Showing posts with label Giving (दान). Show all posts
Showing posts with label Giving (दान). Show all posts

November 3rd


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
पात्रे त्यागी गुणे रागी संविभागी च बन्धुषु ।
शास्त्रे बोद्धा रणे योद्धा स वै पुरुष उच्यते ॥

Transliteration:
pātre tyāgī guṇe rāgī saṃvibhāgī ca bandhuṣu ।
śāstre boddhā raṇe yoddhā sa vai puruṣa ucyate ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Gives to the deserving, inspired by noble qualities (in others), shares with kin, knowledgeable in the scriptures, courageous on the battlefield—such a person is called a man. 

Commentary:
The true measure of man lies not in the power he holds, but in what he chooses to do with it.  These are the characteristics that make a man a gentleman. 

It is not enough for him to be content with little or to be born into privilege. The mark of a good man is not in his accumulation, but in his willingness to share—generously and humbly—with those who are deserving. This is the essence of goodness.

A man of true character recognizes that it is his character, above all, that defines him. It is through the cultivation of this character that he gains the ability to see and honor the good in others. Such insight, in turn, propels him toward continued self-improvement.

In giving, we receive far more than we give away. Sharing with our kin not only creates abundance, but it reveals the heart of a compassionate spirit. The more we share, the more we find ourselves enriched—by both the world and the depths of our own humanity.

Every man is born with the same potential and the same innate gifts. But it is through the pursuit of wisdom, often found in sacred teachings, that a man becomes refined, cultured, and truly whole.

True courage is not the absence of fear, but the resolve to press forward even when one’s strength is spent. It is not the power of the body that matters, but the strength of the spirit that carries a man through dark times. In moments of crisis, it is the courage to face adversity with dignity and valor, that defines his greatness.

True strength is not in a man’s attitude or bravado. It lies in the standards he holds himself to and in the integrity with which he lives. These are the traits that mark a man of a higher caliber. It is far more valuable to think as a man of action and to act as a man of thought. Education, wealth, or social standing—these things do not make a man. It is the virtues he embodies and the character he builds, that shape his legacy. 

pada vigrahaH:
पात्रे त्यागी गुणे रागी संविभागी च बन्धुषु ।
pātre tyāgī guṇe rāgī saṃvibhāgī ca bandhuṣu ।

शास्त्रे बोद्धा रणे योद्धा सः वै पुरुषः उच्यते ॥
śāstre boddhā raṇe yoddhā saḥ vai puruṣaḥ ucyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
paatre tyaagee guNe raagee saMvibhaagee cha bandhuShu |
shaastre boddhaa raNe yoddhaa sa vai puruSha uchyate ||

paatre tyaagee guNe raagee saMvibhaagee cha bandhuShu |
shaastre boddhaa raNe yoddhaa saH vai puruShaH uchyate ||


October 22nd


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अनादरो विलंबश्च वैमुख्यं चाप्रियं वचः ।
पश्चाद्भवति संतापो दानदूषणपञ्चकम् ॥

Transliteration:
anādaro vilaṃbaśca vaimukhyaṃ cāpriyaṃ vacaḥ ।
paścādbhavati saṃtāpo dānadūṣaṇapañcakam ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:
5 pollutants of charity (giving) are—(giving with) contempt, (giving) too late, (giving by) turning the face away (looking down upon), (giving) with distasteful words, and lamenting after (giving).  

Commentary:
The smallest act of kindness holds more value than the grandest of intentions. It is said that the deeds of giving form the very foundation of the world, but there is an etiquette to that benevolence as well. A gift, no matter how generous, can lose its essence if accompanied by the wrong attitude or actions.

Here are five ways in which the spirit of giving can be tarnished:
  • Contempt towards the receiver—Giving should not carry an air of superiority. Instead, it is a privilege to be in a position to help. We must be grateful that we have been blessed with abundance, which allows us to extend support to others.
  • Untimely assistance—Charity loses its impact when given after the moment of need has passed. True giving is timely and responsive. It aligns with the receiver's circumstances, bringing relief when it matters most.
  • Belittling or disregarding the receiver—When offering aid, showing indifference or treating the recipient as inferior only devalues the act of kindness. Giving must be done with love and empathy, acknowledging the dignity of the person receiving it.
  • Offering laced with harsh words—If help is extended with unkind words, it becomes a burden rather than a blessing. It is like salting a wound, worsening the receiver's pain instead of healing it. Generosity should carry warmth, not sting.
  • Regret or Complaint After Giving—When we lament or regret what we have given, the act becomes meaningless. True charity leaves no room for sorrow over what has been shared, it is a joyful expression of abundance and care.
The acts of giving should be undertaken with quiet dignity, not as a performance for recognition or publicity. True charity lies not in the size of the gift but in the purity of the heart with which it is offered. Give joyfully, give abundantly. 

pada vigrahaH:
अनादरः विलंबः च वैमुख्यं च अप्रियं वचः ।
anādaraḥ vilaṃbaḥ ca vaimukhyaṃ ca apriyaṃ vacaḥ ।

पश्चात् भवति संतापः दान-दूषण-पञ्चकम् ॥
paścāt bhavati saṃtāpaḥ dāna-dūṣaṇa-pañcakam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
anaadaro vilaMbashcha vaimukhyaM chaapriyaM vacaH ।
pashchaadbhavati saMtaapo daanadUShaNapa~nchakam ॥

anaadaraH vilaMbaH cha vaimukhyaM cha apriyaM vacaH ।
pashchaat bhavati saMtaapaH daana-dUShaNa-pa~nchakam ॥



October 10th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
जले तैलं खले गुह्यं पात्रे दानं मनागपि ।
प्राज्ञे शास्त्रं स्वयं याति विस्तारं वस्तुशक्तितः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
jale tailaṃ khale guhyaṃ pātre dānaṃ manāgapi ।
prājñe śāstraṃ svayaṃ yāti vistāraṃ vastuśaktitaḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti  

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Oil on water, a secret with an evil person, charity offered to a deserving person, knowledge shared with an intellectual—however small (in quantity) all these expand on their own, due to the intrinsic strength of the objects themselves. 

Commentary:
Action is the product of inherent nature.  Every object's action springs naturally from the qualities embedded within it.

Consider oil and water—they do not mix. Their refusal to blend lies in their very structure: oil is non-polar while water is polar. Oil's larger molecular size only deepens the divide. When oil spills on water, it floats atop the surface and spreads outward, expanding until it reaches the water’s edge. It cannot do otherwise—this is its nature.

Such is the case when a secret falls into the hands of a wicked person. Due to his very nature, he will spread that secret like wildfire, scattering it to all who will listen. The thought of loyalty does not restrain him—he cannot hold on to a secret because it is not in him to do so. Prudence lies in recognizing this tendency and keeping sensitive matters away from such people.

On the other hand, charity flourishes when placed in deserving hands. A grateful person does not hoard kindness but shares it forward, multiplying its impact. His feeling of gratitude transforms into generosity, causing goodness to ripple outwards and grow. Such acts leave the world richer than before.

Similarly, knowledge finds fertile ground when shared with an intellectual person. An intelligent mind does not let wisdom lie dormant. He applies the knowledge, refines it, and transmits it to others, ensuring it multiplies and flows through generations.

It is essential to understand that people’s temperaments differ. One approach does not fit all—wisdom lies in recognizing these nuances and acting accordingly.

Watch people's actions and don't be fooled by their words. Sooner than later, subtly or boldly, one's true nature always gets revealed! 

pada vigrahaH:
जले तैलं खले गुह्यं पात्रे दानं मनाक् अपि ।
jale tailaṃ khale guhyaṃ pātre dānaṃ manāk api ।

प्राज्ञे शास्त्रं स्वयं याति विस्तारं वस्तु-शक्तितः ॥
prājñe śāstraṃ svayaṃ yāti vistāraṃ vastu-śaktitaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
jale tailaM khale guhyaM paatre daanaM manaagapi |
praaj~ne shaastraM svayaM yaati vistaaraM vastushaktitaH ||
- chaaNakya neeti

jale tailaM khale guhyaM paatre daanaM manaak api |
praaj~ne shaastraM svayaM yaati vistaaraM vastu-shaktitaH ||

September 29th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
येषां न विद्या न तपो न दानं ज्ञानं न शीलं न गुणो न धर्मः ।
ते मर्त्यलोके भुवि भारभूता मनुष्यरूपेण मृगाश्चरन्ति ॥
-नीतिशतक

Transliteration:
yeṣāṃ na vidyā na tapo na dānaṃ jñānaṃ na śīlaṃ na guṇo na dharmaḥ ।
te martyaloke bhuvi bhārabhūtā manuṣyarūpeṇa mṛgāścaranti ॥
-nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Those devoid of knowledge, nor do penance, nor give (dānaṃ), nor have wisdom, character, virtue, nor a sense of righteousness—such people, being a burden on the earth, roam like animals in human form.

Commentary:
A human being is, perhaps, the most unpredictable, dangerous, and destructive creature to walk the Earth. No other animal possesses the same intellect, nor the cunning charm to deceive like him. Add money and power into the equation, and the complexities only grow. Yet, humans are also blessed with something extraordinary: willpower! 

This is precisely why humans need to practice a wide range of disciplines. We are not born ready to be virtuous always. We must learn to seek knowledge, practice discipline as if it were a form of penance, shed selfishness and cultivate generosity. Wisdom is not a given either—it grows through experience. Building a strong character and living by virtuous principles requires conscious effort, just as developing a sense of righteousness demands continuous refinement.

Without these attributes, the immense potential we possess becomes nothing more than brute power—wild and unrestrained. Unrestrained power is not just frightening; it can also be deadly.

The poet laments that humans who neglect to develop these virtues are no better than animals, wandering through life as burdens on the Earth. Those words are harsh but not without truth. Animals are bound by the instincts of their nature. They do not have the luxury of elevating themselves. But we, as humans, have no such excuse for remaining stagnant, primitive, or unrefined.

Remarkably, progress is often a chain reaction—when we begin working on one positive trait, others follow. The journey toward self-improvement gathers momentum—pulling us away from being uncivilized and untamed—towards becoming something greater.

Being human by birth is a gift, but becoming a real human being requires conscious effort. It is not enough to simply exist as a weary load in the world. We must strive to live with a purpose, evolve with intention, and become human in the truest sense.

Be human. Live deliberately.

pada vigrahaH:
येषां न विद्या न तपः न दानं ज्ञानं न शीलं न गुणः न धर्मः ।
yeṣāṃ na vidyā na tapaḥ na dānaṃ jñānaṃ na śīlaṃ na guṇaḥ na dharmaḥ ।

ते मर्त्य-लोके भुवि भार-भूताः मनुष्य-रूपेण मृगाः चरन्ति ॥
te martya-loke bhuvi bhāra-bhūtāḥ manuṣya-rūpeṇa mṛgāḥ caranti ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yeShaaM na vidyaa na tapo na daanaM j~naanaM na shIlaM na guNo na dharmaH ।
te martyaloke bhuvi bhaarabhUtaa manuShyarUpeNa mRugaashcharanti ॥
-nItishataka

yeShaaM na vidyaa na tapaH na daanaM j~naanaM na shIlaM na guNaH na dharmaH ।
te martya-loke bhuvi bhaara-bhUtaaH manuShya-rUpeNa mRugaaH charanti ॥

January 1st


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
आदानस्य प्रदानस्य कर्तव्यस्य च कर्मणः ।
क्षिप्रमक्रियमाणस्य कालः पिबति तद्रसम् ॥

Transliteration:
ādānasya pradānasya kartavyasya ca karmaṇaḥ ।
kṣipramakriyamāṇasya kālaḥ pibati tadrasam ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:
In executing (deeds like) receiving, giving, and responsibilities—if not executed instantaneously, time shall ingest the essence/sweetness (of the deed).

Commentary:
Time and tide wait for none. 

It's all in the timing!  Every deed has its own worth, based on the timing.  What is appropriate today, may not necessarily hold good tomorrow—especially in deeds like giving, receiving, or discharging one's duties.

When the need for these deeds arises, if not done instantly, their essence dissipates with time-lapse. A little help at the right time is better than a lot of help at the wrong time.  The amount of aid is not as important as the time of the aid being offered. 

Time is of the essence in performing our duties as well. When one has an upcoming exam, obviously, he must study before and not after!

The scenarios of giving and doing duties seem obvious.  But how about the aspect of receiving!  Why is the timing of any importance there?  Receiving humbly is the best thanks for a good action.  When one is at the receiving end of someone's good deed, he shows his gratitude by receiving it at the right time.  For example: education.  It must be acquired with the right spirit and at the right time or one may lose crucial life lessons that it brings along!

Time is a river and no one can touch the same water twice.  May we be blessed to not procrastinate these deeds or dilute their sweetness.  May we enjoy the bliss of these endeavors to the fullest extent now and always!

pada vigrahaH:
आदानस्य प्रदानस्य कर्तव्यस्य च कर्मणः ।
ādānasya pradānasya kartavyasya ca karmaṇaḥ ।

क्षिप्रम् अक्रियमाणस्य कालः पिबति तत् रसम् ॥
kṣipram akriyamāṇasya kālaḥ pibati tat rasam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
aadaanasya pradaanasya kartavyasya cha karmaNaH ।
kShipramakriyamaaNasya kaalaH pibati tadrasam ॥

aadaanasya pradaanasya kartavyasya cha karmaNaH ।
kShipram akriyamaaNasya kaalaH pibati tat rasam ॥

June 22nd


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उभयोर्नास्ति भोगेच्छा परार्थं धनसञ्चयः ।
कृपणोदारयोः पश्य तथापि महदन्तरम् ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि

Transliteration:
ubhayornāsti bhogecchā parārthaṃ dhanasañcayaḥ ।
kṛpaṇodārayoḥ paśya tathāpi mahadantaram ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Neither of them has the desire to indulge, (both) earn wealth for the benefit of others!  Yet, see the huge difference (between) a miser and a generous (one).

Commentary:
The poet very tactfully compares and (in the next moment) contrasts the attributes of a miser vs. a giver.  In the first part of the verse, he says there is a stark similarity between two people—both earn wealth for the benefit of others!  At first thought, the listener would think the verse is about two noble people.  But the second half brings attention to the distinct disparity between the two!

If one has to see the difference between a miser and a giver, it is quite easy.  A miser hoards his assets whereas a generous and charitable giver readily parts with his bounty!  The world considers a giver as a magnanimous soul whereas a hoarder is considered stingy and selfish.  So far, their differences are precise and comprehensible.

How about the similarity between the two?  Well, the author cleverly points to the impact of each one's actions.  When a hoarder accumulates wealth, he is neither enjoying the resources himself nor is he utilizing it for the benefit of others.  His affluence stagnates and comes to no use for anyone. But one day, at least the day he passes away, he has to part with his wealth.  That which he had so carefully and diligently accumulated is finally enjoyed (or misused) by his survivors! After all, there is no saying that one's assets will be put to good use or utilized for the wrong causes by others.  

On the other hand, a generous person willingly parts with his money when alive.  He gets the opportunity to revel in the happiness of the beneficiaries of his good deeds, which in turn makes him happy!  At least there is a guarantee that it was used for the right cause. Hence the wealth of both a miser and a generous one will have the same outcome. 

Whether willingly or unwillingly, when the wealth accumulated is eventually for the benefit of others, we might as well do good and be happy.  It is impossible for one's heart to be enlightened and still be a miser!  Happiness isn't a result of what we get, but of what we give.  For, it is in the giving that we receive!

pada vigrahaH:
उभयोः न अस्ति भोग इच्छा परार्थं धन-सञ्चयः ।
ubhayoḥ na asti bhoga icchā parārthaṃ dhana-sañcayaḥ ।

कृपण-उदारयोः पश्य तथा-अपि महत् अन्तरम् ॥
kṛpaṇa-udārayoḥ paśya tathā-api mahat antaram ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ubhayornaasti bhogechChaa paraarthaM dhanasa~nchayaH ।
kRupaNodaarayoH pashya tathaapi mahadantaram ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

ubhayoH na asti bhoga ichChaa paraarthaM dhana-sa~nchayaH ।
kRupaNa-udaarayoH pashya tathaa-api mahat antaram ॥

August 19th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
गृहं गृहमटन् भिक्षुः शिक्षते न तु याचते ।
अदत्वा मद्दृशो मा भूः दत्वा त्वं त्वद्दृशो भव ॥


Transliteration:
gṛhaṃ gṛhamaṭan bhikṣuḥ śikṣate na tu yācate ।
adatvā maddṛśo mā bhūḥ datvā tvaṃ tvaddṛśo bhava ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Roaming from home to home, the cadger is not begging but teaching: "By not giving, do not become like me; remain like yourself, by giving."

Commentary:
Why does a beggar go from house to house seeking alms? Is it simply because he lacks enough to sustain himself? The poet suggests otherwise! The poet believes that a beggar goes door to door not merely to survive but to impart a profound lesson to those he meets. He seems to say, "By giving alms, you remain well-to-do like right now—don't end up on the streets like me by being miserly and close-fisted!"

How does the poet justify this perspective? The hands that give are the same hands that receive. A person living comfortably in society has likely benefited from countless blessings, favors, and acts of generosity to achieve their current state. By giving to those in need, one strengthens the cycle of receiving blessings in return. On the contrary, withholding generosity leads to an eventual depletion of one's merits. Over time, the miser risks falling into the same desperate state as the beggar himself. The beggar, therefore, serves as a living reminder, as if warning the stingy, "Without giving, your fate will one day mirror mine!"

In truth, giving benefits the giver far more than the receiver. The joy and fulfillment derived from selfless giving far surpass the fleeting satisfaction of receiving. Give with an open heart, for in doing so, you enrich your own life and spirit immeasurably!

pada vigrahaH:
गृहं गृहम् अटन् भिक्षुः शिक्षते न तु याचते ।
gṛhaṃ gṛham aṭan bhikṣuḥ śikṣate na tu yācate ।

अदत्वा मत् दृशः मा भूः दत्वा त्वं त्वत् दृशः भव ॥
adatvā mat dṛśaḥ mā bhūḥ datvā tvaṃ tvat dṛśaḥ bhava ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
gRuhaM gRuhamaTan bhikShuH shikShate na tu yaachate ।
adatvaa maddRusho maa bhUH datvaa tvaM tvaddRusho bhava ॥

gRuhaM gRuham aTan bhikShuH shikShate na tu yaachate ।
adatvaa mat dRushaH maa bhUH datvaa tvaM tvat dRushaH bhava ॥

January 7th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
द्वाविमौ पुरुषौ राजन् स्वर्गस्योपरि तिष्ठतः ।
प्रभुश्च क्षमया युक्तः दरिद्रश्च प्रदानवान् ॥

- विदुरनीति

Transliteration:
dvāvimau puruṣau rājan svargasyopari tiṣṭhataḥ ।
prabhuśca kṣamayā yuktaḥ daridraśca pradānavān ॥
- viduranīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:
O, king!  These two people surpass even heaven—a master associated with forgiveness (and) an impoverished one who is giving.

Commentary:
A master, lord, or king holds the power to act as he pleases. He could choose to punish or reprimand his subordinates for their mistakes. Yet, if he chooses to forgive, it elevates his greatness manifold. Forgiveness, after all, is not just about liberating another—it is about liberating oneself. As the saying goes, “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.”

Resentment binds us with an emotional chain stronger than steel, tethering us to the past and preventing us from moving forward. Forgiveness is the key that dissolves the shackles, breaking the cycle and granting true freedom. A person who consciously forgives, despite having the power to do otherwise, possesses an extraordinary heart. Such a person simplifies life, finds joy in the present, and creates his own heaven on Earth.

Similarly, when someone impoverished, barely surviving, still finds it in their heart to give, it speaks volumes about their generosity and selflessness. To give even when it costs them dearly is an act of immense humility and connection to humanity. It is this selfless giving that brings both internal and eternal peace. Such a jīva (soul) transcends material joys and experiences the deepest, most profound happiness—both now and in eternity. This spirit of giving raises them above all paradises, even while they walk this Earth.

Indeed, heaven is both under our feet and above our heads. When we root ourselves in the heaven below, reaching the one above becomes effortless. Plant your feet firmly on this foundation, and the path to the divine will unfold with ease.

pada vigrahaH:
द्वौ इमौ पुरुषौ राजन् स्वर्गस्य उपरि तिष्ठतः ।
dvau imau puruṣau rājan svargasya upari tiṣṭhataḥ ।

प्रभुः च क्षमया युक्तः दरिद्रः च प्रदानवान् ॥
prabhuḥ ca kṣamayā yuktaḥ daridraḥ ca pradānavān ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
dvaavimau puruShau raajan swargasyopari tiShThataH ।
prabhushcha kShamayaa yuktaH daridrashcha pradaanavaan ॥
- viduranIti

dvau imau puruShau raajan swargasya upari tiShThataH ।
prabhuH cha kShamayaa yuktaH daridraH cha pradaanavaan ॥

September 22nd


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अवज्ञया न दातव्यं कस्यचिल्लीलयापि वा ।
अवज्ञया कृतं हन्यात् दातारं नात्र संशयः ॥

- रामायण, बाल

Transliteration:
avajñayā na dātavyaṃ kasyacillīlayāpi vā ।
avajñayā kṛtaṃ hanyāt dātāraṃ nātra saṃśayaḥ ॥
- rāmāyaṇa, bāla

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Never give (charity) to anyone with contempt or disregard. Charity done in contempt will obliterate the giver, there is no doubt about that.

Commentary:
'Giving' is an act that is done out of the goodness of one's heart, not for name and fame. It should be done with humility and modesty. The benefit of giving is not for the receiver as much as it is for the giver!

The giver was blessed with a little more than the receiver. Hence, he has the ability to share. Truly, the giver benefits more because it teaches him selflessness. Therefore, the attitude with which he gives is highly important. Giving with contempt, arrogance, or displaying apathy are the worst kinds of giving. One must never give with this attitude, for, it is certain to destroy the giver! Isn't giving futile if the purpose is defeated? If the act of giving is bringing down the standards of one's moral ground, one might as well not give!

Like they say, you get the best out of others when you give the best of yourself.  That begins with the attitude with which we give. Humility is the only way. The value of a person resides in what and how he gives; not what he is capable of receiving. For, it is in giving that we receive.  The manner of giving is worth much more than the material itself.

pada vigrahaH:
अवज्ञया न दातव्यं कस्यचित् लीलया अपि वा ।
avajñayā na dātavyaṃ kasyacit līlayā api vā ।

अवज्ञया कृतं हन्यात् दातारं न अत्र संशयः ॥
avajñayā kṛtaṃ hanyāt dātāraṃ na atra saṃśayaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
avaj~nayaa na daatavyaM kasyachillIlayaapi vaa ।
avaj~nayaa kRutaM hanyaat daataaraM naatra saMshayaH ॥
- raamaayaNa, baala

avaj~nayaa na daatavyaM kasyachit lIlayaa api vaa ।
avaj~nayaa kRutaM hanyaat daataaraM na atra saMshayaH ॥

September 17th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सत्यानुसारिणी लक्ष्मीः कीर्तिस्त्यागानुसारिणी ।
अभ्याससारिणी विद्या बुद्धिः कर्मानुसारिणी ॥

- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
satyānusāriṇī lakṣmīḥ kīrtistyāgānusāriṇī ।
abhyāsasāriṇī vidyā buddhiḥ karmānusāriṇī ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Wealth follows truthfulness; fame follows benefaction; knowledge follows practice; intellect follows implementation (action).

Commentary:
Where there is honesty, Goddess Lakṣmī (Goddess of wealth) resides. Goddess Lakṣmī is known for her affinity for honesty and cleanliness. Where there is no honesty, prosperity might seem to reside tentatively. But in the long run, such a person is certain to end up paying the price, one way or another. It is better to let prosperity take its course by being truthful because 'wealth follows honesty'.

Both the good people and the bad people make it to the newspaper. But which one becomes famous and which one becomes infamous? The morality and the liberality of actions of the good person take him to fame because 'fame follows benefaction'.

Knowledge is not a ready dish to be served up for the taking. It comes only through practicing over and over again. Learning and relearning until one has perfected the knowledge is the only way to go because 'knowledge follows practice'.

Intellect is something that comes along with one's implementation of his knowledge. For example, an architect can think of how to design a given space meticulously. That intellect comes to him due to constantly thinking in that module and working toward it. Hence, 'intellect follows implementation'.

No shortcuts. Take the right path, and reap the right results!

pada vigrahaH:
सत्य-अनुसारिणी लक्ष्मीः कीर्तिः त्याग-अनुसारिणी ।
satya-anusāriṇī lakṣmīḥ kīrtiḥ tyāga-anusāriṇī ।

अभ्यास-सारिणी विद्या बुद्धिः कर्म-अनुसारिणी ॥
abhyāsa-sāriṇī vidyā buddhiḥ karma-anusāriṇī ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
satyaanusaariNI lakShmIH kIrtistyaagaanusaariNI ।
abhyaasasaariNI vidyaa buddhiH karmaanusaariNI ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

satya-anusaariNI lakShmIH kIrtiH tyaaga-anusaariNI ।
abhyaasa-saariNI vidyaa buddhiH karma-anusaariNI ॥

September 10th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
तपः परं कृतयुगे त्रेतायां ज्ञानमुच्यते ।
द्वापरे यज्ञमित्यूचुः दानमेकं कलौ युगे ॥

- पराशरस्मृति


Transliteration:
tapaḥ paraṃ kṛtayuge tretāyāṃ jñānamucyate ।
dvāpare yajñamityūcuḥ dānamekaṃ kalau yuge ॥
- parāśarasmṛti

Meaning of the subhAShita:
In Kṛtayuga penance was best; in Tretāyuga, knowledge, it is said; they say fire sacrifices in the Dvāparayuga; in Kaliyuga, it is only giving.

Commentary:
Kṛtayuga, also known as Satyayuga, is the first of the four ages in the cosmic cycle. During this era, rigorous penances were considered the most rewarding. Dharma was firmly established, and to be virtuous, one had to undergo intense penances and meditation.

As dharma began to decline, the next era, Tretāyuga, arrived. In this age, liberation could be attained through the path of jñāna (knowledge). Learning the scriptures and leading a pious life became the foundations of virtue.

The further dilution of dharma led to Dvāparayuga, where performing sacrifices and offering gifts to deities through fire rituals were necessary to increase one’s virtues.

Finally, as dharma continued to wane, we entered the age of Kaliyuga. In this era, time is scarce, and values are easily compromised. One must work hard to stay focused amidst distractions and temptations. The ego is so dominant that to be virtuous, one need only give selflessly. Virtue has become simpler to attain—there’s no need for extreme penances, deep scriptural knowledge, or complex sacrifices. Simply giving up attachment to possessions and sharing generously with others is all that is required to be virtuous. Is that too much to ask?

Giving can take many forms: "If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart." Parting with possessions is not as important as the spirit in which you give. True giving comes from selflessness.

Give from the heart!

pada vigrahaH:
तपः परं कृत-युगे त्रेतायां ज्ञानम् उच्यते ।
tapaḥ paraṃ kṛta-yuge tretāyāṃ jñānam ucyate ।

द्वापरे यज्ञम् इति ऊचुः दानम् एकं कलौ युगे ॥
dvāpare yajñam iti ūcuḥ dānam ekaṃ kalau yuge ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
tapaH paraM kRutayuge tretaayaaM j~naanamuchyate ।
dvaapare yaj~namityUchuH daanamekaM kalau yuge ॥
- paraasharasmRuti

tapaH paraM kRuta-yuge tretaayaaM j~naanam uchyate ।
dvaapare yaj~nam iti UchuH daanam ekaM kalau yuge ॥

August 16th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
स्वर्गस्थितानामिह जीवलोके चत्वारि चिह्नानि वसन्ति देहे ।
दानप्रसङ्गो मधुरा च वाणी देवार्चनं ब्राह्मणतर्पणं च ॥

- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
svargasthitānāmiha jīvaloke catvāri cihnāni vasanti dehe ।
dānaprasaṅgo madhurā ca vāṇī devārcanaṃ brāhmaṇatarpaṇaṃ ca ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:
There are 4 signs of a person in heaven even while living in this world—giving, pleasant words, worshipping the Lord, and satiating (the hunger) of a vidvān (learned person).

Commentary:
It is in one's own hands to make life a living hell or heaven. One doesn't have to wait to pass on to see heaven. His life can be as blissful as being in heaven if he inculcates these 4 attributes—
  • Giving—Sometimes a small thing given can mean everything in someone's life! True giving is when you give your all and yet feel like it is nothing! These are truly blissful feelings.
  • Pleasant words—Words are the keys to another's heart. Someone was asked, “If someone were to pay you 10 coins for every kind word you ever spoke and collect 5 coins for every unkind word, would you be rich or poor?” Blessed are those who measure rich on this scale!
  • Worshiping the Lord—When every action is an offering to the Lord, there is nothing much one needs to do after that. He is just as close to God as he would be in heaven.
  • Satiating the hunger of a vidvān (learned one)—Why specifically a vidvān? Why should his hunger be satisfied? In the olden days, Brāhmaṇas held the responsibility of giving knowledge to people. They would roam from place to place propagating their learning and would not be equipped to make their own meals at home. So satiating their hunger means contributing to the propagation of knowledge! A person who feeds them does his share in contributing to society and hence is happy.
It is not about going to heaven after passing on, but living in heaven here and now! A person involved in these 4 kinds of actions is in virtual heaven. His mind is as happy as being in heaven!

Find your own heaven. Do good, feel good!

pada vigrahaH:
स्वर्ग-स्थितानाम् इह जीव-लोके चत्वारि चिह्नानि वसन्ति देहे ।
svarga-sthitānām iha jīva-loke catvāri cihnāni vasanti dehe ।

दान-प्रसङ्गः मधुरा च वाणी देव-अर्चनं ब्राह्मण-तर्पणं च ॥
dāna-prasaṅgaḥ madhurā ca vāṇī deva-arcanaṃ brāhmaṇa-tarpaṇaṃ ca ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
svargasthitaanaamiha jIvaloke chatvaari chihnaani vasanti dehe ।
daanaprasa~ngo madhuraa cha vaaNI devaarchanaM braahmaNatarpaNaM cha ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

svarga-sthitaanaam iha jIva-loke chatvaari chihnaani vasanti dehe ।
daana-prasa~ngaH madhuraa cha vaaNI deva-archanaM braahmaNa-tarpaNaM cha ॥

July 27th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
दारिद्र्यनाशनं दानं शीलं दुर्गतिनाशनम् ।
अज्ञाननाशिनी प्रज्ञा भावना भयनाशिनी ॥

- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
dāridryanāśanaṃ dānaṃ śīlaṃ durgatināśanam ।
ajñānanāśinī prajñā bhāvanā bhayanāśinī ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Giving quells poverty, integrity dispels bad times, awareness dismisses ignorance, (and) contemplation dissipates fear.

Commentary:
A little bit of light dispels a lot of darkness!  Similarly, 
  1. Giving is an action that quells the poverty of the giver and the receiver alike! The receiver gains what he needs and the giver gains on the scale of virtue and in learning selflessness. Hence, giving eradicates poverty on different levels for all the people involved.
  2. No matter the circumstances or conditions, trading values, and integrity is not a choice. Everything else may be in shambles, but his soul won't be! Be it good times or bad times, a person's integrity protects him and allows him to come out unscathed.
  3. Awareness and ignorance are antonyms of each other, just like light and darkness. These two swords can never fit in one scabbard. When one is in, the other is out! When one has awareness,  ignorance gets dismissed automatically!
  4. Is one afraid in his own house, even if it is dark? Because of familiarity, one will not feel intimidated. It makes it easy for him to contemplate the time and space essential to navigate himself even in darkness. This contemplation dissipates all fears in him and makes his perception of the surroundings clearer.
To turn any weakness into strength, acquire the right tool that dispels the weakness from its very roots. That is success!

pada vigrahaH:
दारिद्र्य-नाशनं दानं शीलं दुर्गति-नाशनम् ।
dāridrya-nāśanaṃ dānaṃ śīlaṃ durgati-nāśanam ।

अज्ञान-नाशिनी प्रज्ञा भावना भय-नाशिनी ॥
ajñāna-nāśinī prajñā bhāvanā bhaya-nāśinī ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
daaridryanaashanaM daanaM shIlaM durgatinaashanam ।
aj~naananaashinI praj~naa bhaavanaa bhayanaashinI ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

daaridrya-naashanaM daanaM shIlaM durgati-naashanam ।
aj~naana-naashinI praj~naa bhaavanaa bhaya-naashinI ॥

July 14th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सन्तोषस्त्रिषु कर्तव्यः कलत्रे भोजने धने ।
त्रिषु चैव न कर्तव्यः अध्ययने जपदानयोः ॥

- समयोचितपद्यरत्नमालिका


Transliteration:
santoṣastriṣu kartavyaḥ kalatre bhojane dhane ।
triṣu caiva na kartavyaḥ adhyayane japadānayoḥ ॥
- samayocitapadyaratnamālikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:
There should be satisfaction in 3 (aspects): wife, food, money. There should be no satisfaction in 3 (others): learning, meditating, giving.

Commentary:
The same rule doesn't apply to all issues! 'Satisfaction' is a strange thing. Experiencing it in some aspects gives peace, but experiencing it in others may hinder progress.

One should be happy and contented with: his spouse, the food he eats, and the wealth he possesses. Dissatisfaction with these will lead to unrest and constant agitation towards acquiring something more or someone better! Moreover, these pursuits are NOT something that will lead one toward the purpose of life. So, it is better to be happy with what there is while working on the true quest of life.

However, complacency and contentment should have no place when it comes to: learning, meditating, or giving. One can never say that he has learnt everything and is very satisfied with his knowledge base. Knowing everything good that there is to know cannot happen until one is a jīvanmukta-puruṣa (a liberated soul)! Therefore, never be satisfied with learning.

Saying, 'I've put in this many hours, so I'm done for the week' works only at the office. There is no end to meditation. Prayer is talking to God, but meditation is listening to Him! Meditation is not just chanting the name of the Lord with closed eyes. Having Him in your thoughts every step of the way, through every action, every minute, is constant open-eyed meditation. There is no upper ceiling on how much meditation one can do. Keep His thoughts going!

Giving is the most selfless action which reiterates that material possessions are temporary. To give, one has to be selfless and unattached. Both are beneficial for raising the jīva (soul) to a platform closer to Him. Give heartily. There are always people who can use help.

Be satisfied with your fortune, but dissatisfied with your intellect.  Keep learning!

pada vigrahaH:
सन्तोषः त्रिषु कर्तव्यः कलत्रे भोजने धने ।
santoṣaḥ triṣu kartavyaḥ kalatre bhojane dhane ।

त्रिषु च एव न कर्तव्यः अध्ययने जप-दानयोः ॥
triṣu ca eva na kartavyaḥ adhyayane japa-dānayoḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
santoShastriShu kartavyaH kalatre bhojane dhane ।
triShu chaiva na kartavyaH adhyayane japadaanayoH ॥
- samayochitapadyaratnamaalikaa

santoShaH triShu kartavyaH kalatre bhojane dhane ।
triShu cha eva na kartavyaH adhyayane japa-daanayoH ॥

June 11th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
क्षीयन्ते सर्वदानानि यज्ञहोमबलिक्रियाः ।
न क्षीयते पात्रदानम् अभयं सर्वदेहिनाम् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
kṣīyante sarvadānāni yajñahomabalikriyāḥ ।
na kṣīyate pātradānam abhayaṃ sarvadehinām ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:
(Virtues earned through) all kinds of giving, sacrificial rituals, fire sacrifices, oblations, and other forms of worship diminish (over time). But the virtue earned by giving to a person in need never diminishes.

Commentary:
Even the fruit of virtues can only go so far. They are exhaustible as well. Virtuous deeds can be of many genres. Performing sacrificial rituals, fire sacrifices, and even giving, have limited returns. But when a man in need is assisted, that deed will never diminish! Give with all your heart when you have a chance. 

The given object might perish over time; the giver or receiver may be gone. But the feeling instilled in both the giver and the receiver flows through them to those around them. That is eternal! It is not just the fruit of the act itself, but also the inspiration it leaves behind.  It encourages both the giver and the receiver to do good.  This remains forever. This flow continues further and further.

In reality, it is not the receiver who is blessed but the giver! He is the one who must be thankful for the abundance he is blessed with.  Without it, he would not be able to exercise the power of benevolence or be enabled to purify his heart.

Give generously to the deserving.  Real generosity towards the future lies in giving all to the present!

pada vigrahaH:
क्षीयन्ते सर्व-दानानि यज्ञ-होम-बलि-क्रियाः ।
kṣīyante sarva-dānāni yajña-homa-bali-kriyāḥ ।

न क्षीयते पात्र-दानम् अभयं सर्व-देहिनाम् ॥
na kṣīyate pātra-dānam abhayaṃ sarva-dehinām ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kShIyante sarvadaanaani yaj~nahomabalikriyaaH ।
na kShIyate paatradaanam abhayaM sarvadehinaam ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

kShIyante sarva-daanaani yaj~na-homa-bali-kriyaaH ।
na kShIyate paatra-daanam abhayaM sarva-dehinaam ॥

June 10th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
नान्नोदकसमं दानं न तिथिर्द्वादशी समा ।
न गायत्र्याः परो मन्त्रः न मातुः परं दैवतम् ॥

- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
nānnodakasamaṃ dānaṃ na tithirdvādaśī samā ।
na gāyatryāḥ paro mantraḥ na mātuḥ paraṃ daivatam ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:
There is no giving better than of food and water; there is no time better than the twelfth day of the lunar month (dvādaśī); there is no formula of prayer better than the gāyatrī mantra; (and) there is no deity better than a mother.

Commentary:
Food and water are the best types of offerings to a hungry man. No amount of wealth can quench his thirst and hunger at that moment. When he is satiated, he heartily blesses the giver.  Hence the statement, 'annadātā sukhībhava' (Oh! giver of food, may you attain happiness), is coined.

Among all days in a month, the twelfth day of the lunar calendar, dvādaśī, is considered very auspicious. Any tasks undertaken on that day are bound to be fruitful.

Among all mantras, the 'gāyatrī mantra' is deemed the most sacred of all. It kindles the intellect which eventually leads to all other realizations.

A mother is considered better than any other deity! All the deities cannot come and reside with each and every child. Hence, the Lord appoints a mother to take His place in each home. A mother takes care of the entire family, pays attention to the smallest of their needs, and protects them against all impending calamities. She puts her family as her first and foremost priority, even ahead of her own needs. What works for one family may not be suitable for another. A mother knows exactly what is best for her family and is constantly working towards their betterment.

Someone once said, "The term 'working mother' is redundant!" The term 'mother' already implies that she is working!! She never really leaves her children at home, even when she does not take them along with her. Meaning—she is carrying them around in her heart always!

Love your mother as trees love water and sunshine.  She nourishes you to grow, prosper, and reach new heights! Her love is like a circle—it has no beginning or ending. 

pada vigrahaH:
न अन्न उदक-समं दानं न तिथिः द्वादशी समा ।
na anna udaka-samaṃ dānaṃ na tithiḥ dvādaśī samā ।

न गायत्र्याः परः मन्त्रः न मातुः परं दैवतम् ॥
na gāyatryāḥ paraḥ mantraḥ na mātuḥ paraṃ daivatam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
naannodakasamaM daanaM na tithirdvaadashI samaa ।
na gaayatryaaH paro mantraH na maatuH paraM daivatam ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

na anna udaka-samaM daanaM na tithiH dvaadashI samaa ।
na gaayatryaaH paraH mantraH na maatuH paraM daivatam ॥

May 5th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अग्नौ दग्धं जले मग्नं हृतं तस्करपार्थिवैः ।
तत्सर्वं दानमित्याहुः यदि क्लैब्यं न भाषते ॥

- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
agnau dagdhaṃ jale magnaṃ hṛtaṃ taskarapārthivaiḥ ।
tatsarvaṃ dānamityāhuḥ yadi klaibyaṃ na bhāṣate ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:
(Anything) burnt in a fire, drowned in water, snatched by thieves or kings—all these would be called 'dāna' (giving), only if (one) doesn't speak woefully of it.

Commentary:
It is all in the attitude!

When an act of giving is performed, it is debited into one's account of virtues immediately. 'Giving' is not necessarily what is donated. The poet says that even something lost to natural calamities like fire and water can be accounted for sacrifice if only the approach is right. 

When possessions are stolen or seized by the kings or law enforcers (could be as tax or in any other form), when handled gracefully, can be accredited as dānam too.

When material possessions are lost for any reason, if one doesn't lament about it and instead thinks that it was not meant to be his anymore, he gains more than he loses (in the form of virtues)! On the contrary, even if one gives generous amounts to charity but is emotionally attached to the object, his act of giving becomes futile. Hence, attitude is what defines everything in the world.

Let bygones be bygones. Whatever happened, happened.  Dwelling on it won't change a thing! It is better to let go and reclaim peace of mind. Better times are yet to come!

pada vigrahaH:
अग्नौ दग्धं जले मग्नं हृतं तस्कर-पार्थिवैः ।
agnau dagdhaṃ jale magnaṃ hṛtaṃ taskara-pārthivaiḥ ।

तत् सर्वं दानम् इति आहुः यदि क्लैब्यं न भाषते ॥
tat sarvaṃ dānam iti āhuḥ yadi klaibyaṃ na bhāṣate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
agnau dagdhaM jale magnaM hRutaM taskarapaarthivaiH ।
tatsarvaM daanamityaahuH yadi klaibyaM na bhaaShate ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

agnau dagdhaM jale magnaM hRutaM taskara-paarthivaiH ।
tat sarvaM daanam iti aahuH yadi klaibyaM na bhaaShate ॥

April 30th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
हस्तस्य भूषणं दानं सत्यं कण्ठस्य भूषणं ।
श्रोत्रस्य भूषणं शास्त्रं भूषणैः किं प्रयोजनम् ॥


Transliteration:
hastasya bhūṣaṇaṃ dānaṃ satyaṃ kaṇṭhasya bhūṣaṇaṃ ।
śrotrasya bhūṣaṇaṃ śāstraṃ bhūṣaṇaiḥ kiṃ prayojanam ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Giving is the adornment for the hand; truth is the embellishment for the throat; good counsel (scriptures) is the enhancement to the ear; what is the use of (all other) ornaments?!

Commentary:
To look pretty, one may consider dressing up with necklaces, bracelets, earrings, toe rings, finger rings, what else, and whatnot. This is promoted by society too. The poet opines that these are futile and worthless. True adornments are totally different!

True adornment for a hand is not a shiny bracelet but the act of giving—giving something to the needy, assisting someone during hardships, or extending a hand of assurance to someone in distress. The true act of giving is done in silence. It is not advertised to the world with cameras, photo-ops, or pictures. It is done with no expectations in return either. This is what beautifies a hand.

The purpose of the throat or neck is not to show off a sparkling necklace! Truth is the true embellishment of the neck. How can one tell small white lies here and there, a couple big ones elsewhere, and then hope to achieve the eternal purpose of life—the quest for truth?! Speaking the truth is always the very purpose of having a voice!

Flashy earrings may entice the eye from the outside. But the reason these sense organs were given to us was to understand the scriptures, and listen to and abide by good counsel. This enhances both the presence and the purpose of the ears.

Beauty is skin deep and external ornaments can only beautify us so much. Instead, make use of these faculties to beautify the soul from within.  These are true adornments that will last a lifetime and thereafter!

pada vigrahaH:
हस्तस्य भूषणं दानं सत्यं कण्ठस्य भूषणं ।
hastasya bhūṣaṇaṃ dānaṃ satyaṃ kaṇṭhasya bhūṣaṇaṃ ।

श्रोत्रस्य भूषणं शास्त्रं भूषणैः किं प्रयोजनम् ॥
śrotrasya bhūṣaṇaṃ śāstraṃ bhūṣaṇaiḥ kiṃ prayojanam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
hastasya bhUShaNaM daanaM satyaM kaNThasya bhUShaNaM ।
shrotrasya bhUShaNaM shaastraM bhUShaNaiH kiM prayojanam ॥

hastasya bhUShaNaM daanaM satyaM kaNThasya bhUShaNaM ।
shrotrasya bhUShaNaM shaastraM bhUShaNaiH kiM prayojanam ॥

April 14th


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
शतेषु जायते शूरः सहस्रेषु च पण्डितः ।
वक्ता दशसहस्रेषु दाता भवति वा न वा ॥

- व्यासस्मृति


Transliteration:
śateṣu jāyate śūraḥ sahasreṣu ca paṇḍitaḥ ।
vaktā daśasahasreṣu dātā bhavati vā na vā ॥
- vyāsasmṛti

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Among a hundred a brave one is born, among a thousand a scholar, and among ten thousand an orator.  Does a giver (even) exist or not?!

Commentary:
Not everyone born is brave enough to tackle all kinds of tasks. People have phobias ranging from claustrophobia (fear of enclosed small spaces) to hydrophobia (fear of water) to a simple triskaidekaphobia (fear of number 13)! Hence, a truly brave person is one in a hundred.

Anyone can be educated, but a true scholar is one in a thousand.

'Oration' is a skill in itself. One could be the most knowledgeable person, but when asked to present his ideas, he could become speechless!  Someone hilariously said, 'I'd rather be in the casket than give the eulogy!'  Fear of public speaking is that intense!  Not everyone has a flair for it.  One in ten thousand is born a good orator.

Then, the poet suspects if a true giver has ever been born or not! A true giver is one who 'gives and forgets' without prejudices. If such people are rarely born, then how can anyone write statistics as to "one in how many are born?!"

This is one verse where the poet would be pleased to be disproved!  Being generous is a rare trait and unfortunately, not many people inculcate it.  No one has ever become poor by giving. So, give and give generously!

pada vigrahaH:
शतेषु जायते शूरः सहस्रेषु च पण्डितः ।
śateṣu jāyate śūraḥ sahasreṣu ca paṇḍitaḥ ।

वक्ता दश-सहस्रेषु दाता भवति वा न वा ॥
vaktā daśa-sahasreṣu dātā bhavati vā na vā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
shateShu jaayate shUraH sahasreShu cha paNDitaH ।
vaktaa dashasahasreShu daataa bhavati vaa na vaa ॥
- vyaasasmRuti

shateShu jaayate shUraH sahasreShu cha paNDitaH ।
vaktaa dasha-sahasreShu daataa bhavati vaa na vaa ॥

April 2nd


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यथा चतुर्भिः कनकं परीक्ष्यते निघर्षणच्छेदनतापताडनैः ।
तथा चतुर्भिः पुरुषः परीक्ष्यते त्यागेन शीलेन गुणेन कर्मणा ॥

- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
yathā caturbhiḥ kanakaṃ parīkṣyate nigharṣaṇacchedanatāpatāḍanaiḥ ।
tathā caturbhiḥ puruṣaḥ parīkṣyate tyāgena śīlena guṇena karmaṇā ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Just as gold is tested through rubbing, cutting, heating, and beating; a man is examined on four (fronts)—liberality, character, efficacy (and) action.

Commentary:
Gold is the most malleable and ductile element. It can be beaten into the thinnest sheets or stretched to make the longest threads. Its luster is unique too. A goldsmith, who works day in and day out with the metal, checks for the authenticity of the gold brought to him. His modus operandi is rubbing it against a rough touchstone. Real gold won't lose its shine or leave streaks. In this process of evaluation, he beats it, heats it, and cuts.

Similarly, the testing grounds for a person are:
  1. Liberality—how generous he is in his giving; it could be his wealth, services, or even compassion.
  2. Character—his values and morals come under this umbrella.
  3. Efficacy—his nature, temperament, and attributes in general.
  4. Action—deeds. There must be an alignment in what is thought, said, and done. Actions speak louder than words. 
A person is graded based on these 4 aspects.  Know your moral grounds.

pada vigrahaH:
यथा चतुर्भिः कनकं परीक्ष्यते निघर्षण-छेदन-ताप-ताडनैः ।
yathā caturbhiḥ kanakaṃ parīkṣyate nigharṣaṇa-chedana-tāpa-tāḍanaiḥ ।

तथा चतुर्भिः पुरुषः परीक्ष्यते त्यागेन शीलेन गुणेन कर्मणा ॥
tathā caturbhiḥ puruṣaḥ parīkṣyate tyāgena śīlena guṇena karmaṇā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yathaa chaturbhiH kanakaM parIkShyate nigharShaNachChedanataapataaDanaiH ।
tathaa chaturbhiH puruShaH parIkShyate tyaagena shIlena guNena karmaNaa ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

yathaa chaturbhiH kanakaM parIkShyate nigharShaNa-Chedana-taapa-taaDanaiH ।
tathaa chaturbhiH puruShaH parIkShyate tyaagena shIlena guNena karmaNaa ॥