November 8th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
षडेते ह्यवमन्यन्ते नित्यं पूर्वोपकारिणां
आचार्यं शिक्षिताः शिष्याः कृतदाराश्च मातरम् ।
नारीं विगतकामस्तु कृतार्थश्च प्रयोजकं
नावं निस्तीर्णकान्तारा अनातुराश्च चिकित्सितम् ॥
- विदुरनीति

Transliteration:
ṣaṭ ete hi avamanyante nityaṃ pūrva upakāriṇāṃ
ācāryaṃ śikṣitāḥ śiṣyāḥ kṛtadārāḥ ca mātaram ।
nārīṃ vigata-kāmaḥ tu kṛta-arthaḥ ca prayojakaṃ
nāvaṃ nistīrṇa-kāntārāḥ anāturāḥ ca cikitsitam ॥
- viduranīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

These six people show disrespect to those who have been their benefactors earlier: a student who has already learned to his teacher; a married man to his mother; a lustless man to a woman; one whose motive has been fulfilled to the benefactor; a person who has crossed a difficult river to the boat; a fully recovered person to the doctor. 

Commentary:

When one tolerates disrespect, he only diminishes his self-worth. 

A man who has no lust has no desire for a woman. After crossing a river, no one takes the boat home to honor it. However, some situations are different. When one receives assistance, the least he can offer in return is: gratitude. It is a sad reality that students sometimes show disrespect to their teachers. A son forgets the sacrifices his parents made for him when he finds a spouse. A patient, once healed, often forgets the doctor's skill and effort.  These are people who walk away without a word of thanks after receiving all the help they need. 

Such actions speak volumes about a person’s character. When someone disrespects you, the natural impulse is to try and win their respect.  In reality, it reflects their values rather than our worth.  It is better to distance ourselves from those who hold such shallow values. The most effective way to end disrespect is not giving them the chance to do it again! 

Children who are allowed to be disrespectful to their parents will never have true respect for anyone. We must never take others for granted, no matter how much they love us. Sooner or later, even the most patient will tire. 

Disrespect is never justified. Above all, we must never disrespect those who stood by us in our times of need.  The more we embrace gratitude, the more life offers reasons to be thankful for.  

pada vigrahaH:
षट् एते हि अवमन्यन्ते नित्यं पूर्व उपकारिणां
ṣaṭ ete hi avamanyante nityaṃ pūrva upakāriṇāṃ

आचार्यं शिक्षिताः शिष्याः कृतदाराः च मातरम् ।
ācāryaṃ śikṣitāḥ śiṣyāḥ kṛtadārāḥ ca mātaram ।

नारीं विगत-कामः तु कृत-अर्थः च प्रयोजकं
nārīṃ vigata-kāmaḥ tu kṛta-arthaḥ ca prayojakaṃ

नावं निस्तीर्ण-कान्ताराः अनातुराः च चिकित्सितम् ॥
nāvaṃ nistīrṇa-kāntārāḥ anāturāḥ ca cikitsitam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ShaDete hyavamanyante nityaM poorvopakaariNaaM
aachaaryaM shikShitaaH shiShyaaH kRutadaaraashcha maataram ।
naareeM vigatakaamastu kRutaarthashcha prayojakaM
naavaM nisteerNakaantaaraa anaaturaashcha chikitsitam ॥
- viduranIti

ShaT ete hi avamanyante nityaM poorva upakaariNaaM
aachaaryaM shikShitaaH shiShyaaH kRutadaaraaH cha maataram ।
naareeM vigata-kaamaH tu kRuta-arthaH cha prayojakaM
naavaM nisteerNa-kaantaaraaH anaaturaaH cha chikitsitam ॥

October 31st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

विद्यार्थी सेवकः पान्थः क्षुधाऽर्तो भयकातरः ।

भाण्डारी प्रतिहारी च सप्त सुप्तान् प्रबोधयेत् ॥

- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:

vidyārthī sevakaḥ pānthaḥ kṣudhā'rto bhayakātaraḥ ।

bhāṇḍārī pratihārī ca sapta suptān prabodhayet ॥

- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A student, a servant, a traveler, one famished with hunger, one who is scared, one who is the safe-keeper of the storehouse, and a watchman—if sleeping, these 7 must be woken up. 

Commentary:

Sleeping on the job doesn't suit anyone.  However, sleepers in certain roles are required to be awakened without any delay.  The wisdom embedded in this verse highlights the essential nature of responsibility and the urgency of these roles in the greater scheme of life.

The Student: A student in slumber is akin to a mind lying dormant, missing the opportunity to absorb and cultivate wisdom. Awakening the student means stirring the intellect and ensuring his learning does not stop. 

The Servant: When a servant sleeps, the work that needs to be done goes unattended. A servant’s role is vital to maintaining balance and harmony, and his slumber is a lapse in the steady rhythm of life.

The Traveler: Life is a journey, and every traveler has a destination. When he is supposed to be traveling, a traveler who is sleepy is not progressing on his path. This reminds us that being alert on the journey is just as significant as the destination itself. 

The Famished One: Hunger is a primal force that demands immediate attention; it cannot be left unattended. Awakening the famished person is a call to acknowledge our needs—whether for food, love, care, or connection—and to address them with urgency. 

The Scared One: The fearful one is caught in the paralyzing grip of anxiety, hesitation, or uncertainty. To awaken the scared one means to awaken courage—the ability to face the unknown, step into discomfort, and act despite fear. 

The Safe-Keeper of the Storehouse: This individual has the responsibility to ensure that valuable resources are protected, preserved, and distributed as needed. If he falls asleep, everything he is safeguarding is at risk. Sleep, in this case, represents neglect or apathy toward his role and hence he needs to be awakened. 

The Watchman: The watchman stands as the first line of defense, and must be ever alert and aware of potential dangers. A sleeping watchman exposes the vulnerable to harm. He has to be watchful of what may threaten society and hence needs to be awakened.

In essence, these seven figures represent different facets of human temperaments: intellect, duty, purpose, need, courage, protection, and vigilance. When any of these aspects fall into a state of dormancy, life becomes disordered. We must awaken them from slumber, not just to survive, but to thrive.

pada vigrahaH:

विद्यार्थी सेवकः पान्थः क्षुधा-आर्तः भय-कातरः ।

vidyārthī sevakaḥ pānthaḥ kṣudhā-ārtaḥ bhaya-kātaraḥ ।

भाण्डारी प्रतिहारी च सप्त सुप्तान् प्रबोधयेत् ॥

bhāṇḍārī pratihārī ca sapta suptān prabodhayet ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

vidyaarthI sevakaH paanthaH kShudhaa'rto bhayakaataraH ।

bhANDaarI pratihaarI ca sapta suptaan prabodhayet ॥

- chaaNakya neeti

vidyaarthI sevakaH paanthaH kShudhaa-aartaH bhaya-kaataraH ।

bhANDaarI pratihaarI ca sapta suptaan prabodhayet ॥

October 3rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

ध्यानमूलं गुरोर्मूर्तिः पूजामूलं गुरोः पदम् ।

मन्त्रमूलं गुरोर्वाक्यं मोक्षमूलं गुरोः कृपा ॥

Transliteration:

dhyānamūlaṃ gurormūrtiḥ pūjāmūlaṃ guroḥ padam ।

mantramūlaṃ gurorvākyaṃ mokṣamūlaṃ guroḥ kṛpā ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The form of a guru is the root of meditation; the feet of a guru are the source of worship; the words of a guru are the origins of mantras (guidance); the grace of a guru is the basis of (attaining) liberation.  

Commentary:

A guru is exalted as God.  He is revered as divine, placed at par with one’s mother and father. The Sanskrit expression गुरुत्वात् गुरुः (gurutvāt guruḥ) translates to: “One is called a guru due to the weight of his profound qualities.”  Here, a guru is not just someone who imparts a few lessons or skills. In the truest sense, a guru is the one who leads us to Self-knowledge, the realization of our true essence beyond body, mind, and intellect.

In the presence of such a guru, one experiences an unshakable peace of mind, free from fear and anxiety. Such a master, capable of dissolving ignorance and guiding us toward the Self, deserves the title—Guru.

Self-knowledge offers the deepest understanding of who we truly are. One can access this wisdom only through the grace and guidance of a guru. By ourselves, we remain entangled in the illusion of samsāra, the cycle of worldly sorrows. Our habitual identification with the body, mind, and intellect binds us to suffering. However, the guru's teachings break these shackles, leading us toward inner freedom. The knowledge he imparts frees us from ignorance, thereby dissolving our attachments and illusions.

There is no adequate way to express our gratitude to a guru.  All question marks bow down in front of the exclamatory experience of a Guru! His wisdom transforms our lives, pointing us to the ultimate Truth.  

It is said, "When the disciple is ready, the guru appears. When the disciple is truly ready, the guru disappears."  This reflects the selfless nature of a guru. A true teacher never fosters dependence but instead empowers the disciple to become independent in his quest for Truth. A guru gives the right knowledge, guiding the student to awaken to the Truth on his own. 

Hence, the verse rightly proclaims that the very form of a guru is a focal point enough for meditation.  His feet are the perfect place to offer our worship, symbolizing surrender and reverence.  His words are the very source of mantras (Vedic words that give us ultimate knowledge).  We would not be able to understand the mantras without a guru's counsel.  Finally, with his divine grace, we can attain liberation, realizing our oneness with the Absolute. He is not merely a teacher but the bridge between ignorance and realization, bondage and freedom.

Thus, a guru is the one who shows us the way beyond worldly illusions, guiding us toward the Truth of our being, where all separation dissolves. Through his guidance, we awaken to the truth of who we are, and through his grace, we achieve liberation.

May the guru help us cross the ocean of samsāra with ease!

pada vigrahaH:

ध्यान-मूलं गुरोः मूर्तिः पूजा-मूलं गुरोः पदम् ।

dhyāna-mūlaṃ guroḥ mūrtiḥ pūjā-mūlaṃ guroḥ padam ।

मन्त्र-मूलं गुरोः वाक्यं मोक्ष-मूलं गुरोः कृपा ॥

mantra-mūlaṃ guroḥ vākyaṃ mokṣa-mūlaṃ guroḥ kṛpā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

dhyaanamUlaM gurormUrtiH pUjaamUlaM guroH padam |

mantramUlaM gurorvaakyaM mokShamUlaM guroH kRupaa ||

dhyaana-mUlaM guroH mUrtiH pUjaa-mUlaM guroH padam |

mantra-mUlaM guroH vaakyaM mokSha-mUlaM guroH kRupaa ||

September 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
स्थानेषु शिष्यनिवहैर्विनियुज्यमाना
विद्या गुरुं हि गुणवत्तरमातनोति ।
आदाय शुक्तिषु बलाहकविप्रकीर्णैः
रत्नाकरो भवति वारिभिरम्बुराशिः ॥
- अनर्घराघव

Transliteration:
sthāneṣu śiṣyanivahairviniyujyamānā
vidyā guruṃ hi guṇavattaramātanoti ।
ādāya śuktiṣu balāhakaviprakīrṇaiḥ
ratnākaro bhavati vāribhiramburāśiḥ ॥
- anargharāghava

Meaning of the subhAShita:

(When) a student employs (appropriate) knowledge at the right place, it certainly is a manifestation of his guru's knowledge.  (After all) it is the ocean that is called 'ratnākara' (maker of precious jewels) as he brings the scattered raindrops from the clouds to the pearl shells (to make the pearls)!

Commentary:

One may be very skilled and efficient at performing an assigned task.  But the truth is, the skill is just a manifestation of the knowledge given to him by his guru!  It is the guru who identifies the potential in a student and gives him the knowledge that he can carry.  The guru shapes such a student with all the tools essential for his chosen field.  He makes the student capable enough to pull out the right tool at the right time and employ it for the right purpose.  The outcome of the student's actions is truly a manifestation of the greatness of the teacher himself!

A beautiful example that establishes this is the 'ocean', popularly referred to as ratnākara (gem-maker).  The clouds can shower all the rain they want and oysters in the pearl shells can keep their shells open for as long as they choose. But if the ocean does not deliver the scattered raindrops from the clouds to the oysters, they cannot make beautiful pearls!  Although the oyster physically makes the pearl, the credit goes to the ocean by naming him as 'ratnākara'!  The guru is the channel through whom vidyā is transmitted from generation to generation and is hence upheld always.

Prostrations to the guru who is himself an embodiment of knowledge and the authority for transcending that knowledge through the generations!  Veneration to the feet of our gurus for all that we are today!!

pada vigrahaH:
स्थानेषु शिष्य-निवहैः विनियुज्यमाना
sthāneṣu śiṣya-nivahaiḥ viniyujyamānā

विद्या गुरुं हि गुणवत्तरम् आतनोति ।
vidyā guruṃ hi guṇavattaram ātanoti ।

आदाय शुक्तिषु बलाहक-विप्रकीर्णैः
ādāya śuktiṣu balāhaka-viprakīrṇaiḥ

रत्नाकरः भवति वारिभिः अम्बु-राशिः ॥
ratnākaraḥ bhavati vāribhiḥ ambu-rāśiḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sthaaneShu shiShyanivahairviniyujyamaanaa
vidyaa guruM hi guNavattaramaatanoti ।
aadaaya shuktiShu balaahakaviprakIrNaiH
ratnaakaro bhavati vaaribhiramburaashiH ॥
- anargharaaghava

sthaaneShu shiShya-nivahaiH viniyujyamaanaa
vidyaa guruM hi guNavattaram aatanoti ।
aadaaya shuktiShu balaahaka-viprakIrNaiH
ratnaakaraH bhavati vaaribhiH ambu-raashiH ॥

September 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
न भार्यया समं मित्रं न च धर्मो दयासमः ।
न स्वातन्त्र्यसमं सौख्यं गार्हस्थ्यान्नाश्रमो वरः ॥
- पद्मपुराण

Transliteration:
na bhāryayā samaṃ mitraṃ na ca dharmo dayāsamaḥ ।
na svātantryasamaṃ saukhyaṃ gārhasthyānnāśramo varaḥ ॥
- padmapurāṇa

Meaning of the subhAShita:

There is no friend equal to the wife; there is no dharma (ordinance) which equates to compassion; there is no comfort parallel to freedom; there is no āśrama (stage of life) more blessed than that of a householder.

Commentary:

Unparalleled aspects of life:

• One cannot find a friend better than a spouse.  There are many stages of life and one leans on different people at different times for different requirements.  Eventually, he outgrows them all.  One depends on parents from childhood, but then, parents pass on... One may think children, but, they grow their wings and move on...  Friends come and go.  Only the spouse, who hops on the wagon during the prime of one's life, stays on till the end—be it good times or bad!  The most intimate and longest relationship which one can possibly share throughout his life is with the spouse.  Hence, there is no friend better than the wife/husband!
• The essence of all scriptures preaches one chosen ordinance—compassion.  If that is learnt and imbibed, there is no need for reading or chanting any religious/spiritual texts.  Whether one is literate in the various practices or not, if one can have compassion towards all beings just the same, his spiritual training has already excelled.
• One can have the best of comforts.  But, if he is imprisoned in the shackles of restraint, be it in a prison cell or inside the walls of a palatial mansion, he can't be happy!  The sense of liberation one feels in freedom is unsurpassed and all beings long for that complete freedom always.
• A householder's stage of life has been deemed the best of all stages of life!  The technical definition of a gṛhastha (householder) is a person who is married and is undertaking the responsibilities of the family.  Why is this stage considered the best of all stages in life?  It is because he is in the prime years of his life.  His schooling is complete, his body is hale and healthy, and his children and elders alike look for support from him.  He is the one who helps sustain all the other 3 stages of life in society, namely—student-hood; retirement; old age.

Nothing equals the happiness of the person who performs his deeds to the best of his abilities and knows the value of these privileges when he has them.

pada vigrahaH:
न भार्यया समं मित्रं न च धर्मः दया-समः ।
na bhāryayā samaṃ mitraṃ na ca dharmaḥ dayā-samaḥ ।

न स्वातन्त्र्य-समं सौख्यं गार्हस्थ्यात् न आश्रमः वरः ॥
na svātantrya-samaṃ saukhyaṃ gārhasthyāt na āśramaḥ varaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
na bhaaryayaa samaM mitraM na cha dharmo dayaasamaH ।
na svaatantryasamaM saukhyaM gaarhasthyaannaashramo varaH ॥
- padmapuraaNa

na bhaaryayaa samaM mitraM na cha dharmaH dayaa-samaH ।
na svaatantrya-samaM saukhyaM gaarhasthyaat na aashramaH varaH॥

September 23rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
आचार्यात् पादमादत्ते पादं शिष्यः स्वमेधया ।
कालेन पादमादत्ते पादं सब्रह्मचारिभिः ॥  
-महाभारत, उद्योग

Transliteration:
ācāryāt pādamādatte pādaṃ śiṣyaḥ svamedhayā ।
kālena pādamādatte pādaṃ sabrahmacāribhiḥ ॥
-mahābhārata, udyoga

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A (student) acquires a quarter (of the knowledge) from his teacher, a quarter from his own intelligence, a quarter is grasped over time (and) a quarter from his classmates.

Commentary:

For one's learning sources are many. One cannot expect a teacher to prepare a potent potion for every lesson and feed it to him all at once. The teacher's contribution to one's learning is only twenty-five percent. The other twenty-five percent comes from the student's own interests and perceptions. One quarter comes from his fellow mates. Due to differences in perception, fellow students might have a different outlook. Those outlooks give insight into the topic from a different angle many a times. Hence, even classmates contribute to one's learning.  Another quarter comes over time. Although one has memorized all the chapters and scriptures, new meanings shall dawn upon him over a period of time. With age and maturity, comes a deeper understanding of the concepts learnt in grade school sometimes!

Learning doesn't stop after graduation. Like the poet says, a quarter of the knowledge is gained over time! Learning is a constant process. Someone said, "I am learning all the time; my tombstone will be my diploma!"  Anyone who stops learning is old; his chronological age doesn't matter. There is something new to learn every day if one pays attention. Learning is a treasure that follows its owner everywhere. Why not learn with all effort and attention?!

pada vigrahaH:
आचार्यात् पादम् आदत्ते पादं शिष्यः स्व-मेधया ।
ācāryāt pādam ādatte pādaṃ śiṣyaḥ sva-medhayā ।

कालेन पादम् आदत्ते पादं सब्रह्मचारिभिः ॥
kālena pādam ādatte pādaṃ sabrahmacāribhiḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
aachaaryaat paadamaadatte paadaM shiShyaH svamedhayaa ।
kaalena paadamaadatte paadaM sabrahmachaaribhiH ||
- mahaabhaarata, udyoga

aachaaryaat paadam aadatte paadaM shiShyaH sva-medhayaa ।

kaalena paadam aadatte paadaM sabrahmachaaribhiH ||

August 31st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अयुक्तं स्वामिनो युक्तं युक्तं नीचस्य दूषणम् ।
अमृतं राहवे मृत्युः विषं शङ्करभूषणम् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
ayuktaṃ svāmino yuktaṃ yuktaṃ nīcasya dūṣaṇam ।
amṛtaṃ rāhave mṛtyuḥ viṣaṃ śaṅkarabhūṣaṇam ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

(Even) that which is unsuitable is suitable for a master, (but even) that which is approved is a misfit for the inferior. The divine nectar brought death to Rāhu, whereas poison became an adornment to Lord Shiva.

Commentary:

'One size fits all', isn't always the rule! Something grossly out of line may fit quite right for a master. Whereas even that which is deemed perfectly perfect might bring disgrace to the inferior!

The example given by the poet is that of Rāhu and Shiva. Being a demon, Rāhu, stealthily sat amidst the devas(demi-gods) and consumed the divine nectar (which bestows immortality). Seeing that he was cheating, Lord Vishnu beheaded him. But since he had already consumed a portion of the nectar, he lived, except with his head separated from his body! Hence, even the divine nectar proved disastrous for Rāhu! 

On the other hand, Lord Shiva consumed the poison that came out in the process of churning the milky ocean (in pursuit of obtaining the divine nectar), to save the world from its ill effects. Goddess Pārvatī, His wife, stopped it in his neck, making him Nīlakaṇṭha (the blue-necked one). Even poison became an adornment for the Lord!

The action itself does not make the difference, but the intentions and worthiness of the person performing it do. Many times, that which is right and appropriate for one person cannot be acceptable for another.  A scientist can experiment with new chemicals in the lab, whereas a student who is learning acids from bases better refrain from mixing liquids in the lab as per his whims!

A master can formulate anything with ease. Mastery comes with a good heart and good intentions. When your heart is pure and filled with good intentions, you don’t have to prove it to anyone. Your actions will do that.

pada vigrahaH:
अयुक्तं स्वामिनः युक्तं युक्तं नीचस्य दूषणम् ।
ayuktaṃ svāminaḥ yuktaṃ yuktaṃ nīcasya dūṣaṇam ।

अमृतं राहवे मृत्युः विषं शङ्कर-भूषणम् ॥
amṛtaṃ rāhave mṛtyuḥ viṣaṃ śaṅkara-bhūṣaṇam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ayuktaM svaamino yuktaM yuktaM nIchasya dUShaNam ।
amRutaM raahave mRutyurviShaM sha~nkarabhUShaNam ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

ayuktaM svaaminaH yuktaM yuktaM nIchasya dUShaNam ।

amRutaM raahave mRutyuH viShaM sha~nkara-bhUShaNam ॥

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 ॥

July 5th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
काकदृष्टिर्बकध्यानं श्वाननिद्रा तथैव च ।
अल्पाहारो जीर्णवस्त्रं च एतद्विद्यार्थिलक्षणम् ॥

Transliteration:
kākadṛṣṭirbakadhyānaṃ śvānanidrā tathaiva ca ।
alpāhāro jīrṇavastraṃ ca etadvidyārthilakṣaṇam ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

These are the characteristics of a student—the sight of a crow, the attention of a stork, the sleep of a dog, very little food, and worn-out clothes.

Commentary:

Pick the best traits from whoever or wherever it is! Just as every being has their own imperfections, they have a specific trait that they have mastered. A student, especially, needs to be on the lookout, constantly, to acquire the best qualities. Striving to be a student throughout one's life is the most blissful experience!

1. A crow in some respects, is considered the most basal of birds, but not in its skill for observation! It has very keen eyesight and nothing goes unobserved. That kind of cognizance is essential if one is interested in increasing his knowledge base and getting to the bottom of things.
2. A stork is popular for its attention. It can stand on one leg for hours on end without moving. It stands still in the water and waits patiently for fish to pass by. Since the stork is motionless, the fish are not warned by the stork's presence, and its patience gets rewarded. This kind of concentration should be learnt from the stork. Without concentration, a deeper understanding of any subject matter is impossible.
3. A dog is very easy to wake up. Even when it sleeps, it is very aware of its surroundings and is ready to jump up at the slightest stir. Also, when he wakes up, he doesn't sleepwalk drowsily. He is up with full attention! Such should be the alertness of a student. Excessive sleep leads only to waste of time and laziness. It is not proactive towards learning either.
4. Consuming too much food makes one feel heavy, lazy, and sleepy. Hence, a student is advised to consume food in small portions. It also prevents him from indulging himself in pleasing his palate, which can become another hindrance to learning.
5. Worn-out clothes (jīrṇavastraṃ), are emphasized for students. The reason is—if he wants his clothes to be new and updated with the latest trends, his time and energy get wastefully spent on acquiring those clothes, making sure he looks good with all other accessories that go with them, etc. When attention and dedication get diverted from the core subject and delve into unwanted interests.  Then, productivity in learning is anyone's guess!

Hence, the characteristics of a true student are defined as the above 5 traits. Like they say, 'Genius is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration'. Vidyā (knowledge) never comes easily. One has to strive hard for it. If he adapts these traits then it will not seem like an effort anymore!

pada vigrahaH:
काक-दृष्टिः बक-ध्यानं श्वान-निद्रा तथा एव च ।
kāka-dṛṣṭiḥ baka-dhyānaṃ śvāna-nidrā tathā eva ca ।

अल्प-आहारो जीर्ण-वस्त्रं च एतत् विद्यार्थि-लक्षणम् ॥
alpa-āhāro jīrṇa-vastraṃ ca etat vidyārthi-lakṣaṇam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kaakadRuShTirbakadhyaanaM shvaananidraa tathaiva cha ।
alpaahaaro jIrNavastraM cha etadvidyaarthilakShaNam ॥

kaaka-dRuShTiH baka-dhyaanaM shvaana-nidraa tathaa eva cha ।

alpa-aahaaro jIrNa-vastraM cha etat vidyaarthi-lakShaNam ॥

June 16th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
श्लोकेन वा तदर्धेन पादेनैकाक्षरेण वा ।
अबन्ध्यं दिवसं कुर्यात् ध्यानाध्ययन कर्मभिः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
ślokena vā tadardhena pādenaikākṣareṇa vā ।
abandhyaṃ divasaṃ kuryāt dhyānādhyayana karmabhiḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Every day, one should study a verse, or a half, or a quarter, or even a syllable. Never waste a day without contemplating and learning.

Commentary:

From learning to smile to putting the first steps, to talking the first words; from school to college, from college to post-graduation, every new day is a new life with new learning! After these stages, life stagnates because learning stagnates! It is easy for people to succumb to their routines and mundane chores. The love for learning can be lost in sight.

The reason is not busy schedules—it is prioritization! If learning is a top priority, one will find a way to set aside some time for learning regularly. Learning is beneficial in many ways. Not only does the knowledge base improve, but it also keeps the brain younger and sharper. There is no better way to whet the brain's appetite than by keeping it active and alert!

The verse says one should learn a verse, or half, or a quarter, or at least a syllable. One of the reasons for this is that in the olden days, all knowledge was passed on in the form of verses.  They had methods to memorize easily and pass it on to future generations without errors, even when there were no mediums to write. The very essence of life was captured and encapsulated into power-packed verses. Learning them meant not just chanting them, but contemplating their meaning and applying them to daily lives. Life is precious and short at the same time. Not a single day should be wasted without learning and contemplating the teachings extracted from these verses from the scriptures.

One should get over the idea that only children should spend their time in study. Be a student so long as you still have something to learn.  This means one's whole lifetime! It is very appropriately said, "I am learning all the time. My tombstone will be my diploma."  There is no ending to learning. Honestly, one's life is too short to do all the learning, contemplating, and pondering that there is. So, keep thinking, keep learning, keep growing...

pada vigrahaH:
श्लोकेन वा तत् अर्धेन पादेन एक-अक्षरेण वा ।
ślokena vā tat ardhena pādena eka-akṣareṇa vā ।

अबन्ध्यं दिवसं कुर्यात् ध्यान-अध्ययन-कर्मभिः ॥
abandhyaṃ divasaṃ kuryāt dhyāna-adhyayana-karmabhiḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
shlokena vaa tadardhena paadenaikaakShareNa vaa ।
abandhyaM divasaM kuryaat dhyaanaadhyayana karmabhiH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

shlokena vaa tat ardhena paadena eka-akShareNa vaa ।

abandyaM divasam kuryaat dhyaana-adhyana-karmabhiH ॥

April 6th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
कामं क्रोधं तथा लोभं स्वादं शृङ्गारकौतुके ।
अतिनिद्राऽतिसेवा च विद्यार्थी ह्यष्टवर्जयेत् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
kāmaṃ krodhaṃ tathā lobhaṃ svādaṃ śṛṅgārakautuke ।
atinidrā'tisevā ca vidyārthī hyaṣṭavarjayet ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

These 8 should be shunned by a student—desire, anger, avarice, taste, eroticism, vehemence, too much sleep, and overly tending.

Commentary:

The only goal of a student must be earning knowledge (vidyā)! To keep his focus on the goal he should avoid disruptive situations with conscious effort. For that, a student must shun the following 8 undesirable attributes.

1. Desire—deviates from the goal and takes all the energy into fulfilling that desire.
2. Anger—clouds judgment.
3. Avarice (greed)—delineates from the ethics being learnt.
4. Taste—weaknesses of the palate draw away from learning in many ways: health, alertness, and aptitude.
5. Eroticism—this has no place in a student's life. Indulgence and learning do not go hand in hand as they take the individual in completely opposite directions. 
6. Vehemence—learning takes a lot of patience and thinking. Getting emotional and becoming impatient is not coherent with learning.
7. Oversleep—rest is required but in proper proportions. Sleeping too much mars alertness and paves the way for laziness. Losing precious time that could be utilized in learning is a whole other issue.
8. Overly tending—tending to elders and teachers is very much professed. But being unduly subservient dispels one's ability to think on his own. One of the requirements for learning is inquisitiveness. An excessively subservient learner takes every word literally and does not inculcate independent thinking.

Beware of these 8 hurdles on the path of learning. Obstacles must be overcome through strategy and learning from experiences.  When that is done, you are already halfway towards success!

pada vigrahaH:
कामं क्रोधं तथा लोभं स्वादं शृङ्गार-कौतुके ।
kāmaṃ krodhaṃ tathā lobhaṃ svādaṃ śṛṅgāra-kautuke ।

अति-निद्रा अति-सेवा च विद्यार्थी हि अष्ट-वर्जयेत् ॥
ati-nidrā ati-sevā ca vidyārthī hi aṣṭa-varjayet ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kaamaM krodhaM tathaa lobhaM svaadaM shRu~ngaarakautuke ।
atinidraa.tisevaa cha vidyaarthI hyaShTavarjayet ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

kaamaM krodhaM tathaa lobhaM svaadaM shRu~ngaara-kautuke ।

ati-nidraa ati-sevaa cha vidyaarthI hi aShTa-varjayet ॥

March 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
गुरोरप्यवलिप्‍तस्य कार्याकार्यमजानतः ।
उत्पथं प्रतिपन्नस्य कार्यं भवति शासनम् ॥
- महाभारत


Transliteration:
gurorapyavalip‍tasya kāryākāryamajānataḥ ।
utpathaṃ pratipannasya kāryaṃ bhavati śāsanam ॥
- mahābhārata

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Even though he is a teacher or elderly, if he is haughty, astray, or doesn't distinguish between befitting and unfit deeds, one should not hesitate to chastise him.

Commentary:

As much as the culture professes—respecting elders and doing service to them—it also gives the youngsters the authority to call them out on their blunders and correct them when they go astray!

When a grown-up takes a wrong step, whether knowingly or unknowingly, youngsters are not just given the leniency to correct them, rather the verse says that it becomes their prime responsibility! Dharma should be upheld irrespective of age or position. The outcome of deeds will not change whether performed by a teacher, parent, or a king. That means virtue and righteousness (dharma) have no distinctions of designations. Whether it is a king, soldier, father, son, mother, daughter, teacher, or student—dharma has to be upheld and advocated by everyone.

Your dharma requires you to get out of your own way! Do not hesitate to stand up for and uphold dharma, no matter what.

pada vigrahaH:
गुरोः अपि अवलिप्‍तस्य कार्य-अकार्यम् अजानतः ।
guroḥ api avalip‍tasya kārya-akāryam ajānataḥ ।

उत्पथं प्रतिपन्नस्य कार्यं भवति शासनम् ॥
utpathaṃ pratipannasya kāryaṃ bhavati śāsanam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
gurorapyavaliptasya kaaryaakaaryamajaanataH ।
utpathaM pratipannasya kaaryaM bhavati shaasanam ॥
- mahaabhaarata

guroH api avaliptasya kaarya-akaaryam ajaanataH ।

utpathaM pratipannasya kaaryaM bhavati shaasanam ॥

February 19th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
धर्मार्थौ यत्र न स्यात्तां शुश्रूषावाऽपि तद्विधा ।
तत्र विद्या न वक्तव्या शुभं बीजमिवोषरे ॥
- मनुस्मृति


Transliteration:
dharmārthau yatra na syāttāṃ śuśrūṣāvā'pi tadvidhā ।
tatra vidyā na vaktavyā śubhaṃ bījamivoṣare ॥
- manusmṛti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Do not teach vidyā (knowledge) in a place where there is no dharma (righteousness), purpose, or tending. (Because), it will be as agreeable as planting a (perfectly) robust seed in a barren land.

Commentary:

Every effort has a result. Though one should not be attached or desirous of a certain outcome, one should certainly be thoughtful about the fruitfulness of his efforts.

There are some basic requirements for a recipient of vidyā. He should have value for values, act righteously, have a purpose in life, be humble, and be prepared to serve. An absence of any of these qualities will not qualify him as a good student. These qualities are essential because they aid in his quest for knowledge and in turn, his growth.

The verse says that giving vidyā (knowledge) to someone without these qualifications is as futile as planting a flourishing seed in a barren land. Although the seed is good, it can't yield anything due to its circumstances and surroundings. Similarly, educating an unqualified person is a waste of time and energy.

pada vigrahaH:
धर्म अर्थौ यत्र न स्यात् तां शुश्रूषौ वा अपि तत् विधा ।
dharma arthau yatra na syāt tāṃ śuśrūṣau vā api tat vidhā ।

तत्र विद्या न वक्तव्या शुभं बीजम् इव ओषरे ॥
tatra vidyā na vaktavyā śubhaṃ bījam iva oṣare ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
dharmaarthau yatra na syaattaaM shushrUShaavaa.pi tadvidhaa ।
tatra vidyaa na vaktavyaa shubhaM bIjamivoShare ॥
- manusmRuti

dharma arthau yatra na syaat taaM shushrUShau vaa api tat vidhaa ।

tatra vidyaa na vaktavyaa shubhaM bIjam iva oShare ॥

January 28th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
नित्यं क्रोधात्तपो रक्षेत् धर्मं रक्षेच्च मत्सरात् ।
विद्यां मानापमानाभ्याम् आत्मानं तु प्रमादतः ॥
- महाभारत, वनपर्व


Transliteration:
nityaṃ krodhāttapo rakṣet dharmaṃ rakṣecca matsarāt ।
vidyāṃ mānāpamānābhyām ātmānaṃ tu pramādataḥ ॥
- mahābhārata, vanaparva

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Always protect penance from anger; save righteousness from jealousy; defend knowledge from (the clutches of) pride and contempt; protect oneself (soul) from misdeeds.

Commentary:

In the scriptures is the proof of maharṣi dūrvāsa's rage. There are stories where his anger brought down the strength of his numerous penances. Penance (tapas) does not just imply the act of penance (performing rigorous rituals). It is a depiction of any kind of austerity. It could be as simple as vāktapas—the discipline of speech, which we follow in our day-to-day lives. Anger breaks this discipline. Anger and penance are two things that don't go hand in hand. Therefore, penance needs to be protected from anger.

Virtue and righteousness are life essentials. If one gets into the grip of jealousy, his sense of righteousness gets thrown to the wind. He would go to any level in order to satiate his jealousy. But he forgets one point—that jealousy is like a fire, a fire that is inside himself. It burns the bearer first and then everyone else around him. To reach higher goals in life, one must follow the path of dharma. The biggest obstacle on the path of dharma is jealousy. One must save dharma from jealousy.

Knowledge is the one tool that makes us different from animals. However, with the accumulation of knowledge comes the feeling of pride and contempt. Pride, because 'I know all these things', or contempt, because 'someone doesn't'. Contempt can come from the learned towards the less learned. These basal feelings will alter the path of a vidyārthī (student). If he is too proud of his prowess, then his growth will be curtailed. Or, if he lets someone's contempt discourage him, this also will curtail his growth. Vidyā should be saved from the clutches of pride and contempt.

All in all, one should beware of misdeeds. A misdeed is considered as any action that is not proactive towards the betterment of the soul. One should protect himself and his soul from misdeeds at all costs.

Beware of the vices in the path of virtue. 

pada vigrahaH:

नित्यं क्रोधात् तपः रक्षेत् धर्मं रक्षेत् च मत्सरात् ।
nityaṃ krodhāt tapaḥ rakṣet dharmaṃ rakṣet ca matsarāt ।

विद्यां मान-अपमानाभ्याम् आत्मानं तु प्रमादतः ॥
vidyāṃ māna-apamānābhyām ātmānaṃ tu pramādataḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
nityaM krodhaattapo rakShet dharmaM rakShechcha matsaraat ।
vidyaaM maanaapamaanaabhyaam aatmaanaM tu pramaadataH ॥
- mahaabhaarata, vanaparva

nityaM krodhaat tapaH rakShet dharmaM rakShet cha matsaraat ।

vidyaaM maana-apamaanaabhyaam aatmaanaM tu pramaadataH ॥

January 22nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यथा खनन् खनित्रेण नरो वार्यधिगच्छति ।
तथा गुरुगतां विद्यां शुश्रूषुरधिगच्छति ॥
- मनुस्मृति


Transliteration:
yathā khanan khanitreṇa naro vāryadhigacchati ।
tathā gurugatāṃ vidyāṃ śuśrūṣuradhigacchati ॥
- manusmṛti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Just as a person gets to water by digging with a spade, similarly one attains vidyā (knowledge) from a guru (teacher) by serving him.

Commentary:

It is a known fact that to get to the water reserves on earth, one has to work tirelessly and dig with an axe/spade. To dig a well, one cannot just dig a few times here and there, then move from one place to another, and then again move to a different spot, etc. He has to choose the place he wants the well to be in and then keep digging deeper in the same location until he finds water. This process needs patience, perseverance, and dedication.  Only then, can he dig a well!

Similarly, if one is interested in learning vidyā, he needs to find the right guru for him, in whom he has total faith and trust. He needs to continuously serve this guru with utmost respect and dedication. Just as one can't make a well by digging in different spots, one cannot attain knowledge also by jumping from one guru to another, or by paying attention randomly and inconsistently. 

The attitude with which the guru is regarded makes a tremendous difference in the amount of learning. If two students go to the same guru—the one who is keen to learn will absorb more from the guru than the one who has barely paid attention. Just like blotting paper absorbs the liquid quicker than sandpaper, an eager and attentive student will absorb knowledge faster.  

Having the right attitude and perseverance are key to being good students.

आचार्य देवो भव (ācārya devo bhava)—(deem) the teacher as God himself!

pada vigrahaH:

यथा खनन् खनित्रेण नरः वारी अधिगच्छति ।
yathā khanan khanitreṇa naraḥ vārī adhigacchati ।

तथा गुरुगतां विद्यां शुश्रूषुः अधिगच्छति ॥
tathā gurugatāṃ vidyāṃ śuśrūṣuḥ adhigacchati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yathaa khanan khanitreNa naro vaaryadhigachChati ।
tathaa gurugataaM vidyaaM shushrUShuradhigachChati ॥
- manusmRuti

yathaa khanan khanitreNa naraH vaarI adhigachChati ।

tathaa gurugataaM vidyaaM shushrUShuH adhigachChati ॥

December 10th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
क्षणशः कणशश्चैव विद्यामर्थं च साधयेत् ।
क्षणत्यागे कुतो विद्या कणत्यागे कुतो धनम् ॥
- सुभाषितावलि

Transliteration:
kṣaṇaśaḥ kaṇaśaścaiva vidyāmarthaṃ ca sādhayet ।
kṣaṇatyāge kuto vidyā kaṇatyāge kuto dhanam ॥
- subhāṣitāvali

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Knowledge and wealth are procured with every moment and grain (respectively). (If) a moment is wasted, how can knowledge (be accrued)? (If a) grain is wasted, how can wealth (be accumulated)?

Commentary:

There is no limit to learning. If one is willing to further his quest for knowledge, he has to work incessantly towards achieving that goal. Every moment lost is equivalent to vidyā (knowledge) lost. The message for a student, (vidyārthī - literally, one yearning for vidyā) is: He has to strive continuously and focus on learning more each day, each hour, each moment.

If a farmer is willing to harvest more, he has to value every grain that he has grown. He cannot be negligent and scatter his harvest around. The advocacy here is not for becoming stingy, but to be mindful of the value of the grains and the toil that went into growing the grains. Only then can he be prosperous!

Just as every drop of water adds to become the mighty ocean, every moment of learning accounts for one's knowledge.  Every ounce of grain contributes to making one prosperous!

pada vigrahaH:
क्षणशः कणशः च एव विद्याम् अर्थं च साधयेत् ।
kṣaṇaśaḥ kaṇaśaḥ ca eva vidyām arthaṃ ca sādhayet ।

क्षण-त्यागे कुतः विद्या कण-त्यागे कुतः धनम् ॥
kṣaṇa-tyāge kutaḥ vidyā kaṇa-tyāge kutaḥ dhanam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kShaNashaH kaNashashchaiva vidyaamarthaM cha saadhayet
kShaNatyaage kuto vidyaa kaNatyaage kuto dhanam
- subhaaShitaavali

kShaNashaH kaNashaH cha eva vidyaam arthaM cha saadhayet ।

kShaNa tyaage kutaH vidyaa kaNa tyaage kutaH dhanam ॥

November 18th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सुखार्थी वा त्यजेद्विद्यां विद्यार्थी वा त्यजेत्सुखम् ।
सुखार्थिनः कुतो विद्या कुतो विद्यार्थिनः सुखम् ॥
- महाभारत, उद्योगपर्व


Transliteration:
sukhārthī vā tyajedvidyāṃ vidyārthī vā tyajetsukham ।
sukhārthinaḥ kuto vidyā kuto vidyārthinaḥ sukham ॥
- mahābhārata, udyogaparva

Meaning of the subhAShita:

If one is a seeker of pleasures then he should give up (the quest for) vidyā (knowledge); if he is a seeker of knowledge then he should forego comforts. For the one longing for comfort, where does knowledge come from? For the one desirous of knowledge, where do comforts come from?

Commentary:

Convenience and scholarship do not go hand in hand... If one goes east, the other goes west! One who longs to learn and yearns for knowledge cannot afford to bask in comfort. A student should work towards learning more every minute of the day. His thoughts and deeds should always be oriented toward achieving a higher goal. Only then, can one be called a true student!

When presented with a choice, the seeker of knowledge chooses to pursue the path of knowledge as against choosing something that gives momentary pleasure.  If hard work is his weapon, success will be his slave. 

Let's keep learning.  Let's keep working! 

pada vigrahaH:

सुख-अर्थी वा त्यजेत् विद्यां विद्या-अर्थी वा त्यजेत् सुखम्।
sukha-arthī vā tyajet vidyāṃ vidyā-arthī vā tyajet sukham।

सुख-अर्थिनः कुतः विद्या कुतः विद्या-अर्थिनः सुखम् ॥
sukha-arthinaḥ kutaḥ vidyā kutaḥ vidyā-arthinaḥ sukham ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sukhaarthI vaa tyajedvidyaaM vidyaarthI vaa tyajetsukham ।
sukhaarthinaH kuto vidyaa kuto vidyaarthinaH sukham ॥
- mahaabhaarata, udyogaparva

sukha-arthI vaa tyajet vidyaaM vidyaa-arthI vaa tyajet sukham ।

sukha-arthinaH kutaH vidyaa kutaH vidyaa-arthinaH sukham ॥

October 24th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
मन्त्रे तीर्थे द्विजे दैवे दैवज्ञे भेषजे गुरौ ।
यादृशी भावना यत्र सिद्धिर्भवति तादृशी ॥
- समयोचितपद्यमालिका


Transliteration:
mantre tīrthe dvije daive daivajñe bheṣaje gurau ।
yādṛśī bhāvanā yatra siddhirbhavati tādṛśī ॥
- samayocitapadyamālikā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The usefulness of mantras, pilgrimages, brāhmaṇas (knower of Brahman), deities, seekers/knowers of God, doctors, and teachers will be proportional to the faith we put in them.

Commentary:

Vedic chants, prayers, places of worship, brāhmaṇas (brāhmaṇa here is not a Brāhmin in the community, but a brāhmaṇa - one who knows Brahman) and their knowledge, Gods and Goddesses, ascetics, doctors, and teachers—all these groups contribute to society in their own special ways. How useful they are to us depends on how much faith we put in them!

There are lots of examples of this in real life where a particular treatment was fruitful to one person and not to another. In a Placebo effect, they are not even given a real medicine but they seem to get better just because they believe the medication will help them! 

A particular teacher might be thought of as a 'wonderful one' by one student, whereas a 'hopeless one' by another. The first student learns much more than the other one, from the same teacher.  

Miracles seem to happen to some people and not to others. The list goes on. 

The mysterious ingredient behind these differences in results is, probably, the faith with which they started off, in the first place. People who have more trust end up getting better results!

Trust is the highest form of human motivation. It brings out the very best in people. Begin with trust.  Even if the results end up being bad, accept it as God's will. He knows what's best for whom. He never lets anyone down, anywhere, anytime!

pada vigrahaH:
मन्त्रे तीर्थे द्विजे दैवे दैवज्ञे भेषजे गुरौ ।
mantre tīrthe dvije daive daivajñe bheṣaje gurau ।

यादृशी भावना यत्र सिद्धिः भवति तादृशी ॥
yādṛśī bhāvanā yatra siddhiḥ bhavati tādṛśī ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
mantre tIrthe dvije daive daivajne bheShaje gurou ।
yaadRushee bhaavanaa yatra siddhirbhavati taadRushee ॥
- samayochitapadyamaalikaa

mantre tIrthe dvije daive daivaj~je bheShaje gurou ।

yaadRushee bhaavanaa yatra siddhiH bhavati taadRushee ॥

October 8th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
एकमेवाक्षरं यस्तु गुरुः शिष्यं प्रबोधयेत् ।
पृथिव्यां नास्ति तद्द्रव्यं यद्दत्वा चानृणीभवेत् ॥

Transliteration:
ekamevākṣaraṃ yastu guruḥ śiṣyaṃ prabodhayet ।
pṛthivyāṃ nāsti taddravyaṃ yaddatvā cānṛṇībhavet ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:
Even when the teacher has given the student insight into one syllable, there is no such wealth on this earth (one can give) to become free from this debt. 

Commentary:

A 'teacher' is not just a person officially anointed as a teacher. Any person from whom we learn should be considered a teacher. It does not even have to involve a huge amount of learning. The poet says, that even in an instance where one has learned only one syllable (alphabet) from a teacher, there isn't any wealth on this earth, which he can give to free himself from that 'ṛṇa' (debt)!

One can only imagine how immensely indebted we are to our true gurus, parents, and ācārya-s!  They enlighten us and lead us on the right path.  They take us from darkness towards light.  By no means, can we pay off that debt and claim ourselves to have become debt-free!  The only way to repay our debt is by paying it forward.  We can do so by learning their teachings, applying them in our lives, and passing on the knowledge to others.

Great opportunities to help others seldom come by, but small ones surround us every day!  Giving back to society by whatever means or form should become second nature. 

pada vigrahaH:
एकम् एव अक्षरं यः तु गुरुः शिष्यं प्रबोधयेत् ।
ekam eva akṣaraṃ yaḥ tu guruḥ śiṣyaṃ prabodhayet ।

पृथिव्यां न अस्ति तत् द्रव्यं यत् दत्वा च अनृणी भवेत् ॥
pṛthivyāṃ na asti tat dravyaṃ yat datvā ca anṛṇī bhavet ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ekamevaakSharaM yastu guruH shiShyaM prabodhayet ।
pRuthivyaaM naasti taddravyaM yaddatvaa chaanRuNIbhavet ॥

ekam eva akSharaM yaH tu guruH shiShyaM prabodhayet ।

pRuthivyaaM naasti tat dravyaM yat datvaa cha anRuNI bhavet ॥

Rashmi Kashi

Blogger since 2007

Princeton, NJ, USA

Bachelors in Comp. Sc.,
Best student award
Bangalore University

Masters in Sanskrit,
Gold-medalist, 5th Rank
Mysore University

My Interests:  Reading, Writing, Teaching, Volunteering, Subhāṣitas, Sanskrit, Cooking, Making children smile, Being a student always!

My Works:  

Volunteer at Chinmaya Vrindavan, NJ.

Teacher of Sanskrit classes, Chanting classes, and Culture and Heritage classes since 2007.

Blogger since 2007.

Vlogger since 2018.

Substitute teacher at public schools.

My Books:  

Published 4 books on Sanskrit Subhāṣitas

• Sanskrit Pearls Vol. 1 
• Sanskrit Pearls Vol. 2 
• Sanskrit Pearls Vol. 3
• Sanskrit Pearls (consolidated and enhanced) 

My Blogs:

Sanskrit Pearls - A blog of Subhāṣitas with audios, meanings, and expositions.

Sanskrit Study - A blog for a beginner to intermediate level of study of the Sanskrit language.

Sanskrit Games - A blog with fun, games, and riddles in Sanskrit.

Sanskrit Prayers - A blog with scripts for commonly used prayers with notations for easy learning and precise pronunciations.

Kashi Delights - A blog with recipes for healthy and exquisite homemade foods along with tips, tricks, and pictures.

My Vlogs:

Sanskrit Musings - A series of short YouTube videos published weekly for 6 months for Project Gita.  If knowledge is the content, language is its container!  These videos (on YouTube) explain a few Sanskrit names and terms from the Bhagavad Geeta, along with their linguistic, historic, and symbolic meanings.

Mahabharata Matters - A vlog series, discussing the matters of Mahabharata, because even today, Mahabharata Matters!  Short videos narrating the stories of the Mahabharata (from start to finish), and the values that can be learned through those stories were posted every day, along with takeaway messages.  That's what makes The Mahabharata very relevant to us even today!