November 2nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

कृते प्रतिकृतं कुर्याद् हिंसेन प्रतिहिंसनम् ।

तत्र दोषो न पतति दुष्टे दुष्टं समाचरेत् ॥

- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:

kṛte pratikṛtaṃ kuryād hiṃsena pratihiṃsanam ।

tatra doṣo na patati duṣṭe duṣṭaṃ samācaret ॥

- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

When wronged, show resistance; when harmed, retaliate.  Blame won't befall (you) when wickedness is used against the vile.  

Commentary:

A thorn must be removed with a thorn!

We must tread carefully with what we entertain, for, we teach others how to treat us by what we permit, prevent, or reinforce. These actions establish boundaries not just for us, but for everyone around us. Often, people resist hearing the truth because they fear it will shatter their illusions. But the truth is this: when wrong is tolerated, the wrongdoer is empowered to continue his behavior. Unchecked, the downward spiral of situations becomes inevitable.

Problems must be addressed at their root, not just snipped at their branches. One may prune the branches of a thorny bush to avoid a few scrapes in the short term, but eventually, those branches will grow back. The only lasting solution is to uproot the bush entirely, to ensure the thorns never return.

The poet wisely asserts that wrong must be met with resistance and that harm must be countered with force. A defender’s right to protect himself from evil-doers is indisputable. Injustice should never be allowed to persist under the guise of tolerance.

There is a delicate balance between tolerance and permissiveness. One must give but never allow oneself to be used. One must love but never let their heart be abused. One must trust but never be naive. One must listen to others but never lose their own voice.

Injustice must never be tolerated.  

pada vigrahaH:

कृते प्रतिकृतं कुर्यात् हिंसेन प्रतिहिंसनम् ।

kṛte pratikṛtaṃ kuryāt hiṃsena pratihiṃsanam ।

तत्र दोषः न पतति दुष्टे दुष्टं समाचरेत् ॥

tatra doṣaḥ na patati duṣṭe duṣṭaṃ samācaret ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

kRute pratikRutaM kuryaad hiMsena pratihiMsanam ।

tatra doSho na patati duShTe duShTaM samaacharet ॥

- chaaNakya neeti

kRute pratikRutaM kuryaat hiMsena pratihiMsanam ।

tatra doShaH na patati duShTe duShTaM samaacharet ॥

October 12th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

जीवन्तु मे शत्रुगणाः सदैव  येषां प्रसादत्सुविचक्षणोऽहम्  ।

ये ये यथा मां प्रतिबाधयन्ति ते ते तथा मां प्रतिबोधयन्ति  ॥

Transliteration:

jīvantu me śatrugaṇāḥ sadaiva yeṣāṃ prasādatsuvicakṣaṇo'ham ।

ye ye yathā māṃ pratibādhayanti te te tathā māṃ pratibodhayanti ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

May the tribe of my enemies prosper, due to whose grace I am wiser.  Whoever has troubled me, they all have only taught me! 

Commentary:

"Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer!" While often quoted as a caution to watch enemies with greater vigilance, this verse shows a different dimension and a deeper meaning.

With a generous heart, the poet offers blessings of prosperity even to his enemies! Rather than cursing them, he expresses gratitude—for it is through their hostility that he sharpened his mind and cultivated wisdom. Every insult, and every challenge they threw his way only served to make him stronger. He says, his growth was a direct result of their opposition.

In fact, it is smart to pay attention to one’s enemies. They are the first to uncover our faults, eager to expose every weakness. If a person aspires to improve himself every day enemies are his most efficient critics. They point out what friends might overlook, providing valuable lessons in disguise.

When a person takes a stand for something meaningful making enemies is inevitable. An absence of enemies might as well mean that he never stood up for anything.  Fighting for a cause means inviting opposition, and opposition often reveals the true strength of one’s convictions.

However, hatred toward enemies must be avoided, for hatred clouds judgment and weakens the spirit. Hence, real enemies are better than false friends. An enemy reveals his true intentions without pretense, whereas a fake friend hides betrayal behind a smile. If one's merit is undeniable, even the enemy is compelled to acknowledge it—and such reluctant praise carries the highest value!

Do not hate your enemies. They give you strength and resilience.  Letting go of hate ends the enmity from your side and frees you to see things clearly. An enemy too, can be life’s most unexpected teacher! Embrace learning from anywhere, anyone, and any source. 

pada vigrahaH:

जीवन्तु मे शत्रु-गणाः सदा एव  येषां प्रसादात् सुविचक्षणः अहम् ।

jīvantu me śatru-gaṇāḥ sadā eva yeṣāṃ prasādāt suvicakṣaṇaḥ aham ।

ये ये यथा मां प्रति-बाधयन्ति ते ते तथा मां प्रति-बोधयन्ति  ॥

ye ye yathā māṃ prati-bādhayanti te te tathā māṃ prati-bodhayanti ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

jeevantu me shatrugaNaaH sadaiva yeShaaM prasaadatsuvichakShaNo.ham ।

ye ye yathaa maaM pratibaadhayanti te te tathaa maaM pratibodhayanti ॥

jeevantu me shatru-gaNaaH sadaa eva yeShaaM prasaadaat suvichakShaNaH aham ।

ye ye yathaa maaM prati-baadhayanti te te tathaa maaM prati-bodhayanti ॥

September 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

सहसा विदधीत न क्रियाम् अविवेकः परमापदां पदम् ।

वृणते हि विमृश्यकारिणं गुणलुब्धाः स्वयमेव संपदः ॥

- किरातार्जुनीय 

Transliteration:

sahasā vidadhīta na kriyām avivekaḥ paramāpadāṃ padam ।

vṛṇate hi vimṛśyakāriṇaṃ guṇalubdhāḥ svayameva saṃpadaḥ ॥

- kirātārjunīya

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Do not undertake any actions on impulse.  Lack of discrimination is the loftiest abode for troubles.  (On the other hand,) for one who deliberates and acts, wealth shall come on its own as if attracted, because it longs for those with excellence. 

Commentary:

In the rush of daily life, it’s easy to forget that haste makes waste. Before embarking on any endeavor, it’s crucial to pause and reflect. It is essential to consider the task at hand in its entirety and weigh its implications and potential challenges. With thoughtful contemplation, many issues can often be resolved before they even arise, allowing for a smoother journey ahead.

The poet wisely notes that true wealth, success, and prosperity are drawn to those who embody excellence—who think through the consequences before taking action. Those who navigate their paths with care are rewarded with not only greater efficiency but also an increased likelihood of achieving their goals. They conserve time and resources while setting themselves up for a more fruitful outcome.

All great achievements require time and dedication. Ignorant zeal driven by impatience often leads to failure. One should not let the allure of quick results tarnish the beauty of his pursuits. 

Embrace the journey with patience and thoughtfulness. The rewards will be well worth the wait. 

pada vigrahaH:

सहसा विदधीत न क्रियाम् अविवेकः परम आपदां पदम् ।

sahasā vidadhīta na kriyāṃ avivekaḥ parama āpadāṃ padam ।

वृणते हि विमृश्यकारिणं गुण-लुब्धाः स्वयम् एव संपदः ॥

vṛṇate hi vimṛśyakāriṇaṃ guṇa-lubdhāḥ svayam eva saṃpadaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

sahasaa vidadhIta na kriyaam avivekaH paramāpadāṃ padam ।

vṛṇate hi vimṛśyakāriṇaṃ guṇalubdhā: svayameva saṃpada: ॥

- kirātārjunīya

sahasaa vidadhIta na kriyaam avivekaH parama āpadaaM padam ।

vRuNate hi vimakRushyakaariNaM guNa-lubdhaaH svayam eva saMpadaH ॥

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 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 ॥

May 18th

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


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

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

Commentary:

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

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

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

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

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

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

na araajake janapade svakaM bhavati kasyachit ।

matsyaaH iva naraaH nityaM bhakShayanti parasparam ॥

April 15th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
परनिन्दासु पाण्डित्यं स्वेषु कार्येष्वनुद्यमः ।
प्रद्वेषश्च गुणज्ञेषु पन्थानो ह्यापदां त्रयः ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि


Transliteration:
paranindāsu pāṇḍityaṃ sveṣu kāryeṣvanudyamaḥ ।
pradveṣaśca guṇajñeṣu panthāno hyāpadāṃ trayaḥ ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Erudition in criticizing others, languidness toward one's own duties, hatred towards the meritorious—these 3 are the paths towards trouble.

Commentary:

Eloquence and scholarship should be shown by appreciating an achievement or by doing good to those around. Instead, if these faculties are applied in criticizing others, it will not be beneficial for anyone! It only brews resentful feelings in the criticizer and the criticized, causing a rift between the two, and bringing on more trouble.

There are no compromises when it comes to one's duties—they have to be accomplished by oneself. If someone else performs them for him, then it would not be called 'his' duty, to begin with. Non-industriousness and laziness towards one's own duties is an open invitation for trouble!

When in the company of meritorious and talented, the best thing to do is to learn from them and compare opinions. Having an intellectual conversation with such people only adds to one's own knowledge base and value base. Instead, if one breeds contempt and hatred towards them, he not only hates the people but also inherently tends to hate their values as well. Who is the loser by doing so?! Isn't he putting himself at a disadvantage and in turn, putting himself in trouble?

Think about it. Is it really worth the effort to gossip about others, procrastinate our duties, or hate anyone?! Stay away from actions that bring trouble.

pada vigrahaH:
पर-निन्दासु पाण्डित्यं स्वेषु कार्येषु अनुद्यमः ।
para-nindāsu pāṇḍityaṃ sveṣu kāryeṣu anudyamaḥ ।

प्रद्वेषः च गुणज्ञेषु पन्थानः हि आपदां त्रयः ॥
pradveṣaḥ ca guṇajñeṣu panthānaḥ hi āpadāṃ trayaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
paranindaasu paaNDityaM sveShu kaaryeShvanudyamaH ।
pradveShashcha guNaj~neShu panthaano hyaapadaaM trayaH ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

para-nindaasu paaNDityaM sveShu kaaryeShu anudyamaH ।

pradveShaH cha guNaj~neShu panthaanaH hi aapadaaM trayaH ॥

March 6th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
लोभेनाविष्टो नरो वित्तं वीक्षते नैव चापदम् ।
दुग्धं पश्यति मार्जारः यथा न लगुडाहतिम् ॥
Transliteration:
lobhenāviṣṭo naro vittaṃ vīkṣate naiva cāpadam ।
dugdhaṃ paśyati mārjāraḥ yathā na laguḍāhatim ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A person filled with greed sees money, not troubles; just like a cat (that) sees the milk and not the baton blows. (To chase the cat from drinking milk, a stick is thrown at it.)

Commentary:

When a cat sees milk, it just wants to lap it all up. Not even for one moment will it think of the repercussions it may face. The cat will be chased out of the kitchen or sometimes, brandished with a stick. However, since the cat does not think of the consequences it just focuses on getting the milk, not the hardship that accompanies its action. Moreover, it repeats the actions again and again, without learning its lesson.

Similarly, a person engulfed in greed sets his eyes only on acquiring more and more wealth. He will not stop to think about the outcome he has to face or the troubles that will accompany his actions. His focus is repeatedly set on materialistic pleasures, losing the bigger picture in the due course.

Think before you act, more than half the troubles will be eradicated!

pada vigrahaH:
लोभेन अविष्टः नरः वित्तं वीक्षते न एव च अपदम् ।
lobhena aviṣṭaḥ naraḥ vittaṃ vīkṣate na eva ca apadam ।

दुग्धं पश्यति मार्जारः यथा न लगुड-आहतिम् ॥
dugdhaṃ paśyati mārjāraḥ yathā na laguḍa-āhatim ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
lobhenaaviShTo naro vittaM vIkShate naiva chaapadam ।
dugdhaM pashyati maarjaaraH yathaa na laguDaahatim ॥

lobhena aviShTaH naraH vittaM vIkShate na eva cha apadam ।

dugdhaM pashyati maarjaaraH yathaa na laguDa-aahatim ॥

March 3rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
आपदि मित्रपरीक्षा च शूरपरीक्षा च रणाङ्गणे ।
विनये वंशपरीक्षा च शीलपरीक्षा तु धनक्षये ॥

Transliteration:
āpadi mitraparīkṣā ca śūraparīkṣā ca raṇāṅgaṇe ।
vinaye vaṃśaparīkṣā ca śīlaparīkṣā tu dhanakṣaye ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A friend's testing ground is calamities; the brave are tested on the battlefield; the test for a family is in its humility; and, character is tested in times of poverty.

Commentary:

One might have a plethora of friends whom they hang out with and many more who would want to get to know him. But the true testing ground for the friendship is in times of trouble. The true colors of all friends surface the minute he is in a calamity. The person who stands by him through thick and thin is his one true friend.

Talking about courage, and even training in martial arts doesn't make one brave. A person's valiance comes to light when he has to face real circumstances and fight a battle on a battlefield. That is his real testing ground.

A family's worth is not gauged by possessions, wealth, friends, and foes. The real test for a family is its value system. The kind of culture and moralities that are imbibed by their children speak volumes about the state of affairs in the family!

One can be of great character in pleasant times. When he has all the riches in the world, it is easy for a person to follow the rules, do good to others, be cheerful, etc. But when the materialistic riches are gone, there is a scarcity of resources, and there is no fallback, the mettle of the person's character is then put to the real test.

Keeping moral grounds under all circumstances takes courage and character!

pada vigrahaH:

आपदि मित्र-परीक्षा च शूर-परीक्षा च रण-अङ्गणे ।
āpadi mitra-parīkṣā ca śūra-parīkṣā ca raṇa-aṅgaṇe ।

विनये वंश-परीक्षा च शील-परीक्षा तु धन-क्षये ॥
vinaye vaṃśa-parīkṣā ca śīla-parīkṣā tu dhana-kṣaye ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
aapadi mitraparIkShaa cha shUraparIkShaa cha raNaa~ngaNe ।
vinaye vaMshaparIkShaa cha shIlaparIkShaa tu dhanakShaye ॥

aapadi mitra-parIkShaa cha shUra-parIkShaa cha raNa-a~ngaNe ।
vinaye vaMsha-parIkShaa cha shIla-parIkShaa tu dhana-kShaye ॥

February 17th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
मन्त्रबलेन भुजङ्गाः मुग्धकुरगाश्च कूटयन्त्रेण ।
स्थलजालेन विहङ्गाः गृह्यते मानवाश्च दम्भेन ॥
- कलाविलास


Transliteration:
mantrabalena bhujaṅgāḥ mugdhakuragāśca kūṭayantreṇa ।
sthalajālena vihaṅgāḥ gṛhyate mānavāśca dambhena ॥
- kalāvilāsa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Snakes through spells; innocent deer through crafty devices; birds through ground traps; and humans are (all) captured through deceit (hypocrisy).

Commentary:

The snake charmer's mystical spells and musical rhythms capture reptiles. A snare or trap is set to catch an unsuspecting, innocent deer. Birds flying high in the sky are easily trapped by laying a net with seeds on the ground. Some type of physical tool is required to catch these creatures. 

People, however, are taken down through deceit. Human tendencies are strange. Flattery makes people fall for tricks easily.  A few nice words and incentives (no matter how false) are sufficient to win people over. Falsities and charades are everywhere, the problem is in identifying them. Because there are two ingredients to deceit—a good bit of truth and a few little lies. One needs to be aware and identify falsehoods. 

The cheater must be aware of a major issue too—deceit and hypocrisy might work in winning something, but it is the hypocrite who will end up being a loser. Over time, he will lose the trust of people.  He can eventually find it hard to trust himself too. He who doesn't trust himself will lose self-confidence. One without self-confidence is a cripple and stops himself from achieving his very best!

Stay away from hypocrisy! Beware of hypocrites! And at the same time, be cautious about becoming a hypocrite yourself!! Be true to yourself.

pada vigrahaH:

मन्त्र-बलेन भुजङ्गाः मुग्ध-कुरगाः च कूट-यन्त्रेण ।
mantra-balena bhujaṅgāḥ mugdha-kuragāḥ ca kūṭa-yantreṇa ।

स्थल-जालेन विहङ्गाः गृह्यते मानवाः च दम्भेन ॥
sthala-jālena vihaṅgāḥ gṛhyate mānavāḥ ca dambhena ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
mantrabalena bhuja~ngaaH mugdhakuragaashcha kUTayantreNa ।
sthalajaalena viha~ngaaH gRuhyate maanavaashcha dambhena ॥
- kalaavilaasa

mantra-balena bhuja~ngaaH mugdha-kuragaaH cha kUTa-yantreNa ।

sthala-jaalena viha~ngaaH gRuhyate maanavaaH cha dambhena ॥

October 11th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
लक्ष्मीर्वसति जिह्वाग्रे जिह्वाग्रे मित्रबान्धवाः ।
जिह्वाग्रे बन्धनं प्राप्तं जिह्वाग्रे मरणं ध्रुवम् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
lakṣmīrvasati jihvāgre jihvāgre mitrabāndhavāḥ ।
jihvāgre bandhanaṃ prāptaṃ jihvāgre maraṇaṃ dhruvam ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Lakṣmī resides at the tip of the tongue; at the tip of the tongue are friends and kin; the tip of the tongue can cause imprisonment; and certainly, the tip of the tongue can bring death!

Commentary:

The tongue is one of those few organs that have dual duties.  It is used to taste food, as well as speak.  And it can prove to be either disastrous or delightful in both respects! 

The tip of the tongue can cause either bliss or agony, depending on how it is used. It can be a source of comfort or a weapon. One can earn wealth (Lakṣmī) through nice words and keep his friends and relatives close to him through good speech. Misuse can even lead to a person's imprisonment or be the cause of his death. 

The tongue should always know its limits and be used effectively and efficiently. Thoughtful words must be spoken. Before speaking, the words must pass through three gates: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? The tongue should always be connected with the brain before it starts talking. 

All parts of the body get tired eventually, except the tongue.  Use that faculty wisely!

pada vigrahaH:
लक्ष्मीः वसति जिह्वा-अग्रे जिह्वा-अग्रे मित्र-बान्धवाः ।
lakṣmīḥ vasati jihvā-agre jihvā-agre mitra-bāndhavāḥ ।

जिह्वा-अग्रे बन्धनं प्राप्तं जिह्वा-अग्रे मरणं ध्रुवम् ॥
jihvā-agre bandhanaṃ prāptaṃ jihvā-agre maraṇaṃ dhruvam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
lakShmIrvasati jihvaagre jihvaagre mitrabaandhavaaH ।
jihvaagre bandhanaM praaptaM jihvaagre maraNaM dhruvam ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

lakShmIH vasati jihvaa-agre jihvaa-agre mitra-baandhavaaH ।

jihvaa-agre bandhanaM praaptaM jihvaa-agre maraNaM dhruvam ॥

October 7th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
चिन्तनीया हि विपदाम् आदावेव प्रतिक्रिया ।
न कूपखननं युक्तं प्रदीप्ते वह्निना गृहे ॥
- समयोचितपद्यमालिका

Transliteration:
cintanīyā hi vipadām ādāveva pratikriyā ।
na kūpakhananaṃ yuktaṃ pradīpte vahninā gṛhe ॥
- samayocitapadyamālikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The remedy to a problem should be thought of ahead of time. It is not appropriate to dig a well when the house is on fire.

Commentary:

Fire hydrants! It is not a smart idea to start digging a well when the house is burning ablaze. The problem should be anticipated well ahead of time and appropriate plans should be made in case a crisis may occur. This is called planning.

Without planning, no job can be accomplished to its fullest potential. Crisis management should be given enough thought in the very beginning, else, the effort put into the actual job might go to waste.

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail!  Get proactive. Plan intelligently.

pada vigrahaH:
चिन्तनीया हि विपदाम् आदौ एव प्रतिक्रिया ।
cintanīyā hi vipadām ādau eva pratikriyā ।

न कूप-खननं युक्तं प्रदीप्ते वह्निना गृहे ॥
na kūpa-khananaṃ yuktaṃ pradīpte vahninā gṛhe ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
chintanIyaa hi vipadaam aadaaveva pratikriyaa ।
na kUpakhananaM yuktaM pradIpte vahninaa gRuhe ॥
- samayochitapadyamaalikaa

chintanIyaa hi vipadaam aadau eva pratikriyaa ।

na kUpa-khananaM yuktaM pradIpte vahninaa gRuhe ॥

October 1st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
जिह्वे प्रमाणं जानीहि भाषणे भोजनेऽपि च ।
अत्युक्तिरतिभुक्तिश्च सत्यं प्राणापहारिणी ॥

Transliteration:
jihve pramāṇaṃ jānīhi bhāṣaṇe bhojane'pi ca ।
atyuktiratibhuktiśca satyaṃ prāṇāpahāriṇī ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Hey tongue, know thy limits—in speech and in eating food (taste). Certainly, both over-eating and over-talking could kill!

Commentary:
The poet of this shloka is warning the tongue to be mindful of its limits. As they say, the tongue is the one organ that doesn't have a bone but should be very aware of its bounds.  Over-indulging in conversations or in satiating the taste buds (eating) could both prove disastrous.

1. Speech, because thoughtless words (especially from the leaders) can destroy nations. The wound of a tongue is deeper than that of a sword.  The old adage is true, 'Spoken words and sped arrows cannot be taken back.'  Like it is said, think before you speak.
2. Eating, because one should consume food 'to' sustain, and not 'sustain to' consume food. Going overboard brings a hoard of health issues to the point of death.  Be mindful while eating.

Tongue, beware, beware, doubly beware!!

pada vigrahaH:
जिह्वे प्रमाणं जानीहि भाषणे भोजने अपि च ।
jihve pramāṇaṃ jānīhi bhāṣaṇe bhojane api ca ।

अति उक्तिः अति भुक्तिः च सत्यं प्राण-अपहारिणी ॥
ati uktiḥ ati bhuktiḥ ca satyaṃ prāṇa-apahāriṇī ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
jihve pramaaNaM jaanIhi bhaaShaNe bhojane.pi cha ।
atyuktiratibhuktishcha satyaM praaNaapahaariNI ॥

jihve pramaaNaM jaanIhi bhaaShaNe bhojane api cha

ati uktiH ati bhuktiH cha satyaM praaNa-apahaariNI ॥

September 27th

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

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

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

Commentary:

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

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

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

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

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

Alternate Transliteration:
yauvanaM dhanasampattiH prabhutvamavivekataa ।

ekaikamapyanarthaaya kimu yatra chatuShTayam ॥

- hitopadesha

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