December 1st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
न देवा दण्डमादाय रक्षन्ति पशुपालवत् ।
यं तु रक्षितुमिच्छन्ति सद्‍बुद्ध्या योजयन्ति तम्  ॥
-विदुरनीति


Transliteration:
na devā daṇḍamādāya rakṣanti paśupālavat ।
yaṃ tu rakṣitumicchanti sad‍buddhyā yojayanti tam ॥
-viduranīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Gods do not bring a stick and protect (us) like herdsmen. They equip those that they want to protect with wisdom.

Commentary:

Sheep, goats, and other cattle do not have to think much. The first one goes where the herdsman leads and the rest just follow suit. Even if one falls off the cliff the rest will do the same! However, that doesn't work for people. We are required to use our own judgment, wisdom, and thoughts to make our own decisions.

God doesn't necessarily draw the lines of the paths that we should follow. Rather, He arms us with wisdom and thereafter, we are on our own.

Therefore, we can't complain about the choices that WE make...  The outcomes will be aligned with the decisions we make and the path we take. 

pada vigrahaH:

न देवाः दण्डम् आदाय रक्षन्ति पशुपालवत् ।
na devāḥ daṇḍam ādāya rakṣanti paśupālavat ।

यं तु रक्षितुम् इच्छन्ति सत् बुद्ध्या योजयन्ति तम् ॥
yaṃ tu rakṣitum icchanti sat buddhyā yojayanti tam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
na devaa daNDamaadaaya rakShanti pashupaalavat ।
yaM tu rakShitumichChanti sadbuddhyaa yojayanti tam ॥
- viduraneeti

na devaaH daNDam aadaaya rakShanti pashupaalavat ।

yaM tu rakShitum ichChanti sat buddhyaa yojayanti tam ॥

November 30th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
प्रदोषे दीपकश्चन्द्रः प्रभाते दीपको रविः ।
त्रैलोक्ये दीपको धर्मः सुपुत्रः कुलदीपकः ॥

Transliteration:
pradoṣe dīpakaścandraḥ prabhāte dīpako raviḥ ।
trailokye dīpako dharmaḥ suputraḥ kuladīpakaḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The guiding light at night is the moon; the guiding light during the day is the sun; virtue is the guiding light in all 3 worlds; (and) a good progeny is a shining star for the entire clan.

Commentary:

Just as the sun and moon light up the skies during the day and night respectively, just as one's virtuous deeds are one's identity in all the 3 worlds, a well-groomed, learned, humble child (can be either a son or a daughter—stands for 'offspring') is an asset to the whole clan. He upholds and shines not only his own name, but the name of his parents, family, and friends around him.

Such children are not only assets to their own families but prized possessions of the entire community. Society becomes a much better place, due to a whole generation of such children. Hence, it becomes the prime responsibility of the parents to help the children shape themselves - not just as individuals, but also as kind, responsible, and respectable citizens of the world.

Happiness is when we realize our children have turned out to be good people! 

pada vigrahaH:

प्रदोषे दीपकः चन्द्रः प्रभाते दीपकः रविः ।
pradoṣe dīpakaḥ candraḥ prabhāte dīpakaḥ raviḥ ।

त्रैलोक्ये दीपकः धर्मः सुपुत्रः कुलदीपकः ॥
trailokye dīpakaḥ dharmaḥ suputraḥ kuladīpakaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
pradoShe deepakashchandraH prabhaate deepako raviH ।
trailokye deepako dharmaH suputraH kuladeepakaH ॥

pradoShe deepakaH chandraH prabhaate deepakaH raviH ।

trailokye deepakaH dharmaH suputraH kuladeepakaH ॥

November 29th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
पुण्यस्य फलमिच्छन्ति पुण्यं नेच्छन्ति मानवाः ।
न पापफलमिच्छन्ति पापं कुर्वन्ति यत्नतः ॥
- महाभारत


Transliteration:
puṇyasya phalamicchanti puṇyaṃ necchanti mānavāḥ ।
na pāpaphalamicchanti pāpaṃ kurvanti yatnataḥ ॥
- mahābhārata

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Beings have a liking for the fruit of virtuous deeds, but not for (doing) them. (Also) they do not like the fruits of sinful actions but will do such deeds with effort.

Commentary:

People like to enjoy the fruit of meritorious deeds. But the problem is, they do not want to be righteous or perform their deeds with a pure heart.

They also do not want to be punished for their sinful actions but will engage in such actions with added curated effort.

This does not balance on His scale. A righteous deed gets a righteous reward, and a vicious deed brings a vain return.

Life is an echo.  What we send out comes right back to us.  Hence the adage warns us, "As you sow, so shall you reap!"  

pada vigrahaH:

पुण्यस्य फलम् इच्छन्ति पुण्यं न इच्छन्ति मानवाः ।
puṇyasya phalam icchanti puṇyaṃ na icchanti mānavāḥ ।

न पाप-फलम् इच्छन्ति पापं कुर्वन्ति यत्नतः ॥
na pāpa-phalam icchanti pāpaṃ kurvanti yatnataḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
puNyasya phalamichChanti puNyaM nechChanti maanavaaH ।
na paapaphalamichChanti paapaM kurvanti yatnataH ॥
- mahaabhaarata

puNyasya phalam ichChanti puNyaM na ichChanti maanavaaH ।

na paapa-phalam ichChanti paapaM kurvanti yatnataH ॥

November 28th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सत्यं ब्रूयात् प्रियं ब्रूयात् न ब्रूयात् सत्यमप्रियम् ।
प्रियञ्च नानृतं ब्रूयात् एष धर्मस्सनातनः ॥
-मनुस्मृति


Transliteration:
satyaṃ brūyāt priyaṃ brūyāt na brūyāt satyamapriyam ।
priyañca nānṛtaṃ brūyāt eṣa dharmassanātanaḥ ॥
-manusmṛti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Speak the truth, and speak favorably. Do not tell the truth if it is not favorable. Also, do not tell an untruth (though) it is favorable.  This is the eternal dharma.

Commentary:

The discipline of life should be—

1. to always speak the truth, but not to twist the truth for one's own benefit;
2. to speak pleasant, endearing, and agreeable words;
3. not to speak words that although true, are hurtful;
4. not to speak untruth either, just because it sounds favorable and loving.

These are the ways of life suggested in the book Manusmṛti for a person to lead a significant, meaningful, and purposeful life as a human being. In life, one comes across many difficult situations.  A person who wants to live with a clear conscience and work towards the goals of life has no choice but to keep up this discipline in speaking the truth! The intent behind the words must be pure as well. 

When the very quest of human life is to realize the ultimate truth, how can one work with lies, deceit, etc., and expect to reach their goal?! Keeping focus on the goal is important to reach it. 

Truth is not for comfort, truth is for liberation. Because, in the end, truth is the only thing that truly matters. 

pada vigrahaH:

सत्यं ब्रूयात् प्रियं ब्रूयात् न ब्रूयात् सत्यम् अप्रियम् ।
satyaṃ brūyāt priyaṃ brūyāt na brūyāt satyam apriyam ।

प्रियं च न अनृतं ब्रूयात् एषः धर्मः सनातनः ॥
priyaṃ ca na anṛtaṃ brūyāt eṣaḥ dharmaḥ sanātanaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
satyaM brUyaat priyaM brUyaat na brUyaat satyamapriyam ।
priya~ncha naanRutaM brUyaat eSha dharmassanaatanaH ॥
- manusmRuti

satyaM brUyaat priyaM brUyaat na brUyaat satyam apriyam ।

priyaM cha na anRutaM brUyaat eShaH dharmaH sanaatanaH ॥

November 27th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
गुशब्दस्त्वन्धकारः रुशब्दस्तु तन्निवारकः ।
अन्धकार निरोधत्वात् गुरुरित्यभिधीयते ॥

Transliteration:
guśabdastvandhakāraḥ ruśabdastu tannivārakaḥ ।
andhakāra nirodhatvāt gururityabhidhīyate ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The syllable 'gu' stands for darkness; the syllable 'ru' stands for removal of that (darkness). Due to the removal of darkness, (he) is called a 'guru' (teacher).

Commentary:

Ignorance is considered as 'darkness'. Knowledge, on the contrary, is regarded as light. Just as there can't be darkness where there is light, there can't be ignorance where there is knowledge. The person who helps eradicate the darkness regarding our own true nature will be termed a 'guru'.  

All questions bow down in front of the exclamatory experience of the Guru!

There is not a thing in this world that can match what we receive from a guru. A guru is someone to whom each and every one of us is highly indebted.

Revere Gurus always!

pada vigrahaH:

गु-शब्दः तु अन्धकारः रु-शब्दः तु तत् निवारकः ।
gu-śabdaḥ tu andhakāraḥ ru-śabdaḥ tu tat nivārakaḥ ।

अन्धकार-निरोधत्वात् गुरुः इति अभिधीयते ॥
andhakāra-nirodhatvāt guruḥ iti abhidhīyate ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
gushabdastvandhakaaraH rushabdastu tannivaarakaH ।
andhakaara nirodhatvaat gururityabhidhIyate ॥

gu-shabdaH tu andhakaaraH ru-shabdaH tu tat nivaarakaH ।

andhakaara-nirodhatvaat guruH iti abhidhIyate ॥

November 26th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
गच्छत्पिपीलिका याति योजनानां शतान्यपि ।
अगच्छन् वैनतेयोऽपि पदमेकं न गच्छति ॥

Transliteration:
gacchatpipīlikā yāti yojanānāṃ śatānyapi ।
agacchan vainateyo'pi padamekaṃ na gacchati ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A moving ant can conquer a thousand miles. Despite being an eagle, he won't traverse a foot if immobile.

Commentary:

An ant is small and covers a very minuscule distance on the ground, with every step. But if he keeps at it, he can traverse miles together. (A 'yojana' is a measure of about 9 miles, hence 100 yojanas were rounded off to 1000 miles here.)

On the other hand,  an eagle has a majestic glide. His wingspan allows him to reach great distances, very quickly. However, if he is immobile and lazy, just the fact that he is an eagle won't do much good! He has to put his prowess and skills to use.  Only then can he achieve his goal. This is almost like the 'hare and the tortoise' race where 'slow and steady wins the race'.  Laziness has no room among the determined.

The message here is that: Industriousness will help one achieve his goals in life. Just possessing the means and power required to achieve them is not enough!

pada vigrahaH:
गच्छत्-पिपीलिका याति योजनानां शतानि अपि ।
gacchat-pipīlikā yāti yojanānāṃ śatāni api ।

अगच्छन् वैनतेयः अपि पदम् एकं न गच्छति ॥
agacchan vainateyaḥ api padam ekaṃ na gacchati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
gachChatpipIlikaa yaati yojanaanaaM shataanyapi ।
agachChan vainateyo.pi padamekaM na gachChati ॥

gachChat-pipIlikaa yaati yojanaanaaM shataani api ।

agachChan vainateyaH api padam ekaM na gachChati ॥

November 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
पुस्तकस्था तु या विद्या परहस्तगतं धनम् ।
कार्यकाले समुत्पन्ने न सा विद्या न तद्धनम् ॥

Transliteration:
pustakasthā tu yā vidyā parahastagataṃ dhanam ।
kāryakāle samutpanne na sā vidyā na taddhanam ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Whether it is knowledge in a book or money that has been passed onto another - in times of need, in either case, neither (that) knowledge nor money (is yours).

Commentary:

Book knowledge is not knowledge. In a time-critical situation, one certainly won't be able to refer to his book before taking action.  Therefore, one's intellect should be the storehouse for his knowledge.  Only then can he proclaim mastery over that vidyā (knowledge).

Similarly, one may be extremely wealthy. But for whatever reason, if he doesn't have access or possession of his wealth, in a time of need then that wealth is of no use to him.  Only when it is available and accessible can he claim his stakes on that dhanam (money).

Do not store things in places where they might elude you later.  Store your assets where they belong.  Else, they may not be yours in times of need!

pada vigrahaH:
पुस्तकस्था तु या विद्या पर-हस्त गतं धनम् ।
pustakasthā tu yā vidyā para hasta-gataṃ dhanam ।

कार्यकाले समुत्पन्ने न सा विद्या न तत् धनम् ॥
kāryakāle samutpanne na sā vidyā na tat dhanam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
pustakasthaa tu yaa vidyaa parahastagataM dhanam ।
kaaryakaale samutpanne na saa vidyaa na taddhanam ॥

pustakasthaa tu yaa vidyaa para hasta-gataM dhanam ।

kaaryakaale samutpanne na saa vidyaa na tat dhanam ॥

November 24th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
दानं भोगो नाशस्तिस्रो गतयो भवन्ति वित्तस्य  ।
यो न ददाति न भुङ्क्ते तस्य तृतीया गतिर्भवति ॥
- नीतिशतक

Transliteration:
dānaṃ bhogo nāśastisro gatayo bhavanti vittasya ।
yo na dadāti na bhuṅkte tasya tṛtīyā gatirbhavati ॥
- nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Charity, indulgence, and destruction are the 3 alternatives to wealth. One who does not use his wealth for charitable giving, or self-enjoyment will eventually attain the third state.

Commentary:

One's wealth and possessions are the most temporary of all. Wealth can attain 3 different outcomes -

1. It can be utilized for charitable purposes, and given for the benefit of others.
2. It can be used in self-indulgence; to entertain and please oneself.
3. It can be destroyed by falling into the wrong hands, theft, fire, or other types of natural calamities.

Wealth that doesn't achieve the first or second state will automatically attain the third.

One's wealth or resources shouldn't be limited to stagnation in a bank account.  Instead, it has to be put to use. This is a message for the stingy: accumulating wealth meaninglessly is not worthwhile. Even if one succeeds in keeping all his acquisitions intact until his last breath, they won't pass over with him to the afterlife. After his death, there is no guarantee that his wealth will be put to good use or fall into the wrong hands. What is the use of such wealth that he neither enjoyed nor used to make someone else happy?!

Where wealth accumulates, men decay.  Life is not about accumulation, it is about contribution.  Give some; enjoy some!

pada vigrahaH:
दानं भोगः नाशः तिस्रः गतयः भवन्ति वित्तस्य ।
dānaṃ bhogaḥ nāśaḥ tisraḥ gatayaḥ bhavanti vittasya ।

यः न ददाति न भुङ्क्ते तस्य तृतीया गतिः भवति ॥
yaḥ na dadāti na bhuṅkte tasya tṛtīyā gatiḥ bhavati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
daanaM bhogo naashastisro gatayo bhavanti vittasya ।
yo na dadaati na bhu~nkte tasya tRuteeyaa gatirbhavati ॥
- nItishataka

daanaM bhogaH naashaH tisraH gatayaH bhavanti vittasya ।

yaH na dadaati na bhu~nkte tasya tRuteeyaa gatiH bhavati ॥

November 23rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सत्यं माता पिता ज्ञानं धर्मो भ्राता दया सखः ।
शान्तिः पत्‍नी क्षमा पुत्रः षडेते मम बान्धवाः ॥


Transliteration:
satyaṃ mātā pitā jñānaṃ dharmo bhrātā dayā sakhaḥ ।
śāntiḥ pat‍nī kṣamā putraḥ ṣaḍete mama bāndhavāḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Truth is mother, knowledge is father, moral merit is brother, kindness is friend, peace is wife,  and forgiveness is son—these are my six relatives.

Commentary:

In this world, one may have a mother, father, brother/sister, spouse, friend, and progeny whom they identify themselves with. But in reality, one's true kin are truth, knowledge, righteousness, kindness, tranquillity, and forgiveness. 

These are the virtues and qualities that one should be with, at all times. Hence, one should live life like these are his true relatives. He should treat these values with the same love and respect as his kin. Actually, they are better than kin because mortal kin will part ways at some point in time. But these attributes will accompany him even after death.

Build a strong family that can support you at all times, because this family is not just an important thing, it is everything! 

pada vigrahaH:

सत्यं माता पिता ज्ञानं धर्मः भ्राता दया सखः ।
satyaṃ mātā pitā jñānaṃ dharmaḥ bhrātā dayā sakhaḥ ।

शान्तिः पत्‍नी क्षमा पुत्रः षट् एते मम बान्धवाः ॥
śāntiḥ pat‍nī kṣamā putraḥ ṣaṭ ete mama bāndhavāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
satyaM maataa pitaa j~naanaM dharmo bhraataa dayaa sakhaH ।
shaantiH patnI kShamaa putraH ShaDete mama baandhavaaH ॥

satyaM maataa pitaa j~naanaM dharmaH bhraataa dayaa sakhaH ।

shaantiH patnI kShamaa putraH ShaT ete mama baandhavaaH ॥

November 22nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
पठतो नास्ति मूर्खत्वं जपतो नास्ति पातकम् ।
मौनिनः कलहो नास्ति न भयं चास्ति जाग्रतः ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार


Transliteration:
paṭhato nāsti mūrkhatvaṁ japato nāsti pātakam ।
mauninaḥ kalaho nāsti na bhayaṃ cāsti jāgrataḥ ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A seeker/learner doesn't have imbecility; a contemplating person won't have sin; a silent observer won't get in strife; there is no fear for the awakened. (This could also be interpreted as - there is no fear for an alert person.)

Commentary:

Opposites cannot co-exist! 

Foolishness doesn't dare come near the learned. Sin doesn't set foot near an ascetic (one who contemplates). Quarrels are not present near those who sit silently. Similarly, fear does not dare to lurk near an awakened soul.

Just as there cannot be darkness in the presence of light or chills in the presence of fire, the above qualities cannot be present near their opposing positive qualities. Simply lighting even a small candle will dispel darkness in an instant, without any special undertaking.

The simplest way to overcome a negative quality is to bring in a quality that is the exact opposite of it. Then the negative quality gets uprooted automatically, without any extra effort. Positivity gets established automatically!

pada vigrahaH:

पठतः न अस्ति मूर्खत्वं जपतः न अस्ति पातकम् ।
paṭhataḥ na asti mūrkhatvaṁ japataḥ na asti pātakam ।

मौनिनः कलहः न अस्ति न भयं च अस्ति जाग्रतः ॥
mauninaḥ kalahaḥ na asti na bhayaṃ ca asti jāgrataḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
paThato naasti mUrkhatvaM japato naasti paatakam ।
mouninaH kalaho naasti na bhayaM chaasti jaagrataH ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

paThataH na asti mUrkhatvaM japataH na asti paatakam ।

mouninaH kalahaH na asti na bhayaM cha asti jaagrataH ॥

November 21st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अजायुद्धम् ऋषिश्राद्धं प्रभाते मेघडम्बरम् ।
दम्पत्योः कलहश्चैव परिणामो न किञ्चन॥
Transliteration:
ajāyuddham ṛṣiśrāddhaṃ prabhāte meghaḍambaram ।
dampatyoḥ kalahaścaiva pariṇāmo na kiñcana॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Female goat fights; rituals/ceremonies for ascetics; the roar of clouds early in the morning; and a quarrel between a couple - (all these) do not yield any results.

Commentary:

Ram (male goats) fights were common in the olden days. But a battle between two does (female goats) is unheard of.   They don't have the horns needed for fighting.

Ascetics are those people who have given up everything and do not have any ties. Elaborate ceremonies or rituals after they pass on are not essential.  (As a matter of fact, they would have finished performing their own last rites before taking up sanyāsa!)

Thunderous clouds of the early morning do not last long. They melt away as soon as the first ray of sun touches them.  All the noise they made would have been for no good reason.

Finally, a rift between a husband and wife is useless. If the couple does not come to a common ground, or if they do not agree to disagree and move on, life will not be pleasant. Also, in due course, children will have to bear the brunt of the quarrel between their parents. On all accounts, a quarrel between a husband and wife is simply futile!!

Do not indulge in wasteful efforts.

pada vigrahaH:
अजा-युद्धम् ऋषि-श्राद्धं प्रभाते मेघ-डम्बरम् ।
ajā-yuddham ṛṣi-śrāddhaṃ prabhāte megha-ḍambaram ।

दम्पत्योः कलहः च एव परिणामः न किञ्चन ॥
dampatyoḥ kalahaḥ ca eva pariṇāmaḥ na kiñcana ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ajaayuddham RuShishraaddhaM prabhaate meghaDambaram ।
dampatyoH kalahashchaiva pariNaamo na ki~nchana॥

ajaa-yuddham RuShi-shraaddhaM prabhaate megha-Dambaram ॥

dampatyoH kalahaH cha eva pariNaamaH na ki~nchana ॥

November 20th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
गतानुगतिको लोके न कोऽपि पारमार्थिकः ।
गङ्गासैकतलिङ्गेन नष्‍टं मे ताम्रभाजनम् ॥

Transliteration:
gatānugatiko loke na ko'pi pāramārthikaḥ ।
gaṅgāsaikataliṅgena naṣ‍ṭaṃ me tāmrabhājanam ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

People of the world are just followers, nobody gets the real meaning. (In the episode of) the sand 'liṅgam' on (the banks of) Gaṅgā, I lost my copper pot.

Commentary:

This verse has the background of a parable.  Here, a person had a copper pot filled with coins. One day, he planned to undertake a pilgrimage.  Instead of carrying his accumulated wealth, and risking losing it, he wanted to hide it and procure it upon his return.  So he dug a hole in the sand on the banks of the river Gaṅgā.  He hid the pot and filled up the hole. How is he to locate where he buried his pot?  To identify the location upon his return, he made a 'liṅgam' (a representation of Lord Śiva) on that spot, did a small pooja (worship), and left.  This way, he could come back and retrieve his stash from below the liṅgam.

But alas! Without knowing why he was making the liṅgam, the onlookers thought it was a ritual that was supposed to be done upon visiting the sacred place! Each and every visitor thenceforward started making their own liṅgam and worshipping, all around the first one.

Upon his return, the person who hid the pot was perplexed to see the numerous liṅgam-s, all over the place. Obviously, he couldn't locate the one he had made to mark the secret location!

In utter despair, he said that the entire world simply and blindly follows anything that anyone does, without a rhyme or reason.  They are like herded sheep who do not think rationally, but will simply follow the crowd!

Anything one does or follows should have a purpose. If the purpose or meaning of the action is not understood, the result of that action can't be of much use either.

Unfortunately, most people would rather die than think and many of them do!  Think through every action and its purpose.

pada vigrahaH:

गत-अनुगतिकः लोके न कः अपि पारमार्थिकः ।
gata-anugatikaḥ loke na kaḥ api pāramārthikaḥ ।

गङ्गा-सैकत-लिङ्गेन नष्‍टं मे ताम्र-भाजनम् ॥
gaṅgā-saikata-liṅgena naṣ‍ṭaṃ me tāmra-bhājanam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
gataanugatiko loke na ko.pi paaramaarthikaH ।
ga~ngaasaikatali~ngena naShTaM me taamrabhaajanam ॥

gata-anugatikaH loke na kaH api paaramaarthikaH ।

ga~ngaa-saikata-li~ngena naShTaM me taamra-bhaajanam ॥

November 19th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अति दानाद्बलिर्बद्धः ह्यति मानात् सुयोधनः ।
अति लौल्याद्रावणो हन्तः अति सर्वत्र वर्जयेत् ॥

Transliteration:
ati dānādbalirbaddhaḥ hyati mānāt suyodhanaḥ ।
ati laulyādrāvaṇo hantaḥ ati sarvatra varjayet ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Bali was bound because of his extreme charity, Suyodhana (Duryodhana) was killed due to his excessive pride, (and) far too much lust brought an end to Rāvaṇa. (Hence) give up 'excess' in everything.

Commentary:

Moderation is the key!

Bali, Duryodhana and Rāvaṇa have set examples of how NOT to overindulge in any kind of vasanās or tendencies.

It is known that Bali was very famous for his charity.  He gave so much that he gave up himself!  Not that it was a bad outcome as he surrendered to Lord Viṣṇu in the end, but it was his 'pride' about being able to give anything that brought about his demise. He was bound by his overzealousness in giving.

An insatiable desire for material pleasures, pride, and ego caused Duryodhana's downfall.  He was not ready to yield to any advice nor heed any wellwishers' words.

Rāvaṇa broke the barrier of lust when he abducted Sītā.  By wanting to marry another's wife, he asked for his own death.

Anything that exceeds the required boundaries will prove fatal. Like they say, 'Too much of anything is too bad'. Even if one is eating their most favorite dish, they can relish it only for so long as it will begin to lose its allure. However if one eats forcefully, it becomes a health hazard. Similarly, anything that crosses over the limit brings unwanted repercussions. Check thy habits.  Know thy limits.

pada vigrahaH:
अति दानात् बलिः बद्धः हि अति मानात् सुयोधनः ।
ati dānāt baliḥ baddhaḥ hi ati mānāt suyodhanaḥ ।

अति लौल्यात् रावणः हन्तः अति सर्वत्र वर्जयेत् ॥
ati laulyāt rāvaṇaḥ hantaḥ ati sarvatra varjayet ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ati daanaadbalirbaddhaH hyati maanaat suyodhanaH ।
ati loulyaadraavaNo hantaH ati sarvatra varjayet ॥

ati daanaat baliH baddhaH hi ati maanaat suyodhanaH ।

ati loulyaat raavaNaH hantaH ati sarvatra varjayet ॥

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 ॥

November 17th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वागाडम्बरवान् लोके न किञ्चित्कर्तुमर्हति ।
गर्जद्‍घना न वर्षन्ति न गर्जन्ति घनाघनाः ॥


Transliteration:
vāgāḍambaravān loke na kiñcitkartumarhati ।
garjad‍ghanā na varṣanti na garjanti ghanāghanāḥ ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

People who just talk will not achieve much. Thundering clouds do not shower, (and) dense showering clouds do not thunder!

Commentary:

Simply talking will not accomplish much. Just as the clouds that thunder don't shower, people that only talk don't get much done. The dense dark clouds that truly quench the thirst of the earth do not make noise (thunder). Instead, they silently do their job, showering their cool waters on Mother Earth. They do not expect applause from the world for their deeds either. They do their job and in due course, literally and figuratively, lose themselves. They sacrifice themselves completely for the benefit of the world. Yet, they'll continue to do their deeds without much ado!

Such should be our deeds as well. There's no point in blowing our own trumpets regarding our achievements.

Work for a cause, not for applause.  Live life to express, not to impress.  Focus on what truly matters and actions will speak for themselves, letting the doer remain humble.  

pada vigrahaH:

वाक् आडम्बरवान् लोके न किञ्चित् कर्तुम् अर्हति ।
vāk āḍambaravān loke na kiñcit kartum arhati ।

गर्जत् घनाः न वर्षन्ति न गर्जन्ति घनाघनाः ॥
garjat ghanāḥ na varṣanti na garjanti ghanāghanāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
vaagaaDambaravaan loke na ki~nchitkartumarhati ।
garjadghanaa na varShanti na garjanti ghanaaghanaaH ॥

vaak aaDambaravaan loke na ki~nchit kartum arhati ।

garjat ghanaaH na varShanti na garjanti ghanaaghanaaH ॥

November 16th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
क्षमा शस्त्रं करे यस्य दुर्जनः किं करिष्यति ।
अतृणे पतितो वह्निः स्वयमेवोपशाम्यति ॥
- महाभारत, उद्योगपर्व

Transliteration:
kṣamā śastraṃ kare yasya durjanaḥ kiṃ kariṣyati ।
atṛṇe patito vahniḥ svayamevopaśāmyati ॥
- mahābhārata, udyogaparva

Meaning of the subhAShita:

What can an evil-doer do to one whose weapon is forgiveness/forbearance? A spark of fire (that has) fallen where there is no grass, burns itself out.

Commentary:

A spark of fire can flare into a blaze quickly, provided the circumstances are in its favor. If the spark comes in contact with things that can fuel its rage, it will surely turn fierce. But for a spark that has fallen on the ground, where there is no grass or any other fuel, there is no choice but to extinguish itself.

Similarly, a troublemaker can't do much harm to a person armed with the weapon of forgiveness and forbearance. If one keeps forgiving the evil-doer, he can't last much longer than the spark that has fallen on empty ground.

Isn't this the best way to resolve conflicts?

pada vigrahaH:
क्षमा शस्त्रं करे यस्य दुर्जनः किं करिष्यति ।

kṣamā śastraṃ kare yasya durjanaḥ kiṃ kariṣyati ।

अतृणे पतितः वह्निः स्वयम् एव उपशाम्यति ॥
atṛṇe patitaḥ vahniḥ svayam eva upaśāmyati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kShamaa shastraM kare yasya durjanaH kiM kariShyati ।
atRuNe patito vahniH swayamevopashaamyati ॥
- mahaabhaarata, udyogaparva

kShamaa shastraM kare yasya durjanaH kiM kariShyati ।

atRuNe patitaH vahniH swayam eva upashaamyati ॥

Novmeber 15th

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


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

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

Commentary:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May we all strive to reflect our highest potential always!  

pada vigrahaH:

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

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

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

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

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

santapta-ayasi saMsthitasya payasaH naama api na shrUyate

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

swaatyaaM saagara-shukti-madhya-patitaM sat mouktikaM jaayate

praayeNa adhama-madhyama-uttama-guNaaH saMsargataH jaayate ॥

November 14th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सुखस्यानन्तरं दुःखं दुःखस्यानन्तरं सुखम् ।
चक्रवत्परिवर्तन्ते सुखानि च दुःखानि च ॥
 
Transliteration:
sukhasyānantaraṃ duḥkhaṃ duḥkhasyānantaraṃ sukham ।
cakravatparivartante sukhāni ca duḥkhāni ca ॥

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Joy is followed by pain and suffering is followed by happiness. Joys and sorrows rotate like a wheel.

Commentary:

Have patience!

Eventually, all sorrows will be followed by happiness. Keep the faith.

All celebrations fizzle out and in creeps sadness. Do not lose your composure when happy.

Life's like a wheel that keeps turning—what is on top will eventually hit the bottom and that which is at rock bottom will eventually rise to the top. 

When things are bad, remember—it won't always be this way.  Take one day at a time. 

When things are good, remember—it won't always be this way. Enjoy every moment. 

All we can do is remember—this too shall pass—in both circumstances!

pada vigrahaH:
सुखस्य अनन्तरं दुःखं दुःखस्य अनन्तरं सुखम् ।

sukhasya anantaraṃ duḥkhaṃ duḥkhasya anantaraṃ sukham ।

चक्रवत् परिवर्तन्ते सुखानि च दुःखानि च ॥
cakravat parivartante sukhāni ca duḥkhāni ca ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sukhasyaanantaraM duHkhaM duHkhasyaanantaraM sukham ।
chakravatparivartante sukhaani cha duHkhaani cha ॥

sukhasya anantaraM duHkhaM duHkhasya anantaraM sukham ।

chakravat parivartante sukhaani cha duHkhaani cha ॥

November 13th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
शीलभारवती कान्ता पुष्पभारवती लता ।
अर्थभारवती वाणी भजते कामपि श्रियं ॥
- रसगङ्गाधर

Transliteration:
śīlabhāravatī kāntā puṣpabhāravatī latā ।
arthabhāravatī vāṇī bhajate kāmapi śriyaṃ ॥
- rasagaṅgādhara

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A woman brimming with good character, a creeper filled with blooms, and a speech overflowing with purpose—who else does prosperity turn to?!

Commentary:

Prosperity automatically appears where there is value.

A woman with integrity gets respect, instantly. A creeper filled with blossoms naturally attracts anyone's eye.  Similarly, pleasant words and meaningful speech will appease everyone.

In a place where these characteristics are present, prosperity will have no means to resist. Prosperity always offers itself to such people.  

To beget prosperity, one must deserve prosperity. Live purposeful lives to be prosperous!

pada vigrahaH:
शील-भारवती कान्ता पुष्प-भारवती लता ।

śīla-bhāravatī kāntā puṣpa-bhāravatī latā ।

अर्थ-भारवती वाणी भजते काम् अपि श्रियं ॥
artha-bhāravatī vāṇī bhajate kām api śriyaṃ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sheelabhaaravatI kaantaa puShpabhaaravatI lataa ।
arthabhaaravatI vaaNI bhajate kaamapi shriyaM ॥
- rasaga~ngaadhara

sheela-bhaaravatI kaantaa puShpa-bhaaravatI lataa ।

artha-bhaaravatI vaaNI bhajate kaam api shriyaM ॥

November 12th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
धनिकः श्रोत्रियो राजा नदी वैद्यस्तु पञ्चमः ।
पञ्च यत्र न विद्यन्ते न तत्र दिवसं वसेत् ॥
- हितोपदेश, मित्रलाभ

Transliteration:
dhanikaḥ śrotriyo rājā nadī vaidyastu pañcamaḥ ।
pañca yatra na vidyante na tatra divasaṃ vaset ॥
- hitopadeśa, mitralābha

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Do not live in a place, even for a single day, where the following 5 are not available—a wealthy person, theologian, king, river, and the doctor is the fifth.

Commentary:

Basic essentials!

When civilizations emerged, the early settlers would see if the land they selected was appropriate to build their society and if the basic necessities were satisfied.

Similarly, in a land where we want to call home, there should be:

1. Wealthy person—indicates prosperity.
2. Theologian—represents the faith and education of the society.
3. King (not necessarily the same designation, but a leader)—depicts order in the society and not anarchy.
4. River—shows that the land is cultivatable and will aid in prosperity.
5. Doctor—so that in times of illness, care is available instantaneously.

These five essentials promise progress and prosperity to the community.  Also, it is the responsibility and prime duty of these figures, to make sure that society receives their services in a timely and appropriate manner.

Make a home where there are prospects for prosperity!

pada vigrahaH:
धनिकः श्रोत्रियः राजा नदी वैद्यः तु पञ्चमः ।
dhanikaḥ śrotriyaḥ rājā nadī vaidyaḥ tu pañcamaḥ ।

पञ्च यत्र न विद्यन्ते न तत्र दिवसं वसेत् ॥
pañca yatra na vidyante na tatra divasaṃ vaset ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

dhanikaH shrotriyo raajaa nadI vaidyastu pa~nchamaH ।

pa~ncha yatra na vidyante na tatra divasaM vaset ॥

- hitopadesha, mitralaabha

dhanikaH shrotriyaH raajaa nadI vaidyaH tu pa~nchamaH ।

pa~ncha yatra na vidyante na tatra divasaM vaset ॥