December 8th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अकारणेनैव चतुराः तर्कयन्ति परेङ्गितम् ।
गर्भस्थं केतकीपुष्पम् आमोदेनेव षट्पदाः ॥

-प्रसन्नराघव 

Transliteration:
akāraṇenaiva caturāḥ tarkayanti pareṅgitam ।
garbhasthaṃ ketakīpuṣpam āmodeneva ṣaṭpadāḥ ॥
-prasannarāghava

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Without any summons, the clever inquire into others' intentions; (just as), the bees (locate) a hidden ketakI flower simply with its fragrance.

Commentary:

It is said that one's outward actions reveal his/her hidden intentions!  A person doesn't necessarily express all his thoughts in actions or words.  The reasons for this could be many—he may not have the necessary circumstances or ambiance or lack the communication skills to express himself.

However, a clever person does not necessarily have to be told!  He can assimilate the thoughts and intentions of the other just through subtle hints such as body language or other environmental factors. Like in the fable, Androcles understood that the Lion had a thorn in his foot without being told by the Lion.

The poet gives the example of the bees.  They do not need to physically see the fragrant ketakI flower before aspiring to sip its nectar.  They can follow the scent of the flower and zero in on the exact location of it even if it lies hidden or far from sight!  Similar is the way of an intelligent person.  He can grasp the intentions of other people, whether good or bad.  

Anyone can handle a situation better if he understands the other person.  If the intentions are good, they can aid each other in materializing their thoughts.  If the intentions are bad, it is certainly smart to stay away from such a situation or such a company.  Hence, in all scenarios, being adept and skillful at reading another's mind is certainly a blessing!

The intelligence to read another's mind makes one think from the other person's perspective.  This gives a vision beyond what meets the eye and he becomes less judgemental.  Blessed are people who have this attitude and so are the ones that keep such company!

pada vigrahaH:
अकारणेन एव चतुराः तर्कयन्ति पर-इङ्गितम् ।
akāraṇena eva caturāḥ tarkayanti para-iṅgitam ।

गर्भस्थं केतकी-पुष्पम् आमोदेन इव षट्पदाः ॥

garbhasthaṃ ketakī-puṣpam āmodena iva ṣaṭpadāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
akaaraNenaiva chaturaaH tarkayanti pare~ngitam ।
garbhasthaM ketakIpuShpam aamodeneva ShaTpadaaH ॥

-prasannaraaghava 

akaaraNena eva chaturaaH tarkayanti para-i~ngitam ।

garbhasthaM ketakI-puShpam aamodena iva ShaTpadaaH ॥

November 20th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अनायासेन मरणं विना दैन्येन जीवनम् ।
देहान्ते तव सायुज्यं देहि मे पार्वतीपते ॥
Transliteration:
anāyāsena maraṇaṃ vinā dainyena jīvanam ।
dehānte tava sāyujyaṃ dehi me pārvatīpate ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Death without exertion, life without affliction, your proximity (attainment of your abode) upon leaving the body—grant me these, O husband of Pārvati! 

Commentary:

Upon being asked 'What do you want?', one may seek a plethora of wishes—a big house, a bigger bank balance, plentiful youth, good children, lots of friends, good health—the list can be endless!

However, the author of this verse has very simple, yet profound and eternal wishes to ask for!

No matter how many riches one is showered with if he is enduring a painful existence in his body, who would not want to be liberated from that pain?!  The best ambiance and the greatest food will prove repulsive for someone who is suffering from miseries of any kind—it could be some physical pain, being on life support, or a mental affliction too.  Everyone wants to live a fruitful and satisfying life and pass away peacefully without much effort, exertion, or toil.  This is certainly something to pray for!

While living, there can be multitudes of scarcities—there are places where there is not enough drinking water, enough food to eat, or a shelter to sleep under.  Such scenarios are not pleasant and one would want to be released from the affliction of any kind of poverty.  This is surely something to pray for so that life's goals can be pursued without strife.

Throughout our lives, we are taught to engage in good deeds to be liberated from the bondage of birth and death.  Attaining the union with the Lord is the final goal for everyone.  If one is granted the abode of the Lord Himself, a merger with the Lord of Pārvati, and being one with Parashiva Himself, what more would one ever want?!!

Think about it...  Aren't these the aspects one should contemplate upon and ask for?! 

pada vigrahaH:
अनायासेन मरणं विना दैन्येन जीवनम् ।
anāyāsena maraṇaṃ vinā dainyena jīvanam ।

देह-अन्ते तव सायुज्यं देहि मे पार्वती-पते ॥
deha-ante tava sāyujyaṃ dehi me pārvatī-pate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
anaayaasena maraNaM vinaa dainyena jeevanam ।
dehaante tava saayujyaM dehi me paarvatIpate ॥

anaayaasena maraNaM vinaa dainyena jeevanam ।

deha-ante tava saayujyaM dehi me paarvatI-pate ॥

October 31

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अपूर्वः कोऽपि कोशोऽयं विद्यते तव भारति ।
व्ययतो वृद्धिमायाति क्षयमायाति सञ्चयात् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
apūrvaḥ ko'pi kośo'yaṃ vidyate tava bhārati ।
vyayato vṛddhimāyāti kṣayamāyāti sañcayāt ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

O, Devi Saraswati (Bhārati),  your repository is like none other!  Upon spending, it grows; upon gathering, it shrinks!!

Commentary:

In a transactional world, what do we see?  If we spend something, what we retain decreases; upon collecting, what we possess increases.  But in Goddess Saraswati's arena, the rules are completely opposite.

When one expends his knowledge—in teaching or sharing with others—his horizons broaden. While teaching, a new outlook might dawn on him, something he had never thought of before.  His memory gets refreshed every time he shares what he knows.  It gives him clarity of thought and a better understanding of the material.  His value for what he is teaching intensifies in himself.  It will be reinforced in his mind and his faith in it will get stronger!  It is a complete win-win situation!!

In a contrasting scenario, if one collects shells, his collection stays intact if he keeps it to himself.  However, keeping knowledge to oneself (or confined to books) only aids in the dissipation of that knowledge.  This is because he is not allowing himself to reflect upon that knowledge.  Knowledge that is not put into practice is of no use anyway.  Over time, he may even forget what he learnt.  Worse, upon the passing away of that person, that particular knowledge may die with him!  The best way to repay our gurus and teachers is by passing on the knowledge that they have imparted to us.  If one stagnates that knowledge in himself, he is curtailing the growth of all the coming generations.  If our ancestors did the same to us, every generation would have to start all over, beginning from inventing fire using fire stones!!

Knowledge is like water.  It is sparkling and crystal clear when flowing.  If it stagnates, it becomes a swamp!  Anyone would readily drink water from a running stream rather than a stagnant swamp.  So, why not let knowledge flow like a river, soak in its refreshing waters, and let it expand?!  Being born as humans, each of us has an undying thirst for learning.  Let's satiate our thirst by learning from others, and quell the strife in others by sharing what we know!

pada vigrahaH:
अपूर्वः कः अपि कोशः अयं विद्यते तव भारति ।
apūrvaḥ kaḥ api kośaḥ ayaṃ vidyate tava bhārati ।

व्ययतः वृद्धिम् आयाति क्षयम् आयाति सञ्चयात् ॥
vyayataḥ vṛddhim āyāti kṣayam āyāti sañcayāt ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
apUrvaH ko.pi kosho.yaM vidyate tava bhaarati ।
vyayato vRuddhimaayaati kShayamaayaati sa~nchayaat ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

apUrvaH kaH api koshaH ayaM vidyate tava bhaarati ।

vyayataH vRuddhim aayaati kShayam aayaati sa~nchayaat ॥

September 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
चित्ते प्रसन्ने भुवनं प्रसन्नं चित्ते विषण्णे भुवनं विषण्णम् ।
अतोऽभिलाषो यदि ते सुखे स्यात् चित्तप्रसादे प्रथमं यतस्व ॥

Transliteration:
citte prasanne bhuvanaṃ prasannaṃ citte viṣaṇṇe bhuvanaṃ viṣaṇṇam ।
ato'bhilāṣo yadi te sukhe syāt cittaprasāde prathamaṃ yatasva ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

If the mind is happy, the entire world (seems) happy.  If the mind is despondent, the whole world (seems) despondent.  Hence, if you desire happiness, strive towards the happiness of the mind first.

Commentary:

It's all in the mind! 

The mind, by definition, is the set of cognitive faculties that enables consciousness, perception, thinking, judgment, and memory. It is subtle—imperceptible through the five gross sense organs—and can only be experienced by oneself. While we may attempt to understand another’s mind, complete perception is exclusive to the individual. A subhāṣita even exaggerates this, stating, "That which is in one’s mind cannot be perceived even by Lord Brahma, the creator." Such is the complexity of the mind!

Having established the intricacy of the mind, what role does it play in shaping one’s outlook? Simply put, if the mind is happy, the world appears joyful and vibrant; if the mind is sad, the world seems gloomy and bleak. The same surroundings can feel vastly different depending on the state of one’s mind. Naturally, no one wants sadness—we all seek happiness and peace. So, the first step is to focus on keeping the mind happy!

How can this be achieved? By cultivating a positive outlook on life, trusting that a higher power is always watching over us, and believing that everything happens for our betterment. A positive attitude fosters a merry mind. A child is inherently happy without needing a reason—if we adults could adopt that simplicity, the world would truly become a beautiful place. With a healthy mind, even physical ailments could diminish, as a cheerful mind contributes to a healthy body. The state of one’s mind influences every level of being—body, mind, and intellect.

To become a well-rounded individual, it is essential to nurture a positive and cheerful mind. Stay happy, and embrace the journey of understanding life!

pada vigrahaH:
चित्ते प्रसन्ने भुवनं प्रसन्नं चित्ते विषण्णे भुवनं विषण्णम् ।
citte prasanne bhuvanaṃ prasannaṃ citte viṣaṇṇe bhuvanaṃ viṣaṇṇam ।

अत: अभिलाषः यदि ते सुखे स्यात् चित्त-प्रसादे प्रथमं यतस्व ॥
ataḥ abhilāṣaḥ yadi te sukhe syāt citta-prasāde prathamaṃ yatasva ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
chitte prasanne bhuvanaM prasannaM chitte viShaNNe bhuvanaM viShaNNam ।
ato.bhilaaSho yadi te sukhe syaat chittaprasaade prathamaM yatasva ॥

chitte prasanne bhuvanaM prasannaM chitte viShaNNe bhuvanaM viShaNNam ।

ataH abhilaaShaH yadi te sukhe syaat chitta-prasaade prathamaM yatasva ॥

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 ॥

July 21st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अज्ञेभ्यो ग्रन्थिनः श्रेष्ठाः ग्रन्थिभ्यो धारिणो वराः ।
धारिभ्यो ज्ञानिनः श्रेष्ठाः ज्ञानिभ्यो व्यवसायिनः ॥
- मनुस्मृति

Transliteration:
ajñebhyo granthinaḥ śreṣṭhāḥ granthibhyo dhāriṇo varāḥ ।
dhāribhyo jñāninaḥ śreṣṭhāḥ jñānibhyo vyavasāyinaḥ ॥
- manusmṛti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Among the ignorant, a well-read person is better. Among the well-read, those who have a grasp (of the material) are a blessing.  In the midst of those with a good grasp, those who have assimilated the knowledge are considered better. Among those who have assimilated the knowledge, those who put it to practice are deemed the best!

Commentary:

There are many ignorant people in the world.  In their midst, someone who is well-read and knowledgeable is respected.

But then, is it enough to just be well-read?  In a crowd of well-read people, someone who has a good handle on the (memorized) material is looked up to.

Obviously, if one has to choose between one who has memorized against one who has understood the subject, the vote would go to the person who has understood the substance.

So, does it make the one who has understood the material the best?  Oh, no!  If someone who has understood were to stand against someone who has put it into practice, who would be revered?!  Invariably, it would be the one who has put it into practice and made the knowledge his own!!

Practice what you preach and preach what you practice!  If one just spoke and never internalized the content, he has no authority over that knowledge, nor does his preaching have any value. The world around respects and reveres him who puts his own words and knowledge into practice.  Assimilating the knowledge and putting it to use is the best culminating point for any learning.

If one is incorporating his learning, he doesn't have to proclaim that he has an abundance of information.  He doesn't have to blow his own conch about how well-read he is nor does he have to await accolades for his understanding.  When one applies his knowledge in his day-to-day life, the rest of the 3 factors are a given!  This means he is well-read, has understood, and has assimilated all that knowledge.  Else, he wouldn't be able to incorporate it into his daily life!

It is said that an ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching.  There is also the fact that practice makes perfect!  So get practising and perfecting!!

pada vigrahaH:
अज्ञेभ्यः ग्रन्थिनः श्रेष्ठाः ग्रन्थिभ्यः धारिणः वराः ।
ajñebhyaḥ granthinaḥ śreṣṭhāḥ granthibhyaḥ dhāriṇaḥ varāḥ ।

धारिभ्यः ज्ञानिनः श्रेष्ठाः ज्ञानिभ्यः व्यवसायिनः ॥
dhāribhyaḥ jñāninaḥ śreṣṭhāḥ jñānibhyaḥ vyavasāyinaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
aj~nebhyo granthinaH shreShThaaH granthibhyo dhaariNo varaaH ।
dhaaribhyo j~naaninaH shreShThaaH j~naanibhyo vyavasaayinaH ॥
- manusmRuti

aj~nebhyaH granthinaH shreShThaaH granthibhyaH dhaariNaH varaaH ।

dhaaribhyaH j~naaninaH shreShThaaH j~naanibhyaH vyavasaayinaH ॥

June 16th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
ज्येष्ठो भ्राता पिता चैव यश्च विद्यां प्रयच्छति ।
त्रयस्ते पितरो ज्ञेयाः धर्मे वर्त्मनि वर्तिनः ॥
-रामायण, किष्किन्धा

Transliteration:

jyeṣṭho bhrātā pitā caiva yaśca vidyāṃ prayacchati ।
trayaste pitaro jñeyāḥ dharme vartmani vartinaḥ ॥
-rāmāyaṇa, kiṣkindhā

Meaning of the subhAShita:

An elder brother, the father himself, and he who gives knowledge—these three are to be perceived (respected) as fathers by those on the path of virtue.

Commentary:

Father, as we know by definition, is the man who gives birth. He is to be respected and revered always! In one's life, many such father figures are encountered too.  The poet says

• an elder brother, who protects, nurtures, and guides his siblings, is also equivalent to a father. 
• the biological father is definitely revered for all the tending and selfless love he showers on his children!  
• a guru who imparts knowledge and gives birth to a new perspective in a person is also to be revered as a father! (Especially spiritual gurus and guides.  They help one absolve his ignorance and lead him on the path of ultimate knowledge).

Hence, those on the path of virtue find many such father figures to whom they offer veneration and obeisance throughout their lives. Many times, it may not be expressed in so many words, but that gratitude and high regard for them shall linger in the hearts of the virtuous forever!

May we all be blessed with such father figures and their guidance always!

pada vigrahaH:
ज्येष्ठः भ्राता पिता च एव यः च विद्यां प्रयच्छति ।
jyeṣṭhaḥ bhrātā pitā ca eva yaḥ ca vidyāṃ prayacchati ।

त्रयः ते पितरः ज्ञेया धर्मे वर्त्मनि वर्तिनः ॥
trayaḥ te pitaraḥ jñeyā dharme vartmani vartinaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
jyeShTho bhraataa pitaa chaiva yashcha vidyaaM prayachChati ।
trayaste pitaro j~neyaaH dharme vartmani vartinaH ॥
-raamaayaNa, kiShkindhaa

jyeShThaH bhraataa pitaa cha eva yaH cha vidyaaM prayachChati ।

trayaH te pitaraH j~neyaaH dharme vartmani vartinaH ॥

May 24th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
आलस्यं हि मनुष्याणां शरीरस्थो महान् रिपुः ।
नास्त्युद्यमसमो बन्धुः कुर्वाणो नावसीदति ॥
- नीतिशतक

Transliteration:

ālasyaṃ hi manuṣyāṇāṃ śarīrastho mahān ripuḥ ।
nāstyudyamasamo bandhuḥ kurvāṇo nāvasīdati ॥
- nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Laziness present in one's body is the biggest enemy of humans.  There is no kin parallel to zeal, and he who is zealous never perishes.

Commentary:

If one is weary and indolent in executing his work, then he doesn't have to wait for the results of his task.  He would have sabotaged it all on his own!  To avoid doing the work, he finds excuses of all kinds.  The worst hurdle and enemy one could have in his path is his own laziness.  Hence, he shall perish under the grip of an enemy who dwells within him—laziness!

On the contrary, a zealous person can conquer anything in this world.  He will work something out and find one way or another to arrive at a suitable solution to the impending task at hand.  When such is the attitude, who or what can hold him back?!  No job is too tedious for him.  He faces and tackles any circumstance with zeal.  Success and accolades are only a matter of time for such a person.  Hence, the author says zeal is the best ally to oneself!  He who leans on such self-reliant factors is bound to excel in any field.

Hence, it is rightly said—zeal is a volcano, at the tip of which, the grass of failure can never grow!  So, get working!!

pada vigrahaH:
आलस्यं हि मनुष्याणां शरीरस्थः महान् रिपुः ।
ālasyaṃ hi manuṣyāṇāṃ śarīrasthaḥ mahān ripuḥ ।

न अस्ति उद्यम-समः बन्धुः कुर्वाणः न अवसीदति ॥
na asti udyama-samaḥ bandhuḥ kurvāṇaḥ na avasīdati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
aalasyaM hi manuShyaaNaaM sharIrastho mahaan ripuH ।
naastyudyamasamo bandhuH kurvaaNo naavasIdati ॥
- nItishataka

aalasyaM hi manuShyaaNaaM sharIrasthaH mahaan ripuH ।

na asti udyama-samaH bandhuH kurvaaNaH na avasIdati ॥

April 10th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अज्ञानादथवा ज्ञानात् उत्तमश्लोकनाम यत् ।
सङ्कीर्तितमघं पुंसः दहेदेधो यथानलः ॥
- भागवत

Transliteration:
ajñānādathavā jñānāt uttamaślokanāma yat ।
saṅkīrtitamaghaṃ puṃsaḥ dahededho yathānalaḥ ॥
- bhāgavata

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Whether consciously or unawares, uttering the (Lord's) most elevated name shall burn the sins of the person, just as fuel (when it comes in contact with) fire.

Commentary:

When there is a pile of wood (fuel), whether one strikes a match at it with the intent to light a fire, or an innocent child unaware of the consequence strikes a match..., the end result is the same!  The wood would be set ablaze!!  Similarly is taking the name of the Lord.  Whether one intentionally prays to Him or accidentally takes His name, that person's baggage of sins will get burnt.

There are multitudes of ways to show devotion to Him.  Whether one remembers Him as the Supreme Lord, a friend, a well-wisher, a beloved, a parent, or even as an enemy, just by remembering the Lord, the sins of a being (person) are burnt to ashes; just as fire would burn the firewood!

In such a case, what if one is intentionally and intensely remembering Him?!  There are no words to describe the amount of bliss he would be attaining!  This bliss would surpass everything else in this world.

Now, it is entirely up to us whether we let the Lord keep us from sin or let sin keep us from the Lord!

pada vigrahaH:
अज्ञानात् अथवा ज्ञानात् उत्तम-श्लोक-नाम यत् ।
ajñānāt athavā jñānāt uttama-śloka-nāma yat ।

सङ्कीर्तितम् अघं पुंसः दहेत् एधः यथा अनलः ॥
saṅkīrtitam aghaṃ puṃsaḥ dahet edhaḥ yathā analaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
aj~naanaadathavaa j~naanaat uttamashlokanaama yat ।
sa~nkIrtitamaghaM puMsaH dahededho yathaanalaH ॥
- bhaagavata

aj~naanaat athavaa j~naanaat uttama-shloka-naama yat ।

sa~nkIrtitam aghaM puMsaH dahet edhaH yathaa analaH ॥

March 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
नास्ति विद्यासमं चक्षुः नास्ति सत्यसमं तपः ।
नास्ति रागसमं दुःखं नास्ति त्यागसमं सुखम् ॥ 
-महाभारत, शान्ति

Transliteration:
nāsti vidyāsamaṃ cakṣuḥ nāsti satyasamaṃ tapaḥ ।
nāsti rāgasamaṃ duḥkhaṃ nāsti tyāgasamaṃ sukham ॥
-mahābhārata, śānti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

There is no eye equal to knowledge; there is no penance parallel to truth; there is no pain akin to desire; there is no happiness synonymous with renunciation/sacrifice.

Commentary:

When one reads or acquires a new piece of knowledge, he says, that was an 'eye-opener'!  Rightfully so!  If one has to know something, the best way is to see it.  For, seeing is believing!  To get a full understanding of anything, one has to use a faculty of vision—either the physical vision or the vision of the mind.  Without that, the cognition stays incomplete.  Hence, the author says that knowledge is the best tool for perception as it gives the best vision.

To do penance, one doesn't have to go to a remote cave on an abandoned hill.  Penance, basically is a task that must be carried out constantly; something that takes effort and willpower to keep up with.  To achieve this, if one resolves to always speak the truth and never utter a lie, that would qualify for penance.  To undergo such a vow and keep up with it might be the toughest task on a day-to-day basis.  Yet if one keeps it up, he does not have to do any other penance!!  Then, what to speak about one's quest for the ultimate truth!!  That would be the ultimate kind of penance.

Vehement desire is the root cause of all sorrows.  Who can deny that!  As soon as a desire arises in the mind, it constantly conspires towards making it a reality.  Just as one begins to entertain the thought, it holds a firm grip on all his thoughts and actions from there onwards.  Burning with the desire to satisfy his desires, one may undergo many hardships or compromise many ideals.  This road can only lead to distress, disappointment, and destruction.  Hence, desire is the sole cause of despair.

The best and easiest way to happiness is renunciation.  Renunciation, not in terms of duties, but in terms of expectations and hopes; not in terms of life, but in terms of attachments and bindings.  As soon as one gives up these restrictions, there is only unbound happiness!  Hence surrender/relinquishment is the best way to happiness.

Making oneself happy, is certainly in his own hands.  Only he can keep his own troubles at bay!

pada vigrahaH:
न अस्ति विद्या-समं चक्षुः न अस्ति सत्य-समं तपः ।
na asti vidyā-samaṃ cakṣuḥ na asti satya-samaṃ tapaḥ ।

न अस्ति राग-समं दुःखं न अस्ति त्याग-समं सुखम् ॥
na asti rāga-samaṃ duḥkhaṃ na asti tyāga-samaṃ sukham ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
naasti vidyaasamaM chakShuH naasti satyasamaM tapaH ।
naasti raagasamaM duHkhaM naasti tyaagasamaM sukham ॥
-mahaabhaarata, shaanti

na asti vidyaa-samaM chakShuH na asti satya-samaM tapaH ।

na asti raaga-samaM duHkhaM na asti tyaaga-samaM sukham ॥

February 12th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
न त्वहं कामये राज्यं न स्वर्गं नापुनर्भवम् ।
कामये दुःखतप्तानां प्राणिनाम् आर्तिनाशनम् ॥
- भागवत

Transliteration:
na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ na svargaṃ nāpunarbhavam ।
kāmaye duḥkhataptānāṃ prāṇinām ārtināśanam ॥
- bhāgavata

Meaning of the subhAShita:

I certainly am desirous of neither sovereignty nor (want to attain) heaven nor mokṣa (salvation).  I yearn for the relinquishment of grief, of all beings afflicted with pain.  

Commentary:

Everyone aspires to acquire land, reach heaven after passing, or, even better, attain mokṣa. Yet, the author declares that none of these are his desires! While these goals may hold primary importance for most beings, the ultimate reason behind them is the same—to attain happiness. Whether it is acquiring property, accumulating wealth, or seeking mokṣa to escape the burdens of life, the underlying aspiration is to find relief from suffering.

But there is something even more essential and universally desirable for any living creature: freedom from pain. Pain is a peculiar and relentless force—it grips the mind tightly. From a newborn to the elderly, everyone instinctively avoids pain. If fear of death is considered the greatest fear, it is not the event of death itself but the anticipated pain accompanying it that is most dreaded. As someone humorously remarked, "I am not afraid of death; I just don’t want to be there when it happens!"

The fear of pain—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—drives many of the choices and actions people make in life. Yet, pain can often be alleviated or diminished simply by transforming our thoughts. Positive thinking has the power to banish half the pain we endure. Perhaps it’s time to energize and focus our thoughts in the right direction!

Now imagine a world where we are assured of a life without pain, no matter the circumstances. How wonderful that world would be! This is precisely what the author prays for: the universal and essential gift of painlessness for all beings. Such a prayer transcends all creatures that ever took a breath. If there were no pain, who would crave power or possessions? Who would fear being born again and again?

A world without pain would truly be heaven on Earth!

pada vigrahaH:
न तु अहं कामये राज्यं न स्वर्गं न अपुनः भवम् ।
na tu ahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ na svargaṃ na apunaḥ bhavam ।

कामये दुःख-तप्तानां प्राणिनाम् आर्ति-नाशनम् ॥
kāmaye duḥkha-taptānāṃ prāṇinām ārti-nāśanam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
na tvahaM kaamaye raajyaM na swargaM naapunarbhavam ।
kaamaye duHkhataptaanaaM praaNinaam aartinaashanam ॥
- bhaagavata

na tu ahaM kaamaye raajyaM na swargaM na apunaH bhavam ।

kaamaye duHkha-taptaanaaM praaNinaam aarti-naashanam ॥

January 1st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सन्तोषः परमो लाभः सत्सङ्गः परमा गतिः ।
विचारः परमं ज्ञानं शमो हि परमं सुखम् ॥

Transliteration:
santoṣaḥ paramo lābhaḥ satsaṅgaḥ paramā gatiḥ ।
vicāraḥ paramaṃ jñānaṃ śamo hi paramaṃ sukham ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Contentment is the highest gain; the company of the wise is the best acquisition.  Reflection is the paramount form of knowledge; quietude of the mind is the zenith of happiness. 

Commentary:

One may accumulate wealth in many forms and shapes.  He may be the richest person in the entire world.  However, he who has the most is not rich but he who needs the least!  Without the factor of contentment, no amount of possessions will make him happy.  Hence, attaining contentment is the attainment of the highest order.

People tend to emulate those who are around them.  One can progressively better himself only if he has someone better than himself to emulate.  That can happen only in the company of the good and wise.  If one attains such company bettering himself is only a matter of time.  Hence, attaining good company is unparalleled.

Reading, listening, watching—all these are means of learning.  But, unless it is reflected upon and inculcated into one's life, he does not have the authority over that knowledge.  Hence reflection is the best form of knowledge.

Some may say that happiness can be found in many things—having grand possessions, a fat bank balance, or a sleek car.  Those are ephemeral.  Possessions can be lost, bank balance can dwindle, and a car can get rusty.  What lasts forever is the tranquility of the mind.  If one has succeeded at silencing the mind's chatter, he has found the pinnacle of happiness.

May this verse be a harbinger of progress, achievement, knowledge, and enjoyment!  

May everyone attain contentment, company of the wise, time to reflect, and the serenity of the mind. 

pada vigrahaH:
सन्तोषः परमः लाभः सत्-सङ्गः परमा गतिः ।
santoṣaḥ paramaḥ lābhaḥ sat-saṅgaḥ paramā gatiḥ ।

विचारः परमं ज्ञानं शमो हि परमं सुखम् ॥
vicāraḥ paramaṃ jñānaṃ śamo hi paramaṃ sukham ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
santoShaH paramo laabhaH satsa~ngaH paramaa gatiH ।
vichaaraH paramaM j~naanaM shamo hi paramaM sukham ॥

santoShaH paramaH laabhaH sat-sa~ngaH paramaa gatiH ।

vichaaraH paramaM j~naanaM shamo hi paramaM sukham ॥

December 8th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वागर्थाविव सम्पृक्तौ वागर्थप्रतिपत्तये  ।
जगतः पितरौ वन्दे पार्वतीपरमेश्वरौ ॥ 
- रघुवंश (कालिदास)

Transliteration:
vāgarthāviva sampṛktau vāgarthapratipattaye ।
jagataḥ pitarau vande pārvatīparameśvarau ॥
- raghuvaṃśa (kālidāsa)

Meaning of the subhAShita:

I pray to the progenitors of the universe—Pārvatī, and Parameśvara, who themselves are interspersed like speech and meaning—for the attainment of articulation and understanding.

Commentary:

There can be no meaning without speech and no speech without meaning. Whenever someone speaks, meaning inevitably accompanies it. Even if one speaks mindlessly, their speech still carries meaning—whether sensible or not! This illustrates that speech and meaning are inseparable; one cannot exist without the other. Like milk and honey stirred together, they become one, impossible to separate. Such is the union and camaraderie of Lord Shiva and Pārvatī, speech and meaning.

The renowned poet Kālidāsa seeks blessing in his prayer and invokes this inseparability of seamless articulation and understanding in his compositions. This opening verse precedes his famous epic, Raghuvaṃśa (The Dynasty of Rāma).

Meaningful speech is timeless and essential, shaping communication and the quality of life itself. The ability to connect with others—and even with ourselves—depends on it. Who wouldn’t wish to be blessed with these finest skills by the divine embodiments of eloquence and wisdom themselves?!

pada vigrahaH:
वाक्-अर्थौ इव सम्पृक्तौ वाक्-अर्थ-प्रतिपत्तये  ।
vāk-arthau iva sampṛktau vāk-artha-pratipattaye ।

जगतः पितरौ वन्दे पार्वती-परमेश्वरौ ॥
jagataḥ pitarau vande pārvatī-parameśvarau ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
vaagarthaaviva sampRuktau vaagarthapratipattaye ।
jagataH pitarau vande paarvatIparameshvarau ॥
- raghuvaMsha (kaalidaasa)

vaak-arthau iva sampRuktau vaak-artha-pratipattaye  ।

jagataH pitarau vande paarvatI-parameshvarau ॥

October 24th

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

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

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

Commentary:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

gaganaM gagana-aakaaraM saagaraH saagara-upamaH ।

raama-raavaNayoH yuddhaM raama-raavaNayoH iva ॥

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 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यदि सत्सङ्गनिरतः भविष्यसि भविष्यसि ।
तथा सज्जनगोष्ठीषु पतिष्यसि पतिष्यसि ॥
- हितोपदेश, मित्रलाभ

Transliteration:
yadi satsaṅganirataḥ bhaviṣyasi bhaviṣyasi ।
tathā sajjanagoṣṭhīṣu patiṣyasi patiṣyasi ॥
- hitopadeśa, mitralābha

Meaning of the subhAShita:

If (you) stay in good company, you shall remain.  Similarly, if (you) fall off from good company, (you) shall fall.

Commentary:

One's character is immensely influenced by the company he keeps.  The more one stays in good company, the better he fares.  When one's association is not up to mark, he shall fall in his character.  The company one keeps speaks volumes about his mettle. 

As the saying goes, 'Tell me your friends and I shall tell you your character!'  Such is the profoundness of one's association.  The more one keeps good company, the more he grows.  The more one moves away from it, the more he regresses.  One has to be mindful of this always.  It is not a goal to achieve one day and forget about another!  It is a constant process towards progress.

The beauty of the verse is also in the play of the words.  The verse at first glance might seem repetitive, confusing, or even wrong!  Punctuation is powerful.  There is a pause (,) between the two bhaviṣyasi-s and the two patiṣyasi-s!  The first bhaviṣyasi indicates being in good company.  The second one means you shall be (as in, survive)!  Similarly, the first patiṣyasi means to fall off from good company.  The second one indicates that you shall fall (in morality) and hence perish!!

May each person be good and keep good company so the entire universe will be a 'company to keep!'

pada vigrahaH:
यदि सत्-सङ्ग-निरतः भविष्यसि भविष्यसि ।
yadi sat-saṅga-nirataḥ bhaviṣyasi bhaviṣyasi ।

तथा सज्जन-गोष्ठीषु पतिष्यसि पतिष्यसि ॥
tathā sajjana-goṣṭhīṣu patiṣyasi patiṣyasi ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yadi satsa~nganirataH bhaviShyasi bhaviShyasi ।
tathaa sajjanagoShThiShu patiShyasi patiShyasi ॥
- hitopadesha, mitralaabha

yadi sat-sa~nga-nirataH bhaviShyasi bhaviShyasi ।

tathaa sajjana-goShThIShu patiShyasi patiShyasi ॥

September 23rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
शमार्थं सर्वशास्त्राणि विहितानि मनीषिभिः ।
स एव सर्वशास्त्रज्ञः यस्य शान्तं मनः सदा ॥
- महाभारत

Transliteration:
śamārthaṃ sarvaśāstrāṇi vihitāni manīṣibhiḥ ।
sa eva sarvaśāstrajñaḥ yasya śāntaṃ manaḥ sadā ॥
- mahābhārata

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The learned contrived all the śāstras (scriptures, treatises) to quieten the mind.  He alone is cognizant of all śāstras whose mind is calm, at all times.

Commentary:

It is said that data is not information, information is not knowledge, knowledge is not understanding, and understanding is not wisdom.  Gaining wisdom is the very purpose of reading treatises or scriptures.  

The very purpose of the seers of those treatises is to teach the reader 'how to quieten the mind'.  All the śāstras proclaim the same key factor—quietening of the mind.  It is like many rivers flowing, all with the same purpose of pouring into the mighty ocean.  If one has already reached the ocean, why would he be required to know the flow of the river?  Hence, the poet says, he who already knows how to keep the mind calm and placid has true cognizance and mastery over all the śāstras!  He does not have to read any śāstras or work towards achieving a specific goal in life.  He would have already achieved the purpose of any being's reason for existence! 

Each one of us is running in search of ONE THING—the tranquility of mind, all else shall follow.  He who has won that fort has no battle to fight, nothing else to achieve!  May each of us find inner peace soon.  It will surely make the noisy world a much quieter and more serene place to be in!

pada vigrahaH:
शम-अर्थं सर्व-शास्त्राणि विहितानि मनीषिभिः ।
śama-arthaṃ sarva-śāstrāṇi vihitāni manīṣibhiḥ ।

सः एव सर्व-शास्त्रज्ञः यस्य शान्तं मनः सदा ॥
saḥ eva sarva-śāstrajñaḥ yasya śāntaṃ manaḥ sadā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
shamaarthaM sarvashaastraaNi vihitaani manIShibhiH ।
saH eva sarvashaastraj~naH yasya shaantaM manaH sadaa ॥
- mahaabhaarata

shama-arthaM sarva-shaastraaNi vihitaani manIShibhiH ।

sa eva sarva-shaastraj~naH yasya shaantaM manaH sadaa ॥

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 ॥

September 2nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सदा वक्रस्सदारुष्टः सदा पूजामपेक्षते ।
कन्याराशिस्थितो नित्यं जामाता दशमो ग्रहः ॥

Transliteration:
sadā vakrassadāruṣṭaḥ sadā pūjāmapekṣate ।
kanyārāśisthito nityaṃ jāmātā daśamo grahaḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Always crooked, always angry, always expecting veneration—established eternally in the 'kanyā-rāśi' (sun sign Virgo or daughter), the son-in-law is the tenth planet.

Commentary:

This verse is a warning of what not to be! 

It is a norm among some that a son-in-law should be given special care and treatment by the parents of the girl.  Such a son-in-law is known to be constantly angry and always finding faults with anything his in-laws do.  The parents of the girl are constantly anxious about providing the best possible care and attention to their son-in-law.  If not, their daughter will suffer the brunt of his displeasure!  They are weary from tending to him all the time.

Astrology uses sun signs and planet positions to predict a person's predispositions, present and future outcomes, etc.  A planet sitting in the wrong sun sign of a person continually poses hardships to him/her for a very long time!  This seems to be a verse emerging out of the plight of parents who have given their daughter in marriage to a very demanding man.  There are only nine planets in astrology.  These parents are expressing their sorrow satirically, naming the son-in-law to be the 'tenth planet' sitting in the 'kanyā-rāśi' (the word 'kanyā' means the zodiac sign 'Virgo' as well as 'daughter') and causing grief eternally!

Not all sons-in-law have this attitude, but then the few that do, bring the poet to saying such a verse.  A mundane issue is addressed with a blend of humor and satire here.

Pray no parent feels this sort of pain and no son-in-law earns this kind of name!

pada vigrahaH:
सदा वक्रः सदा रुष्टः सदा पूजाम् अपेक्षते ।

sadā vakraḥ sadā ruṣṭaḥ sadā pūjām apekṣate ।

कन्या-राशि-स्थितो नित्यं जामाता दशमः ग्रहः ॥
kanyā-rāśi-sthito nityaṃ jāmātā daśamaḥ grahaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sadaa vakrassadaaruShTaH sadaa pUjaamapekShate |
kanyaaraashisthito nityaM jaamaataa dashamo grahaH ||

sadaa vakraH sadaa ruShTaH sadaa pUjaam apekShate ।

kanyaa-raashi-sthito nityaM jaamaataa dashamaH grahaH ॥