July 3rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
येन केन प्रकारेण यस्य कस्यापि देहिनः ।
सन्तोषं जनयेत् प्राज्ञः तदेवेश्वरपूजनम् ॥
- समयोचितपद्यमालिका

Transliteration:
yena kena prakāreṇa yasya kasyāpi dehinaḥ ।
santoṣaṃ janayet prājñaḥ tadeveśvarapūjanam ॥
- samayocitapadyamālikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

However or by whatever means; to whichever or whatever embodiment (being), learned people propagate happiness.  This alone is the worship of the Lord!

Commentary:

Being happy in themself is one way of being wise!  However, their wisdom of the wise takes them a step ahead.  They strive to share happiness with whomever they come across—no matter the time, space, or species.  They are equanimous towards all beings, human or animal alike.  They are cheerful in their element and their presence uplifts those around.  They strive to bring joy to others in any way or form.

The poet says there is no better bliss or benediction one can offer to the Lord!  Showing gratitude for the grace He has showered upon us is as easy as giving happiness to another being.  In fact, the essence of all the scriptures is, 'giving happiness and causing no harm'.  That is the road to paradise!

The best feeling of happiness is when you are happy that you have made someone else happy.  Together, let's make a happy world.

pada vigrahaH:
येन केन प्रकारेण यस्य कस्य अपि देहिनः ।
yena kena prakāreṇa yasya kasya api dehinaḥ ।

सन्तोषं जनयेत् प्राज्ञः तत् एव ईश्वर-पूजनम् ॥
santoṣaṃ janayet prājñaḥ tat eva īśvara-pūjanam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yena kena prakaareNa yasya kasyaapi dehinaH ।
santoShaM janayet praaj~naH tadeveshvarapUjanam ॥
- samayochitapadyamaalikaa

yena kena prakaareNa yasya kasya api dehinaH ।
santoShaM janayet praaj~naH tat eva Ishvara-pUjanam ॥

August 5th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
घटं भिद्यात् पटं छिन्द्यात् कुर्याद्रासभरोहणम् ।
येन केनाप्युपायेन प्रसिद्धः पुरुषो भवेत् ॥

Transliteration:
ghaṭaṃ bhidyāt paṭaṃ chindyāt kuryādrāsabharohaṇam ।
yena kenāpyupāyena prasiddhaḥ puruṣo bhavet ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Destroy a pot, tear up a cloth(banner), (or) mount a donkey (too)!  By one means or another, become a famous person!!

Commentary:

"By hook or crook, achieve thy goal" - this seems to be the tagline that some people ardently believe in!  

The poet sarcastically says, to become famous, some will resort to any measure.  This could mean breaking things and making noise, tearing stuff and attracting attention, or even riding a donkey to make it to the headlines!  

This is appalling to some, whereas it comes naturally to a few others.  They create all kinds of melodrama to get the spotlight onto themselves.  People whose pictures make it to the newspaper are either famous or infamous. So, to claim fame of any type, one can choose to be either a good cop or a great thief. Pictures of both people shall be published!­! 

 
It is up to each individual to choose their path to becoming famous or infamous. Fame, they say, is merely the advantage of being known to people you neither know nor care about. Both fame and famous people are fleeting. So, why compromise honesty and morality for the sake of illusion? Should we chase something so transient and unreal?

Make your pick!

pada vigrahaH:
घटं भिद्यात् पटं छिन्द्यात् कुर्यात् रासभ-रोहणम् ।
ghaṭaṃ bhidyāt paṭaṃ chindyāt kuryāt rāsabha-rohaṇam ।

येन केन अपि उपायेन प्रसिद्धः पुरुषः भवेत् ॥
yena kena api upāyena prasiddhaḥ puruṣaḥ bhavet ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ghaTaM bhidyaat paTaM Chindyaat kuryaadraasabharohaNam ।
yena kenaapyupaayena prasiddhaH puruSho bhavet ॥

ghaTaM bhidyaat paTaM Chindyaat kuryaat raasabha-rohaNam ॥

yena kena api upaayena prasiddhaH puruShaH bhavet ॥

July 29th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उपकर्तुं यथा स्वल्पः समर्थो न तथा महान् ।
प्रायः कूपस्तृषां हन्ति न कदापि तु वारिधिः ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नसमुच्चय

Transliteration:
upakartuṃ yathā svalpaḥ samartho na tathā mahān ।
prāyaḥ kūpastṛṣāṃ hanti na kadāpi tu vāridhiḥ ॥
- subhāṣitaratnasamuccaya

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The way a trifle can be of assistance, the great may not be able to.  Probably, a well can quench the thirst, but never the (mighty) ocean.

Commentary:

Each in its own place and time.  The purpose of one cannot be served by the other.  An ocean may be mighty and magnificent.  But, when a thirsty man comes to it, he will look for a different source of drinking water.  Although the ocean is a storehouse for most of the water available on earth and even torrential rains are nothing in the face of its capacity, not even a drop of it is useful in quenching the thirst of a weary traveler!  However, a water well may very well be a heavenly sight to a tired hiker, even though it is a minuscule speck in comparison to the size of the ocean.

The same holds true in all aspects of life.  Each person cannot be the leader of the world!  If that is true, then who will all the leaders lead?!  As much as leaders are required, people to be led are essential as well.  Every man can't be an architect, there needs to be someone to physically build the structure as well.  One person's shoe cannot fit another. Hence, the existence of each and every being is equally important.

Even the existence of every grain of sand and blade of grass is crucial.  If it wasn't required to be there, the Lord would have made sure it was not there!  If it is there, it is already important and essential.  Same with beings.  If they weren't special and essential He wouldn't have made them!!

It is said, 'Everybody is a genius.  But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid!'  What a profound statement it is!!

Never disrespect anything or anyone based on their pervasiveness.  Each and every being and object is indispensable in its own unique way!  Value each one for what it essentially is.  

pada vigrahaH: 
उपकर्तुं यथा स्वल्पः समर्थः न तथा महान् ।
upakartuṃ yathā svalpaḥ samarthaḥ na tathā mahān ।

प्रायः कूपः तृषां हन्ति न कदा अपि तु वारिधिः ॥
prāyaḥ kūpaḥ tṛṣāṃ hanti na kadā api tu vāridhiḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
upakartuM yathaa svalpaH samartho na tathaa mahaan ।
praayaH kUpastRuShaaM hanti na kadaapi tu vaaridhiH ॥
- subhaaShitaratnasamuchchaya

upakartuM yathaa svalpaH samarthaH na tathaa mahaan ।

praayaH kUpaH tRuShaaM hanti na kadaa api tu vaaridhiH ॥

April 8th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
श्रीमानजननिन्द्यश्च शूरश्चाप्यविकत्थनः ।
समदृष्टिः प्रभुश्चैव दुर्लभाः पुरुषास्त्रयः ॥
- योगवासिष्ठ, वैराग्य

Transliteration:
śrīmānajananindyaśca śūraścāpyavikatthanaḥ ।
samadṛṣṭiḥ prabhuścaiva durlabhāḥ puruṣāstrayaḥ ॥
- yogavāsiṣṭha, vairāgya

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A wealthy man who is not blamed, a valiant man who is not pompous, a leader who is not prejudiced—these 3 people are rare to find!

Commentary:

A wealthy man, irrespective of whether he gained his wealth by just or unjust means gets rebuked.  He gets blamed for one reason or another—earning unjustly, not doing enough good with his affluence, or being overly lucky!  Rare is a man who gets applauded for his abundance and also his attitude towards his fortune.

If one is courageous, chances are, he is proud of his valiance and recounts his valor every chance he gets to anyone who will listen!  Humility in conjunction with heroism is a rare commodity.  How often do we come across a Rāma or a Hanumān?!

When one has power in his hands, arrogance goes to the head!  Misuse of power, prejudice towards kith and kin, and bias towards the lowly and helpless—these become his main attributes.  It is said, 'a politician thinks of the next election, whereas a statesman thinks of the next generation!'  It is rare to see someone with power in his hands and a level head on his shoulders.  A true leader is one who views all his subjects equally!  This is a virtue of rarity in itself.  He who possesses this is a true statesman. 

Inculcate the right traits when blessed with opportunities and privileges.

pada vigrahaH:
श्रीमान् अ-जन-निन्द्यः च शूरः च अपि अ-विकत्थनः ।
śrīmān a-jana-nindyaḥ ca śūraḥ ca api a-vikatthanaḥ ।

सम-दृष्टिः प्रभुः च एव दुर्लभाः पुरुषाः त्रयः ॥
sama-dṛṣṭiḥ prabhuḥ ca eva durlabhāḥ puruṣāḥ trayaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
shrImaanajananindyashcha shUrashchaapyavikatthanaH ।
samadRuShTiH prabhushchaiva durlabhaaH puruShaastrayaH ॥
- yogavaasiShTha, vairaagya

shrImaan a-jana-nindyaH cha shUraH cha api a-vikatthanaH ।

sama-dRuShTiH prabhuH cha eva durlabhaaH puruShaaH trayaH ॥

July 19th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
राजपत्नी गुरोः पत्नी मित्रपत्नी तथैव च ।
पत्नीमाता स्वमाता च पञ्चैता मातरः स्मृताः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
rājapatnī guroḥ patnī mitrapatnī tathaiva ca ।
patnīmātā svamātā ca pañcaitā mātaraḥ smṛtāḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A king's wife, teacher's wife, friend's wife, wife's mother, and his own (birth) mother: these 5 should be deemed as mother figures.

Commentary:

It is said, 'God couldn't be everywhere, so he made mothers!'  In a lifetime, one doesn't come across just one mother but many who fill that role. Hence, all of them deserve the same reverence as their own mother.

1. A leader or king protects and prospers the nation. He is revered as the father of his subjects. His wife is respected as a mother because she walks hand in hand with him for the welfare of the land.
2. A teacher guides and makes a person an able being. In the olden days, students lived at their teacher's house until learning was completed. The wife of the teacher fed them and showed affection to them just as a mother would. She is revered for her tending and affection.
3. A friend is a trusted person who stands by through thick and thin. Can that trust be repaid by disrespecting his wife? The highest position of honor one can give is that of a mother. Hence, the friend's wife is given this honor.
4. The mother of one's own wife is given this utmost regard. This is because the wife instills values in the entire family. All that she has learnt is through her mother. She passes on the teaching to her children in the household. Veneration to the wife's mother is for teaching ethics to his wife and giving away the daughter that she had nurtured so diligently!
5. If one says giving the highest order of reverence to others is that of a mother, what to speak of his own mother! She is the one who nurtures him in her womb, gives birth to him, tends to him, teaches him life's essence, instills ethics in him, and gives direction to his life. She does pretty much everything in her capacity to make sure that her child is secure and ready to take on life! Respecting her is not an option, it is natural! There are no words or deeds with which one can repay his mother. All one can do is imbibe her values, be the person she intended him to be, and be eternally grateful to her!

Like they say, 'It takes a village to raise a child'! All these roles of mothers contribute significantly. 'Beings are what their mothers made them'. Mothers are always held in the highest esteem!

pada vigrahaH:
राज-पत्नी गुरोः पत्नी मित्र-पत्नी तथ एव च ।
rāja-patnī guroḥ patnī mitra-patnī tatha eva ca ।

पत्नी-माता स्व-माता च पञ्च एताः मातरः स्मृताः ॥
patnī-mātā sva-mātā ca pañca etāḥ mātaraḥ smṛtāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
raajapatnI guroH patnI mitrapatnI tathaiva cha ।
patnImaataa svamaataa cha pa~nchaitaa maataraH smRutaaH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

raaja-patnI guroH patnI mitra-patnI tatha eva cha ।

patnI-maataa sva-maataa cha pa~ncha etaaH maataraH smRutaaH ॥

July 12th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
गन्धः सुवर्णे फलमिक्षुदण्डे
नाकारि पुष्पं खलु चन्दनस्य ।
विद्वान् धनाढ्यश्च नृपश्चिरायुः
धातुः पुरा कोऽपि न बुद्धिदोऽभूत् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
gandhaḥ suvarṇe phalamikṣudaṇḍe
nākāri puṣpaṃ khalu candanasya ।
vidvān dhanāḍhyaśca nṛpaścirāyuḥ
dhātuḥ purā ko'pi na buddhido'bhūt ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Fragrance in gold; fruit in sugarcane; big flowers too in sandalwood; an educated who is rich; a king who lives forever—(alas!) there were no counselors for the creator earlier!

Commentary:

This poet is giving ideas to the Creator (Brahma) which would have been nice additions to creation itself! Shouldn't He have created the world as this poet suggests?!

• Gold is precious and liked by most people. What if it came with a sweet fragrance?! One could smell the fragrance of their precious gold!
• Sugarcane is definitely sweet, but what if it bore edible fruit that carried its sweetness?! The sweetness would then be readily accessible to everyone rather than having to bite the fibers to extract its sweetness.
• Sandalwood retains fragrance for decades, but what if it bloomed beautiful big flowers bearing its sweet fragrance?! They would beautify a home even as they spread their aroma.
• Riches make one's life easy and comfortable. However, what if the educated person were bestowed with lots of wealth?! Hopefully, they would put their wealth to good use!  He would have the best of both worlds and hence an envious life.
• A good king is a rare find. What if such a leader lived forever?! There would be no worries for the future or unanticipated anarchy in the country.

The poet mournfully says, 'Alas! There weren't any intelligent people around Brahma to give proper counsel when he was creating the world.'

The world mentioned above would certainly be great!  But then, doesn't the Creator know what's best for everyone?! If everything was perfect and everyone had all their wishes granted, would there be any point in the existence of the world itself?! 

He will not put all the arrows in one quiver, meaning, He will not put all attributes into one object! He knows what is best and wants people to work with what is available.  It is as though His message is: "The world is not a utopia, but a reality!  Learn to live with imperfections!!"

One needs to appreciate anything for what it is, rather than count its shortcomings. One has to bring out the best of what there is and be content! That's what makes you a leader. 

pada vigrahaH:
गन्धः सुवर्णे फलम् इक्षुदण्डे
gandhaḥ suvarṇe phalam ikṣudaṇḍe

नाकारि पुष्पं खलु चन्दनस्य ।
nākāri puṣpaṃ khalu candanasya ।

विद्वान् धनाढ्यः च नृपः चिरायुः
vidvān dhanāḍhyaḥ ca nṛpaḥ cirāyuḥ

धातुः पुरा कः अपि न बुद्धिदः अभूत् ॥
dhātuḥ purā kaḥ api na buddhidaḥ abhūt ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
gandhaH suvarNe phalamikShudaNDe
naakaari puShpaM khalu chandanasya ।
vidvaan dhanaaDhyashcha nRupashchiraayuH
dhaatuH puraa ko.pi na buddhido.bhUt ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

gandhaH suvarNe phalam ikShudaNDe

naakaari puShpaM khalu chandanasya ।

vidvaan dhanaaDhyaH cha nRupaH chiraayuH

dhaatuH puraa kaH api na buddhidaH abhUt ॥

June 30th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सुलभाः पुरुषा राजन् सततं प्रियवादिनः ।
अप्रियस्य तु पथ्यस्य वक्ता श्रोता च दुर्लभः ॥
- रामायण

Transliteration:
sulabhāḥ puruṣā rājan satataṃ priyavādinaḥ ।
apriyasya tu pathyasya vaktā śrotā ca durlabhaḥ ॥
- rāmāyaṇa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Oh, King! It is easy to find people who always talk in (your) favor. But people who speak or listen to 'words not in (your) favor, yet in your welfare' are rare to find!

Commentary:

Especially when one is in power or holding a political office, he will surely find tons of yes-men. Given that he is a man of authority, people in his cabinet of ministry would not dare to oppose or say a word against him, whether he takes the right step or the wrong one.  People around him just nod and oblige, never expressing their honest opinions.

On the contrary, a person holding a high position is in need of people who are brutally honest and have the courage to express their thoughts! Rare are such people who dare to express their true opinions while keeping the welfare of the land in mind.

Even if counselors give counsel to the person in power, chances are that he may not heed them. However, so long as words are spoken in favor of the one in power, they must be valued. Many times, the unfavorable words may be in the welfare of the greater good. Rare are such people who will heed such well-intended, but unfavorable words!

One word that brings peace is better than a thousand hollow words. Speak with honesty and have the courage to speak the truth.  Likewise, when an opposing viewpoint is presented, have the courage to analyze it with an open mind and keep everyone's welfare in mind.

pada vigrahaH:
सुलभाः पुरुषाः राजन् सततं प्रिय-वादिनः ।
sulabhāḥ puruṣāḥ rājan satataṁ priya-vādinaḥ ।

अ-प्रियस्य तु पथ्यस्य वक्ता श्रोता च दुर्लभः ॥
a-priyasya tu pathyasya vaktā śrōtā ca durlabhaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sulabhaaH puruShaa raajan satataM priyavaadinaH ।
apriyasya tu pathyasya vaktaa shrotaa cha durlabhaH ॥
- raamaayaNa

sulabhaaH puruShaa raajan satataM priya-vaadinaH ।
a-priyasya tu pathyasya vaktaa shrotaa cha durlabhaH ॥

June 17th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
माधुर्यमक्षरव्यक्तिः पदच्छेदस्तु सुस्वरः ।
धैर्यं लयसमर्थं च षडेते पाठकागुणाः ॥
- पाणिनीयशिक्षा


Transliteration:
mādhuryamakṣaravyaktiḥ padacchedastu susvaraḥ ।
dhairyaṃ layasamarthaṃ ca ṣaḍete pāṭhakāguṇāḥ ॥
- pāṇinīyaśikṣā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Sweetness in tone, clarity of syllables, isolation of words, proper intonation, confidence, accompanied with rhythm—these are the 6 attributes of a (good) reader.

Commentary:

Six traits make one a good reader—Tenderness in tone, accuracy in pronouncing each individual syllable, the breakup of words in the right places, an appropriate tone of voice, poise and certainty in reading, and proper rhythm.

These traits make one's reading clear, conveying the message accurately, and making the content appealing.

This inherently means one must also keep in mind—not to read with a harsh, hoarse voice; not swallow up the syllables in a hurry; not fuse words together, making sure to give just enough pause between words; raise and drop the voice appropriately depending on the bhāva (feeling) being expressed; the stride, the voice and the hold of the reader should reflect confidence every step of the way; the reading should be paced aptly too. 

A good reader makes a good speaker.  Today a reader, tomorrow a leader! Acquire the right skills from the get-go.

pada vigrahaH:
माधुर्यम् अक्षर-व्यक्तिः पदच्छेदः तु सुस्वरः ।
mādhuryam akṣara-vyaktiḥ padacchedaḥ tu susvaraḥ ।

धैर्यं लय-समर्थं च षट् एते पाठका-गुणाः ॥
dhairyaṃ laya-samarthaṃ ca ṣaṭ ete pāṭhakā-guṇāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
maadhuryamakSharavyaktiH padachChedastu susvaraH ।
dhairyaM layasamarthaM cha ShaDete paaThakaaguNaaH ॥
- paaNinIyashikShaa

maadhuryam akShara-vyaktiH padachChedaH tu susvaraH ।

dhairyaM laya-samarthaM cha ShaT ete paaThakaa-guNaaH ॥

May 18th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
नाराजके जनपदे स्वकं भवति कस्यचित् ।
मत्स्या इव नरा नित्यं भक्षयन्ति परस्परम् ॥
- रामायण, अयोध्याकाण्ड


Transliteration:
nārājake janapade svakaṃ bhavati kasyacit ।
matsyā iva narā nityaṃ bhakṣayanti parasparam ॥
- rāmāyaṇa, ayodhyākāṇḍa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

In a nation with no leader, nothing is one's own. Just like fish, people constantly consume each other.

Commentary:

Anarchy is detrimental to society on many levels. It disrupts people's lives because a commoner cannot even lead a life of normalcy and feel safe under his own roof. There is nothing one can claim as his own in such a land. In that case, where are peace and prosperity?

When there is no commander-in-chief for a society, everyone has their own say. Only the rough and rugged survive in these scenarios. The milder ones—who make up the majority of the population—suffer unjustly. Just as the bigger fish in a tank prey upon the smaller fish, the rugged devour the weak in such a society.

Anarchy is the sure consequence of tyranny; for no power that is not limited by laws can ever be protected by them. Avoid such situations at all costs.

pada vigrahaH:
न अराजके जनपदे स्वकं भवति कस्यचित् ।
na arājake janapade svakaṃ bhavati kasyacit ।

मत्स्याः इव नराः नित्यं भक्षयन्ति परस्परम् ॥
matsyāḥ iva narāḥ nityaṃ bhakṣayanti parasparam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
naaraajake janapade svakaM bhavati kasyachit ।
matsyaa iva naraa nityaM bhakShayanti parasparam ॥
- raamaayaNa, ayodhyaakaaNDa

na araajake janapade svakaM bhavati kasyachit ।

matsyaaH iva naraaH nityaM bhakShayanti parasparam ॥

May 8th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
विद्वत्वं च नृपत्वं च नैव तुल्यं कदाचन ।
स्वदेशे पूज्यते राजा विद्वान् सर्वत्र पूज्यते ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार


Transliteration:
vidvatvaṃ ca nṛpatvaṃ ca naiva tulyaṃ kadācana ।
svadeśe pūjyate rājā vidvān sarvatra pūjyate ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Scholarliness and kingship can never be equated. A king is respected in his own land, (whereas) a scholar is revered everywhere.

Commentary:

A king is the Lord of his own land or country. All his subjects respect him for the office he holds. But that only goes so far. Beyond his land, he cannot execute his authority, or he may not even be recognized.

Knowledge and scholarship have no boundaries of any kind. Knowledge is the universal truth; it holds significance at all times and on all lands. Therefore, a scholar is revered everywhere.

Gaining knowledge is much more beneficial than conquering kingdoms!

pada vigrahaH:
विद्वत्वं च नृपत्वं च न एव तुल्यं कदाचन ।
vidvatvaṃ ca nṛpatvaṃ ca na eva tulyaṃ kadācana ।

स्वदेशे पूज्यते राजा विद्वान् सर्वत्र पूज्यते ॥
svadeśe pūjyate rājā vidvān sarvatra pūjyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
vidvatvaM cha nRupatvaM cha naiva tulyaM kadaachana ।
svadeshe pUjyate raajaa vidvaan sarvatra pUjyate ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

vidvatvaM cha nRupatvaM cha na eva tulyaM kadaachana ।

svadeshe pUjyate raajaa vidvaan sarvatra pUjyate ॥

April 23rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
गुणैरुत्तमतां याति नोच्चैरासनसंस्थिताः ।
प्रासादशिखरस्थोऽपि काकः किं गरुडायते ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
guṇairuttamatāṃ yāti noccairāsanasaṃsthitāḥ ।
prāsādaśikharastho'pi kākaḥ kiṃ garuḍāyate ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Excellence is attained through efficacy, not by clinging to a tall throne. Can a crow transform into an eagle by simply sitting on a pinnacle?

Commentary:

A 'great big throne' is only an indication or a physical representation of one's greatness. One's greatness comes from his own vices and virtues. The way he builds his personality is entirely upon himself. He could choose to keep more vices than virtues, or vice versa. But, it is foolish to think that anyone physically sitting on a throne will become great!

The metaphor given here is that of a crow who poses and sits on the pinnacle of a mountain and thinks he has become an eagle! The eagle is deemed as the king of birds. He gets that title not because he sits on the highest altitudes, but because he carries with him, the grace and tenacity, of a king. That is what qualifies him for the title. If a crow imitates an eagle and sits on the apex of a tree, it won't automatically instill in him the rest of the eagle's natural qualities.

An eagle's wings may be silken, but its claws are made of steel! And if you want to fly with the eagles, you should stop swimming with the ducks. Titles or designations don't matter for the truly excellent. Their actions are true to their nature and they continue working, irrespective of the accolades they may or may not receive.

pada vigrahaH:
गुणैः उत्तमतां याति न उच्चैः आसन-संस्थिताः ।
guṇaiḥ uttamatāṃ yāti na uccaiḥ āsana-saṃsthitāḥ ।

प्रासाद-शिखरस्थः अपि काकः किं गरुडायते ॥
prāsāda-śikharasthaḥ api kākaḥ kiṃ garuḍāyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
guNairuttamataaM yaati nochchairaasanasaMsthitaaH ।
praasaadashikharastho.pi kaakaH kiM garuDaayate ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

guNaiH uttamataaM yaati na uchchaiH aasana-saMsthitaaH ।

praasaada-shikharasthaH api kaakaH kiM garuDaayate ॥

January 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
बोद्धारो मत्सरग्रस्ताः प्रभवः स्मयदूषिताः ।
अबोधोपहताश्चान्ये जीर्णमङ्गे सुभाषितम् ॥
- नीतिशतक

Transliteration:
boddhāro matsaragrastāḥ prabhavaḥ smayadūṣitāḥ ।
abodhopahatāścānye jīrṇamaṅge subhāṣitam ॥
- nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The perceptive (people) are in the grasp of jealousy, the kings are corrupt with arrogance and the rest are beyond perception... (Alas!) the subhāṣitas dilapidated within myself.

Commentary:

भर्तृहरि (Bhartṛhari) who wrote the wonderful book 'नीतिशतक' (Nītiśataka), says that there are all kinds of people in the world. Some are sharp and perceptive, and some are not. Some have the power to propagate knowledge (like the kings) and some don't. He dolefully laments that the problem is—all these people have their own specific reasons for ignoring the subhāṣitas.

1. The intelligent are very busy trying to beat the rat race and outshining their fellow beings. Devoured by jealousy, they do not have any affection towards the subhāṣitas.
2. The kings, or other people in power, are so arrogant about their high position that instead of using their power for the propagation of values and ethics (that are in the subhāṣitas), they do not even care for the subhāṣitas.
3. The rest are not knowledgeable enough to be receptive to the subhāṣitas.

Alas, that represents most people.  So, who is to heed the words of wisdom? Despite knowing this, Bhartṛhari wrote the wonderful book with 100 beautiful verses, hoping that someone, someday will be eager to learn. Each verse is a pearl of wisdom that is a guiding light to daily life.

Let us be the people putting those luminous pearls to practical use in our day-to-day lives!

pada vigrahaH:
बोद्धारः मत्सर ग्रस्ताः प्रभवः स्मय-दूषिताः ।
boddhāraḥ matsara grastāḥ prabhavaḥ smaya-dūṣitāḥ ।

अबोध-उपहताः च अन्ये जीर्णम् अङ्गे सुभाषितम् ॥
abodha-upahatāḥ ca anye jīrṇam aṅge subhāṣitam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
boddhaaro matsaragrastaaH prabhavaH smayadUShitaaH ।
abodhopahataashchaanye jIrNama~nge subhaaShitam ॥
- nItishataka

boddhaaraH matsara grastaaH prabhavaH smaya-dUShitaaH ।

abodha-upahataaH cha anye jIrNam a~nge subhaaShitam ॥

January 4th

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

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

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

Commentary:

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

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

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

pada vigrahaH:

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

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

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

raajaa bandhuH abandhUnaaM raajaa chakShuH achakShuShaaM ।

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

December 31st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
स्वगृहे पूज्यते मूर्खः स्वग्रामे पूज्यते प्रभुः ।
स्वदेशे पूज्यते राजा विद्वान् सर्वत्र पूज्यते ॥


Transliteration:
svagṛhe pūjyate mūrkhaḥ svagrāme pūjyate prabhuḥ ।
svadeśe pūjyate rājā vidvān sarvatra pūjyate ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

An idiot is celebrated in his own home, a lord is respected in his own town, a king is worshipped in his own country, (whereas) a learned man is honored everywhere.

Commentary:

Even if a person is foolish, he is valued in his own home. His near and dear ones still adore him. The town leader is looked up to by the whole town. Whereas, the king commands respect from his entire nation. Although each of these people is valued in different boundaries, their name and fame are limited to a space they call their own.

But a learned and well-educated person has no such boundaries. He is respected and honored in every place he goes. There is no place where his glory is diminished. He is universally accepted and valued for his knowledge.

Expand your horizons! Knowledge is power.  Never stop learning. 

pada vigrahaH:

स्वगृहे पूज्यते मूर्खः स्वग्रामे पूज्यते प्रभुः ।
svagṛhe pūjyate mūrkhaḥ svagrāme pūjyate prabhuḥ ।

स्वदेशे पूज्यते राजा विद्वान् सर्वत्र पूज्यते ॥
svadeśe pūjyate rājā vidvān sarvatra pūjyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
svagRuhe pUjyate mUrkhaH svagraame pUjyate prabhuH ।
svadeshe pUjyate raajaa vidvaan sarvatra pUjyate ॥

svagRuhe pUjyate mUrkhaH svagraame pUjyate prabhuH ।

svadeshe pUjyate raajaa vidvaan sarvatra pUjyate ॥

December 27th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
कर्ता कारयिता चैव प्रेरकश्चानुमोदकः ।
सुकृते दुष्कृते चैव चत्वारः समभागिनः ॥

Transliteration:
kartā kārayitā caiva prerakaścānumodakaḥ ।
sukṛte duṣkṛte caiva catvāraḥ samabhāginaḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Be it a misdeed or a meritorious one, the following four have an equal share (of the result): the doer; the promoter; the initiator (one who inspires); and the supporter.

Commentary:

The fruit of either a meritorious deed or a misdeed is shouldered by these four categories of people: 

• the ones who carry out the act; 
• the ones who organize the enterprise; 
• the ones who initiate the idea; 
• and the ones who approve of the feat. 

 They all share the fruit of the deed.

One cannot say, "I only initiated the deed, but didn't actually do it" and sulk away from the responsibilities!  The doer is only an instrument.  Any kind of repercussion must be shouldered by everyone involved.

One has to give each action serious thought before partaking in any aspect of it, because, he will have to bear the brunt or the merit of that deed.

Thinking before acting is wisdom. But acting before thinking will lead to regret.  So, look before you leap, think before you speak.

pada vigrahaH:
कर्ता कारयिता च एव प्रेरकः च अनुमोदकः ।
kartā kārayitā ca eva prerakaḥ ca anumodakaḥ ।

सुकृते दुष्कृते च एव चत्वारः सम-भागिनः ॥
sukṛte duṣkṛte ca eva catvāraḥ sama-bhāginaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kartaa kaarayitaa chaiva prerakashchaanumodakaH ।
sukRute duShkRute chaiva chatvaaraH samabhaaginaH ॥

kartaa kaarayitaa cha eva prerakaH cha anumodakaH ।

sukRute duShkRute cha eva chatvaaraH sama-bhaaginaH ॥

November 12th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
धनिकः श्रोत्रियो राजा नदी वैद्यस्तु पञ्चमः ।
पञ्च यत्र न विद्यन्ते न तत्र दिवसं वसेत् ॥
- हितोपदेश, मित्रलाभ

Transliteration:
dhanikaḥ śrotriyo rājā nadī vaidyastu pañcamaḥ ।
pañca yatra na vidyante na tatra divasaṃ vaset ॥
- hitopadeśa, mitralābha

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Do not live in a place, even for a single day, where the following 5 are not available—a wealthy person, theologian, king, river, and the doctor is the fifth.

Commentary:

Basic essentials!

When civilizations emerged, the early settlers would see if the land they selected was appropriate to build their society and if the basic necessities were satisfied.

Similarly, in a land where we want to call home, there should be:

1. Wealthy person—indicates prosperity.
2. Theologian—represents the faith and education of the society.
3. King (not necessarily the same designation, but a leader)—depicts order in the society and not anarchy.
4. River—shows that the land is cultivatable and will aid in prosperity.
5. Doctor—so that in times of illness, care is available instantaneously.

These five essentials promise progress and prosperity to the community.  Also, it is the responsibility and prime duty of these figures, to make sure that society receives their services in a timely and appropriate manner.

Make a home where there are prospects for prosperity!

pada vigrahaH:
धनिकः श्रोत्रियः राजा नदी वैद्यः तु पञ्चमः ।
dhanikaḥ śrotriyaḥ rājā nadī vaidyaḥ tu pañcamaḥ ।

पञ्च यत्र न विद्यन्ते न तत्र दिवसं वसेत् ॥
pañca yatra na vidyante na tatra divasaṃ vaset ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

dhanikaH shrotriyo raajaa nadI vaidyastu pa~nchamaH ।

pa~ncha yatra na vidyante na tatra divasaM vaset ॥

- hitopadesha, mitralaabha

dhanikaH shrotriyaH raajaa nadI vaidyaH tu pa~nchamaH ।

pa~ncha yatra na vidyante na tatra divasaM vaset ॥

September 28th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यद्यदाचरति श्रेष्ठः तत्तदेवेतरो जनः ।
स यत्प्रमाणं कुरुते लोकस्तदनुवर्तते ॥
- भगवद्गीता, कर्म योग

Transliteration:
yadyadācarati śreṣṭhaḥ tattadevetaro janaḥ ।
sa yatpramāṇaṃ kurute lokastadanuvartate ॥
- bhagavadgītā, karma yoga

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Whatever noble (people) engage in, the rest (of the world) follows. Whatever they set as an example is imitated by all.

Commentary:

Great power comes with great responsibility.  

This is a warning to the powerful and famous! They need to be aware of their actions because they set an example for all those who tread the same path.

The "powerful and famous" are not necessarily only those people who make headlines. It begins within a family unit. A mother and father are powerful and famous in the eyes of their children.  After all, they follow the paths of their parents. Schools follow the footsteps of their teachers, and nations follow the paths of their leaders. So, if a community needs to be better, then the people leading it should be very cautious of their actions.

The key to great leadership is influence, not authority!  A leader is the one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.  So tread cautiously. Become the kind of leader whom people would like to follow voluntarily, even though you have no title or position.  

pada vigrahaH:
यत् यत् आचरति श्रेष्ठः तत् तत् एव इतरः जनः । 
yat yat ācarati śreṣṭhaḥ tat tat eva itaraḥ janaḥ ।

स यत् प्रमाणं कुरुते लोकः तत् अनुवर्तते ॥
sa yat pramāṇaṃ kurute lokaḥ tat anuvartate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

yadyadaacharati shreShThaH tattadevetaro janaH ।

sa yatpramaaNaM kurute lokastadanuvartate ॥

- bhagavadgeetaa, karma yoga

yat yat aacharati shreShThaH tat tat eva itaraH janaH ।
sa yat pramaaNaM kurute lokaH tat anuvartate ॥

September 27th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यौवनं धनसम्पत्तिः प्रभुत्वमविवेकता ।
एकैकमप्यनर्थाय किमु यत्र चतुष्टयम् ॥
- हितोपदेश

Transliteration:
yauvanaṃ dhanasampattiḥ prabhutvamavivekatā ।
ekaikamapyanarthāya kimu yatra catuṣṭayam ॥
- hitopadeśa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Youth, money, power, thoughtlessness—each can cause havoc. What can be said when all four converge?!

Commentary:

Youth (adolescence), an abundance of money, authority, and imprudence are each disastrous. One can only imagine the plight of those around when these four qualities come together, in one person!

Humility, generosity, proper use of power, and appropriate intellect are the faculties that lead to shaping a person's character.  If one wants to be well-rounded, it can only come through deeply ingrained values. It is not sufficient if children are only brought up with an abundance of comforts and luxuries. Knowing the worth of the privileges they have will take them much farther than getting their way all the time.

Good values, like fingerprints, are left all over everything we do.  Life is not about possessions but about passions and having the right values!  

pada vigrahaH:
यौवनं धन-सम्पत्तिः प्रभुत्वम् अविवेकता ।
yauvanaṃ dhana-sampattiḥ prabhutvam avivekatā ।

एक-एकम् अपि अनर्थाय किमु यत्र चतुष्टयम् ॥
eka-ekam api anarthāya kimu yatra catuṣṭayam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yauvanaM dhanasampattiH prabhutvamavivekataa ।

ekaikamapyanarthaaya kimu yatra chatuShTayam ॥

- hitopadesha

yauvanaM dhana-sampattiH prabhutvam avivekataa ।
eka-ekam api anarthaaya kimu yatra chatuShTayam ॥