May 21st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
खल्वाटो दिवसेश्वरस्य किरणैस्सन्तापितो मस्तके 
गच्छन्देशमनातपं द्रुतगतिस्तालस्य मूलं गतः ।
तत्राप्यस्य महाफलेन पतता भग्नं सशब्दं शिरः 
प्रायो गच्छति यत्र दैवहतकस्तत्रैव यान्त्यापदः ॥
-नीतिशतक

Transliteration:
khalvāṭo divaseśvarasya kiraṇaissantāpito mastake
gacchandeśamanātapaṃ drutagatistālasya mūlaṃ gataḥ ।
tatrāpyasya mahāphalena patatā bhagnaṃ saśabdaṃ śiraḥ
prāyo gacchati yatra daivahatakastatraiva yāntyāpadaḥ ॥
-nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A bald man, scorched in the head due to the sun's rays, in search of a place of shade, rushed hurriedly to the base of a palm tree.  There too, due to the falling of a huge palm fruit, his head was fractured with a huge noise!  Alas! perils probably go wherever those cursed by destiny go...

Commentary:

This story exemplifies the fortune of the ill-fated. Imagine this: a bald man, without even a strand of hair to shield him from the scorching sun, finds himself in a barren, sunbaked land on a hot day. Desperately seeking respite, he spots a lone palm tree and hurries beneath it to claim whatever meager scraps of shade it offers. (After all, a palm tree isn’t known for its dense foliage or thick shadow.)

Just as he stood under the tree, fate delivered its cruel twist—a large palm fruit (unusually large, mind you) fell directly onto his exposed head. With a loud crack, his skull gave way!

Alas, he was truly ill-fated. This incident brings to mind the saying: “Sometimes, the road of life takes an unexpected turn, and you have no choice but to follow it, ending up where you’re supposed to be.” Otherwise, why would he, of all places, willingly stand beneath a palm tree and offer his vulnerable bald head to an oversized falling fruit? Surely, there were countless other places he could have been at that moment, but circumstances—and his own choices—led him here.

Such moments remind us that no matter how much one prepares or plans, life doesn’t always go as expected. When logic, rhyme, or reason fail to explain the turn of events, we inevitably attribute it to destiny. And rightly so! There is only so much the human mind can comprehend. Some things lie beyond our understanding and control—it’s just the way of the universe. Whatever must happen, happens. If we were capable of explaining every occurrence, wouldn’t that make us akin to God?

Yet, even with our finite understanding, humans are known for their complex egos. Imagine if we possessed the ultimate power to know and control why everything happens—would the universe find any peace?

While fate or luck often plays a role, one can still strive to improve their chances. But even then, the Lord may override all efforts. In such moments, one must embrace the age-old mantra: “What can’t be cured must be endured.”

pada vigrahaH:
खल्वाटः दिवसेश्वरस्य किरणैः सन्तापितः मस्तके 
khalvāṭaḥ divaseśvarasya kiraṇaiḥ santāpitaḥ mastake

गच्छन् देशम् अनातपं द्रुत-गतिः तालस्य मूलं गतः ।
gacchan deśam anātapaṃ druta-gatiḥ tālasya mūlaṃ gataḥ ।

तत्र अपि अस्य महा-फलेन पतता भग्नं सशब्दं शिरः 
tatra api asya mahā-phalena patatā bhagnaṃ saśabdaṃ śiraḥ

प्रायः गच्छति यत्र दैव-हतकः तत्र एव यान्ति आपदः ॥
prāyaḥ gacchati yatra daiva-hatakaḥ tatra eva yānti āpadaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
khalvaaTo divaseshwarasya kiraNaissantaapito mastake
gachChandeshamanaatapaM drutagatistaalasya mUlaM gataH ।
tatraapyasya mahaaphalena patataa bhagnaM sashabdaM shiraH
praayo gachChati yatra daivahatakastatraiva yaantyaapadaH ॥
-nItishataka

khalvaaTaH divaseshwarasya kiraNaiH santaapitaH mastake
gachChan desham anaatapaM druta-gatiH taalasya mUlaM gataH ।
tatra api asya mahaa-phalena patataa bhagnaM sashabdaM shiraH
praayaH gachChati yatra daiva-hatakaH tatra eva yaanti aapadaH ॥

April 16th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यत्र विद्वज्जनो नास्ति श्लाघ्यस्तत्राल्पधीरपि ।
निरस्तपादपे देशे एरण्डोऽपि द्रुमायते ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नसमुच्चय

Transliteration:
yatra vidvajjano nāsti ślāghyastatrālpadhīrapi ।
nirastapādape deśe eraṇḍo'pi drumāyate ॥
- subhāṣitaratnasamuccaya

Meaning of the subhAShita:

In a place where there are no learned people, even a dull-witted person becomes laudable.  In a place where there is no vegetation, even a castor plant passes for a tree!

Commentary:

This verse critiques those who take pride in their superiority only because they are surrounded by mediocrity. When everyone around possesses average or limited capabilities, even someone with a few accomplishments may be celebrated as a hero. The example used here is the castor oil plant—a modest shrub with scanty leaves, in the absence of any other vegetation, may pass for a "tree."

True achievement lies in one's intrinsic abilities and accomplishments, not in how they compare to those around them. Inflating one's ego by claiming superiority over mediocrity serves no real purpose. It's akin to the frog in the well, who believes he is the greatest swimmer in the world simply because he has never encountered the vastness of the ocean.

If the bar were raised, such individuals might either rise to the challenge and grow or, at the very least, develop humility regarding their actual standing. Surrounding oneself with mediocrity can create a false ceiling, limiting growth and fostering complacency. A higher standard and exposure to excellence push individuals to refine their skills and broaden their horizons.

The best way to continually grow is to compete with oneself. By striving to improve daily, there are no limits to what one can achieve. This approach fosters humility and ensures progress is independent of external comparisons.

Ultimately, it is far more commendable to achieve modest success under challenging circumstances than to thrive effortlessly in a weak setup. Taking risks and continuously striving for self-improvement is what separates the ordinary from the extraordinary. Aim higher, challenge yourself, and grow beyond the confines of comfort!

pada vigrahaH:
यत्र विद्वत् जनः न अस्ति श्लाघ्यः तत्र अल्प-धीः अपि ।
yatra vidvat janaḥ na asti ślāghyaḥ tatra alpa-dhīḥ api ।

निरस्त पादपे देशे एरण्डः अपि द्रुमायते ॥
nirasta pādape deśe eraṇḍaḥ api drumāyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yatra vidvajjano naasti shlaaghyastatraalpadhIrapi ।
nirastapaadape deshe eraNDo.pi drumaayate ॥
- subhaaShitaratnasamuchchaya

yatra vidvat janaH na asti shlaaghyaH tatra alpa-dhIH api ।
nirasta paadape deshe eraNDaH api drumaayate ॥

August 28th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अहिंसा प्रथमं पुष्पं पुष्पमिन्द्रिय निग्रहः
सर्वभूतदयापुष्पं क्षमापुष्पं विशेषतः ।
ज्ञानपुष्पं तपःपुष्पं शान्तिपुष्पं तथैव च
सत्यमष्टविधं पुष्पं विष्णोः प्रीतिकरं भवेत् ॥

Transliteration:

ahiṃsā prathamaṃ puṣpaṃ puṣpamindriya nigrahaḥ
sarvabhūtadayāpuṣpaṃ kṣamāpuṣpaṃ viśeṣataḥ ।
jñānapuṣpaṃ tapaḥpuṣpaṃ śāntipuṣpaṃ tathaiva ca
satyamaṣṭavidhaṃ puṣpaṃ viṣṇoḥ prītikaraṃ bhavet ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Non-violence is the first flower, control over the senses is a flower, compassion towards all beings is a flower, especially forbearance is a flower, (right) knowledge is a flower, penance is a flower. Then, also, peace is a flower, truth being the eighth flower—these are dearest to Lord Viṣṇu.

Commentary:

The only way to worship the Lord is not just to worship Him lavishly in a temple or a pīṭham (pedestal) with flowers of gold and silver.  Worshiping Him can happen anywhere, at any time.  The mode of worship does not necessarily have to be ritualistic or religious.  If one can offer these 8 flowers to Him, He would be more than pleased with such a being.  It's as easy as that!  What are these 8 special flowers?

1. Non-violence:  Not just in deeds, but in thoughts, words, and at heart.  One has to be non-aggressive in all dimensions of his existence.
2. Control over the senses:  When left loose, sense organs are like wild horses!  If one does not know how to reign them in, they will take charge and cause havoc of the most disastrous kind.
3. Compassion towards all beings:  Be it a bird, bee, animal, or human, one has to be kind, compassionate, and humane towards them.  When one can see the equality—essentially the divinity existent in all beings—that in itself is a flower that can be offered to Him.
4. Forbearance:  Being patient and forgiving towards all beings is an offering to the Lord.
5. Right knowledge:  Not just knowledge of any kind, but the Right Knowledge—about the supreme truth about the nature of the Self—and a quest for that truth is a sincere flower that the Lord likes.
6. Penance:  Penance is not just the kind where one sits under a tree without food or water for days.  Living by his dharma at every step, under every circumstance, no matter how difficult—that in itself is a penance that appeases the Lord.
7. Peace:  The un-intrusive, non-disruptive state of everything. Letting everything be the way it naturally is, is peace.  If one keeps peace all the time, that itself is worship.
8. Truth:  There is nothing else equal to this!  If one has an immense thirst for attaining the ultimate truth and has succeeded in achieving it, his worship of the Lord is complete!

If one can offer even one of these 8 flowers with utmost respect and devotion to the Lord, he goes that much closer to the Lord!  Then, what to say of someone who has offered all these eight!!  These are the flowers dearest to Lord Viṣṇu.  In whatever name or form the Lord is addressed, no other rituals, or ceremonies are necessary to attain Him apart from these eight!

pada vigrahaH:
अहिंसा प्रथमं पुष्पं पुष्पम् इन्द्रिय निग्रहः
ahiṃsā prathamaṃ puṣpaṃ puṣpam indriya nigrahaḥ

सर्व-भूत-दया-पुष्पं क्षमा-पुष्पं विशेषतः ।
sarva-bhūta-dayā-puṣpaṃ kṣamā-puṣpaṃ viśeṣataḥ ।

ज्ञान-पुष्पं तपः-पुष्पं शान्ति-पुष्पं तथ एव च
jñāna-puṣpaṃ tapaḥ-puṣpaṃ śānti-puṣpaṃ tatha eva ca

सत्यम् अष्ट-विधं पुष्पं विष्णोः प्रीतिकरं भवेत् ॥

satyam aṣṭa-vidhaṃ puṣpaṃ viṣṇoḥ prītikaraṃ bhavet ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ahiMsaa prathamaM puShpaM puShpamindriya nigrahaH
sarvabhUtadayaapuShpaM kShamaapuShpaM visheShataH ।
j~naanapuShpaM tapaHpuShpaM shaantipuShpaM tathaiva cha
satyamaShTavidhaM puShpaM viShNoH prItikaraM bhavet ॥

ahiMsaa prathamaM puShpaM puShpam indriya nigrahaH

sarva-bhUta-dayaa-puShpaM kShamaa-puShpaM visheShataH ।

j~naana-puShpaM tapaH-puShpaM shaanti-puShpaM tatha eva cha

satyam aShTa-vidhaM puShpaM viShNoH prItikaraM bhavet ॥

September 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
दशकूपसमा वापी दशवापीसमो ह्रदः  ।
दशह्रदसमः पुत्रः दशपुत्रसमो द्रुमः ॥  
- मत्स्यपुराण

Transliteration:
daśakūpasamā vāpī daśavāpīsamo hradaḥ ।
daśahradasamaḥ putraḥ daśaputrasamo drumaḥ ॥
- matsyapurāṇa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A pond is equal to ten wells.  A dansk of water (reservoir) is worth ten (such) ponds.  (Then again) ten (such) reservoirs are the same as a son (offspring).  (Whereas) a tree is equal to ten (such) sons.

Commentary:

Water is an integral part of life's existence. In fact, humanity has sent spaceships to distant celestial bodies solely to detect the presence of water. Where there is water, there is life. Naturally, a water well becomes an invaluable resource for all living beings. A water well, after all, represents a small but vital body of water. Yet, a single pond can be considered equivalent to ten such wells, and the water from ten ponds can easily be contained in a reservoir.

Even so, a good, cultured, and educated son is considered far more valuable than even ten reservoirs. This is because a son fulfills his parents’ deep longing for progeny and carries forward their lineage. Yet, surprisingly, there is something that can far exceed the value of even ten such sons—and that is a tree.

Why is this so? How can a single tree be more valuable than 10 sons, 100 reservoirs, 1,000 ponds, or even 10,000 wells? The answer lies in the tree's unparalleled ability to sustain life. Over its lifetime, a tree attracts rain-bearing clouds that provide water surpassing the combined capacity of all those wells, ponds, and reservoirs.

But what about the role of a son? While a son may bring joy to his own family and continue the family line, a tree’s contributions extend far beyond the immediate. A tree serves countless beings selflessly. A person who plants a seedling today may never live to enjoy its fruit or shade, yet that act of planting holds profound significance. The fruits of the tree will one day nourish birds, animals, and humans alike. The tree will bring rain clouds, quenching the thirst of future generations. It will provide shade to the weary and shelter to many creatures. By planting a sapling, one performs an act of service that benefits countless beings, often unknowingly.

Even more remarkable, a tree’s legacy outlives the planter and his descendants. For generations, it continues to serve by offering fruit, water, shade, and shelter. It is for this reason that a tree is considered more valuable than so many sons and water bodies combined.

Now, consider the impact of cutting down a tree. By felling one tree, we metaphorically destroy the equivalent of countless sons and dry up innumerable sources of water. It is an act of immeasurable loss.

It has been said that trees are the best antiques and that groves were God’s first temples. Let us strive to protect these timeless temples now and always.

pada vigrahaH:
दश-कूप-समा वापी दश-वापी-समो ह्रदः  ।
daśa-kūpa-samā vāpī daśa-vāpī-samo hradaḥ ।

दश-ह्रद-समः पुत्रः दश-पुत्र-समः द्रुमः ॥
daśa-hrada-samaḥ putraḥ daśa-putra-samaḥ drumaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
dashakUpasamaa vaapI dashavaapIsamo hradaH  ।
dashahradasamaH putraH dashaputrasamo drumaH ॥
- matsyapuraaNa

dasha-kUpa-samaa vaapI dasha-vaapI-samo hradaH ।

dasha-hrada-samaH putraH dasha-putra-samaH drumaH ॥

September 16th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वृक्षान् छित्वा पशून्हत्वा कृत्वा रुधिरकर्दमम् ।
यद्येवं गम्यते स्वर्गं नरकः केन गम्यते ॥
- पञ्चतन्त्र, काकोलूकीय

Transliteration:
vṛkṣān chitvā paśūnhatvā kṛtvā rudhirakardamam ।
yadyevaṃ gamyate svargaṃ narakaḥ kena gamyate ॥
- pañcatantra, kākolūkīya

Meaning of the subhAShita:

After tearing down trees, massacring animals, (and) creating a bloody mire, if this is how heaven is attained,  (then) hell is attained by whom?! 

Commentary:

There is a story of a little boy who came to a tree.  The tree gave him leaves to play with.  He would then climb the trunk and swing from the branches.  When the boy grew up, the tree provided him with fruit and wood to build his home.  When the man wanted more, the tree gave more, until only a stump was left.  Even then, when the weary man came by, the stump propped itself up and gave him a place to sit on!  Such is the magnanimity of the tree.  

Instead of returning favors, man loots like there is no tomorrow and until nothing is left!  What to say about the massacre of animals?    Does man realize what a bloody quagmire he is creating and letting flow?  Does he understand that he is hurting himself in the long haul? Does he even comprehend that there are repercussions for his actions?

No one wants to go to hell.  All beings aim to reach heaven.  With these aspirations, if man's actions are so merciless, one can only imagine the brutality if the aim was to reach hell instead!!  The poet sarcastically says, if these beings want to reach the garden of Eden, who else shall make it to Hades?!!

Heaven and hell can be created here and now!  We can either make the earth a green heaven or one bloody hell!  It is all in our own hands.

pada vigrahaH:
वृक्षान् छित्वा पशून् हत्वा कृत्वा रुधिर-कर्दमम् ।
vṛkṣān chitvā paśūn hatvā kṛtvā rudhira-kardamam ।

यदि एवं गम्यते स्वर्गं नरकः केन गम्यते ॥
yadi evaṃ gamyate svargaṃ narakaḥ kena gamyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
vRukShaan Chitvaa pashUnhatvaa kRutvaa rudhirakardamam ।
yadyevaM gamyate swargam narakaH kena gamyate ॥
- pa~nchatantra, kaakolUkIya

vRukShaan Chitvaa pashUn hatvaa kRutvaa rudhira-kardamam ।

yadi evaM gamyate swargam narakaH kena gamyate ॥

September 9th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वनस्पतेरपक्वानि फलानि प्रचिनोति यः ।
स नाप्नोति रसं तेभ्यः बीजं चास्य विनश्यति ॥
- विदुरनीति

Transliteration:
vanaspaterapakvāni phalāni pracinoti yaḥ ।
sa nāpnoti rasaṃ tebhyaḥ bījaṃ cāsya vinaśyati ॥
- viduranīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

He who plucks the unripe fruit from the fruit trees, not only doesn't acquire their juices but spoils its seed as well. 

Commentary:

Right time, right place!

When fruit is not ripe, it is not ready for picking.  Nature has designed things so perfectly that when a fruit is ripe, just a small touch is enough to detach it from the tree!  Not only does the peel separate from the fruit easily but so does the seed inside.  There is not much effort needed.  When such a perfect design is tampered with, it is quite natural that the result gets tampered with as well!  If a fruit is plucked when unripe, its juices would not have reached their culmination.  The flavors would not have developed to their entirety.  The seed inside wouldn't have reached its fullest potential either and hence wouldn't be able to sprout another plant!  Why risk so many losses?!  

Keeping patience until the fruit is ready for harvest reaps far more benefits to the person than to one who loses his patience.  Hurrying nature won't yield good results.  Trees will not ripen the fruit as per the onlooker's schedule after all!  Only time can fill in the right juices in the right proportions in the fruit.

Similarly, in all walks of life, one has to do the right things, at the right time, and in the right place.  The same action done in an untimely manner will most certainly turn out wasteful.  One cannot say, 'But I put in a lot of effort!'  For, it is not the effort alone that yields results, it is the perfect timing as well.  Just like a player cannot hit a goal even before the game starts, and expect to score, one has to put his efforts in the right direction always.

After all, doing what's right in the right way at the right time, is the key to success in all walks of life!

pada vigrahaH:
वनस्पतेः अ-पक्वानि फलानि प्रचिनोति यः ।
vanaspateḥ a-pakvāni phalāni pracinoti yaḥ ।

स न आप्नोति रसं तेभ्यः बीजं च अस्य विनश्यति ॥
sa na āpnoti rasaṃ tebhyaḥ bījaṃ ca asya vinaśyati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
vanaspaterapakvaani phalaani prachinoti yaH ।
sa naapnoti rasaM tebhyo bIjaM chaasya vinashyati ॥
- viduranIti

vanaspateH a-pakvaani phalaani prachinoti yaH ।

sa na aapnoti rasaM tebhyaH bIjaM cha asya vinashyati ॥

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 ॥

January 14th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
तिलवत् स्निग्धं मनोऽस्तु वाण्यां गुडवन्माधुर्यम्
तिलगुडलड्‍डुकवत् सम्बन्धेऽस्तु सुवृत्तत्त्वम् ।
अस्तु विचारे शुभसङ्क्रमणं मङ्गलाय यशसे
कल्याणी सङ्क्रान्तिरस्तु वः सदाहमाशंसे ॥

Transliteration:
tilavat snigdhaṃ mano'stu vāṇyāṃ guḍavanmādhuryam
tilaguḍalaḍ‍ḍukavat sambandhe'stu suvṛttattvam ।
astu vicāre śubhasaṅkramaṇaṃ maṅgalāya yaśase
kalyāṇī saṅkrāntirastu vaḥ sadāhamāśaṃse ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

May the mind be affectionate like sesame seeds, may there be sweetness in your words like in jaggery. May there be goodness in your relations as in the union of sesame and jaggery in a laddoo. May there be a concurrence towards auspicious glory in your thoughts. I always wish that the festival of Saṅkrānti proves to be blessed and auspicious for one and for all.

Commentary:

Saṅkrānti, the festival of harvest, is celebrated when the axis of the Sun enters the zodiac sign Capricorn (Makara).  Hence it is also referred to as 'Makara Saṅkrānti'.  Saṅkrānti literally means—proceeding well (samyak krānti iti saṅkrānti). People from all walks of life celebrate this festival.  It marks the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season. Farmers especially celebrate with great fervor, gathering new crops. 

Celebration of crops and harvest is synonymous with the Sun. He is the basic originator of the entire food chain, meaning without Him, there would be no source of energy for plants. Without plant sources, there would be no energy transmission to the herbivores and in turn, to the carnivores.  Hence, the Sun—the very sustenance for every life on Earth—is worshiped and thanked on this day.

Many people throw away old clothes and buy new ones to mark the beginning of good times.  Sharing til-guḍ—a mixture of sesame seeds and jaggery—is customary among many who celebrate this festival.  The combination of til-guḍ is not only tongue-tickling, and enticing, it is harmonious as well.  The poet beautifully wishes that kind of allure into the spoken words and relationships for everyone!  When there is harmony in the mind, thoughts, actions, and words, there is no stopping the unbound happiness one can attain.  What better can one wish for his near and dear ones!

May the Sun radiate health, happiness, and harmony into the lives of everyone, always!

P.S: Saṅkrānti, is celebrated on January 14th while occasionally, it falls on the 15th of January.  Unlike many festivals that follow the lunar calendar, this is one of the few festivals that follows the solar axis.  Hence the date doesn't change much with every year. 

pada vigrahaH:
तिलवत् स्निग्धं मनः अस्तु वाण्यां गुडवत् माधुर्यम्
tilavat snigdhaṃ manaḥ astu vāṇyāṃ guḍavat mādhuryam

तिल-गुड-लड्‍डुकवत् सम्बन्धे अस्तु सु-वृत्तत्त्वम् ।
tila-guḍa-laḍ‍ḍukavat sambandhe astu su-vṛttattvam ।

अस्तु विचारे शुभ-सङ्क्रमणं मङ्गलाय यशसे
astu vicāre śubha-saṅkramaṇaṃ maṅgalāya yaśase

कल्याणी सङ्क्रान्तिः अस्तु वः सदा अहम् आशंसे ॥
kalyāṇī saṅkrāntiḥ astu vaḥ sadā aham āśaṃse ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
tilavat snigdhaM mano.stu vaaNyaaM guDavanmaadhuryam
tilaguDalaDDukavat sambandhe.stu suvRuttattvaM ।
astu vichAre shubhasankramaNaM ma~ngalaaya yashase
kalyaaNI sa~nkraantirastu vaH sadaahamaashaMse ॥

tilavat snigdhaM manaH astu vaaNyaaM guDavat maadhuryam

tila-guDa-laDDukavat sambandhe astu su-vRuttattvaM ।

astu vichAre shubha-sa~nkramaNaM ma~ngalaaya yashase

kalyaaNI sa~nkrAntiH astu vaH sadaa aham aashaMse ॥

November 26th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सुजनो न याति वैरं परहितबुद्धिर्विनाशकालेऽपि ।
छेदेऽपि चन्दनतरुः सुरभयति मुखं कुठारस्य ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि

Transliteration:
sujano na yāti vairaṃ parahitabuddhirvināśakāle'pi ।
chede'pi candanataruḥ surabhayati mukhaṃ kuṭhārasya ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

An affable person (who is) always engrossed in the benefaction of others shall not resort to hostility, even in times of (his own) downfall.  Upon chopping, the sandal tree only smears its fragrance onto the blade of the axe.

Commentary:

When an axe strikes down a sandalwood tree, the tree does not retaliate with hostility or defend itself with a shield. Instead, it stands firm, allowing itself to be felled, and even bestows its sweet fragrance upon the blade that cuts it. Such is the grace of a truly benevolent person—they remain composed and compassionate even in the face of adversity and harm.

A person of such character never truly falls, regardless of appearance. What may seem like a downfall by worldly standards is, in reality, a testament to their greatness. On the scales of benevolence and grace, they remain towering figures. Their honor and reputation remain untarnished, for true eminence lies not in material success but in steadfast virtue.

The truest measure of amicability is constancy in the face of adversity. Doesn't this prove that a person’s affability is rooted in what they give "of" themselves rather than what they seek "for" themselves? Give generously, with pure intentions and a kind heart—this will be your enduring legacy and shield through life’s trials.

pada vigrahaH:
सुजनः न याति वैरं पर-हित-बुद्धिः विनाश-काले अपि ।
sujanaḥ na yāti vairaṃ para-hita-buddhiḥ vināśa-kāle api ।

छेदे अपि चन्दन-तरुः सुरभयति मुखं कुठारस्य ॥
chede api candana-taruḥ surabhayati mukhaṃ kuṭhārasya ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sujano na yaati vairaM parahitabuddhirvinaashakaale.pi ।
Chede.pi chandanataruH surabhayati mukhaM kuThaarasya ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

sujanaH na yaati vairaM para-hita-nirataH vinaasha-kaale api ।

Chede api chandana-taruH surabhayati mukhaM kuThaarasya ॥

September 20th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
रोहते सायकैर्विद्धं वनं परशुना हतम् ।
वाचा दुरुक्तं बीभत्सं न सम्रोहति वाक्क्षतम् ॥
- महाभारत, उद्योगपर्व

Transliteration:
rohate sāyakairviddhaṃ vanaṃ paraśunā hatam ।
vācā duruktaṃ bībhatsaṃ na samrohati vākkṣatam ॥
- mahābhārata, udyogaparva

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The (injury) caused by an arrow might heal; a forest felled with an axe may sprout. (But) the (wound) caused by a spiteful, mean word will barely recover.

Commentary:

Physical injuries are quick to mend. The body has the natural ability to try to fix the wound at the earliest. Even if chopped to the ground with an axe, plants have the strength to sprout forth new growth again. But, when a spiteful word is spoken, the damage caused is tremendous!

Without any physical contact, one can easily hurt someone's heart and kill their spirit. Words have colossal power hidden in them. They can either make or break the listener at many levels. One has to be very cautious at all times and watch his words. Sped arrows and spoken words can never be taken back. Once out of the mouth, it can be considered as permanent as written on stone. They get etched in the mind of the listener forever.

Speech is often regretted. Sticks and stones may break the bones, but spiteful words can kill the heart! Words and hearts must be handled with care, for words when spoken and hearts when broken are the hardest things to repair. Taking a moment to think before saying something might save a lot of grief for everyone involved. 

pada vigrahaH:
रोहते सायकैः विद्धं वनं परशुना हतम् ।
rohate sāyakaiḥ viddhaṃ vanaṃ paraśunā hatam ।

वाचा दुर्-उक्तं बीभत्सं न सम्-रोहति वाक्-क्षतम् ॥
vācā dur-uktaṃ bībhatsaṃ na sam-rohati vāk-kṣatam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
rohate saayakairviddhaM vanaM parashunaa hatam ।
vaachaa duruktaM bIbhatsaM na samrohati vaakkShatam ॥
- mahaabhaarata, udyogaparva

rohate saayakaiH viddhaM vanaM parashunaa hatam ।

vaachaa dur-uktaM bIbhatsaM na sam-rohati vaak-kShatam ॥

August 7th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
कश्चिदाम्रवनं छित्वा पलाशांश्च निषिञ्चति ।
पुष्पं दृष्ट्वा फले गृध्नुः स शोचति फलागमे ॥
- रामायण, अयोध्याकाण्ड

Transliteration:
kaścidāmravanaṃ chitvā palāśāṃśca niṣiñcati ।
puṣpaṃ dṛṣṭvā phale gṛdhnuḥ sa śocati phalāgame ॥
- rāmāyaṇa, ayodhyākāṇḍa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Greedy of fruit on seeing the flower, after tearing down a forest of mango trees, one tends the palāśā (flame of the forest) trees. He bewails at harvest time!

Commentary:

Looks are deceptive!

The flowers of a mango tree are small. Discouraged, one tears them all down and plants palāśā plants, expecting big fruit. The palāśā bear big fiery red flowers.  Hence this tree is commonly called the 'flame of the forest'. He will only be disappointed at harvest time because the palāśā plant bears no fruit and its flowers do not have fragrance either! Now, that's a bad deal!!

Similar are life's scenarios. One often falls prey to tentative returns or greed. But in the long run, he will incur major losses. One also falls for the illusion of the materialistic pleasures of the world and destroys all the sātvika bhāvas that he has imbibed. He runs after impermanent and volatile possessions and ultimately loses sight of better and more important goals in life.

Think ahead, plan, and execute accordingly. Think long-term! Do not fall for short-term gains... 

Do not lose sight of the destination by giving in to the distractions along the journey!!

pada vigrahaH:
कश्चित् आम्र-वनं छित्वा पलाशांश्च निषिञ्चति ।
kaścit āmra-vanaṃ chitvā palāśāṃśca niṣiñcati ।

पुष्पं दृष्ट्वा फले गृध्नुः स शोचति फल-आगमे ॥
puṣpaṃ dṛṣṭvā phale gṛdhnuḥ sa śocati phala-āgame ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kashchidaamravanaM Chitvaa palaashaaMshcha niShi~nchati ।
puShpaM dRuShTvaa phale gRudhnuH sa shochati phalaagame ॥
- raamaayaNa, ayodhyaakaaNDa

kashchit aamra-vanaM Chitvaa palaashaamshcha niShi~nchati ।

puShpaM dRuShTvaa phale gRudhnuH sa shochati phala-aagame ॥

July 24th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
एकवृक्षसमारूढाः नाना वर्णा विहङ्गमाः ।
प्रभाते दशसु दिक्षु तत्र का परिवेदना ॥
- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
ekavṛkṣasamārūḍhāḥ nānā varṇā vihaṅgamāḥ ।
prabhāte daśasu dikṣu tatra kā parivedanā ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Birds of different colored feathers, all rest on one tree.  Come morning, (all) shall fly off in ten directions. What is there to agonize about?!

Commentary:

A tree houses many colorful birds and gives them shelter to sleep in. Come morning, even before the slightest crack of dawn, they all fly away in different directions in search of a seed or a worm. Does it make sense for the tree to lament and agonize about the birds saying, 'Oh, I gave them a safe haven all night long, in the morning they do not care for me and fly away on their own accord'?

The same happens in life! People from different walks of life meet for different purposes at different points in time. When that purpose is served, they move on. What is in it to agonize about?! Feeling that someone should be indebted and subservient to him forever is baseless! We meet people for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Sometimes, there are short lessons to be learnt or to be shared. At times, the exchange of lessons needs a little more time. Also, some people and relationships take an entire lifetime to learn, share, and grow together. Then again, when that growth is attained, even they pass on!

When here and now, do your duties cheerfully and with utmost dedication. Just like the tree does, provide shelter and fruit to those in need. Learn a lesson or two from each passerby.  Do not lament upon parting ways.

pada vigrahaH:
एक-वृक्ष-समारूढाः नाना वर्णाः विहङ्गमाः ।
eka-vṛkṣa-samārūḍhāḥ nānā varṇāḥ vihaṅgamāḥ ।

प्रभाते दशसु दिक्षु तत्र का परिवेदना ॥
prabhāte daśasu dikṣu tatra kā parivedanā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ekavRukShasamaarUDhaaH naanaa varNaa viha~ngamaaH ।
prabhaate dashasu dikShu tatra kaa parivedanaa ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

eka-vRukSha-samaarUDhaaH naanaa varNaaH viha~ngamaaH ।

prabhaate dashasu dikShu tatra kaa parivedanaa ॥

July 6th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
भवत्येकस्थले जन्म गन्धस्तेषां पृथक् पृथक् ।
उत्पलस्य मृणालस्य मत्स्यस्य कुमुदस्य च ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार


Transliteration:
bhavatyekasthale janma gandhasteṣāṃ pṛthak pṛthak ।
utpalasya mṛṇālasya matsyasya kumudasya ca ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Born in the same place, they (each) smell differently—water lily, lotus root, fish, and night lotus!

Commentary:

A water lily, a night lotus, a lotus root, and a fish are all born in water. Yet, they are vastly different. Their traits and temperaments vary widely—They do not look the same, smell the same, or feel the same! Daylilies and lotuses bloom during the day whereas night lilies and night lotuses bloom at night. Their roots remain underwater while the flowers bloom above. The fish are mobile and consume food as well. They have a completely different smell in comparison to the fragrance of the flowers which are born in the same pond! 

The only similarity among them seems to be their place of birth.  Each of them has a bigger set of attributes unique to them alone!

Likewise, children from the same parents or students of the same teacher cannot be expected to be similar. Perceptions differ based on prior vāsanās and experiences, which are beyond human cognizance. One child may have a keen interest in music while the other is eager to play sports. One may be extremely smart in math, yet the other may be exceptional in art!

Similarly, students taught by the same teacher cannot achieve the same results!  The teacher teaches both at the same time, but it is up to each student as to what he absorbs.  It is just like when the rain pours in an area.  The drops of water on the rock slide off, whereas the droplets that fall on the soil will nourish plants and allow them to grow!  There was no difference in the rain's intensity or composition.  Both the stone and the soil received the same rainwater. Yet their intrinsic natures made their outcomes different.  They are two different objects and just can't be compared to one another.

No matter what color and fragrance they carry, each being has his own place and specialty in this world. No one can substitute for the other! There is the Supreme driving force behind each entity and each belongs exactly where it is!

When two people are born from the same parents and in the same place but are still different, how can we expect everyone in the world to think and work alike?!  People come into one's life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When he figures out which one it is he will know exactly what to do. Value each person for themselves. Each one comes with his own flaws and strengths. Appreciate them for their good qualities and overlook their shortcomings.

pada vigrahaH:
भवति एक-स्थले जन्म गन्धः तेषां पृथक् पृथक् ।
bhavati eka-sthale janma gandhaḥ teṣāṃ pṛthak pṛthak ।

उत्पलस्य मृणालस्य मत्स्यस्य कुमुदस्य च ॥
utpalasya mṛṇālasya matsyasya kumudasya ca ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
bhavatyekasthale janma gandhasteShaaM pRuthak pRuthak ।
utpalasya mRuNaalasya matsyasya kumudasya cha ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

bhavati eka-sthale janma gandhaH teShaaM pRuthak pRuthak ।

utpalasya mRuNaalasya matsyasya kumudasya cha ॥

June 13th

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

Transliteration:
sthānasthitasya padmasya mitre varuṇabhāskarau ।
sthānacyutasya tasyaiva kledaśoṣaṇakārakau ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

Commentary:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

sthaana-sthitasya padmasya mitre varuNa-bhaaskarau ।

sthaana-chyutasya tasya eva kleda-shoShaNa-kaarakau ॥

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 ॥

May 28th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यदेवोपनतं दुःखात् सुखं तद्रसवत्तरम् ।
निर्वाणाय तरुच्छाया तप्‍तस्य हि विशेषतः ॥
- विक्रमोर्वशीय


Transliteration:
yadevopanataṃ duḥkhāt sukhaṃ tadrasavattaram ।
nirvāṇāya tarucchāyā tap‍tasya hi viśeṣataḥ ॥
- vikramorvaśīya

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Attaining pleasure after being befallen with pain is more opulent. The shadow of a tree is more comforting to the one afflicted by the heat of the Sun.

Commentary:

What if a blind man suddenly got his sight?! How would a deaf person feel if he was able to hear?! Their joy would have no bounds! This is because they already have the experience of living without that specific ability.  When a normal person wakes up in the morning and sees the rising Sun in the skies, he wouldn't celebrate it with the same delight!

Hence, the poet says that pleasure is much more appealing to those who have been crestfallen with sorrow. Pleasure is much more enjoyable and valuable to those who have actually missed it. A sumptuous meal is much more satiating for a poor man who struggles to make ends meet than for someone who rolls in wealth.

Similarly, the shade of a tree is welcome to someone in the hot sun. Not that the shade is not comforting to others, but it is extra comforting to the one who is already scorched in the burning heat of the Sun.

Don't curse pain, thank it instead... When times change (which they always do), it will make pleasure so much more pleasurable!

pada vigrahaH:
यत् एव उपनतं दुःखात् सुखं तत् रसवत्तरम् ।
yat eva upanataṃ duḥkhāt sukhaṃ tat rasavattaram ।

निर्वाणाय तरोः छाया तप्‍तस्य हि विशेषतः ॥
nirvāṇāya taroḥ chāyā tap‍tasya hi viśeṣataḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yadevopanataM duHkhaat sukhaM tadrasavattaram ।
nirvaaNaaya taruchChaayaa taptasya hi visheShataH ॥
- vikramorvashIya

yat eva upanataM duHkhaat sukhaM tat rasavattaram ।

nirvaaNaaya taroH Chaayaa tap^tasya hi visheShataH ॥

April 26th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
नात्यन्तं सरलैर्भाव्यं गत्वा पश्य वनस्थलीम् ।
छिद्यन्ते सरलास्तत्र कुब्जास्तिष्ठन्ति पादपाः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
nātyantaṃ saralairbhāvyaṃ gatvā paśya vanasthalīm ।
chidyante saralāstatra kubjāstiṣṭhanti pādapāḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Do not have the simplest of demeanor. Go and see in the forest—the straight-standing trees are felled and the crooked (ones) still stand!

Commentary:

This verse is not a call for "learning a contorted disposition" in any way! 

It is mainly a call for the really simple and forthright souls. They are the ones who generally bear the brunt of the evil and spiteful people of the world. The poet gives them the example of the trees in the forest. It is easier to cut down a straight tree than a bent-out, crooked tree. Therefore, the woodcutters take the easiest route and chop down the straight trees.  And because it requires more effort, not many people bother to take down the crooked tree. 

Similarly, if one is not too straightforward and knows how to stand up for himself, he won't get into many unwanted situations. He has to be diplomatic and troublemakers will consider themselves warned and keep their distance.

It is like the story where the sage tells a snake that it is okay to hiss in self-defense, but not to hurt passers-by. This demeanor is okay to be used in self-defense, but not for afflicting pain upon others.

pada vigrahaH:
न अत्यन्तं सरलैः भाव्यं गत्वा पश्य वन-स्थलीम् ।
na atyantaṃ saralaiḥ bhāvyaṃ gatvā paśya vana-sthalīm ।

छिद्यन्ते सरलाः तत्र कुब्जाः तिष्ठन्ति पादपाः ॥
chidyante saralāḥ tatra kubjāḥ tiṣṭhanti pādapāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
naatyantaM saralairbhaavyaM gatvaa pashya vana-sthalIm ।
Chidyante saralaastatra kubjaastiShThanti paadapaaH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

na atyantaM saralaiH bhaavyaM gatvaa pashya vanasthalIm ।

Chidyante saralaaH tatra kubjaaH tiShThanti paadapaaH ॥

April 4th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
आत्मापराधवृक्षस्य फलान्येतानि देहिनाम् ।
दारिद्र्यरोगदुःखानि बन्धनव्यसनानि च ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
ātmāparādhavṛkṣasya phalānyetāni dehinām ।
dāridryarogaduḥkhāni bandhanavyasanāni ca ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

For beings, these are the fruit from the tree of follies of the self: poverty, disease, suffering, restraint, and adversity.

Commentary:

The fruit of one's actions has to be borne by oneself. There is no bypassing this rule. Every being comes to the world with his own baggage. He would have to unload it on his own account to attain mukti (liberation). Unrighteous deeds come as baggage of unpleasant circumstances in one birth or another. They could show up as poverty and hardships, diseases and illnesses, pain and suffering, restraint and binding, and/or vices and adversities.  Everyone would have faced some or all of these circumstances at one point in their life or another.  

When faced with such circumstances, the quickest way to overcome them is to live a life of dharma. Not only does this hasten the process of unloading the unpleasant luggage, but it also stops the accumulation of more baggage for future births.

Hence, dharma (virtuous deeds) is a prescription for people with baggage of all shapes and sizes!

pada vigrahaH:

आत्म-अपराध-वृक्षस्य फलानि एतानि देहिनाम् ।
ātma-aparādha-vṛkṣasya phalāni etāni dehinām ।

दारिद्र्य-रोग-दुःखानि बन्धन-व्यसनानि च ॥
dāridrya-roga-duḥkhāni bandhana-vyasanāni ca ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
aatmaaparaadhavRukShasya phalaanyetaani dehinaam ।
daaridryarogaduHkhaani bandhanavyasanaani cha ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

aatma-aparaadha-vRukShasya phalaani etaani dehinaam ।

daaridrya-roga-duHkhaani bandhana-vyasanaani cha ॥

March 11th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
नमन्ति फलिता वृक्षाः नमन्ति च बुधा जनाः ।
शुष्ककाष्ठानि मूर्खाश्च भिद्यन्ते न नमन्ति च ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि


Transliteration:
namanti phalitā vṛkṣāḥ namanti ca budhā janāḥ ।
śuṣkakāṣṭhāni mūrkhāśca bhidyante na namanti ca ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Fruit bearing trees are bent in prostration and so are the learned people. Dry twigs and the foolish do not bend and are slit and broken.

Commentary:

A tree bearing lots of fruit cannot stand stiff and straight, as if in pride. It bends down, as if in humility, and offers its fruit to the world. Similarly, the wise bow down in prostration to the supreme power in each individual. They do not pride themselves and display arrogance towards others. They are neither haughty nor high-strung due to their knowledge. Rather, they are humble and compassionate.

On the other hand, dry sapless trees stand stiff and straight as if nothing can affect them. But one fine day, they get felled by someone, break due to wind, or become fuel for some wildfire! Similarly, only fools think highly of themselves and do not care for true knowledge. If they attain the same fate as the dry twigs of a sapless tree, why should one be surprised?!

Humility is an adornment of the wise. Be humble. It will open more doors than arrogance ever will! 

pada vigrahaH:
नमन्ति फलिताः वृक्षाः नमन्ति च बुधाः जनाः ।
namanti phalitāḥ vṛkṣāḥ namanti ca budhāḥ janāḥ ।

शुष्क-काष्ठानि मूर्खाः च भिद्यन्ते न नमन्ति च ॥
śuṣka-kāṣṭhāni mūrkhāḥ ca bhidyante na namanti ca ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
namanti phalitaa vRukShaaH namanti cha budhaa janaaH ।
shuShkakaaShThaani mUrkhaashcha bhidyante na namanti cha ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

namanti phalitaaH vRukShaa namanti cha budhaaH janaaH ।

shuShka-kaaShThaani mUrkhaaH cha bhidyante na namanti cha ॥

February 26th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वयमिह परितुष्टा वल्कलैस्त्वं दुकूलैः
सम इह परितोषो निर्विशेषो विशेषः  ।
स तु भवति दरिद्रो यस्य तृष्णा विशाला
मनसि च परितुष्टे कोऽर्थवान् को दरिद्रः ॥
- वैराग्यशतक, भर्तृहरि


Transliteration:
vayamiha parituṣṭā valkalaistvaṃ dukūlaiḥ
sama iha paritoṣo nirviśeṣo viśeṣaḥ ।
sa tu bhavati daridro yasya tṛṣṇā viśālā
manasi ca parituṣṭe ko'rthavān ko daridraḥ ॥
- vairāgyaśataka, bhartṛhari

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Here, we (ascetics) are happy in our tree bark clothes (valkala) and you are happy in your silken robes. The contentment is equal, nothing special about that. He is poor whose thirst is endless. When there is contentment at heart—who is rich, who is poor?

Commentary:

Richness and poverty don't come from the number of possessions one has!

In this beautiful shloka, Bhartṛhari says, there is no big difference between the sages and the rich people. It doesn't matter if one lives in a huge bungalow or in the wilderness of the forests. It doesn't matter if one eats from plates of gold using silver cutlery, or just plucks fruit from the trees. It doesn't matter if one lives in rags or in riches. If they are satisfied and contented with what they have then they both are equally rich! 

One's wealth must be measured on the scale of his contentment rather than by his monetary possessions. He who is content with his possessions is the richest being. He who is discontented and tirelessly thirsts for more and more is really poor. Even if he is the king of the world, if he does not have तृप्ति (tṛpti, contentment), he is the poorest, neediest person on earth.

The richest man is not he who has the most but he who needs the least! Being satisfied and thankful for what we have is the best way to be.

pada vigrahaH:
वयम् इह परितुष्टाः वल्कलैः त्वं दुकूलैः
vayam iha parituṣṭāḥ valkalaiḥ tvaṃ dukūlaiḥ

समः इह परितोषः निर्विशेषः विशेषः ।
samaḥ iha paritoṣaḥ nirviśeṣaḥ viśeṣaḥ ।

स तु भवति दरिद्रः यस्य तृष्णा विशाला
sa tu bhavati daridraḥ yasya tṛṣṇā viśālā

मनसि च परितुष्टे कः अर्थवान् कः दरिद्रः ॥
manasi ca parituṣṭe kaḥ arthavān kaḥ daridraḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
vayamiha parituShTaa valkalaistvaM dukUlaiH
sama iha paritoSho nirvisheSho visheShaH ।
sa tu bhavati daridro yasya tRuShNaa vishaalaa
manasi cha parituShTe ko.rthavaan ko daridraH ॥
- vairaagyashataka, bhartRuhari

vayam iha parituShTaaH valkalaiH tvaM dukUlaiH

samaH iha paritoShaH nirvisheShaH visheShaH ।

sa tu bhavati daridraH yasya tRuShNaa vishaalaa

manasi cha parituShTe kaH arthavaan kaH daridraH ॥