October 14th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

स्वादुकाव्यरसोन्मिश्रं वाक्यार्थमुपभुञ्जते  ।

प्रथमालीढमधवः पिबन्ति कटुभेषजम् ॥ 

- काव्यप्रदीप

Transliteration:

svādukāvyarasonmiśraṃ vākyārthamupabhuñjate ।

prathamālīḍhamadhavaḥ pibanti kaṭubheṣajam ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The essence of harsh truth soaked in poetic charm is ingested better.  (Just as) bitter medicine is gulped after enjoying the honey first. 

Commentary:

Poetry emerges when emotions find clarity in thought and those thoughts gracefully take shape in words. Yet, expressing feelings is not always simple. Even when one manages to articulate his thoughts, he fears offending others. Then how can he communicate the truth yet not cause any discomfort? Poetry is the answer.  When thoughts are put across poetically, the audience gets enticed by the beauty of the words so much that even unpleasant advice becomes palatable.  

Poetry entices with its beauty. The poet says like honey given before bitter medicine, poetry sweetens harsh truths. Just as a child accepts medicine when it follows honey, a listener embraces difficult advice when it is wrapped in poetic elegance. Poetry masks bitterness with charm making the lessons of life easier to accept.

This is the magic of subhāṣitas too.  They are wise aphorisms in poetic form. They distill life’s harsh realities and vital truths into captivating verses. When words are arranged with care, even the most unpleasant truths become digestible, inspiring action and reflection from the listener with ease.

Poetry invites us to delight in it, much like a child marvels at the first snowfall. It teaches that the eloquence of brevity is not merely an art but a bridge between thought and heart.

pada vigrahaH:

स्वादु-काव्य-रस-उन्मिश्रं वाक्य-अर्थम् उपभुञ्जते ।

svādu-kāvya-rasa-unmiśraṃ vākya-artham upabhuñjate ।

प्रथम-आलीढ-मधवः पिबन्ति कटु-भेषजम् ॥

prathama-ālīḍha-madhavaḥ pibanti kaṭu-bheṣajam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

svaadukaavyarasonmishraM vaakyaarthamupabhu~njate ।

prathamaaleeDhamadhavaH pibanti kaTubheShajam ॥

- kaavyapradeepa

svaadu-kaavya-rasa-unmishraM vaakya-artham upabhu~njate ।

prathama-aaleeDha-madhavaH pibanti kaTu-bheShajam ॥

September 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
धर्मो यशो नयो दाक्ष्यं मनोहारि सुभाषितम् ।
इत्यादि गुणरत्नानां सङ्ग्रही नावसीदति ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
dharmo yaśo nayo dākṣyaṃ manohāri subhāṣitam ।
ityādi guṇaratnānāṃ saṅgrahī nāvasīdati ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

He who collects jewels of merits such as dharma (virtue), fame, principles, politeness, mind captivating subhāṣitas, etc, will never perish.

Commentary:

Why do people collect anything? People collect in an effort to remember, relive, and feel a connection to the past and the memories it holds. Objects can connect the collector to his valued past. Hence, one's collections should be the time-tested treasures extracted from the experiences of elders and ancestors.

The question is, now what should one collect to flourish in life? Not real estate, not cash, not jewels or property. A good collection of merit is what he needs. The best of them are—dharma (virtue), prestige, principles, politeness, mind captivating subhāṣitas, and the like. One may lead a life without money, property, or embellishments. But without principles, virtues, and politeness, there is no life. How about subhāṣitas? It is said, "The wisdom of a culture lies in its proverbs and sayings, although brief and pithy." They have much to say in very few words! They save time in speaking and upon occasion, maybe the fullest and safest answers. Collect and learn them; they are notable measures of guidance for human life!

How does one collect subhāṣitas? To build a ship, the first step is not to gather wood and nails but to develop a deep longing for the boundless expanse of the sea. That passion will naturally drive the process of building the ship. Similarly, to collect subhāṣitas, one must cultivate a genuine love for the profound values they embody, admire their brevity, and recognize their transformative power in shaping one’s character, culture, and personality. When one truly values these virtues, the collection will happen effortlessly. In essence, nurture a value for the values!

Collect these invaluable treasures that make life precious and treasure them dearer than life. As the poet says, such a person shall never bite the dust. Success will come looking for that person.

May each of us travel in that direction. We will meet like-minded people with similar interests along the path, because 'birds of the same feather flock together!'

pada vigrahaH:
धर्मः यशः नयः दाक्ष्यं मनोहारि सुभाषितम् ।
dharmaḥ yaśaḥ nayaḥ dākṣyaṃ manohāri subhāṣitam ।

इत्यादि गुण-रत्नानां सङ्ग्रही न अवसीदति ॥
ityādi guṇa-ratnānāṃ saṅgrahī na avasīdati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
dharmo yasho nayo daakShyaM manohaari subhaaShitam ।
ityaadi guNaratnaanaaM sa~ngrahI naavasIdati ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

dharmaH yashaH nayaH daakShyaM manohaari subhaaShitam ।

ityaadi guNa-ratnaanaaM sa~ngrahI na avasIdati ॥

May 27th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सुभाषितमयं द्रव्यं सङ्ग्रही न भवेन्नरः ।
स वाक्प्रस्तावयज्ञेषु कां प्रदास्यति दक्षिणाम् ॥

Transliteration:
subhāṣitamayaṃ dravyaṃ saṅgrahī na bhavennaraḥ ।
sa vākprastāvayajñeṣu kāṃ pradāsyati dakṣiṇām ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

(If in case), one doesn't collect wealth in the form of 'subhāṣita's, what will he offer as 'dakṣiṇā' (offering with salutation), when a sacrifice (yajña) in the form of verbal discussion happens?!

Commentary:
The very definition of a 'subhāṣita' is 'well spoken' or 'refined sayings'. They contain the essence of years of experience and eons of observations. They are offered to mankind as small, potent, easily digestible nuggets. The goal here is for everyone to accumulate wealth in the form of 'subhāṣitas'. Accumulating does not mean writing it down as notes in a book or owning a book of subhāṣitas! This verse is essentially a call for people to learn, apply, and practice the values in them.

When a yajña (sacrificial ritual) is undertaken, ghee (obtained from buttercream) is offered. Extending the same analogy, when a discussion among intellectuals is taking place, one has to offer the cream of words verbally. These are stored in the subhāṣitas! Therefore, one has to accrue subhāṣitas, so that he can offer the best during intellectual conversations.

It is said, 'It is a good thing for a person to read a book of quotations.'  A book of subhāṣitas is a treasure house of quotations and beneficial maxims! So, acquire the habit of collecting the wealth of subhāṣitas.

pada vigrahaH:
सुभाषितमयं द्रव्यं सङ्ग्रही न भवेत् नरः ।
subhāṣitamayaṃ dravyaṃ saṅgrahī na bhavet naraḥ ।

सः वाक्-प्रस्ताव-यज्ञेषु कां प्रदास्यति दक्षिणाम् ॥
saḥ vāk-prastāva-yajñeṣu kāṃ pradāsyati dakṣiṇām ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
subhaaShitamayaM dravyaM sa~ngrahI na bhavennaraH ।
sa vaakprastaavayaj~neShu kaaM pradaasyati dakShiNaam ॥

subhaaShitamayaM dravyaM sa~ngrahI na bhavet naraH ।

saH vaak-prastaava-yaj~neShu kaaM pradaasyati dakShiNaam ॥

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 12th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
द्राक्षा म्लानमुखी जाता शर्करा चाश्मताङ्गता ।

सुभाषितरसस्याग्रे सुधा भीता दिवङ्गता ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
drākṣā mlānamukhī jātā śarkarā cāśmatāṅgatā ।
subhāṣitarasasyāgre sudhā bhītā divaṅgatā ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Grapes (had) a wilted face (and) sugar solidified. Upon the genesis (origination) of the essence of subhāṣitas, the divine nectar ran away to heaven in fear! 

Commentary:

The poet vividly captures the essence of sweetness by playfully describing the existence of raisins, rock sugar, and amṛta (divine nectar). Grapes, once plump and full of juice, shriveled into raisins; sugar, delicate and fine, crystallized into solid rock sugar; and amṛta, the nectar of the Gods, fled to the heavens. Why? As the poet whimsically suggests, these manifestations of sweetness recognized their inferiority in front of the unparalleled charm and wisdom of subhāṣitas—succinct and profound Sanskrit verses brimming with timeless truths. Hence they attained their current conditions. 

This clever imagery draws us into the world of subhāṣitas, where sweetness transcends its literal meaning to embody the richness of thought, the depth of insight, and the beauty of poetic expression. It is as if these natural forms of sweetness humbly stepped aside, leaving the stage to the brilliance of subhāṣitas to captivate the hearts and minds of those who encounter them.

Timeless and universal, subhāṣitas continue to shine across ages, imparting ethical teachings, eternal truths, and reflections on life that resonate deeply with every generation. Their power lies in their brevity, distilling wisdom into a form that remains as sweet and meaningful today as it was centuries ago. Truly, blessed are those who savor the sweetness of these eternal pearls of wisdom—a treasure trove of thoughts that nourish the heart and inspire the mind!

pada vigrahaH:
द्राक्षा म्लान-मुखी जाता शर्करा च अश्मतां  गता ।
drākṣā mlāna-mukhī jātā śarkarā ca aśmatāṃ gatā ।

सुभाषित-रसस्य अग्रे सुधा भीता दिवं गता ॥
subhāṣita-rasasya agre sudhā bhītā divaṃ gatā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
draakShaa mlaanamukhI jaataa sharkaraa chaashmataa~ngataa ।
subhaaShitarasasyaagre sudhaa bhItaa diva~ngataa ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

draakShaa mlaana-mukhI jaataa sharkaraa cha ashmataaM gataa ।

subhaaShita-rasasya agre sudhaa bhItaa divaM gataa ॥

December 20th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
पृथिव्यां त्रीणि रत्नानि जलमन्नं सुभाषितम् ।
मूर्खैः पाषाणखण्डेषु रत्नसंज्ञा विधीयते ॥


Transliteration:
pṛthivyāṃ trīṇi ratnāni jalamannaṃ subhāṣitam ।
mūrkhaiḥ pāṣāṇakhaṇḍeṣu ratnasaṃjñā vidhīyate ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

On this Earth, three treasures stand supreme—water, food, and subhāṣitas. Only the foolish mistake stones for gems! 

Commentary:

Water is the essence of life, an elixir without which existence ceases. It quenches thirst, nurtures the land, and sustains every living being. Food, in turn, is the sustenance of the body, providing the strength and energy needed to endure the challenges of the world. Together, water and food sustain life’s most basic needs.

But what of subhāṣitas—those pearls of wisdom, the distilled essence of human thought, values, and experience? These are not sustenance for the body but nourishment for the soul and the mind. Through their moral insights, subhāṣitas serve as guides, offering clarity in times of doubt and solace in moments of turmoil. They inspire us to rise above our basic instincts and live with purpose, ethics, and harmony.

In the pursuit of wealth and transient pleasures, many mistake the glitter of stones for the brilliance of true gems. However, water, food, and subhāṣitas are the treasures that truly enrich life. They sustain not only existence but also humanity.

Recognize their value. Seek them with diligence, cherish them with gratitude, and share them with wisdom. Together, with these three: food, water, and subhāṣitas, you will find the true wealth of life—a foundation upon which to build a meaningful existence.

pada vigrahaH:

पृथिव्यां त्रीणि रत्नानि जलम् अन्नं सुभाषितम् ।
pṛthivyāṃ trīṇi ratnāni jalam annaṃ subhāṣitam ।

मूर्खैः पाषाण-खण्डेषु रत्न-संज्ञा विधीयते ॥
mūrkhaiḥ pāṣāṇa-khaṇḍeṣu ratna-saṃjñā vidhīyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
pRuthivyaaM trINi ratnaani jalamannaM subhaaShitam ।
mUrkhaiH paaShaaNakhaNDeShu ratnasaMj~naa vidhIyate ॥

pRuthivyaaM trINi ratnaani jalam annaM subhaaShitam ।

mUrkhaiH paaShaaNa-khaNDeShu ratna-saMj~naa vidhIyate ॥

Novmeber 15th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सन्तप्‍तायसि संस्थितस्य पयसो नामापि न श्रूयते
मुक्ताकारतया तदेव नलिनीपत्रस्थितं दृश्यते ।
स्वात्यां सागरशुक्तिमध्यपतितं सन्मौक्तिकं जायते
प्रायेणाधममध्यमोत्तमगुणाः संसर्गतो जायते ॥
- नीतिशतक


Transliteration:
santap‍tāyasi saṃsthitasya payaso nāmāpi na śrūyate
muktākāratayā tadeva nalinīpatrasthitaṃ dṛśyate ।
svātyāṃ sāgaraśuktimadhyapatitaṃ sanmauktikaṃ jāyate
prāyeṇādhamamadhyamottamaguṇāḥ saṃsargato jāyate ॥
- nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Water, when placed on a hot iron disappears without a sign. When placed on a lotus leaf, the droplet of water shines as if it were a pearl. (However,) if the same water falls into a pearl shell during the svātī rains, it turns into a good pearl! Most likely, inferior, mediocre, and noble qualities arise from the company kept. 

Commentary:

A single droplet of water can attain a completely different state, depending on where it falls.

When placed on a hot iron the droplet evaporates almost instantly, leaving no trace behind. This is akin to keeping inferior company—nothing of value remains.

If the same droplet lands on a lotus leaf, it glistens like a pearl. Though it only seems like a pearl, it is still preserved, unlike the one on the iron. This mirrors the impact of mediocre company—while it may appear valuable on the surface, its true worth remains unfulfilled.

However, if the droplet falls into a pearl shell at the right time—during the svātī rains—it transforms into a genuine pearl of high quality. Though it began as mere water, it attained the honor of becoming something precious. Such is the effect of noble company.

As the saying goes, "Tell me your friends and I will tell you your character." Our environment shapes our outcomes, and the company we keep deeply influences our growth. To nurture nobility and virtue, we must surround ourselves with people who embody those qualities. 

Whether through people, books, or even thoughts—good company brings out the best in us.  

Character-building subhāṣitas too, like noble company, guide us toward growth and transformation. They help cultivate virtues, refine our character, and lead us to true nobility. Surrounding ourselves with these pearls of wisdom enriches us and gives us the best company.  

This analogy of the droplet and its transformation beautifully encapsulates the essence of seeking noble company and timeless wisdom. Therefore, this verse serves as the inspiration for the title of this collection, 'Sanskrit Pearls', symbolizing the journey from simplicity to refinement, from latent potential to realized brilliance. 

May we all strive to reflect our highest potential always!  

pada vigrahaH:

सन्तप्‍त-अयसि संस्थितस्य पयसः नाम अपि न श्रूयते
santap‍ta-ayasi saṃsthitasya payasaḥ nāma api na śrūyate

मुक्त-आकारतया तत् एव नलिनी-पत्र-स्थितं दृश्यते ।
mukta-ākāratayā tat eva nalinī-patra-sthitaṃ dṛśyate ।

स्वात्यां सागर-शुक्ति-मध्य-पतितं सत् मौक्तिकं जायते
svātyāṃ sāgara-śukti-madhya-patitaṃ sat mauktikaṃ jāyate

प्रायेण अधम-मध्यम-उत्तम-गुणाः संसर्गतः जायते ॥
prāyeṇa adhama-madhyama-uttama-guṇāḥ saṃsargataḥ jāyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
santaptaayasi saMsthitasya payaso naamaapi na shrUyate
muktaakaaratayaa tadeva nalinIpatrasthitaM dRushyate ।
swaatyaaM saagarashuktimadhyapatitaM sanmouktikaM jaayate
praayeNaadhamamadhyamottamaguNaaH saMsargato jaayate ॥
- neetishataka

santapta-ayasi saMsthitasya payasaH naama api na shrUyate

mukta-aakaaratayaa tat eva nalinI-patra-sthitaM dRushyate ।

swaatyaaM saagara-shukti-madhya-patitaM sat mouktikaM jaayate

praayeNa adhama-madhyama-uttama-guNaaH saMsargataH jaayate ॥

November 10th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
भाषासु मुख्या मधुरा दिव्या गीर्वाणभारती ।
तस्यां हि काव्यं मधुरं तस्मादपि सुभाषितम् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
bhāṣāsu mukhyā madhurā divyā gīrvāṇabhāratī ।
tasyāṃ hi kāvyaṃ madhuraṃ tasmādapi subhāṣitam ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Among all languages, Saṃskṛtam (Sanskrit) is the most important, pleasant, and divine. In that (Sanskrit), poetry is the sweetest. And in that (poetry), subhāṣita is most charming.

Commentary:

Among all the languages, only Saṃskṛtam came to be defined as the 'devabhāṣā'. Not just because it is the language spoken by the Gods, but because it is as divine as the Gods themselves. It is the origin and mother of many other languages. Our scriptures, which are like a manual to the very existence of life, are written in Sanskrit. (The Vedas tell how life came about, what the purpose of life is, and our true nature.)

In such a charming language, the flavor of poetry is the absolute sweetest.  And among all the sweet poetry, the essence of subhāṣita-s is like honey! Therefore, subhāṣitas are the sweetest among the sweetest of the sweetest! :)

Now, one can only imagine the richness of a subhāṣita! Such is the value of a 'pearl of wisdom'. These pearls are relevant for any generation, of any era.

This is the beauty of Sanskrit! There are even subhāṣita-s about subhāṣita-s themselves.

We must start applying them in our daily lives.  Let's get learning! 

pada vigrahaH:
भाषासु मुख्या मधुरा दिव्या गीर्वाणभारती ।
bhāṣāsu mukhyā madhurā divyā gīrvāṇabhāratī ।

तस्यां हि काव्यं मधुरं तस्मात् अपि सुभाषितम् ॥
tasyāṃ hi kāvyaṃ madhuraṃ tasmāt api subhāṣitam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
bhaaShaasu mukhyaa madhuraa divyaa gIrvaaNabhaaratI ।
tasyaaM hi kaavyaM madhuraM tasmaadapi subhaaShitam ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

bhaaShaasu mukhyaa madhuraa divyaa gIrvaaNabhaaratI ।

tasyaaM hi kaavyaM madhuraM tasmaat api subhAShitam ॥

September 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
संसारविषवृक्षस्य द्वे फले ह्यमृतोपमे ।
सुभाषितरसस्वादः सङ्गतिः सुजनैः सह ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:

saṃsāraviṣavṛkṣasya dve phale hyamṛtopame ।
subhāṣitarasasvādaḥ saṅgatiḥ sujanaiḥ saha ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

In this poisonous tree called 'saṃsāra' (life), only two fruits are equal to the divine nectar (amṛtam). One is the taste of subhāṣitas (and) the other is keeping company with good people. 

Commentary:

Subhāṣita, a celebrated genre of Saṃskṛtam (Sanskrit) literature, embodies the essence of timeless wisdom. These eloquent, compact verses distill profound truths and offer life lessons in a manner that is both poetic and practical. Their universal relevance transcends eras, cultures, and languages, making them a cornerstone of Sanskrit’s literary tradition. While every language has its share of aphorisms and proverbs, Sanskrit stands apart for the sheer abundance, depth, and refinement of its subhāṣitas, which continue to inspire generations.

A remarkable feature of Sanskrit literature is its self-reflective nature—there are even subhāṣitas that extol the importance of subhāṣitas! This is one such verse that beautifully likens worldly life to a poisonous tree, emphasizing its challenges and illusions. Yet, the poet highlights that even this metaphorical tree bears two divine fruits: the joy of keeping good company and the delight of savoring subhāṣitas. Together, these serve as an antidote to the hardships of life, offering a sense of purpose and perspective.

Good company enriches the soul, and the wisdom embedded in subhāṣitas sharpens the mind and nourishes the heart. Both remind us that amidst the chaos and fleeting distractions of the material world, it is these treasures—companionship, and wisdom of the subhāṣitas—which provide enduring solace and meaning. In the end, everything else pales in comparison, hence the poet so aptly declares, 'everything else in this world is as good as poison!'

pada vigrahaH:

संसार-विष-वृक्षस्य द्वे फले हि अमृत-उपमे ।
saṃsāra-viṣa-vṛkṣasya dve phale hi amṛta-upame ।

सुभाषित-रस-स्वादः सङ्गतिः सुजनैः सह ॥
subhāṣita-rasa-svādaḥ saṅgatiḥ sujanaiḥ saha ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

saMsaaraviShavRukShasya dve phale hyamRutopame ।

subhaaShitarasasvaadaH sa~ngatiH sujanaiH saha ॥

- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

saMsaara-viSha-vRukShasya dve phale hi amRuta-upame ।
subhaaShita-rasa-svaadaH sa~ngatiH sujanaiH saha ॥