass, dawn shall arrive, the sun shall rise, and the lotus shall bloom"—even as the bee stuck in the lotus bud was thinking; Alas, alas, an elephant uprooted the lotus!!

Commentary:
Timing is everything or destiny has the final say?!

This verse is the height of poetic fiction!  Here, he narrates the story of a busy little bee anxious to get the last sip of nectar before the fall of the day.  He hovered over a lotus and settled down for a drink.  But since it was almost dusk, the lotus closed its petals to rest for the day and the bee got stuck inside the petals.  There was no way it could get out from the tight grasp of the tender petals of the closed lotus bud!  So, the bee consoled itself thus, "The night shall pass, daybreak shall come, the sun shall rise, and the lotus shall bloom..."—so that when the flower opened the petals, it could fly away.  But alas, what luck!  Even as the bee was thinking thus, a rutting elephant uprooted the closed lotus bud!!  Now that the lotus wasn't rooted anymore, neither the rise of the sun nor the midday scorch could bring a difference in the petals.  The bud will never ever open again, thus trapping the bee inside to draw its last breath! 

Like they say, 'it is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped'!  Perhaps, the outcome would have been different if the bee had judged the time of the day better.  Perhaps, the bee would have been spared if he wasn't greedy for that one last sip.  Perhaps, the consequence would have been different if the bee was swift enough to fly out just as the bud was closing up.  Perhaps..., perhaps... These can only be speculations.

Many times, one would never know what would have happened differently if he made different choices.  Perhaps, it is the choices, and not chances, that determine one's destiny!  It is probably for oneself to decide...

pada vigrahaH:
रात्रिः गमिष्यति भविष्यति सुप्रभातम्
rātriḥ gamiṣyati bhaviṣyati suprabhātam

भास्वान् उदेष्यति हसिष्यति पङ्कजश्रीः ।
bhāsvān udeṣyati hasiṣyati paṅkajaśrīḥ ।

इत्थं विचिन्तयति कोश-गते द्विरेफे
itthaṃ vicintayati kośa-gate dvirephe

हा हन्त हन्त नलिनीं गज उज्जहार ॥
hā hanta hanta nalinīṃ gaja ujjahāra ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
raatrirgamiShyati bhaviShyati suprabhaatam
bhaaswaanudeShyati hasiShyati pa~nkajashrIH ।
itthaM vichintayati koshagate dvirephe
haa hanta hanta nalinIM gaja ujjahaara ॥
- kuvalayaananda

raatriH gamiShyati bhaviShyati suprabhaatam

bhaaswaan udeShyati hasiShyati pa~nkajashrIH ।

itthaM vichintayati kosha-gate dvirephe

haa hanta hanta nalinIM gaja ujjahaara ॥

January 21st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यदेव तीव्रसंवेगात् दृढं कर्म कृतं पुरा ।
तदेव दैवशब्देन पर्यायेणेह कथ्यते ॥

- योगवासिष्ठ 

Transliteration:
yadeva tīvrasaṃvegāt dṛḍhaṃ karma kṛtaṃ purā ।
tadeva daivaśabdena paryāyeṇeha kathyate ॥
- yogavāsiṣṭha

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Whatever actions were performed with steadfast effort before, the same ones perhaps are alternatively referred to as 'destiny' today.

Commentary:

Someone once said, "I seldom end up where I wanted to go, but almost always where I need to be!" This holds true for everyone, but recognizing and accepting it is key. Does this mean one should resign to fate, believing they have no control over their path? Not at all. While the circumstances of today are largely a result of past actions—something one cannot change—how one responds to these circumstances determines the trajectory of their future.

Acceptance is crucial, but it’s only the starting point. Once a situation is acknowledged, the focus should shift to making the most of it and planting seeds for a better tomorrow. To those who ask, "If I’m destined to be rich, why should I work hard now?" the answer is simple: "What if your destiny to become rich depends on your hard work? By doing nothing, you may lose that very opportunity!"

Actions are the seeds of destiny, and their fruits are determined by the care and effort invested today. It is not chance but choice that shapes one's future. Destiny is not a distant, uncontrollable force—it is forged in the moments when decisions are made.

So, embrace today’s challenges, make wise choices, and take purposeful actions. What you do today holds the power to create a brighter and more fulfilling tomorrow.

pada vigrahaH:
यत् एव तीव्र-संवेगात् दृढं कर्म कृतं पुरा ।
yat eva tīvra-saṃvegāt dṛḍhaṃ karma kṛtaṃ purā ।

तत् एव दैव-शब्देन पर्यायेण इह कथ्यते ॥
tat eva daiva-śabdena paryāyeṇa iha kathyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yadeva tIvrasaMvegaat dRuDhaM karma kRutaM puraa ।
tadeva daivashabdena paryaayeNeha kathyate ॥
- yogavaasiShTha

yat eva tIvra-saMvegaat dRuDhaM karma kRutaM puraa ।

tat eva daiva-shabdena paryaayeNa iha kathyate ॥

December 31st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यद्यदालिखति मनोऽऽशावर्तिकाभिर्हृदयफलके ।
तत्तद्बाल इव विधिर्निभृतं हसित्वा प्रोञ्छति ॥
- सप्‍तशती

Transliteration:
yadyadālikhati mano''śāvartikābhirhṛdayaphalake ।
tattadbāla iva vidhirnibhṛtaṃ hasitvā proñchati ॥
- sap‍taśatī

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Whatever the mind inscribes (paints) on the canvas of the heart with the brushes of desire, fate stealthily (and) smilingly wipes it all out like a little child!

Commentary:

"Man proposes; God disposes!"

Not all desires bloom into fruition, no matter how meticulously one plans or how fervently one hopes. People often paint their hearts with vibrant shades of dreams and expectations, yet it is destiny that holds the ultimate brushstroke. The poet beautifully likens destiny to a mischievous child who stealthily erases those dreams with a playful smile, leaving behind no trace of the effort or longing that preceded it. Destiny, like this child, operates silently and unannounced, altering outcomes as it sees fit.

What does this mean for us? It reminds us that while we can strive with all our might, the final outcome often lies beyond our control. Effort is ours to give, but the results remain in the hands of destiny. Yet, this is not a cause for despair. Often, when a cherished aspiration goes unfulfilled, it is because a higher reason is at play—something better aligned with the greater good. Viewing setbacks through this lens can ease the sting of disappointment.

Effort remains vital, for destiny itself is shaped by the vices and virtues of one's past. Each person is the architect of their fate, building their future through present actions. As someone wisely said, "Fate is nothing but the deeds committed in a prior state of existence."

If we desire better outcomes tomorrow, we must act with integrity and diligence today. Let us set our best foot forward with unwavering faith in the process!

pada vigrahaH:
यत् यत् आलिखति मनः आशा-वर्तिकाभिः हृदय-फलके ।
yat yat ālikhati manaḥ āśā-vartikābhiḥ hṛdaya-phalake ।

तत् तत् बाल इव विधिः निभृतं हसित्वा प्रोञ्छति ॥
tat tat bāla iva vidhiḥ nibhṛtaṃ hasitvā proñchati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yadyadaalikhati mano..shaavartikaabhirhRudayaphalake ।
tattadbaala iva vidhirnibhRutaM hasitvaa pro~nChati ॥
- saptashatI

yat yat aalikhati manaH aashaa-vartikaabhiH hRudaya-phalake ।

tat tat baala iva vidhiH nibhRutaM hasitvaa pro~nChati ॥

August 20th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अकृत्वा पौरुषं या श्रीः विकासिन्यपि किं तया ।
जरद्गवोऽपि चाश्नाति दैवादुपगतं तृणम् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार


Transliteration:
akṛtvā pauruṣaṃ yā śrīḥ vikāsinyapi kiṃ tayā ।
jaradgavo'pi cāśnāti daivādupagataṃ tṛṇam ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

So what if one's wealth is blossoming even without his effort?! Even an old bull can graze the grass that becomes available by chance!

Commentary:

Luck shouldn't be the sole driving force behind the prosperity of one's wealth! If his wealth is flourishing without effort, there is nothing great about it. He might have inherited it abundantly, or his investments might be reaping tremendous benefits. But if he is not putting in hard work, dedicating his heart and soul towards the betterment of himself and society, that prosperity is to no great avail!

The poet says, even an old bull will graze the grass that becomes 'available' by chance. No applause is required for the bull's effort in 'earning' that meal! The same holds true for someone who puts in no effort towards thriving his assets or flourishing his property.

Only he who strives hard, as well as works honestly and diligently gets to be lauded for his prosperity. One's assets and wealth should prosper only as a byproduct of his efforts and not just due to mere luck or chance!

pada vigrahaH:
अ-कृत्वा पौरुषं या श्रीः विकासिनी अपि किं तया ।
a-kṛtvā pauruṣaṃ yā śrīḥ vikāsinī api kiṃ tayā ।

जरद्-गवः अपि च अश्नाति दैवात् उपगतं तृणम् ॥
jarad-gavaḥ api ca aśnāti daivāt upagataṃ tṛṇam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
akRutvaa pauruShaM yaa shrIH vikaasinyapi kiM tayaa ।
jaradgavo.pi chaashnaati daivaadupagataM tRuNam ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

a-kRutvaa pauruShaM yaa shrIH vikaasinI api kiM tayaa ।

jarad-gavaH api cha ashnaati daivaat upagataM tRuNam ॥

July 20th

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


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

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

shayaanaM cha anushayati tiShThantaM cha anu-tiShThati ।

anu-dhaavati dhaavantaM karma pUrva-kRutaM naram ॥

July 1st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
येषां बाहुबलं नास्ति येषां नास्ति मनोबलम् ।
तेषां चन्द्रबलं देव किं कुर्यादम्बरस्थितम् ॥
- यशस्तिलक

Transliteration:
yeṣāṃ bāhubalaṃ nāsti yeṣāṃ nāsti manobalam ।
teṣāṃ candrabalaṃ deva kiṃ kuryādambarasthitam ॥
- yaśastilaka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Oh, king, to him who doesn't have strength in his arms and determination in his mind, what can the power of the moon in the sky do?!

Commentary:

If things don't work in one's favor, he will find many reasons to blame for his failure!

One of the easiest and lamest responses is: "The stars are not in my favor!"  The most essential factors for the success of any task are: one's mental ability and physical strength. If one has trust in his own abilities, he is bound to achieve anything. 

For the one who does not have confidence in his own prowess or vigor in his muscles, how can the stars and moon, sitting in the sky, influence the outcome?! His physical and mental faculties are always available for him!  How can his star power, moon power, or horoscope help in his achievements or failures?! The moon and the stars are sitting far away in the skies—how can they possibly be factors in his success or failure?!

It is not for the stars to hold our destiny but for ourselves.  Luck matters only to some extent. Hard work, faith, and determination are what drive one toward success.  The only thing that overcomes hard luck is hard work! 

Efforts never fail.  Despite that, if we fail, it is certainly not because of the position of the moon and the stars! The Lord knows the ulterior outcome of everything.   We may not understand the results of our efforts instantly, but it will certainly be what it is supposed to be. Only putting in honest efforts, without giving excuses is in our hands. 

pada vigrahaH:
येषां बाहु-बलं न अस्ति येषां न अस्ति मनो-बलम् ।
yeṣāṃ bāhu-balaṃ na asti yeṣāṃ na asti mano-balam ।

तेषां चन्द्र-बलं देव किं कुर्यात् अम्बर-स्थितम् ॥
teṣāṃ candra-balaṃ deva kiṃ kuryāt ambara-sthitam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yeShaaM baahubalaM naasti yeShaaM naasti manobalam ।
teShaaM chandrabalaM deva kiM kuryaadambarasthitam ॥
- yashastilaka

yeShaaM baahu-balaM na asti yeShaaM na asti mano-balam ।

teShaaM chandra-balaM deva kiM kuryaat ambara-sthitam ॥

June 23rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यश्च दिष्टपरो लोके यश्चापि हठवादिकः ।
उभावपि शठावेतौ कर्मबुद्धिः प्रशंस्यते ॥
- महाभारत, अरण्यपर्व


Transliteration:
yaśca diṣṭaparo loke yaścāpi haṭhavādikaḥ ।
ubhāvapi śaṭhāvetau karmabuddhiḥ praśaṃsyate ॥
- mahābhārata, araṇyaparva

Meaning of the subhAShita:

He who is a fatalist and he who is stubborn—both are rogues. He who deems his deeds as his duties is laudable.

Commentary:

Fatalist: Someone who believes everything is predetermined by fate and nothing can be altered. At the drop of a hat, he can leave it up to fate. Not taking responsibility for his actions, he succumbs and surrenders to anything that comes his way, in the name of destiny.

Stubborn: A person adamant about his own stance and viewpoint, never yielding to anyone else's opinions. He is right and he alone is right.  In fact, he believes so much in himself that he won't give room for himself to grow further!

This author says both people are rogues! Blaming fate and ducking away from responsibilities is not a choice; neither is being blind and adamant about one's own ideas without contemplation.

Only he who performs his deeds in the name of duties, and who has a sense of duty is commendable. No expectation of remuneration; no lame reasons given for either the success or failure of the tasks; readiness to learn and grow—all these become an integral part of one's personality only when he performs his actions cheerfully, in the name of duties. Hence, he alone is commended.

Duty is ours, results are His!

pada vigrahaH:
यः च दिष्टपरः लोके यः च अपि हठ-वादिकः ।
yaḥ ca diṣṭaparaḥ loke yaḥ ca api haṭha-vādikaḥ ।

उभौ अपि शठौ एतौ कर्म-बुद्धिः प्रशंस्यते ॥
ubhau api śaṭhau etau karma-buddhiḥ praśaṃsyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yashca diShTaparo loke yashchaapi haThavaadikaH ।
ubhaavapi shaThaavetau karmabuddhiH prashaMsyate ॥
- mahaabhaarata, araNyaparva

yaH ca diShTaparaH loke yaH cha api haTha-vaadikaH ।

ubhau api shaThau etau karma-buddhiH prashaMsyate ॥

June 4th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
नाकाले म्रियते जन्तुः विद्धः शरशतैरपि ।
कुशकण्टकविद्धोऽपि प्राप्‍तकालो न जीवति ॥
- महाभारत

Transliteration:
nākāle mriyate jantuḥ viddhaḥ śaraśatairapi ।
kuśakaṇṭakaviddho'pi prāp‍takālo na jīvati ॥
- mahābhārata

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A living being, even when pierced by a hundred arrows, will not die if it is not its time. Come its time, it will not survive even the touch of a straw thorn.

Commentary:

It's all in good time! Each and every being comes to this world with his very own baggage. One has to run out of all the deeds and actions that are meant to be exhausted in that life. When the purpose of his life has not been achieved, no matter what happens, he is going to live. 

Time and again, we have heard or seen that some people survived the deadliest crash or came out of the worst epidemic, etc. These are examples of the very fact that their life's purpose has not been attained yet. The verse says that if the time is not ripe, he will live through to see another sunrise even if pierced by a hundred arrows.

On the contrary, if his assignment here is done, nothing or nobody has the ability to hold him back. When his time is up, no reason is necessary. A healthy person could drop dead in an instant. Sometimes, a person who has survived the most impossible circumstances could pass on due to most trivial of reasons. He could trip on a pebble and die. Or, as the verse says, he could be pricked by a strand of hay which becomes the reason for his death. These become only 'nimitta-mātra' (mere causes)—means to an end, so to speak—figuratively and literally!

Hence, there is no point in living life in perpetual fear of death. It is inevitable and there is nothing one can do about it! Shouldn't we live life to the fullest when we are alive?! That's why someone once said, “If you can't change your fate, change your attitude”. Think about it...

pada vigrahaH:
न अकाले म्रियते जन्तुः विद्धः शर-शतैः अपि ।
na akāle mriyate jantuḥ viddhaḥ śara-śataiḥ api ।

कुश-कण्टक-विद्धः अपि प्राप्‍त-कालः न जीवति ॥
kuśa-kaṇṭaka-viddhaḥ api prāp‍ta-kālaḥ na jīvati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
naakaale mriyate jantuH viddhaH sharashatairapi ।
kushakaNTakaviddho.pi praaptakaalo na jIvati ॥
- mahaabhaarata

na akaale mriyate jantuH viddhaH shara-shataiH api ।

kusha-kaNTaka-viddhaH api praapta-kaalah na jIvati ॥

May 21st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
कालक्रमेण जगतः परिवर्तमानाः ।
चक्रारपङ्क्तिरिव गच्छति भाग्यपङ्क्तिः ॥
- स्वप्नवासवदत्त

Transliteration:
kālakrameṇa jagataḥ parivartamānāḥ ।
cakrārapaṅktiriva gacchati bhāgyapaṅktiḥ ॥
- svapnavāsavadatta

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Just as the rows of spokes of a wheel rise up and come down, so do the spokes of the wheel of fortune with changing times. 

Commentary:

When bogged down by hardships, do not lose heart. These bad times are not permanent. They are not here to stay. They have their own lifespan and at the end of it, they have to move out of one's life. When the going gets tough, the tough get going! Tough times never last, but tough people do!

At the same time, do not be overly proud during good times either. When all is well and life is good, be reminded that it will not stay either! It has its own lifespan and will pass on as well!! If one soars too high during good times, he can only fall harder. One who is grounded even in pleasant times is truly admirable. When the tide of change comes along, his feet are very much on the ground and he rides the tide easily. Why make the good times of today sad thoughts of tomorrow?

Tough times are interspersed so that one can truly appreciate the good times better!

If pain was simply pain, pleasure was simply pleasure—for him, they were no longer part of the cycle of suffering.

Like the spokes of a wheel, what goes up must come down. And, what has gone down must rise up! Take life in a stride. 

pada vigrahaH:
कालक्रमेण जगतः परिवर्तमानाः ।
kālakrameṇa jagataḥ parivartamānāḥ ।

चक्र-आर-पङ्क्तिः इव गच्छति भाग्य-पङ्क्तिः ॥
cakra-āra-paṅktiḥ iva gacchati bhāgya-paṅktiḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kaalakrameNa jagataH parivartamaanaaH ।
chakraarapa~nktiriva gachChati bhaagyapa~nktiH ॥
- svapnavaasavadatta

kaalakrameNa jagataH parivartamaanaaH ।

chakra-aarapa~nktiH iva gachChati bhaagya-pa~nktiH ॥

January 30th

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


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

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

Commentary:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ajaaputraM baliM dadyaat daivaH durbala-ghaatakaH ॥

January 26th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वैद्यराज नमस्तुभ्यं यमराज सहोदरः ।
यमस्तु हरति प्राणान् वैद्यः प्राणान् धनानि च ॥

Transliteration:
vaidyarāja namastubhyaṃ yamarāja sahodaraḥ ।
yamastu harati prāṇān vaidyaḥ prāṇān dhanāni ca ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Salutations to you O' doctor, the brother of 'yamarāja'. Yama takes life whereas a doctor, (takes) life as well as money!

Commentary:

Before any doctor gets offended, this verse needs to be explained :).

Here, the poet says that a doctor is a brother of Lord Yama (Lord of death). Because, while Yama takes away life, a doctor takes both the patient's life as well as his wealth! Obviously, a doctor's job is 'saving lives' and not 'taking lives'! (One can see that there is no scarcity of humor in Sanskrit literature.)

There is certainly no scarcity of doctors who charge exuberantly. But if philosophy is to be seen in this verse, it can be interpreted as - destiny is not in man's hands. The doctor can try his level best, but things may go south for the patient.  Because, 'Man proposes, God disposes'. A doctor can only put his best effort into saving a life. However, though the final word is not his, the blame sure goes to the doctor! (May this verse NOT serve as a license for malpractice :)

It is a good reminder not to get ahead of ourselves, and forget the driving force behind everything in this world. Any and everything we do will yield results just as He proposes. Isn't that humbling?! He will make what needs to happen, happen. 

pada vigrahaH:
वैद्यराज नमः तुभ्यं यमराज-सहोदरः ।
vaidyarāja namaḥ tubhyaṃ yamarāja-sahodaraḥ ।

यमः तु हरति प्राणान् वैद्यः प्राणान् धनानि च ॥
yamaḥ tu harati prāṇān vaidyaḥ prāṇān dhanāni ca ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
vaidyaraaja namastubhyaM yamaraaja sahodaraH ।
yamastu harati praaNaan vaidyaH praaNaan dhanaani cha ॥

vaidyaraaja namaH tubhyaM yamaraaja-sahodaraH ।

yamaH tu harati praaNaan vaidyaH praaNaan dhanaani cha ॥

November 14th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सुखस्यानन्तरं दुःखं दुःखस्यानन्तरं सुखम् ।
चक्रवत्परिवर्तन्ते सुखानि च दुःखानि च ॥
 
Transliteration:
sukhasyānantaraṃ duḥkhaṃ duḥkhasyānantaraṃ sukham ।
cakravatparivartante sukhāni ca duḥkhāni ca ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Joy is followed by pain and suffering is followed by happiness. Joys and sorrows rotate like a wheel.

Commentary:

Have patience!

Eventually, all sorrows will be followed by happiness. Keep the faith.

All celebrations fizzle out and in creeps sadness. Do not lose your composure when happy.

Life's like a wheel that keeps turning—what is on top will eventually hit the bottom and that which is at rock bottom will eventually rise to the top. 

When things are bad, remember—it won't always be this way.  Take one day at a time. 

When things are good, remember—it won't always be this way. Enjoy every moment. 

All we can do is remember—this too shall pass—in both circumstances!

pada vigrahaH:
सुखस्य अनन्तरं दुःखं दुःखस्य अनन्तरं सुखम् ।

sukhasya anantaraṃ duḥkhaṃ duḥkhasya anantaraṃ sukham ।

चक्रवत् परिवर्तन्ते सुखानि च दुःखानि च ॥
cakravat parivartante sukhāni ca duḥkhāni ca ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sukhasyaanantaraM duHkhaM duHkhasyaanantaraM sukham ।
chakravatparivartante sukhaani cha duHkhaani cha ॥

sukhasya anantaraM duHkhaM duHkhasya anantaraM sukham ।

chakravat parivartante sukhaani cha duHkhaani cha ॥