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 ||

October 29th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

उत्साहसम्पन्नमदीर्घसूत्रं 

क्रियावधिज्ञं व्यसनेष्वसक्तम् ।

शूरं कृतज्ञं दृढसौहृदं च 

लक्ष्मीः स्वयं याति निवासहेतोः ॥

Transliteration:

utsāhasampannamadīrghasūtraṃ 

kriyāvadhijñaṃ vyasaneṣvasaktam ।

śūraṃ kṛtajñaṃ dṛḍhasauhṛdaṃ ca 

lakṣmīḥ svayaṃ yāti nivāsahetoḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Goddess Lakṣmī (the epitome of prosperity) will willingly go reside with a person who—is filled with enthusiasm, does not procrastinate, has acumen in his work, is disinterested in vices (like addiction), is brave, has gratitude, and makes firm friendships.  

Commentary:

Everyone seeks success and prosperity. Goddess Lakṣmī, the embodiment of all things prosperous, represents this very aspiration. Yet, she is often elusive—rarely comes easily to all. 

There is a reason for her fleeting nature. In pursuit of success, many tend to gravitate towards the easy road—laziness, procrastination, ineptitude, distractions, fear, ingratitude, and betrayal. These choices are tempting because they serve selfish desires, providing immediate, though shallow, satisfaction. However, true prosperity is not born from such seeds.

True prosperity is sown in the fertile soil of gratitude and nourished by unwavering persistence. Prosperity flourishes when one aligns with a clear purpose and pursues it with relentless passion. The journey toward prosperity is carved through hard work, resilience, and integrity. It is measured not in fleeting achievements, but in courage and character.

Success is a journey, and prosperity is the reward for every step taken with intention and resolve. A life lived with purpose, passion, and perseverance will naturally unfold into prosperity. When qualities like gratitude, purpose, persistence, and character are embraced, success will come knocking at the door, uninvited but inevitable!

pada vigrahaH:

उत्साह-सम्पन्नम् अदीर्घसूत्रं 

utsāha-sampannam adīrghasūtraṃ 

क्रिय-अवधिज्ञं व्यसनेषु असक्तम् ।

kriya-avadhijñaṃ vyasaneṣu asaktam ।

शूरं कृतज्ञं दृढ-सौहृदं च 

śūraṃ kṛtajñaṃ dṛḍha-sauhṛdaṃ ca 

लक्ष्मीः स्वयं याति निवास-हेतोः ॥

lakṣmīḥ svayaṃ yāti nivāsa-hetoḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

utsaahasampannamadeerghasootraM 

kriyaavadhij~naM vyasaneShvasaktam |

shUraM kRutaj~naM dRuDhasauhRudaM cha 

lakShmeeH svayaM yaati nivaasahetoH ||

utsaaha-sampannam adeerghasootraM 

kriya-avadhij~jaM vyasaneShu asaktam |

shUraM kRutaj~naM dRuDha-sauhRudaM cha 

lakShmeeH svayaM yaati nivaasa-hetoH ||

October 19th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

अर्थातुराणां न सखा न बन्धुः 

कामातुराणां न भयं न लज्जा ।

क्षुधातुराणां न रुचिर्न वेला 

विद्यातुराणां न सुखं न निद्रा ॥

Transliteration:

arthāturāṇāṃ na sakhā na bandhuḥ 

kāmāturāṇāṃ na bhayaṃ na lajjā ।

kṣudhāturāṇāṃ na rucirna velā 

vidyāturāṇāṃ na sukhaṃ na nidrā ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

For those ambitious of wealth, there are no friends or relatives.  For those afflicted with excessive sexual urges, there is no fear nor shame. Those who are desperately hungry,  do not care for taste or time.  For those who have an intense thirst for knowledge, there are no comforts or sleep.  

Commentary:

The spirit of this verse is about priorities and what people are ready to compromise for specific desires.

By nature, opposites cannot coexist. Where light resides, darkness fades; where cold prevails, warmth withdraws; where water flows, dryness vanishes.

In human nature too, certain opposites cannot find harmony within the same being. A person entirely driven to accumulate wealth sees all people as mere business transactions. In his view, friends and family have no importance—only profit margins hold value, while relationships become insignificant.

Similarly, someone deeply indulged in physical pleasures loses all sense of shame or restraint. Like an animal led by instinct, he pursues his cravings, caring only to satisfy his body’s demands.

When hunger overwhelms, taste and nourishment lose meaning. Time and decency hold no place in his mind; he’ll eat anything, anywhere, just to silence the pangs of his stomach.

On the contrary, one who thirsts endlessly for knowledge forsakes sleep and comfort, tirelessly pursuing his ever-expanding horizon of goals. His mind, driven by an insatiable desire to learn, knows no rest.  He compromises his sleep and comforts to gain what his heart desires—knowledge.  

Importantly, the heart of all pursuits should be human dignity. No goal is worth a trade of self-respect. Dignity does not stem from how others regard us but from how steadfastly we honor ourselves, even in the most trying of times.

pada vigrahaH:

अर्थ आतुराणां न सखा न बन्धुः

artha āturāṇāṃ na sakhā na bandhuḥ

काम आतुराणां न भयं न लज्जा ।

kāma āturāṇāṃ na bhayaṃ na lajjā ।

क्षुधा अतुराणां न रुचिः न वेला

kṣudhā aturāṇāṃ na ruciḥ na velā

विद्या आतुराणां न सुखं न निद्रा ॥

vidyā āturāṇāṃ na sukhaṃ na nidrā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

arthaaturaaNaaM na sakhaa na bandhuH

kaamaaturaaNaaM na bhayaM na lajjaa |

kShudhaaturaaNaaM na rucirna velaa

vidyaaturaaNaaM na sukhaM na nidraa ||

artha aaturaaNaaM na sakhaa na bandhuH

kaama aaturaaNaaM na bhayaM na lajjaa |

kShudhaa aturaaNaaM na ruciH na velaa

vidyaa aaturaaNaaM na sukhaM na nidraa ||

May 20th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
मित्रद्रोही कृतघ्नश्च यश्च विश्वासघातकः ।
ते नरा नरकं यान्ति यावच्चन्द्रदिवाकरौ ॥
- पञ्चतन्त्र, मित्रभेद

Transliteration:
mitradrohī kṛtaghnaśca yaśca viśvāsaghātakaḥ ।
te narā narakaṃ yānti yāvaccandradivākarau ॥
- pañcatantra, mitrabheda

Meaning of the subhAShita:

He who is treacherous to a friend; he who is ungrateful for rendered benefactions; he who is a traitor (slays trust—these people attain hell for as long as the sun and moon shall exist. 

Commentary:

A friend is meant to pull one out of tough times, not push them into them. When someone confides in a friend, they lower their defenses and reveal their most vulnerable self. Betraying that trust is not just a moral failure; it is a direct violation of dharma. Backstabbing a friend who has placed faith in you is indefensible and unjustifiable.

In times of need, we pray for help, but it is unethical to forget that help and later prey on those who offered it. When someone extends a helping hand in a moment of crisis, the debt of gratitude is immeasurable and lifelong. No act can fully repay the kindness of timely aid. Forgetting such help and showing ingratitude should not even be considered an option. When an action is inherently wrong, how can it align with dharma?

Trust is the delicate thread that holds the world together. Without it, life would grind to a halt. If trust didn’t exist, we wouldn't rely on the farmer’s grain, the gardener’s fruit, or even our own abilities and the support of nature. Trust is the foundation of coexistence, and breaking it is no trivial matter. As someone wisely said, "I am not upset that you lied to me, but because I can no longer believe you." Breaking trust doesn’t just damage the current relationship; it casts a shadow over all future interactions with that person. The act of shattering trust—this essential thread of life—can never be in alignment with dharma.

Actions that contradict dharma are always punishable. Whether one likes it or not, they must face the consequences of their deeds. The poet warns that those who betray trust and commit adharma are destined for hell so long as the Sun and Moon exist and this law holds good so long as the Sun and Moon shine in the sky.  Hell is not necessarily a physical place, but any state where one is deprived of happiness and peace. Betrayal of trust creates a living hell for the perpetrator, where guilt and broken bonds haunt them.

“To be trusted is a greater compliment than to be loved.” Be trustworthy, for trust is the essence of a meaningful and harmonious life.

pada vigrahaH:
मित्र-द्रोही कृतघ्नः च यः च विश्वास-घातकः ।
mitra-drohī kṛtaghnaḥ ca yaḥ ca viśvāsa-ghātakaḥ ।

ते नराः नरकं यान्ति यावत् चन्द्र-दिवाकरौ ॥
te narāḥ narakaṃ yānti yāvat candra-divākarau ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
mitradrohI kRutaghnashcha yashcha vishvaasaghaatakaH ।
te naraa narakaM yaanti yaavachchandradivaakarau ॥
- pa~nchatantra, mitrabheda

mitra-drohI kRutaghnaH cha yaH cha vishvaasa-ghaatakaH ।

te naraaH narakaM yaanti yaavat chandra-divaakarau ॥

December 24th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
किं मित्रमन्ते सुकृतं न लोकाः
किं ध्येयमीशस्य पदं न शोकाः ।
किं काम्यमव्याजसुखं न भोगाः
किं जल्पनीयं हरिनाम नान्यत् ॥
- रसगङ्गाधर

Transliteration:
kiṃ mitramante sukṛtaṃ na lokāḥ
kiṃ dhyeyamīśasya padaṃ na śokāḥ ।
kiṃ kāmyamavyājasukhaṃ na bhogāḥ
kiṃ jalpanīyaṃ harināma nānyat ॥
- rasagaṅgādhara

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Who is a friend in the end?  Good deed(s), not people.  What should be contemplated upon?!  The Lord's feet, not sorrows.  What should be desired?  Un-abound happiness, not indulgences.  What should be prattled?  Only the name of Śrī Hari, nothing else.

Commentary:

A friend in need is a friend indeed.  True friends are hard to find.  A single rose can be my garden, a single friend my world!  All these statements are nice to quote and very true as well.  But they can only go so far.  After passing on, one's best friends are his vices and virtues alone!  One needs to keep this in mind at all times.  Befriend many, but at the same time, keep your sights on the friends who accompany you through the entire journey here and hereafter!

Given the nature of the mind, it constantly keeps churning up thoughts.  It is its very nature.  It does not stay still.  Throughout the waking hours, it jumps from one thought to another, from one town to another, and even from one world to another.  There is no stopping it.  Isn't that why it is said to be faster than the wind and as restless as a monkey?! Thoughts are the very existence and thriving purposes of the mind.  In that case, why not feed it something healthy?  Think of the Lord's lotus feet.  Contemplate and meditate on His prowess and presence in the very existence of all beings!  

When there is a mind, there are thoughts in it. It is quite natural to have thoughts of something desirable!  So, why not desire something more eternal and long-lasting?! In aspiring for something trivial with a modest shelf life, isn't one wasting precious time instead of focusing on something that lasts forever?  What lasts forever is the ultimate Bliss. It is attained by treading the path of dharma, not chasing after sense pleasures.

With a mind that has thoughts oriented only toward desires, what can be said about the speech coming forth?  With so many thoughts and desires, it is only predictable that there will be a lot of chattering.  Many a time, mindless too...  Instead of gossip, why not make the words the Lord's name?!

With virtue as a friend, with the mind and desires under check, even mindless prattling automatically becomes nothing but the name of the Lord! Knowing the right goals and priorities will put us on the right path, without a doubt.

pada vigrahaH:
किं मित्रम् अन्ते सुकृतं न लोकाः
kiṃ mitram ante sukṛtaṃ na lokāḥ

किं ध्येयम् ईशस्य पदं न शोकाः  ।
kiṃ dhyeyam īśasya padaṃ na śokāḥ ।

किं काम्यम् अव्याज-सुखं न भोगाः 
kiṃ kāmyam avyāja-sukhaṃ na bhogāḥ

किं जल्पनीयं हरि-नाम न अन्यत् ॥
kiṃ jalpanīyaṃ hari-nāma na anyat ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kiM mitramante sukRutaM na lokaaH
kiM dhyeyamIshasya padaM na shokaaH ।
kiM kaamyamavyaajasukhaM na bhogaaH
kiM jalpanIyaM harinaama naanyat ॥
- rasaga~ngaadhara

kiM mitram ante sukRutaM na lokaaH

kiM dhyeyam Ishasya padaM na shokaaH ।

kiM kaamyam avyaaja-sukhaM na bhogaaH

kiM jalpanIyaM hari-naama na anyat ॥

September 13th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
रिक्तपाणिर्नपश्येत राजानं दैवतं गुरुम् ।
दैवज्ञं पुत्रकं मित्रं फलेन फलमादिशेत्॥
Transliteration:
riktapāṇirnapaśyeta rājānaṃ daivataṃ gurum ।
daivajñaṃ putrakaṃ mitraṃ phalena phalamādiśet॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Do not go empty-handed to see a king, God, a teacher, an astrologer, a child, or a friend. Invoke fruitfulness with fruit!

Commentary:

There is always a purpose behind visiting someone—it could be love, reverence, devotion, affection, or even fear. Without purpose, one wouldn’t endure the effort or inconvenience of a visit. To make such a visit meaningful, why not begin with a thoughtful gesture? For instance, bringing fruit to offer symbolizes goodwill and respect.

When visiting a king, a deity at a temple, a teacher, an astrologer, a child, or a friend, it is a gracious practice to bring something along. Arriving empty-handed to such places and occasions is often seen as unconventional and uncustomary. Bringing a token of thoughtfulness demonstrates that you cared enough to consider the person even before meeting them. This simple act of consideration can bring happiness to the recipient. Whether it’s a fruit, flower, dish, or snack, the gesture matters more than the gift itself.

A gift should be chosen with care—suiting the recipient—and offered with respect. A wise person values the love and intention behind a gift far more than its material value. Indeed, the way a gift is given carries greater significance than the gift itself.

When giving, give with thoughtfulness. When receiving, embrace the thoughtfulness of the giver!

pada vigrahaH:
रिक्त-पाणिः न पश्येत राजानं दैवतं गुरुम् ।
rikta-pāṇiḥ na paśyeta rājānaṃ daivataṃ gurum ।

दैवज्ञं पुत्रकं मित्रं फलेन फलम् आदिशेत् ॥
daivajñaṃ putrakaṃ mitraṃ phalena phalam ādiśet ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
riktapaaNirnapashyeta raajaanaM daivataM gurum ।
daivaj~naM putrakaM mitraM phalena phalamaadishet ॥

rikta-paaNiH na pashyeta raajaanaM daivataM gurum ।

daivaj~naM putrakaM mitraM phalena phalam aadishet ॥

July 9th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अर्था गृहे निवर्तन्ते श्मशाने मित्रबान्धवाः ।
सुकृतं दुष्कृतं चैव गच्छन्तमनुगच्छति ॥
- महाभारत

Transliteration:
arthā gṛhe nivartante śmaśāne mitrabāndhavāḥ ।
sukṛtaṃ duṣkṛtaṃ caiva gacchantamanugacchati ॥
- mahābhārata

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Wealth gets left behind at home, friends, and family at the crematorium. (But) the good and bad deeds go behind the going (departed jīva (soul)).

Commentary:

While passing on from this world, a being leaves behind all his possessions. His material possessions are the first to be dropped. They do not even accompany him to the crematorium. They are left inside the threshold of the house itself!

His near and dear ones can come only so far. Till they carry him to the crematorium. Once their job is done, they return home as well!

After that, in his lonely onward journey, the only companions are his own good AND bad deeds. There is no escape from them. Whether one likes it or not, his vices and virtues will certainly follow him and bear their fruit!

If one wants enjoyable company for his onward journey, he better start working while here on Earth! With good company, setbacks will be minimal and the path will be pleasant.

pada vigrahaH:

अर्थाः गृहे निवर्तन्ते श्मशाने मित्र-बान्धवाः ।
arthāḥ gṛhe nivartante śmaśāne mitra-bāndhavāḥ ।

सुकृतं दुष्कृतं च एव गच्छन्तम् अनुगच्छति ॥
sukṛtaṃ duṣkṛtaṃ ca eva gacchantam anugacchati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
arthaa gRuhe nivartante shmashaane mitrabaandhavaaH ।
sukRutaM duShkRutaM chaiva gachChantamanugachChati ॥
- mahaabhaarata

arthaaH gRuhe nivartante shmashaane mitra-baandhavaaH ।

sukRutaM duShkRutaM cha eva gachChantam anugachChati ॥

July 2nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सद्भावेन जयेन्मित्रं सद्भावेन च बान्धवान् ।
स्त्रीभृत्यान् दानमानाभ्यां दाक्षिण्येनेतरं जनम् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार


Transliteration:
sadbhāvena jayenmitraṃ sadbhāvena ca bāndhavān ।
strībhṛtyān dānamānābhyāṃ dākṣiṇyenetaraṃ janam ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Win friends with good presence; win kinsmen with good presence too; women and dependents through giving and respect; others through politeness.

Commentary:

How we interact with a person has a huge impact on the way the relationship shapes up. However, the same type of interaction doesn't apply to all relationships.

• The way one deals with a friend is not the same as he would deal with his children. The poet hence says that one has to deal with friends and kinsmen with a good presence. 
• One needs to be calm and composed when dealing with kith and kin because spoken words and sped arrows can never be taken back. One wrong word can break the relationship forever. 
• Women are to be treated with respect. Giving is another faculty that one needs to develop, be it with women or dependents. They are the primary caretakers.  Hence when they are valued, the household runs smoothly. 
• Everyone else should be dealt with politeness. Rudeness and arrogance are not appealing to anyone. Be he a king or a common man—arrogance or a high-strung attitude doesn't sit well with anybody.

Politeness is a sign of dignity, not subservience.  One of the greatest victories one can gain over someone is to beat him at politeness. 

Adapting this attitude wins many a win!

pada vigrahaH:
सत् भावेन जयेत् मित्रं सद्भावेन च बान्धवान् ।
sat bhāvena jayet mitraṃ sadbhāvena ca bāndhavān ।

स्त्री-भृत्यान् दान-मानाभ्यां दाक्षिण्येन इतरं जनम् ॥
strī-bhṛtyān dāna-mānābhyāṃ dākṣiṇyena itaraṃ janam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sadbhaavena jayenmitraM sadbhaavena cha baandhavaan ।
strIbhRutyaan daanamaanaabhyaaM daakShiNyenetaraM janam ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

sat bhaavena jayet mitraM sadbhaavena cha baandhavaan ।

strI-bhRutyaan daana-maanaabhyaaM daakShiNyena itaraM janam ॥

June 13th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
स्थानस्थितस्य पद्मस्य मित्रे वरुणभास्करौ ।
स्थानच्युतस्य तस्यैव क्लेदशोषणकारकौ ॥

Transliteration:
sthānasthitasya padmasya mitre varuṇabhāskarau ।
sthānacyutasya tasyaiva kledaśoṣaṇakārakau ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Rain and sunshine are friends to the lotus which is stationed in its (own) place. They (also) cause rotting and drying to the same lotus when removed from its place.

Commentary:

A lotus thrives on water and in sunshine. It lives and grows in water. It blossoms with the sunrise and shuts close at sunset! Hence, the lotus considers water and the sun as its friends.

If the same lotus is plucked from the plant and kept in the sun, it will dry out within no time. And if put in water; it will drench and putrefy. But wait, aren't these the same sun and water that were friends of the lotus a moment ago when it was still on the plant?!

Well, that's the harsh reality of life!! Those who were once friends can turn into foes. When one is not rooted in his position, he loses his following! Meaning—those who befriended him will ignore him when he is not in the locus of his authority. Being oneself and performing duties with total dedication is the true way of maintaining one's position. A husband has his position, and a wife has hers. Similarly, a mother, a father, and then children, etc. all have positions. Each one needs to do complete justice to the position he/she holds because only then does it make his/her position well held. Otherwise, circumstances and people that were once favorable will suddenly prove to be adverse!

When one pretends to be someone he is not, isn't he abandoning his position 'of being himself?' Isn't it natural for him to face hardships like the lotus plucked out of the plant?

The easiest position to hold in the world is: your own. The most difficult position is what other people expect you to keep. 

Do not let yourself be put in this unsuitable position! Maintain your spot and be happy. 

pada vigrahaH:
स्थान-स्थितस्य पद्मस्य मित्रे वरुण-भास्करौ ।
sthāna-sthitasya padmasya mitre varuṇa-bhāskarau ।

स्थान-च्युतस्य तस्य एव क्लेद-शोषण-कारकौ ॥
sthāna-cyutasya tasya eva kleda-śoṣaṇa-kārakau ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sthaanasthitasya padmasya mitre varuNabhaaskarau ।
sthaanachyutasya tasyaiva kledashoShaNakaarakau ॥

sthaana-sthitasya padmasya mitre varuNa-bhaaskarau ।

sthaana-chyutasya tasya eva kleda-shoShaNa-kaarakau ॥

April 17th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
परोक्षे कार्यहन्तारं प्रत्यक्षे प्रियवादिनम् ।
वर्जयेत्तादृशं मित्रं विषकुम्भं पयोमुखम् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
parokṣe kāryahantāraṃ pratyakṣe priyavādinam ।
varjayettādṛśaṃ mitraṃ viṣakumbhaṃ payomukham ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Disrupting his work in his absence (and) speaking sweetly in his presence—shun such a friend as if (he were) milk at the mouth of a pot of poison.

Commentary:

If there is a thin layer of milk at the brim of a pot of poison, would anyone drink it?! Would he be able to distill just the milk and throw away the poison? No! The same is the case with a person who has sweet words to speak about someone but then stabs him in the back at the first chance he gets. A person's character is all blended into one, just as milk and poison in the above example.

One can be a friend, a relative, or a neighbor, but can still be a hypocrite. Trusting hypocritical people is very difficult to understand.  Trust is the cornerstone of any relationship. Where there is no trust, no bond can hold ground. The poet says, shun such people and stay away, for your own benefit.

An open foe may be a curse, but a pretend friend is even worse! Be a true friend, not a foe in the garb of a friend.

pada vigrahaH:
परोक्षे कार्य हन्तारं प्रत्यक्षे प्रिय वादिनम् ।
parokṣe kārya hantāraṃ pratyakṣe priya vādinam ।

वर्जयेत् तादृशं मित्रं विष कुम्भं पयोमुखम् ॥
varjayet tādṛśaṃ mitraṃ viṣa kumbhaṃ payomukham ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
parokShe kaaryahantaaraM pratyakShe priyavaadinam ।
varjayettaadRushaM mitraM viShakumbhaM payomukham ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

parokShe kaarya hantaaraM pratyakShe priya vaadinam ।

varjayet taadRushaM mitraM viSha kumbhaM payomukham ॥

April 3rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
आचारः कुलमाख्याति देशमाख्याति भाषणम् ।
संभ्रमः स्नेहमाख्याति वपुराख्याति भोजनम् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
ācāraḥ kulamākhyāti deśamākhyāti bhāṣaṇam ।
saṃbhramaḥ snehamākhyāti vapurākhyāti bhojanam ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

(A person's) comportment tells about his lineage; speech mentions his land; excitement communicates affection; form declares food traits.

Commentary:

A person's conduct and composure give hints about his upbringing. A person's reaction to situations speaks about his personality and his family background.

The way a person speaks gives clues about his country; he may speak a certain language or dialect, in a certain style or accent. This gives information about his whereabouts and motherland.

The expression on one's face upon seeing another person speaks volumes about his affection towards him. When a near or dear one comes, his eyes light up with excitement. The same expression is not shown towards a 'not so dear' friend. The excitement is directly proportional to the fondness of the person.

A person's physical form declares his food habits. The body is nurtured by the food consumed. Hence the body's form gives away food habits.

Keep good friends, and know your traits.

pada vigrahaH:

आचारः कुलम् आख्याति देशम् आख्याति भाषणम् ।
ācāraḥ kulam ākhyāti deśam ākhyāti bhāṣaṇam ।

संभ्रमः स्नेहम् आख्याति वपुः आख्याति भोजनम् ॥
saṃbhramaḥ sneham ākhyāti vapuḥ ākhyāti bhojanam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
aachaaraH kulamaakhyaati deshamaakhyaati bhaaShaNam ।
saMbhramaH snehamaakhyaati vapuraakhyaati bhojanam ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

aachaaraH kulam aakhyaati desham aakhyaati bhaaShaNam ।

saMbhramaH sneham aakhyaati vapuH aakhyaati bhojanam ॥

March 16th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सर्वथा सुकरं मित्रं दुष्करं परिपालनम् ।
अनित्यत्वात्तु चित्तानां मतिरल्पेऽपि भिद्यते ॥
- रामायण, किष्किन्धा


Transliteration:
sarvathā sukaraṃ mitraṃ duṣkaraṃ paripālanam ।
anityatvāttu cittānāṃ matiralpe'pi bhidyate ॥
- rāmāyaṇa, kiṣkindhā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

It is easy to earn friends, but very hard to keep them. As the mind is transient, it (friendship) can be broken by a petty conflict.

Commentary:

In this world, making friends is one of the easiest chores. Initially, the camaraderie can build nicely; one might find a lot of common interests with the other. But suddenly, a misunderstanding may arise and put an end to the whole relationship itself!

This verse says, "It is very easy to make friends but very difficult to nurture and nourish the friendship." The reason for this is the mind. By nature, the mind is unstable, transient, uncertain, and ephemeral. Therefore, the slightest conflict can cause a rift and pull people apart.

Beware of such causes. Do not ruin a good friendship due to petty misunderstandings. Rise above the petty mind.  True friendship is not about being there when it is convenient, it is about being there when it is not!

pada vigrahaH:
सर्वथा सुकरं मित्रं दुष्करं परिपालनम् ।
sarvathā sukaraṃ mitraṃ duṣkaraṃ paripālanam ।

अनित्यत्वात् तु चित्तानां मतिः अल्पे अपि भिद्यते ॥
anityatvāt tu cittānāṃ matiḥ alpe api bhidyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sarvathaa sukaraM mitraM duShkaraM paripaalanam ।
anityatvaattu chittaanaaM matiralpe.pi bhidyate ॥
- raamaayaNa, kiShkindhaa

sarvathaa sukaraM mitraM duShkaraM paripaalanam ।

anityatvaat tu chittaanaaM matiH alpe api bhidyate ॥

March 3rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
आपदि मित्रपरीक्षा च शूरपरीक्षा च रणाङ्गणे ।
विनये वंशपरीक्षा च शीलपरीक्षा तु धनक्षये ॥

Transliteration:
āpadi mitraparīkṣā ca śūraparīkṣā ca raṇāṅgaṇe ।
vinaye vaṃśaparīkṣā ca śīlaparīkṣā tu dhanakṣaye ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A friend's testing ground is calamities; the brave are tested on the battlefield; the test for a family is in its humility; and, character is tested in times of poverty.

Commentary:

One might have a plethora of friends whom they hang out with and many more who would want to get to know him. But the true testing ground for the friendship is in times of trouble. The true colors of all friends surface the minute he is in a calamity. The person who stands by him through thick and thin is his one true friend.

Talking about courage, and even training in martial arts doesn't make one brave. A person's valiance comes to light when he has to face real circumstances and fight a battle on a battlefield. That is his real testing ground.

A family's worth is not gauged by possessions, wealth, friends, and foes. The real test for a family is its value system. The kind of culture and moralities that are imbibed by their children speak volumes about the state of affairs in the family!

One can be of great character in pleasant times. When he has all the riches in the world, it is easy for a person to follow the rules, do good to others, be cheerful, etc. But when the materialistic riches are gone, there is a scarcity of resources, and there is no fallback, the mettle of the person's character is then put to the real test.

Keeping moral grounds under all circumstances takes courage and character!

pada vigrahaH:

आपदि मित्र-परीक्षा च शूर-परीक्षा च रण-अङ्गणे ।
āpadi mitra-parīkṣā ca śūra-parīkṣā ca raṇa-aṅgaṇe ।

विनये वंश-परीक्षा च शील-परीक्षा तु धन-क्षये ॥
vinaye vaṃśa-parīkṣā ca śīla-parīkṣā tu dhana-kṣaye ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
aapadi mitraparIkShaa cha shUraparIkShaa cha raNaa~ngaNe ।
vinaye vaMshaparIkShaa cha shIlaparIkShaa tu dhanakShaye ॥

aapadi mitra-parIkShaa cha shUra-parIkShaa cha raNa-a~ngaNe ।
vinaye vaMsha-parIkShaa cha shIla-parIkShaa tu dhana-kShaye ॥

December 30th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
विद्या मित्रं प्रवासेषु भार्या मित्रं गृहेषु च ।
व्याधितस्यौषधं मित्रं धर्मो मित्रं मृतस्य च ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
vidyā mitraṃ pravāseṣu bhāryā mitraṃ gṛheṣu ca ।
vyādhitasyauṣadhaṃ mitraṃ dharmo mitraṃ mṛtasya ca ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Knowledge is a friend when on a journey, a wife is a friend at home, medicine is the friend of the sick, and virtue is the friend of the dead.

Commentary:

When traveling, knowledge is one thing that can be carried painlessly. Knowledge is the tool that can help one thrive in a foreign land.

At home, the wife is the best friend one can trust and rely upon. She is the cornerstone of the family and can withstand any kind of weathering the family has to face.

For a sick person, medicine is a friend. The medicine may taste bitter, but it is in the person's best interest to gulp it down because it is only going to make him feel better.

The virtuous deeds and actions performed during one's lifetime are his friends after passing on. No amount of wealth, family, or friends will accompany him beyond the graveyard. It is only his merits and demerits that will follow him and decide his path of onward travel.

Know your friends in each aspect of life because they are your greatest blessings.  

pada vigrahaH:

विद्या मित्रं प्रवासेषु भार्या मित्रं गृहेषु च ।
vidyā mitraṃ pravāseṣu bhāryā mitraṃ gṛheṣu ca ।

व्याधितस्य औषधं मित्रं धर्मः मित्रं मृतस्य च ॥
vyādhitasya auṣadhaṃ mitraṃ dharmaḥ mitraṃ mṛtasya ca ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
vidyaa mitraM pravaaseShu bhaaryaa mitraM gRuheShu cha ।
vyaadhitasyauShadhaM mitraM dharmo mitraM mRutasya cha ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

vidyaa mitraM pravaaseShu bhaaryaa mitraM gRuheShu cha ।

vyaadhitasya auShadhaM mitraM dharmaH mitraM mRutasya cha ॥

December 14th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अलसस्य कुतो विद्या अविद्यस्य कुतो धनम् ।
अधनस्य कुतो मित्रम् अमित्रस्य कुतः सुखम् ॥

Transliteration:
alasasya kuto vidyā avidyasya kuto dhanam ।
adhanasya kuto mitram amitrasya kutaḥ sukham ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Where is vidyā for the lazy? Where is wealth for the unlearned? Where are friends for the un-wealthy? Where is the pleasure for the friendless?

Commentary:

Industriousness is the cornerstone of nearly every aspect of life. One should have the zeal and enthusiasm to work and learn each and every day. Only when one has the thirst to learn more can he gain more vidyā (knowledge). Vidyā could bring in more wealth. Wealth, in turn, attracts friends. (Friends made through wealth is not necessarily a nice thing. However, that is the way of the world. Noble-minded people befriend anyone irrespective of financial status.) Having friends is a pleasant feeling (man is a social being). He enjoys being around people. Delight comes automatically with enjoyment.

Therefore, to be cheerful, one needs to be industrious and not be lazy. Step by step, alertness and industriousness will lead to delight.

pada vigrahaH:
अलसस्य कुतः विद्या अविद्यस्य कुतः धनम् ।
alasasya kutaḥ vidyā avidyasya kutaḥ dhanam ।

अधनस्य कुतः मित्रम् अमित्रस्य कुतः सुखम् ॥
adhanasya kutaḥ mitram amitrasya kutaḥ sukham ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
alasasya kuto vidyaa avidyasya kuto dhanam ।
adhanasya kuto mitram amitrasya kutaH sukham ॥

alasasya kutaH vidyaa avidyasya kutaH dhanam ।

adhanasya kutaH mitram amitrasya kutaH sukham ॥

December 7th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
आरम्भगुर्वी क्षयिणी क्रमेण
लघ्वी पुरा वृद्धिमती च पश्चात् ।
दिनस्य पूर्वार्धपरार्धभिन्ना
छायेव मैत्री खलसज्जनानाम् ॥
- नीतिशतक

Transliteration:
ārambhagurvī kṣayiṇī krameṇa
laghvī purā vṛddhimatī ca paścāt ।
dinasya pūrvārdhaparārdhabhinnā
chāyeva maitrī khalasajjanānām ॥
- nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Long to begin with, but diminishes later; (then again), it is small to start off but increases gradually - just the way a shadow differs in the first half of the day from the second half (of the day), so does the friendship of a wicked person vs. a good person.

Commentary:

Early in the morning, the shadow cast by the sun is longer than the object itself.  As the day progresses the Sun is directly over the head.  The shadow is hardly evident, lying right at the foot of the object. During the second half of the day - it starts off small, at the bottom of the object.  It grows gradually, and by the end of the day, it is bigger than the object itself!

Such is the difference between the friendships of a rogue and a noble person. With a rogue, it starts off on a very high note, only to diminish and disappear over time. However, with the noble, although it starts on a low key, it grows bigger and stronger by the end.

Time is the true testing ground of friendship!  Make lasting friendships.  Be an indelible friend. 

pada vigrahaH:
आरम्भ गुर्वी क्षयिणी क्रमेण
ārambha gurvī kṣayiṇī krameṇa

लघ्वी पुरा वृद्धिमती च पश्चात् ।
laghvī purā vṛddhimatī ca paścāt ।

दिनस्य पूर्व-अर्ध-पर-अर्ध-भिन्ना
vyagrāḥdinasya pūrva-ardha-para-ardha-bhinnā

छाया इव मैत्री खल-सज्जनानाम् ॥
chāyā iva maitrī khala-sajjanānām ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
aarambhagurvI kShayiNI krameNa
laghvI puraa vRuddhimatI cha pashchaat ।
dinasya pUrvaardhaparaardhabhinnaa
Chaayeva maitrI khalasajjanaanaam ॥
- neetishataka

aarambha-gurvI kShayiNI krameNa

laghvI puraa vRuddhimatI cha pashchaat ।

dinasya pUrva-ardha-para-ardha-bhinnaa

Chaayaa iva maitrI khala-sajjanaanaam ॥

October 9th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
शीलं शौर्यमनालस्यं पाण्डित्यं मित्रसंग्रहः ।
अचोरहरणीयानि पञ्चैतान्यक्षयो निधिः ॥
Transliteration:
śīlaṃ śauryamanālasyaṃ pāṇḍityaṃ mitrasaṃgrahaḥ ।
acoraharaṇīyāni pañcaitānyakṣayo nidhiḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The following are the five (types of) imperishable treasures, that can't be stolen by thieves—Integrity, courage, activity, erudition, (and) a congregation of friends.

Commentary:

There is no point in collecting lots of wealth, assets, etc. They are all perishable and can be stolen easily. But the most valuable assets for a person are:

1. Integrity—character, dignity, conduct, morality
2. Courage—bravery
3. Activity—alertness, productive attitude
4. Erudition—scholarship, education
5. Collection of friends—friends accumulated, acquired, or earned

Whatever be the name used, these 5 are the most valuable and imperishable treasures. They never diminish with age. And the best part is, they can never be stolen by anyone.

Earn the right kind of wealth! Ordinary riches can be stolen, but these real riches cannot be. So, it is better to surround yourself with assets than liabilities. 

pada vigrahaH:
शीलं शौर्यम् अनालस्यं पाण्डित्यं मित्र-संग्रहः ।
śīlaṃ śauryam anālasyaṃ pāṇḍityaṃ mitra-saṃgrahaḥ ।

अचोर हरणीयानि पञ्च एतानि अक्षयः निधिः ॥
acora haraṇīyāni pañca etāni akṣayaḥ nidhiḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sheelaM shauryamanaalasyaM paaNDityaM mitrasaMgrahaH ।
achoraharaNIyaani pa~nchaitaanyakShayo nidhiH ॥

sheelaM shauryam anaalasyaM paaNDityaM mitra-saMgrahaH ।

achora haraNIyaani pa~ncha etaani akShayaH nidhiH ॥