November 10th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

धृतिः, क्षमा दमोऽस्तेयं शौचमिन्द्रियनिग्रहः ।

धीर्विद्या सत्यमक्रोधो दशकं धर्मलक्षणम् ॥

- मनुस्मृति

Transliteration:

dhṛtiḥ, kṣamā damo'steyaṃ śaucamindriyanigrahaḥ ।

dhīrvidyā satyamakrodho daśakaṃ dharmalakṣaṇam ॥

- manusmṛti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

Commentary:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

pada vigrahaH:

धृतिः, क्षमा दमः अस्तेयं शौचम् इन्द्रिय-निग्रहः ।

dhṛtiḥ, kṣamā damaḥ asteyaṃ śaucam indriya-nigrahaḥ ।

धीः विद्या सत्यम् अक्रोधः दशकं धर्म-लक्षणम् ॥

dhīḥ vidyā satyam akrodhaḥ daśakaṃ dharma-lakṣaṇam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

dhRutiH, kShamaa damo.steyaM shauchamindriyanigrahaH |

dheervidyaa satyamakrodho dashakaM dharmalakShaNam ||

- manusmRuti

dhRutiH, kShamaa damaH asteyaM shaucham indriya-nigrahaH |

dheeH vidyaa satyam akrodhaH dashakaM dharma-lakShaNam ||

August 28th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अहिंसा प्रथमं पुष्पं पुष्पमिन्द्रिय निग्रहः
सर्वभूतदयापुष्पं क्षमापुष्पं विशेषतः ।
ज्ञानपुष्पं तपःपुष्पं शान्तिपुष्पं तथैव च
सत्यमष्टविधं पुष्पं विष्णोः प्रीतिकरं भवेत् ॥

Transliteration:

ahiṃsā prathamaṃ puṣpaṃ puṣpamindriya nigrahaḥ
sarvabhūtadayāpuṣpaṃ kṣamāpuṣpaṃ viśeṣataḥ ।
jñānapuṣpaṃ tapaḥpuṣpaṃ śāntipuṣpaṃ tathaiva ca
satyamaṣṭavidhaṃ puṣpaṃ viṣṇoḥ prītikaraṃ bhavet ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Non-violence is the first flower, control over the senses is a flower, compassion towards all beings is a flower, especially forbearance is a flower, (right) knowledge is a flower, penance is a flower. Then, also, peace is a flower, truth being the eighth flower—these are dearest to Lord Viṣṇu.

Commentary:

The only way to worship the Lord is not just to worship Him lavishly in a temple or a pīṭham (pedestal) with flowers of gold and silver.  Worshiping Him can happen anywhere, at any time.  The mode of worship does not necessarily have to be ritualistic or religious.  If one can offer these 8 flowers to Him, He would be more than pleased with such a being.  It's as easy as that!  What are these 8 special flowers?

1. Non-violence:  Not just in deeds, but in thoughts, words, and at heart.  One has to be non-aggressive in all dimensions of his existence.
2. Control over the senses:  When left loose, sense organs are like wild horses!  If one does not know how to reign them in, they will take charge and cause havoc of the most disastrous kind.
3. Compassion towards all beings:  Be it a bird, bee, animal, or human, one has to be kind, compassionate, and humane towards them.  When one can see the equality—essentially the divinity existent in all beings—that in itself is a flower that can be offered to Him.
4. Forbearance:  Being patient and forgiving towards all beings is an offering to the Lord.
5. Right knowledge:  Not just knowledge of any kind, but the Right Knowledge—about the supreme truth about the nature of the Self—and a quest for that truth is a sincere flower that the Lord likes.
6. Penance:  Penance is not just the kind where one sits under a tree without food or water for days.  Living by his dharma at every step, under every circumstance, no matter how difficult—that in itself is a penance that appeases the Lord.
7. Peace:  The un-intrusive, non-disruptive state of everything. Letting everything be the way it naturally is, is peace.  If one keeps peace all the time, that itself is worship.
8. Truth:  There is nothing else equal to this!  If one has an immense thirst for attaining the ultimate truth and has succeeded in achieving it, his worship of the Lord is complete!

If one can offer even one of these 8 flowers with utmost respect and devotion to the Lord, he goes that much closer to the Lord!  Then, what to say of someone who has offered all these eight!!  These are the flowers dearest to Lord Viṣṇu.  In whatever name or form the Lord is addressed, no other rituals, or ceremonies are necessary to attain Him apart from these eight!

pada vigrahaH:
अहिंसा प्रथमं पुष्पं पुष्पम् इन्द्रिय निग्रहः
ahiṃsā prathamaṃ puṣpaṃ puṣpam indriya nigrahaḥ

सर्व-भूत-दया-पुष्पं क्षमा-पुष्पं विशेषतः ।
sarva-bhūta-dayā-puṣpaṃ kṣamā-puṣpaṃ viśeṣataḥ ।

ज्ञान-पुष्पं तपः-पुष्पं शान्ति-पुष्पं तथ एव च
jñāna-puṣpaṃ tapaḥ-puṣpaṃ śānti-puṣpaṃ tatha eva ca

सत्यम् अष्ट-विधं पुष्पं विष्णोः प्रीतिकरं भवेत् ॥

satyam aṣṭa-vidhaṃ puṣpaṃ viṣṇoḥ prītikaraṃ bhavet ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ahiMsaa prathamaM puShpaM puShpamindriya nigrahaH
sarvabhUtadayaapuShpaM kShamaapuShpaM visheShataH ।
j~naanapuShpaM tapaHpuShpaM shaantipuShpaM tathaiva cha
satyamaShTavidhaM puShpaM viShNoH prItikaraM bhavet ॥

ahiMsaa prathamaM puShpaM puShpam indriya nigrahaH

sarva-bhUta-dayaa-puShpaM kShamaa-puShpaM visheShataH ।

j~naana-puShpaM tapaH-puShpaM shaanti-puShpaM tatha eva cha

satyam aShTa-vidhaM puShpaM viShNoH prItikaraM bhavet ॥

September 8th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
क्षन्तव्यो मन्दबुद्धीनाम् अपराधो मनीषिणा ।
न हि सर्वत्र पाण्डित्यं सुलभं पुरुषे क्वचित् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:

kṣantavyo mandabuddhīnām aparādho manīṣiṇā ।
na hi sarvatra pāṇḍityaṃ sulabhaṃ puruṣe kvacit ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The follies of the dull-witted should be forgiven. For, erudition doesn't come easily to people everywhere.

Commentary:

Commonsense is not so common after all!  

Erudition and eloquence are divine blessings, not universally bestowed. Those fortunate enough to possess these gifts have little reason for pride, for intelligence is not an achievement but a grace granted. Equally, the learned must show patience toward the shortcomings of those less gifted, offering forgiveness where ignorance prevails. Scholarliness is but one of many virtues.

A wise person gains more insight from a foolish question than a fool gains from a wise answer. Learning is everywhere if we choose to see it. Even when faced with seemingly foolish questions, practice tolerance and compassion. Pray for the questioner’s growth in understanding and maturity, and take a moment to express gratitude for the wisdom you’ve been blessed with.

pada vigrahaH:
क्षन्तव्यः मन्द-बुद्धीनाम् अपराधः मनीषिणा ।
kṣantavyaḥ manda-buddhīnām aparādhaḥ manīṣiṇā ।

न हि सर्वत्र पाण्डित्यं सुलभं पुरुषे क्वचित् ॥
na hi sarvatra pāṇḍityaṃ sulabhaṃ puruṣe kvacit ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kShantavyo mandabuddhInaam aparaadho manIShiNaa ।
na hi sarvatra paaNDityaM sulabhaM puruShe kvachit ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

kShantavyaH manda-buddhInaam aparaadhaH manIShiNaa ।

na hi sarvatra paaNDityaM sulabhaM puruShe kvachit ॥

July 4th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
मुक्तिमिच्छसि चेत्तात विषयान् विषवत्त्यजेः ।
क्षमाऽऽर्जवदयाशौचं सत्यं पीयूषवत् पिबेः ॥
- अष्टावक्रगीता


Transliteration:
muktimicchasi cettāta viṣayān viṣavattyajeḥ ।
kṣamā''rjavadayāśaucaṃ satyaṃ pīyūṣavat pibeḥ ॥
- aṣṭāvakragītā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Oh son, if you desire freedom, shun 'objects of sense', as if poison. Drink forgiveness, honesty, compassion, cleanliness, and truth, as if (they are) divine nectar.

Commentary:

Pleasing the palate, indulging in material pleasures, possessions, etc., only make a person more miserable. It sucks him into a vicious circle that keeps him tangled up, wanting more and more. If one eats his favorite food, he won't be satiated with that one time. If he has a weakness for it, he will want to keep eating it. This is true for any type of possession, be it jewelry, land, money, or wealth. Any amount will not please him and he will keep slogging to attain more. At no point will such a person say 'no' to more wealth even if he is already spilling over with it. The biggest downside of this temperament is that it won't help one to attain the liberation he should be working towards. The poet hence says,  "shun material pleasures that appease only the senses, as if they were poison". They truly are poison to one's spiritual growth!

On the contrary—forgiveness, honesty, compassion, cleanliness, and truth—clear up one's mind and prepare him for aiming toward a higher goal. Forgiveness and compassion teach him selflessness and how to feel for his fellow beings. This is one step closer to God. Truth and honesty are essentially what one must strive in life for. Cleanliness is Godliness. Each of these qualifiers takes one closer to the Supreme in their own unique way. The poet urges those on the quest for liberation to drink up these traits as if they were the divine nectar. None would say 'no' to the divine nectar. Then why not inculcate these attitudes with the same vigor when their benefits may even surpass the goodness of divine nectar?!

Freeing oneself from all shackles is nothing but liberation. Do not waste energy and tangle yourself in the cycle of desires!

pada vigrahaH:
मुक्तिम् इच्छसि चेत् तात विषयान् विषवत् त्यजेः ।
muktim icchasi cet tāta viṣayān viṣavat tyajeḥ ।

क्षमा-आर्जव-दया-शौचं सत्यं पीयूषवत् पिबेः ॥
kṣamā-ārjava-dayā-śaucaṃ satyaṃ pīyūṣavat pibeḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
muktimichChasi chettaata viShayaan viShavattyajeH ।
kShamaa..rjavadayaashauchaM satyaM pIyUShavat pibeH ॥
- aShTaavakragItaa

muktim ichChasi chet taata viShayaan viShavat tyajeH ।

kShamaa-aarjava-dayaa-shauchaM satyaM pIyUShavat pibeH ॥

May 16th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
एकः, क्षमावतां दोषः द्वितीयो नोपपद्यते ।
यदेनं क्षमया युक्तम् अशक्तं मन्यते जनः ॥
- आपस्तम्बस्मृति


Transliteration:
ekaḥ, kṣamāvatāṃ doṣaḥ dvitīyo nopapadyate ।
yadenaṃ kṣamayā yuktam aśaktaṃ manyate janaḥ ॥
- āpastambasmṛti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

There is only one fault about the patient (people), a second is non-existent. If they are conjoined with patience, people think they are incapable.

Commentary:

Genius is nothing but a great aptitude for patience.

Patience is a companion of wisdom.

Patience is also a form of action!

Despite all these sayings, patience often gets mistaken. Those who exhibit patience, are presumed to be incompetent or unfit. Quite contrary to this misnomer, it takes a lot of courage and willpower to be patient! If one is patient, it is not because he is incapable of facing a challenge. Reacting with rage instantaneously is the easiest thing to do.

The poet says patience has no downside—except that it gives a misconception to others as a weakness. Keeping cool and being patient gives one everything (now or in the future). Well, it takes patience to reap the benefits of patience as well!

One moment of patience may ward off great disaster. One moment of impatience may ruin a whole life!  Be patient.  

Patience isn't a sign of weakness, anger is! 

pada vigrahaH:
एकः, क्षमावतां दोषः द्वितीयः न उपपद्यते ।
ekaḥ, kṣamāvatāṃ doṣaḥ dvitīyaḥ na upapadyate ।

यत् एनं क्षमया युक्तम् अशक्तं मन्यते जनः ॥
yat enaṃ kṣamayā yuktam aśaktaṃ manyate janaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ekaH, kShamaavataaM doShaH dvitIyo nopapadyate ।
yadenaM kShamayaa yuktam ashaktaM manyate janaH ॥
- aapastambasmRuti

ekaH, kShamaavataaM doShaH dvitIyaH na upapadyate ।

yat enaM kShamayaa yuktam ashaktaM manyate janaH ॥

January 17th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
क्षमा बलमशक्तानां शक्तानां भूषणं क्षमा ।
क्षमा वशीकृते लोके क्षमया किं न सिध्यति ॥

Transliteration:
kṣamā balamaśaktānāṃ śaktānāṃ bhūṣaṇaṃ kṣamā ।
kṣamā vaśīkṛte loke kṣamayā kiṃ na sidhyati ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

'Forbearance' is the strength of the weak; 'forbearance' is the adornment of the strong. The world is subdued by 'forbearance'. What can't be accomplished with 'forbearance'?

Commentary:

'Forbearance' is a strange tool! If one is not strong enough to fight his opponent he might as well be patient with the opponent and save his skin. Forbearance becomes his strength in that situation.

If he is stronger than his opponent, he should exhibit fortitude as fortitude is an adornment of the strong! Strength doesn't always need propaganda. The entire world can be conquered with this harmless weapon called forgiveness. There isn't anything that can't be achieved by adopting this one simple attitude.

The inflictor can't continuously cause trouble if he is not getting any reaction. Restraint not only resolves the conflict but also sets us free. Free from the binding of the problem and the unwanted fretting thoughts that come along with it. The heart and mind feel a lot lighter. We become more productive, energetic, and happier!

'To err is human, to forgive, divine.'

pada vigrahaH:

क्षमा बलम् अशक्तानां शक्तानां भूषणं क्षमा ।
kṣamā balam aśaktānāṃ śaktānāṃ bhūṣaṇaṃ kṣamā ।

क्षमा वशीकृते लोके क्षमया किं न सिध्यति ॥
kṣamā vaśīkṛte loke kṣamayā kiṃ na sidhyati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kShamaa balamashaktaanaaM shaktaanaaM bhUShaNaM kShamaa ।
kShamaa vashIkRute loke kShamayaa kiM na sidhyati ॥

kShamaa balam ashaktaanaaM shaktaanaaM bhUShaNaM kShamaa ।

kShamaa vashIkRute loke kShamayaa kiM na sidhyati ॥

December 12th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वित्ते त्यागः, क्षमा शक्तौ दुःखे दैन्यविहीनता ।
निर्दम्भता सदाचारे स्वभावोऽयं महात्मनाम् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
vitte tyāgaḥ, kṣamā śaktau duḥkhe dainyavihīnatā ।
nirdambhatā sadācāre svabhāvo'yaṃ mahātmanām ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:
The nature of the noble is—liberality when wealthy, forgiveness despite strength, non-affliction though in misery, (and) pridelessness in comportment.

Commentary:

The nobility of the noble comes from their nature!

1. When they have wealth, they share it with their fellow beings.
2. Although capable of confrontation (physical or verbal), they forgive the adversary.
3. When they are in grief and suffering from misery themselves, they do not plead. They still keep their composure and go through the hardships with a smile on their face.
4. Their conduct and mannerisms are exquisite. But they do not pride themselves on their mannerisms or noble nature.

The character of a person is defined by the actions they undertake.  These values come as second nature to the honorable. They do not work towards or pretend to have these attributes. It flows out naturally from them and that is what makes them noble.

pada vigrahaH:
वित्ते त्यागः, क्षमा शक्तौ दुःखे दैन्यविहीनता ।
vitte tyāgaḥ, kṣamā śaktau duḥkhe dainyavihīnatā ।

निर्दम्भता सदाचारे स्वभावः अयं महात्मनाम् ॥
nirdambhatā sadācāre svabhāvaḥ ayaṃ mahātmanām ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
vitte tyaagaH, kShamaa shaktau duHkhe dainyavihInataa ।
nirdambhataa sadaachaare svabhaavo.yaM mahaatmanaam ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

vitte tyaagaH, kShamaa shaktau duHkhe dainyavihInataa ।

nirdambhataa sadaachaare svabhaavaH ayaM mahaatmanaam ॥

November 16th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
क्षमा शस्त्रं करे यस्य दुर्जनः किं करिष्यति ।
अतृणे पतितो वह्निः स्वयमेवोपशाम्यति ॥
- महाभारत, उद्योगपर्व

Transliteration:
kṣamā śastraṃ kare yasya durjanaḥ kiṃ kariṣyati ।
atṛṇe patito vahniḥ svayamevopaśāmyati ॥
- mahābhārata, udyogaparva

Meaning of the subhAShita:

What can an evil-doer do to one whose weapon is forgiveness/forbearance? A spark of fire (that has) fallen where there is no grass, burns itself out.

Commentary:

A spark of fire can flare into a blaze quickly, provided the circumstances are in its favor. If the spark comes in contact with things that can fuel its rage, it will surely turn fierce. But for a spark that has fallen on the ground, where there is no grass or any other fuel, there is no choice but to extinguish itself.

Similarly, a troublemaker can't do much harm to a person armed with the weapon of forgiveness and forbearance. If one keeps forgiving the evil-doer, he can't last much longer than the spark that has fallen on empty ground.

Isn't this the best way to resolve conflicts?

pada vigrahaH:
क्षमा शस्त्रं करे यस्य दुर्जनः किं करिष्यति ।

kṣamā śastraṃ kare yasya durjanaḥ kiṃ kariṣyati ।

अतृणे पतितः वह्निः स्वयम् एव उपशाम्यति ॥
atṛṇe patitaḥ vahniḥ svayam eva upaśāmyati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kShamaa shastraM kare yasya durjanaH kiM kariShyati ।
atRuNe patito vahniH swayamevopashaamyati ॥
- mahaabhaarata, udyogaparva

kShamaa shastraM kare yasya durjanaH kiM kariShyati ।

atRuNe patitaH vahniH swayam eva upashaamyati ॥

October 2nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
नरस्याभरणं रूपं रूपस्याभरणं गुणाः ।
गुणस्याभरणं ज्ञानं ज्ञानस्याभरणं क्षमा ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नसमुच्चय


Transliteration:
narasyābharaṇaṃ rūpaṃ rūpasyābharaṇaṃ guṇāḥ ।
guṇasyābharaṇaṃ jñānaṃ jñānasyābharaṇaṃ kṣamā ॥
- subhāṣitaratnasamuccaya

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Form (appearance) is an adornment to man, virtues are an adornment to the form, knowledge is an adornment to virtue, and forgiveness adorns knowledge.

Commentary:

We have all heard the saying, 'Beauty is skin deep'.  The verse says, 'It sure is!' True beauty must be adorned with virtues that come from within. The virtues themselves need to be accompanied by knowledge. Knowledge is also not enough if not accompanied by forgiveness.

History proves that violence breeds violence. An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind!  Doesn't it?  Forgiveness is the gift through which wounds heal and love blossoms again. The beauty of forgiveness is what makes a person, pleasant and appealing.  It is the trait that sets one apart.  It is the one true virtue that enhances all others. 

Forgive and forget!  It is an attribute of a strong person.  

pada vigrahaH:

नरस्य आभरणं रूपं रूपस्य आभरणं गुणाः ।
narasya ābharaṇaṃ rūpaṃ rūpasya ābharaṇaṃ guṇāḥ ।

गुणस्य आभरणं ज्ञानं ज्ञानस्य आभरणं क्षमा ॥
guṇasya ābharaṇaṃ jñānaṃ jñānasya ābharaṇaṃ kṣamā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
narasyaabharaNaM rUpaM rUpasyaabharaNaM guNaaH ।
guNasyaabharaNaM j~naanaM j~naanasyaabharaNaM kShamaa ॥
- subhaaShitaratnasamuchchaya

narasya aabharaNaM rUpaM rUpasya aabharaNaM guNaaH ।

guNasya aabharaNaM j~naanaM j~naanasya aabharaNaM kShamaa ॥