November 5th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

परोपकाराय फलन्ति वृक्षाः परोपकाराय वहन्ति नद्यः ।

परोपकाराय दुहन्ति गावः परोपकारार्थमिदं शरीरम् ॥

- त्रिशतीव्याख्या

Transliteration:

paropakārāya phalanti vṛkṣāḥ paropakārāya vahanti nadyaḥ ।

paropakārāya duhanti gāvaḥ paropakārārthamidaṃ śarīram ॥

- triśatīvyākhyā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

For the benefaction of others, trees bear fruit. For the benefaction of others, the rivers flow. For the benefaction of others, cows give milk. This body is meant for benefaction of others.  

Commentary: 

The highest form of benevolence acts without personal gain, offering freely and expecting nothing in return!

Look to nature as there are countless examples. Trees bear abundant fruit, yet never partake in the harvest themselves. Rivers flow endlessly, never taking a drop to quench their own thirst. Cows give milk in abundance, even after nourishing their calves, yet drink none of it to sustain themselves.

Benevolence is the essence of many natural processes. It is a virtue to be embraced by humanity in countless ways. To feel more for others than for ourselves is to suppress selfishness and elevate the human spirit through acts of kindness. One selfless act surpasses a million well-meaning thoughts. Benevolence speaks a universal language—a language that even the blind can see and the deaf can hear.

When a choice arises, the path of benefaction is the one that leads to the greatest good.  

pada vigrahaH:

पर उपकाराय फलन्ति वृक्षाः पर उपकाराय वहन्ति नद्यः ।

para upakārāya phalanti vṛkṣāḥ para upakārāya vahanti nadyaḥ ।

पर उपकाराय दुहन्ति गावः पर उपकार अर्थम् इदं शरीरम् ॥

para upakārāya duhanti gāvaḥ para upakāra artham idaṃ śarīram ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

paropakaaraaya phalanti vRukShaaH paropakaaraaya vahanti nadyaH |

paropakaaraaya duhanti gaavaH paropakaaraarthamidaM shareeram ||

- trishateevyaakhyaa

para upakaaraaya phalanti vRukShaaH para upakaaraaya vahanti nadyaH |

para upakaaraaya duhanti gaavaH para upakaara artham idaM shareeram ||

October 20th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

नागुणी गुणिनं वेत्ति गुणी गुणिषु मत्सरी ।

गुणी च गुणरागी च विरलः सरलो जनः ॥

Transliteration:

nāguṇī guṇinaṃ vetti guṇī guṇiṣu matsarī ।

guṇī ca guṇarāgī ca viralaḥ saralo janaḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A person devoid of virtues does not cognize virtue (in others). Those with virtues are jealous of others with merit.  A person with simplicity who is virtuous and also appreciates virtue (in others) is rare to come by.    

Commentary:

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

Simple people keep things simple! They honor in others what they value in themselves, free of double standards. 

However, in society, we often see those with merit viewing others as competition, pulling each other down instead of lifting each other up. In this struggle, often merit loses its own worth.

Those without excellence may fail to recognize it in others, leaving merit unrewarded in their eyes as well.

The poet laments that the truly virtuous—the rare few, who live in harmony with their values and admire virtue in others—are hard to find. 

True virtue, after all, lies in balance—the golden mean between excess and deficiency. Indeed, a simple person whose thoughts, words, and actions align, is rare.

pada vigrahaH:

न अगुणी गुणिनं वेत्ति गुणी गुणिषु मत्सरी ।

na aguṇī guṇinaṃ vetti guṇī guṇiṣu matsarī ।

गुणी च गुण-रागी च विरलः सरलः जनः ॥

guṇī ca guṇa-rāgī ca viralaḥ saralaḥ janaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

naaguNI guNinaM vetti guNI guNiShu matsarI ।

guNI cha guNaraagI cha viralaH saralo janaH ॥

na aguNI guNinaM vetti guNI guNiShu matsarI ।

guNI cha guNa-raagI cha viralaH saralaH janaH ॥

May 13th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
मातृवत्परदारेषु परद्रव्येषु लोष्टवत् ।
आत्मवत्सर्वभूतेषु यः पश्यति स पण्डितः ॥

- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
mātṛvatparadāreṣu paradravyeṣu loṣṭavat ।
ātmavatsarvabhūteṣu yaḥ paśyati sa paṇḍitaḥ ॥

- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Other's wives as one's own mother; other's wealth as a lump of clay; other beings like one's own self—he who sees this way is a learned person.

Commentary:

The highest reverence one can offer is to their mother. A cultured individual extends this respect to all women, seeing them as equal to his own mother. Passion and desire should be reserved solely for one's spouse. All other women are to be regarded with the same reverence as the divine mother. Ogling or harboring lustful thoughts toward others is not the mark of a cultured or learned individual.

Wealth, in the hands of a wise person, becomes a servant, but for a fool, it becomes a master. One must know how to use wealth wisely while avoiding greed or the unethical acquisition of others' possessions. A truly wise person sees the wealth of others as insignificant as a lump of clay, refusing to covet it.

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" is not just a saying—it is a guiding principle for life. No one wishes to be treated poorly, and if one constantly remembers this, one will refrain from mistreating others. When one realizes the deeper truth that all beings are interconnected—that "everyone is him, and he is everyone"—they will abstain from harming others in any way.

A wise person embodies these three essential virtues: reverence for women, discernment, and empathy. Make the world a kinder and more harmonious place for all.

pada vigrahaH:
मातृवत् पर-दारेषु पर-द्रव्येषु लोष्टवत् ।
mātṛvat para-dāreṣu para-dravyeṣu loṣṭavat ।

आत्मवत् सर्व-भूतेषु यः पश्यति सः पण्डितः ॥
ātmavat sarva-bhūteṣu yaḥ paśyati saḥ paṇḍitaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
maatRuvatparadaareShu paradravyeShu loShTavat ।
aatmavatsarvabhUteShu yaH pashyati sa paNDitaH ॥
- chaaNakya neeti

maatRuvat para-daareShu para-dravyeShu loShTavat ।
aatmavat sarva-bhUteShu yaH pashyati saH paNDitaH ॥

January 15th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अनुगन्तुं सतां धर्म कृत्स्नं यदि न शक्यते ।
स्वल्पमप्यनुगन्तव्यं मार्गस्थो नावसीदति ॥

Transliteration:
anugantuṃ satāṃ dharma kṛtsnaṃ yadi na śakyate ।
svalpamapyanugantavyaṃ mārgastho nāvasīdati ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Although following the righteous path of the noble is difficult and seems impossible, if one follows even a little bit, he will not slump (from the goal of his life).

Commentary:

No need for gigantic steps!  If one wants to and attempts to tread on the path of the noble, there may be many hurdles he may face on the way.  It may not only be difficult, but it might even seem impossible!  Despite that, if one continues to grasp at least a little bit and persist on the same path, he will progress in the right direction.

It is said that even an ant can traverse miles by just keeping at it.  The fact that it is moving means it is covering the ground and reaching someplace else.  Finally, due to its persistence, it would have left its starting point miles behind!  Similar is a person on the path of dharma.  If he keeps doing righteous acts (however small in size or caliber) throughout his lifetime, he will accumulate great virtue to his credit!  How can one with virtue in his account ever fall off from the path of dharma?!

Great acts are made up of small deeds.  True happiness comes from the joy of deeds that are done well with good intentions.  These are the things that shape one's fate.  True winners are not people who never fail but people who never quit.

So, let's take charge of our fate and give it the right direction through virtuous actions!

pada vigrahaH:
अनुगन्तुं सतां धर्म कृत्स्नं यदि न शक्यते ।
anugantuṃ satāṃ dharma kṛtsnaṃ yadi na śakyate ।

स्वल्पम् अपि अनुगन्तव्यं मार्गस्थः न अवसीदति ॥
svalpam api anugantavyaṃ mārgasthaḥ na avasīdati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
anugantuM sataaM dharma kRutsnaM yadi na shakyate ।
swalpamapyanugantavyaM maargastho naavasIdati ॥

anugantuM sataaM dharma kRutsnaM yadi na shakyate ।

swalpam api anugantavyaM maargasthaH na avasIdati ॥

October 24th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
गगनं गगनाकारं सागरः सागरोपमः ।
रामरावणयोर्युद्धं रामरावणयोरिव ॥
- रामायण

Transliteration:
gaganaṃ gaganākāraṃ sāgaraḥ sāgaropamaḥ ।
rāmarāvaṇayoryuddhaṃ rāmarāvaṇayoriva ॥
- rāmāyaṇa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The vastness of the sky is equal to (that of) the sky; the ocean is analogous to the ocean; the battle between Rāma and Rāvaṇa is like the battle between Rāma and Rāvaṇa!

Commentary:

This verse looks like it is repeating itself! Is that so? Not really. This figure of speech is called 'ananvaya' (comparison of an object with its own ideal). In this verse, the poet is at a loss for words to describe or give comparisons. He says the best analogy for the vastness of the sky is none other than the sky itself! Can anything be as deep and vast as an ocean? The only analogy or resemblance one can give for an ocean is—the ocean itself! Similarly, the one and only correlation one can come up with for the fierce battle between Rāma and Rāvaṇa is—the battle between Rāma and Rāvaṇa!! They fought with such ferocity and strength that no comparison could suffice the description. Finally, the poet simply implies that it was as unmatched as itself. Lord Rāma was of great valor, yet Rāvaṇa could keep up with him. He was an equal match to Rāma in his physical strength. But what brought him down was his weakness for sense pleasures and his arrogance.

This very well depicts our inner demons. The good thoughts are Rāma, and the ignoble ones are Rāvaṇa. Their internal battle is nothing short of the battle between Lord Rāma and Rāvaṇa in the Rāmāyaṇa. Just as there is no simile to the war between Rāma and Rāvaṇa, nothing can be compared to the inner turmoil each of us goes through, at our own crossroads. This brings to mind the story of the two wolves—the good one and the bad one. When the grandson asked "Which one wins," the grandfather replied, "Whichever you feed!" Who we allow to win is entirely up to us. It sure is not easy to win over evil thoughts, just like Rāvaṇa who was quite invincible.

However, once the initial bombardment is overcome, the path for the good paves its way itself. Physical strength, ignoble thoughts, and selfish motives can only survive so long. If the thought that "only the good and the ethical prevail eventually" is kept in mind, triumph comes sooner.

May Rāma's victory over Rāvaṇa inspire us to fight our inner war with the same tenacity as He did! May everyone achieve merits in all their noble endeavors always!

P.S.: This verse is part of a four-line verse. Since the subhāṣita aspect is covered in these two lines already, only the extraction from the verse is taken.

pada vigrahaH:
गगनं गगन-आकारं सागरः सागर-उपमः ।
gaganaṃ gagana-ākāraṃ sāgaraḥ sāgara-upamaḥ ।

राम-रावणयोः युद्धं राम-रावणयोः इव ॥
rāma-rāvaṇayoḥ yuddhaṃ rāma-rāvaṇayoḥ iva ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
gaganaM gaganaakaaraM saagaraH saagaropamaH ।
raamaraavaNayoryuddhaM raamaraavaNayoriva ॥
- raamaayaNa

gaganaM gagana-aakaaraM saagaraH saagara-upamaH ।

raama-raavaNayoH yuddhaM raama-raavaNayoH iva ॥

July 15th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
भवन्ति नम्रास्तरवः फलोद्गमैः
नवाम्बुभिर्भूरिविलम्बिनो घनाः ।
अनुद्धताः सत्पुरुषाः समृद्धिभिः
स्वभाव एवैष परोपकारिणाम् ॥
- नीतिशतक

Transliteration:
bhavanti namrāstaravaḥ phalodgamaiḥ
navāmbubhirbhūrivilambino ghanāḥ ।
anuddhatāḥ satpuruṣāḥ samṛddhibhiḥ
svabhāva evaiṣa paropakāriṇām ॥
- nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Trees bow down when fruit are shooting forth; clouds hang low when filled with water; the noble become humble in opulence—this is the very nature of the benevolent.

Commentary:

"If you wish to find happiness, provide happiness for others"—this could well be the motto of trees, clouds, and noble people. They achieve inner peace and serenity through their acts of selfless kindness. They are not just kind but humble too—humility being their most defining trait.

A tree, laden with fruit, doesn’t stand rigid and boastful because it offers sustenance to all. Instead, it bends low in humility, making it easier for all to partake in its bounty.

When clouds are full of water, they don’t hover arrogantly high above. Instead, they hang low, as if in meekness, ready to shower the Earth with their cool, life-giving waters.

Noble individuals, when blessed with wealth or status, display profound humility. They are free from arrogance about their resources or accomplishments. They embody modesty, always aware that humility is a lifelong lesson to be embraced. This trait is ingrained in them, and they never stray from it. For them, humility is the cornerstone of all virtues, and they live by this principle at all times.

Those who do good for others never take pride in their actions. Pride breeds artificiality, while humility brings authenticity. Let us choose to be real!

pada vigrahaH:
भवन्ति नम्राः तरवः फल-उद्गमैः
bhavanti namrāḥ taravaḥ phala-udgamaiḥ

नव-अम्बुभिः भूरि-विलम्बिनः घनाः ।
nava-ambubhiḥ bhūri-vilambinaḥ ghanāḥ ।

अनुद्धताः सत्-पुरुषाः समृद्धिभिः
anuddhatāḥ sat-puruṣāḥ samṛddhibhiḥ

स्वभावः एव एषः पर-उपकारिणाम् ॥
svabhāvaḥ eva eṣaḥ para-upakāriṇām ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
bhavanti namraastraravaH phalodgamaiH
navaambubhirbhUrivilambino ghanaaH ।
anuddhataaH satpuruShaaH samRuddhibhiH
svabhaava evaiSha paropakaariNaam ॥
- nItishataka

bhavanti namraaH taravaH phala-udgamaiH

nava-ambubhiH bhUri-vilambinaH ghanaaH ।

anuddhataaH sat-puruShaaH samRuddhibhiH

svabhaavaH eva eShaH para-upakaariNaam ॥

June 3rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
उद्यन्तु शतमादित्याः उद्यन्तु शतमिन्दवः ।
न विना विदुषां वाक्यैः नश्यत्याभ्यन्तरं  तमः ॥
- सभारञ्जन शतक

Transliteration:
udyantu śatamādityāḥ udyantu śatamindavaḥ ।
na vinā viduṣāṃ vākyaiḥ naśyatyābhyantaraṃ tamaḥ ॥
- sabhārañjana śataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

May a hundred suns rise; may (there) rise a hundred moons; (but) without listening to the words of the wise men, the internal darkness cannot be annihilated!

Commentary:

There isn't enough darkness in the world to put out the light of one little candle.  At the same time, at the other end of the spectrum, 'there isn't enough light in this world to eradicate an ounce of the darkness within, without listening to the wise words of wisdom from the learned'!

Humans are in a unique situation than any other living beings.  A human is the only 'animal' blessed with the faculty of speech and understanding.  He is the only being who has been blessed with a thinking mind and an intellect to make choices!  Ever since the dinosaur era, has anyone heard of a more intelligent animal than a human?  

Why on earth did God give that facility only to humans, if He did not mean to set us apart from the rest of the creatures?  Would the Lord create even a strand of hair without a purpose?!!  Similarly, why did He create such an elaborate and complicated structure of language and thought processes exclusively for the human race?!!  Obviously, there was a specific and essential purpose for it!  

Would it be to show the supremacy of humans over other animals?  Definitely not!  Dominion and surrender aren't natural to any being.  That which doesn't come naturally, cannot be dharma.  That which is not dharma CANNOT be the purpose in the Lord's mind!  Then, what could it be?  The only possible reason could be—to spread the knowledge.., the ultimate Truth.

The ignorance within (equated to darkness), can be eradicated only through listening to the wise words of the learned.  Even if a hundred suns rise at once and a hundred moons emerge along with them, all that collective light is not sufficient to decimate the ignorance within!  The one and only ray of hope to cure the internal murkiness is, 'listening to the teaching of the great masters and seers'.  No other choice!

Isn't it better to light that candle of knowledge than curse the darkness?!

May the quest to find the light within bring us to our gurus.  May we find our guiding light and tread towards our goal with ease.   

pada vigrahaH:
उद्यन्तु शतम् आदित्याः उद्यन्तु शतम् इन्दवः ।

udyantu śatam ādityāḥ udyantu śatam indavaḥ ।

न विना विदुषां वाक्यैः नश्यति आभ्यन्तरं तमः ॥
na vinā viduṣāṃ vākyaiḥ naśyati ābhyantaraṃ tamaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
udyantu shatamaadityaaH udyantu shatamindavaH ।
na vinaa viduShaaM vaakyaiH nashyatyaabhyantaraM tamaH ॥
- sabhaara~njana shataka

udyantu shatam aadityaaH udyantu shatam indavaH ।

na vinaa viduShaaM vaakyaiH nashyati aabhyantaraM tamaH ॥

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 ॥

March 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
एतावानेव पुरुषः कृतं यस्मिन्न नश्यति ।
यावच्च कुर्यादन्योऽस्य कुर्याद्बहुगुणं ततः ॥
- महाभारत, आदिपर्व

Transliteration:
etāvāneva puruṣaḥ kṛtaṃ yasminna naśyati ।
yāvacca kuryādanyo'sya kuryādbahuguṇaṃ tataḥ ॥
- mahābhārata, ādiparva

Meaning of the subhAShita:

He to whom a favor done does not dissipate right there, is the real (noble) man.  Upon receiving benevolence from others, return it manifold.

Commentary:

Upon receiving generosity from others, it is not ethical to forget it and move on.  Neither is it business, to return an equal or lesser favor.  It is not a BOGO (buy one get one) sale.  Remembering and returning the favor in plentiful is a magnanimous attribute!

The scriptures are strewn with multitudes of such examples.  In Mahābhārata, Pāṇḍavas had taken shelter in a Brahmin's house in Ekacakranagara. They were in disguise after the lākṣāgṛha (wax palace) incident. A rākṣasa (demon) named Bakāsura was tormenting the people of that village. So, the people had made a pact with him—they had promised to take turns and one person from each family would go to him as food regularly.  When it was the Brahmin family's turn, Kuntī, the mother of the Pāṇḍavas, offered to send her own son Bhīma to Bakāsura (whom Bhīma eventually killed), in return for their favor.  They had given shelter to her and her sons in time of need.  In return, she offered to send her son to face the demon instead of a member of their family!  That is nobility!

In Rāmāyaṇa, too, after Hanumān visits Lankā and brings news about Sītā's whereabouts, Lord Rāma embraces Hanumān and pledges his friendship to him forever!! He does not diminish the immense favor Hanumān has done with a simple 'Thank you'! That is nobility! 

In fact, interestingly enough, there is NO equivalent word for 'thank you' in Sanskrit (dhanyavādaḥ is a later adaptation)!  There is only कृतज्ञता भाव (kṛtajñatā bhāva)—कृतं जानामि इति भावः (kṛtaṃ jānāmi iti bhāvaḥ)—I acknowledge your favor, I am aware of your benevolence; nothing can be done to repay that debt; I am greatly indebted to you!

An extension of this value is, not keeping track of the favors you do to others nor expecting return favors in exchange. Do your best at any given time to aid those in need and move on.

Don't these attributes make life much simpler and more satisfactory?  Don't they keep our hearts purer and lighter?  No baggage, no regrets, no guilt...

The take-home point here is that the noble never forget what they receive nor remember what they give!  Acquire nobility in its truest sense.

pada vigrahaH:
एतावान् एव पुरुषः कृतं यस्मिन् न नश्यति ।
etāvān eva puruṣaḥ kṛtaṃ yasmin na naśyati ।

यावत् च कुर्यात् अन्यः अस्य कुर्यात् बहु-गुणं ततः ॥
yāvat ca kuryāt anyaḥ asya kuryāt bahu-guṇaṃ tataḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
etaavaaneva puruShaH kRutaM yasminna nashyati ।
yaavachcha kuryaadanyo.sya kuryaadbahuguNaM tataH ॥
- mahaabhaarata, aadiparva

etaavaan eva puruShaH kRutaM yasmin na nashyati ।

yaavat cha kuryaat anyaH asya kuryaat bahu-guNaM tataH ॥

March 4th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
गुणग्रामाभिसम्वादि नामापि हि महात्मनाम् ।
यथा सुवर्णश्रीखण्डरत्नाकरसुधाकराः ॥
- प्रसन्नराघव

Transliteration:
guṇagrāmābhisamvādi nāmāpi hi mahātmanām ।
yathā suvarṇaśrīkhaṇḍaratnākarasudhākarāḥ ॥
- prasannarāghava

Meaning of the subhAShita:

What to say about the virtues and valor of the noble—even their name shows their greatness!  Just as suvarṇa (one with an attractive color—gold), śrīkhaṇḍa (a piece of wood filled with the richness of sandal—sandalwood), ratnākara (one who holds/makes precious gems and stones—ocean), sudhākara (one who gives essence like the divine nectar—moon).

Commentary:

Nobleness is dripping from every facet of the meritorious! They are constantly looking for opportunities to do good to others.  Their nobility oozes out from all planes, so much that even their names give an indication of their virtues, meaning, their names give away their characteristics.

• Suvarṇa (gold): as the name suggests, it is cherished for its beauty and radiance.
• Śrīkhaṇḍa (sandalwood): is a piece of wood known for its rich fragrance and sacred significance.
• Ratnākara (ocean): symbolizes the ocean's ability to produce pearls, gems, and other precious treasures.
• Sudhākara (Moon): It is said that the Sun nourishes the growth of plants whereas the Moon nurtures them to attain their essence, which is poetically considered to exude coolness and nurturing essence like ambrosia.

The name is the first entity with which one identifies himself!  Especially in Sanskrit, words are derived with such precision that there is no contention to their compliance or conformity.  Each word has a declension and a root word which makes the word self-evident.  

In the past, this was likely the reason for giving meaningful and thoughtful names to children at birth. The idea was that the child would grow up embodying the qualities reflected in their name. A name was given with the hope that its essence would be realized, as it becomes an integral part of their identity for life. However, a name without substance ultimately holds little value.

The purpose of the verse is not so much for the generalization, but for upholding the fact that the nobility of the noble can be found in every aspect of their being.  They ceaselessly work for the betterment of those around them and selflessly give themselves in their entirety for the welfare of others.   That certainly is something to ponder upon, isn't it?! 

pada vigrahaH:
गुण-ग्राम-अभिसम्वादि नाम अपि हि महात्मनाम् ।
guṇa-grāma-abhisamvādi nāma api hi mahātmanām ।

यथा सुवर्ण-श्रीखण्ड-रत्नाकर-सुधाकराः ॥
yathā suvarṇa-śrīkhaṇḍa-ratnākara-sudhākarāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
guNagraamaabhisamvaadi naamaapi hi mahaatmanaam ।
yathaa suvarNashrIkhaNDaratnaakarasudhaakaraaH ॥
- prasannaraaghava

guNa-graama-abhisamvaadi naama api hi mahaatmanaam ।

yathaa suvarNa-shrIkhaNDa-ratnaakara-sudhaakaraaH ॥

February 18th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अयं निजः परो वेति गणना लघुचेतसाम् ।
उदारचरितानां तु वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम् ॥
- हितोपदेश, सन्धि

Transliteration:
ayaṃ nijaḥ paro veti gaṇanā laghucetasām ।
udāracaritānāṃ tu vasudhaiva kuṭumbakam ॥
- hitopadeśa, sandhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Those with petty minds account thus—this is mine and that is his.  Certainly, for the ones with an exalted life, the whole world is itself a family! 

Commentary:

When one considers something or someone as a part of his family, he does everything in his power to make sure he/she is safe, protected, and loved.  However, when one has a demarcation of 'this (person) is my family, that (person) is his family', unconditional love disappears!

When a person identifies himself with anyone or anything, his approach towards that person/object becomes gentle and loving.  For example, he will even be willing to forget and forgive any misdeeds done by that person.  Why?  Because he has a soft corner in his heart for the loved one! He fights for the well-being of that person with all his strength, justifying that 'it is not a crime to fight for what is mine!'  So, if one has embraced the whole world as his, he will automatically work towards the betterment of each and everyone in it!  He identifies himself to a broader spectrum.

On the contrary, petty-minded people mark their boundaries and are not open-minded.  They do not stretch their visions.  Even though they do the same things such as loving, protecting, and safeguarding their own units of family, their lives, minds, and visions still remain petty.  This deters them from growing magnanimously in both their attitude and approach.

People could live their lives exceedingly peacefully if the words 'mine and thine' are taken away from the equation, isn't it!!  No pomp, no show.  Only genuine thoughts for the welfare of all! Why not try for a more quiet, peaceful, satisfactory, and joyful life for everyone around us?!

pada vigrahaH:
अयं निजः परः वा इति गणना लघु-चेतसाम् ।
ayaṃ nijaḥ paraḥ vā iti gaṇanā laghu-cetasām ।

उदार-चरितानां तु वसुधा एव कुटुम्बकम् ॥
udāra-caritānāṃ tu vasudhā eva kuṭumbakam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ayaM nijaH paro veti gaNanaa laghuchetasaam ।
udaaracharitaanaaM tu vasudhaiva kuTumbakam ॥
- hitopadesha, sandhi

ayaM nijaH paraH vaa iti gaNanaa laghu-chetasaam ।

udaara-charitaanaaM tu vasudhaa eva kuTumbakam ॥

September 21st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
श्रेयांसि बहु विघ्नानि भवन्ति महतामपि ।
अश्रेयसि प्रवृत्तानां दूरं यान्ति विनायकाः ॥

Transliteration:
śreyāṃsi bahu vighnāni bhavanti mahatāmapi ।
aśreyasi pravṛttānāṃ dūraṃ yānti vināyakāḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

For noble people who perform laudable deeds, there are many hurdles. From those involved in disgraceful deeds, even obstacles stay away!

Commentary:

There are always at least two paths to choose from—one easy and the other challenging.

The only reward for taking the easy route is its ease. The poet observes that even obstacles avoid the path of those engaged in disgraceful pursuits, preferring instead to accompany the noble. Perhaps that’s why the path to nobility is filled with more hurdles and why noble individuals face greater hardships. These struggles are what mold them into truly noble beings. This verse serves as a reminder to pursue dharma steadfastly, no matter the obstacles.

In essence, do not lose heart in the face of hardships. Do not sacrifice ethics for ease or trade morals for material gain. Obstacles signify opportunities to learn and grow. Stumbling blocks test one’s strength and commitment to righteousness. Struggles often mean you’ve chosen a path of integrity, not the easy, unethical one. Stay the course—soon, the light at the end of the tunnel will become visible.

Your destiny is shaped by the choices you make, not by chance. So, shape your destiny by choosing wisely!

pada vigrahaH:
श्रेयांसि बहु विघ्नानि भवन्ति महताम् अपि ।
śreyāṃsi bahu vighnāni bhavanti mahatām api ।

अश्रेयसि प्रवृत्तानां दूरं यान्ति विनायकाः ॥
aśreyasi pravṛttānāṃ dūraṃ yānti vināyakāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
shreyaaMsi bahu vighnaani bhavanti mahataamapi ।
ashreyasi pravRuttaanaaM dUraM yaanti vinaayakaaH ॥

shreyaaMsi bahu vighnaani bhavanti mahataam api ।

ashreyasi pravRuttaanaaM dUraM yaanti vinaayakaaH ॥

July 28th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अग्निर्देवो द्विजातीनां मुनीनां हृदि दैवतम् ।
प्रतिमा स्वल्पबुद्धीनां सर्वत्र समदर्शिनः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
agnirdevo dvijātīnāṃ munīnāṃ hṛdi daivatam ।
pratimā svalpabuddhīnāṃ sarvatra samadarśinaḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

For the twice-born (brahmins), fire is God. For the ascetics, the Lord is in their hearts. For those with very little insight, it is in the statue. For those with equanimity, He is everywhere!

Commentary:

A person born as a Brahmin, is considered to have two births—first, when he actually takes birth, and second, after the sacred thread ceremony. For him, the rituals taught and imbibed are divine and he reveres them as God. The fire used in those rituals is God to him.

The ascetics carry the Lord in their hearts. They truly connect with their inner divine spirit. Everyone has the divine in their hearts, but a personal connection to it is what makes a world of difference.

Those with limited insight consider 'seeing' Him as seeing a statue of Him. They worship the statue with utmost reverence but do not translate that to the living world around them.

However, those with a sense of equanimity see God in everything and everywhere! They identify the divinity in each and everything/being around them. To them, God is not just in a statue, fire, or a ritual. He is in every aspect and form around them.  Every action they undertake is an offering to Him and every breath they breathe is His miracle!

How each one cognizes the Lord is entirely up to him. Each one perceives God as per his own spiritual maturity. Spiritual maturity is not attained with merely the passing of the years but by obedience to His will. 

pada vigrahaH:

अग्निः देवः द्विजातीनां मुनीनां हृदि दैवतम् ।
agniḥ devaḥ dvijātīnāṃ munīnāṃ hṛdi daivatam ।

प्रतिमा स्वल्प-बुद्धीनां सर्वत्र सम-दर्शिनः ॥
pratimā svalpa-buddhīnāṃ sarvatra sama-darśinaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
agnirdevo dvijaatInaaM munInaaM hRudi daivatam ।
pratimaa svalpabuddhInaaM sarvatra samadarshinaH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

agniH devaH dvijaatInaaM munInaaM hRudi daivatam ।

pratimaa svalpa-buddhInaaM sarvatra sama-darshinaH ॥

July 23rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सम्पत्सु महतां चित्तं भवत्युत्पलकोमलम् ।
आपत्सु च महाशैलशिलासंघातकर्कशम् ॥
- नीतिशतक

Transliteration:
sampatsu mahatāṃ cittaṃ bhavatyutpalakomalam ।
āpatsu ca mahāśailaśilāsaṃghātakarkaśam ॥
- nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

In prosperity, the minds of noble people become as tender as the lotus. In hardships, their thinking is as rugged as the pile of rocks on a huge mountain.

Commentary:

It is not a "one size fits all" approach. The noble know how to balance their emotions, responding appropriately to different situations.

A commoner might lose control upon witnessing prosperity, figuratively soaring high with excitement as if their feet no longer touch the ground. In contrast, prosperity humbles the noble, making them as gentle as a lotus. They dedicate themselves to the welfare of others, yet remain aware of the fleeting nature of wealth. They don’t let it inflate their ego or sway their humility.

When faced with hardships, however, the noble shed their gentleness and become as unyielding as a pile of rocks atop a vast mountain. Why this comparison, instead of simply saying "as hard as a rock"? The mountain itself is rugged and harsh. For a pile of rocks to endure and remain steadfast on top of it, they must be even more resilient than the rocks scattered on the streets. The determination of the noble in the face of adversity is unmatched. In contrast, the average person may crumble under hardship, losing their faith, confidence, and will.

Transform your wounds into wisdom and never succumb to despair. Adversity is one of the greatest teachers, so learn your lessons!

pada vigrahaH:
सम्पत्सु महतां चित्तं भवति उत्पल-कोमलम् ।
sampatsu mahatāṃ cittaṃ bhavati utpala-komalam ।

आपत्सु च महा-शैल-शिला-संघात-कर्कशम् ॥
āpatsu ca mahā-śaila-śilā-saṃghāta-karkaśam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sampatsu mahataaM chittaM bhavatyutpalakomalam ।
aapatsu cha mahaashailashilaasaMghaatakarkasham ॥
- nItishataka

sampatsu mahataaM chittaM bhavati utpala-komalam ।

aapatsu cha mahaa-shaila-shilaa-saMghaata-karkasham ॥

July 22nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
रत्नाकरः किं करोति स्वरत्नैः
विन्ध्याचलः किं करिभिः करोति ।
श्रीखन्ण्डखण्डैर्मलयाचलः किं
परोपकाराय सतां विभूतयः ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
ratnākaraḥ kiṃ karoti svaratnaiḥ
vindhyācalaḥ kiṃ karibhiḥ karoti ।
śrīkhanṇḍakhaṇḍairmalayācalaḥ kiṃ
paropakārāya satāṃ vibhūtayaḥ ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

What will the ocean do with its own gems? What will the vindhyā mountain do with the elephants (dwelling) there? Of what use are the sandal trees to the malaya mountain? The wealth of the noble is for the benefaction of others.

Commentary:

Most people spend their wealth on themselves—there's no greatness in that!

Yet, nature offers countless examples that stand in contrast to this mindset. An ocean is a storehouse for multitudes of precious gems. But does it use even a single prized stone to deck itself up? The vindhyā mountain is the house for many herds of elephants. Yet it does not direct them to work for its needs! There are more sandalwood trees on the malaya mountain than in any other place on Earth. But the mountain doesn't have any use for them!

Similarly, the noble do not obsess over their possessions. Instead, they put their wealth to use for the benefit of others. They are neither selfish nor attached to their material possessions. For them, 'using their wealth for the right purpose' takes more priority than 'for whom it is being used'!

If you have much, give your wealth; if you have little, certainly give your heart! There is never a scarcity for that! Just do every action wholeheartedly. The results will increase multifold.

pada vigrahaH:
रत्नाकरः किं करोति स्व-रत्नैः
ratnākaraḥ kiṃ karoti sva-ratnaiḥ

विन्ध्याचलः किं करिभिः करोति ।
vindhyācalaḥ kiṃ karibhiḥ karoti ।

श्रीखन्ण्ड-खण्डैः मलयाचलः किं
śrīkhanṇḍa-khaṇḍaiḥ malayācalaḥ kiṃ

पर-उपकाराय सतां विभूतयः ॥
para-upakārāya satāṃ vibhūtayaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ratnaakaraH kiM karoti svaratnaiH
vindhyaachalaH kiM karibhiH karoti ।
shrIkhanNDakhaNDairmalayaachalaH kiM
paropakaaraaya sataaM vibhUtayaH ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

ratnaakaraH kiM karoti sva-ratnaiH

vindhyaachalaH kiM karibhiH karoti ।

shrIkhanNDa-khaNDaiH malayaachalaH kiM

para-upakaaraaya sataaM vibhUtayaH ॥

July 13th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सकृत्कन्दुकपातेन पतत्यार्यः पतन्नपि ।
तथा पतति मूर्खस्तु मृत्‍पिण्डपतनं यथा ॥
- पञ्चतन्त्र

Transliteration:
sakṛtkandukapātena patatyāryaḥ patannapi ।
tathā patati mūrkhastu mṛt‍piṇḍapatanaṃ yathā ॥
- pañcatantra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Oh, gentleman! The meritorious, even when they fall do not (seem) fallen, like a ball. Whereas, a foolish person falls just like a lump of clay.

Commentary:

No journey is always trending upward! There are always ups and downs in any path—with many pitfalls and positive moments.

As for the falls—the difference between the meritorious and the foolish is just as evident as the drop of a ball vs. a lump of clay. The meritorious bounce back instantaneously, as if they never fell, just like a bouncing ball and they reach higher heights! However, the foolish will fall and collapse to the ground like a lump of clay! There is no bounce in a lump of clay, it is heavy and shatters on the very first contact with the ground.  On the other hand, a ball stays in perfect shape. In fact, it translates the energy from the fall to bounce higher! The exemplary are just the same. No fall will perturb them from their task, but instead, it gives them more perseverance to achieve their task faster and better!

Take every experience as a learning opportunity and work harder again.  Be determined! Do not let the roadblocks perturb your resolve. 

pada vigrahaH:
सकृत् कन्दुक-पातेन पतति आर्यः पतन् न अपि ।
sakṛt kanduka-pātena patati āryaḥ patan na api ।

तथा पतति मूर्खः तु मृत्‍पिण्ड-पतनं यथा ॥
tathā patati mūrkhaḥ tu mṛt‍piṇḍa-patanaṃ yathā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sakRutkandukapaatena patatyaaryaH patannapi ।
tathaa patati mUrkhastu mRutpiNDapatanaM yathaa ॥
- pa~nchatantra

sakRut kanduka-paatena patati aaryaH patan na api ।

tathaa patati mUrkhaH tu mRutpiNDa-patanaM yathaa ॥

July 7th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
विद्या विवादाय धनं मदाय
शक्तिः परेषां परिपीडनाय ।
खलस्य साधोर्विपरीतमेतत्
ज्ञानाय दानाय च रक्षणाय ॥

Transliteration:
vidyā vivādāya dhanaṃ madāya
śaktiḥ pareṣāṃ paripīḍanāya ।
khalasya sādhorviparītametat
jñānāya dānāya ca rakṣaṇāya ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Knowledge is for argument, wealth is for insolence, strength is for tormenting others—evil people are opposite of the noble (who use the) same for awareness, giving, and protecting (respectively).

Commentary:

Possessions are not the problem, it is how they are put to use that cause concern!

Knowledge is applied for different purposes by different people. Evil individuals apply their entire knowledge base to argue with others and to show off their prowess, whereas noble people are interested in learning more for their own awareness and becoming better people than they were yesterday.

Money in an evil man's hand makes him arrogant and reckless. He walks around with the notion that the entire world is under his rule and everyone else is meant to serve him. That same asset in a noble person's hand will be used for the benefit of others. His giving nature makes the resources available to those in need.

Strength is a faculty that can be dangerous when placed in the wrong hands—or rather, on the wrong shoulders! Evil individuals use their strength to torture and torment others; they are entertained by seeing others in pain and will not hesitate to use it for the wrong purposes. Whereas, noble people use the same strength to help the weak, and to make sure they are protected and taken care of.

No evil can happen to a good man, either here or hereafter. His goodness won't die with him either. The seeds he has sown outlive him and benefit society long after he is gone. This makes the world a better place to live in!

pada vigrahaH:
विद्या विवादाय धनं मदाय
vidyā vivādāya dhanaṃ madāya

शक्तिः परेषां परिपीडनाय ।
śaktiḥ pareṣāṃ paripīḍanāya ।

खलस्य साधोः विपरीतम् एतत्
khalasya sādhoḥ viparītam etat

ज्ञानाय दानाय च रक्षणाय ॥
jñānāya dānāya ca rakṣaṇāya ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
vidyaa vivaadaaya dhanaM madaaya
shaktiH pareShaaM paripIDanaaya ।
khalasya saadhorviparItametat
j~naanaaya daanaaya cha rakShaNaaya ॥

vidyaa vivaadaaya dhanaM madaaya

shaktiH pareShaaM paripIDanaaya ।

khalasya saadhoH viparItam etat

j~naanaaya daanaaya cha rakShaNaaya ॥

June 27th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अकृत्वा परसन्तापम् अगत्वा खलनम्रताम् ।
अनुत्सृज्य सतां मार्गं यत्स्वल्पमपि तद्बहु ॥
- शार्ङ्गधर पद्धति

Transliteration:
akṛtvā parasantāpam agatvā khalanamratām ।
anutsṛjya satāṃ mārgaṃ yatsvalpamapi tadbahu ॥
- śārṅgadhara paddhati

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Without tormenting others, without complying with a wrongdoer, without giving up the path of the noble - any little (achieved) is more.

Commentary:

By tormenting other beings, by being submissive to a corrupt person, and trading off the very essence of dharma one may think he has achieved everything in life. These behaviors may also fetch him riches and comforts. However, these benefits will not last long. Moreover, they will not bring any peace of mind to the person. The mind will be constantly busy, churning up devious plans on how to fool and cheat others. And then, there is the fear of getting exposed too!

By maintaining values, one may not conquer mountains and reach the pinnacles of nobility immediately. But any little amount achieved takes his mind closer to clarity, purity, and piety! Isn't that a much better reward than any riches?

Virtue is its own reward! Keep your path of virtue, morality, and nobility - no matter how big or small.  It's the small drops of water that contribute to the mighty ocean.  

pada vigrahaH:

अ-कृत्वा पर-सन्तापम् अ-गत्वा खल-नम्रताम् ।
a-kṛtvā para-santāpam a-gatvā khala-namratām ।

अन्-उत्सृज्य सतां मार्गं यत् स्वल्पम् अपि तत् बहु ॥
an-utsṛjya satāṃ mārgaṃ yat svalpam api tat bahu ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
akRutvaa parasantaapam agatvaa khalanamrataam ।
anutsRujya sataaM maargaM yatswalpamapi tadbahu ॥
- shaar~ngadhara paddhati

a-kRutvaa para-santaapam a-gatvaa khala-namrataam ।

an-utsRujya sataaM maargaM yat swalpam api tat bahu ॥

June 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
औषधार्थसुमन्त्राणां बुद्धिश्चैव महात्मनाम् ।
असाध्यं नास्ति लोकेऽत्र यद्ब्रह्माण्डस्य मध्यगम् ॥
- पञ्चतन्त्र


Transliteration:
auṣadhārthasumantrāṇāṃ buddhiścaiva mahātmanām ।
asādhyaṃ nāsti loke'tra yadbrahmāṇḍasya madhyagam ॥
- pañcatantra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Nothing impossible exists in this world for these—medicine, wealth, good counsel, and intellect of the noble.

Commentary:

If there is a problem, there is a solution! 

Between—medicine, wealth, good counsel, and the intellect of the noble—every issue in this world can be addressed AND resolved!!

What are the kinds of problems one might face?

• Sickness: there is medicine for that.
• Food, water, shelter, and comforts: wealth can address that.
• Stress and mental burdens: good counsel puts them to rest.
• Day-to-day issues or long-term problems: the intellect of the noble/wise can tackle them.

Do not lose heart at the advent of troubles.  Sometimes, it might just need a new perspective. Keep the faith and use the right tool to beat it. At times, when the issues are not so black and white, it takes prudence to decide which course of action must be taken. 

Be prudent.  Keep the faith.

pada vigrahaH:
औषध-अर्थ-सुमन्त्राणां बुद्धिः च एव महात्मनाम् ।
auṣadha-artha-sumantrāṇāṃ buddhiḥ ca eva mahātmanām ।

असाध्यं न अस्ति लोके अत्र यत् ब्रह्माण्डस्य मध्यगम् ॥
asādhyaṃ na asti loke atra yat brahmāṇḍasya madhyagam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
auShadhaarthasumantraaNaaM buddhishchaiva mahaatmanaam ।
asaadhyaM naasti loke.tra yadbrahmaaNDasya madhyagam ॥
- pa~nchatantra

auShadha-artha-sumantraaNaaM buddheH cha eva mahaatmanaam ।

asaadhyaM na asti loke atra yat brahmaaNDasya madhyagam ॥

June 8th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
छिन्नोऽपि रोहति तरुः क्षीणोऽप्युपचीयते चन्द्रः ।
इति विमृशन्तस्सन्तः सन्तप्यन्ते न लोकेऽस्मिन् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार


Transliteration:
chinno'pi rohati taruḥ kṣīṇo'pyupacīyate candraḥ ।
iti vimṛśantassantaḥ santapyante na loke'smin ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A tree rejuvenates even when cut (and) the moon grows back even after waning—analyzing thus, the wise do not torment themselves in this world.

Commentary:

It is generally seen that any progress comes with a price. There are hurdles to face and regressions to take place along the way. It is easy to lose heart and give up on the endeavor altogether. However, the wise and tenacious do not let these shortcomings dishearten them. They are well aware of such scenarios and analyze the circumstances as:

• a tree, even when pruned and chopped, has the vibrancy to give new shoots and rejuvenate itself! 
• the moon wanes during one half of the month, then waxes and grows back during the other half! 

Keeping this in mind, they take the impending obstacles as temporary offsets and do not let themselves succumb to those hurdles. They do not torment themselves, instead, they work harder towards making things better with every effort they can.

Hope is the ability to see light despite all the darkness. No matter what happens, or how bad it may seem today..., life goes on and there will be a better tomorrow! 

pada vigrahaH:
छिन्नः अपि रोहति तरुः क्षीणः अपि उपचीयते चन्द्रः ।
chinnaḥ api rohati taruḥ kṣīṇaḥ api upacīyate candraḥ ।

इति विमृशन्तः सन्तः सन्तप्यन्ते न लोके अस्मिन् ॥
iti vimṛśantaḥ santaḥ santapyante na loke asmin ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
Chinno.pi rohati taruH kShINo.pyupachIyate chandraH ।
iti vimRushantassantaH santapyante na loke.smin ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

ChinnaH api rohati taruH kShINaH api upachIyate chandraH ।

iti vimRushantaH santaH santapyante na loke asmin ॥