August 3rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सुश्रान्तोऽपि वहेद्भारं शीतोष्णं न च पश्यति ।
सन्तुष्टश्चरते नित्यं त्रीणि शिक्षेच्च गर्दभात् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
suśrānto'pi vahedbhāraṃ śītoṣṇaṃ na ca paśyati ।
santuṣṭaścarate nityaṃ trīṇi śikṣecca gardabhāt ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Carries weight even when tired; doesn't mind heat or cold (weather); wanders in contentment always—learn these 3 (attitudes) from a donkey.

Commentary:

There are lessons to be learnt even from a donkey!

• A donkey is used for carrying excessive amounts of weight and is even called the 'beast of burden'. Yet, it never complains!
• Be it a sunny, windy, rainy, or dusty day, it carries on with its chores. It doesn't discriminate or react to its surroundings!
• It grazes on dry grass or some leaves—whatever is available. Yet, it is content in itself. It doesn't expect a fancy meal and is in no rush to win any race. It wanders happily going about his chores.

These 3 traits are praiseworthy in any being. Who doesn't want to be content, level-headed, and industrious?! When the brighter side of things is seen, even a donkey has insights to share. We can learn from anyone, anywhere! 

pada vigrahaH:
सु-श्रान्तः अपि वहेत् भारं शीत-उष्णं न च पश्यति ।
su-śrāntaḥ api vahet bhāraṃ śīta-uṣṇaṃ na ca paśyati ।

सन्तुष्टः चरते नित्यं त्रीणि शिक्षेत् च गर्दभात् ॥
santuṣṭaḥ carate nityaṃ trīṇi śikṣet ca gardabhāt ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sushraanto.pi vahedbhaaraM shItoShNaM na cha pashyati ।
santuShTashcharate nityaM trINi shikShechcha gardabhaat ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

su-shraantaH api vahet bhaaraM shIta-uShNaM na cha pashyati ।

santuShTaH charate nityaM trINi shikShet cha gardabhaat ॥

August 2nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
शान्तितुल्यं तपो नास्ति न सन्तोषात्परं सुखम् ।
न तृष्णायाः परो व्याधिः न च धर्मो दयापरः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
śāntitulyaṃ tapo nāsti na santoṣātparaṃ sukham ।
na tṛṣṇāyāḥ paro vyādhiḥ na ca dharmo dayāparaḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

There is no penance equal to peace; no pleasure beyond satisfaction; no disease is worse than greed; no virtue better than compassion.

Commentary:

One doesn't have to do eons of penance if his actions bring about peace. If his thoughts are driven towards keeping the peace in every aspect of life around him, that is the biggest penance!

Big houses, fancy jewelery and multiple vehicles are not the means of pleasure. If one is satisfied with what he has, there is no pleasure beyond that.

Infliction of disease is no fun for anyone. The biggest and worst of all diseases is greed! The unquenchable thirst and the 'want' to possess more is the hardest of all illnesses to cure.

Compassion is one virtue that gives one the vision of ekatva (oneness) among all beings. If one inculcates this attribute, it is the best form of dharma (virtue). If one can have compassion for other beings at all times without any reservations, he is following the path of dharma always!

Acquire these essential skills that outweigh all other abilities!

pada vigrahaH:
शान्ति-तुल्यं तपः न अस्ति न सन्तोषात् परं सुखम् ।
śānti-tulyaṃ tapaḥ na asti na santoṣāt paraṃ sukham ।

न तृष्णायाः परः व्याधिः न च धर्मः दया-अपरः ॥

na tṛṣṇāyāḥ paraḥ vyādhiḥ na ca dharmaḥ dayā-aparaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
shaantitulyaM tapo naasti na santoShaatparaM sukham ।
na tRuShNaayaaH paro vyaadhiH na cha dharmo dayaaparaH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

shaanti-tulyaM tapaH na asti na santoShaat paraM sukham ।

na tRuShNaayaaH paraH vyaadhiH na cha dharmaH dayaa-aparaH ॥

August 1st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
गुणानामन्तरं प्रायः तज्ञो वेत्ति न चापरः ।
मालतीमल्लिकाऽमोदं घ्राणं वेत्ति न लोचनम् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नसमुच्चय

Transliteration:
guṇānāmantaraṃ prāyaḥ tajño vetti na cāparaḥ ।
mālatīmallikā'modaṃ ghrāṇaṃ vetti na locanam ॥
- subhāṣitaratnasamuccaya

Meaning of the subhAShita:
The difference in the essence of attributes is perceived by an expert, not others. The fragrance of the mālatī and jasmine flowers is perceived by the nose, not the eye! 

Commentary:

Only a genius can truly recognize another genius!

Just as the eyes are designed for seeing and the nose for perceiving scents, each sense and skill has its specific domain. When it comes to the fragrance of flowers, only the nose is qualified to judge—it is the expert in that field, not the eye. The eye, on the other hand, excels in perceiving beauty and the visual appearance of its surroundings but cannot detect a scent. Each faculty has its own unique role and limits.

Similarly, the true worth of anything can only be recognized by an expert in the respective field. A jeweler alone can appraise the value of a gem. A poet is the one who can truly appreciate the beauty of poetry. A sculptor best understands the labor, precision, and artistry behind another sculptor's work.

This reinforces the idea that one’s opinion or judgment holds value only within their realm of expertise. It’s akin to the saying, “Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder,” highlighting how perception is shaped by individual understanding and mastery. 

pada vigrahaH:
गुणानाम् अन्तरं प्रायः तज्ञः वेत्ति न च अपरः ।
guṇānām antaraṃ prāyaḥ tajñaḥ vetti na ca aparaḥ ।

मालती-मल्लिका-आमोदं घ्राणं वेत्ति न लोचनम् ॥
mālatī-mallikā-āmodaṃ ghrāṇaṃ vetti na locanam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
guNaanaamantaraM praayaH taj~no vetti na chaaparaH ।
maalatImallikaa.modaM ghraaNaM vetti na lochanam ॥
- subhaaShitaratnasamuchchaya

guNaanaam antaraM praayaH taj~naH vetti na cha aparaH ।

maalatI-mallikaa-aamodaM ghraaNaM vetti na lochanam ॥

July 31st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
यावत्स्वस्थो ह्ययं देहः यावन्मृत्युश्च दूरतः ।
तावदात्महितं कुर्यात् प्राणान्ते किं करिष्यति ॥
- चाणक्य नीति

Transliteration:
yāvatsvastho hyayaṃ dehaḥ yāvanmṛtyuśca dūrataḥ ।
tāvadātmahitaṃ kuryāt prāṇānte kiṃ kariṣyati ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

So long as the body is healthy, (and) so long as death is far away (when younger), perform deeds beneficial for the soul. What can (one) do at the end of life (when death is near)? 

Commentary:

When in good health, most time and energy are spent accumulating wealth, possessions, and material gains. The youthful years are often consumed by the pursuit of pleasure. However, indulgences in seeking enjoyment only hinder the soul’s progress. The poet wisely advises that when one is healthy and strong, one should engage in actions that benefit the soul. No one knows when their last breath will come, but it’s certain that youth fades, old age comes, and death follows. During the years when death seems distant, it is the ideal time to perform virtuous deeds. What can one accomplish on their deathbed when they are barely able to care for themselves?

The common misconception among the young is that virtuous deeds can be postponed until later in life. The reality is that one should begin the journey toward spiritual growth as early as possible. A single lifetime is often not enough to reflect on and achieve everything; one cannot expect to accomplish it all in the later years. Additionally, the accumulation of unwanted tendencies (vāsanas) in this life makes it harder to unlearn and relearn in the later stages.

NOW is the time to act. Procrastination is not an option when it comes to the soul. Every day should be a reflection: are your actions helping your soul evolve, or are they causing it to stagnate? Only through consistent reflection and proactive steps can one move toward spiritual progress.

pada vigrahaH:
यावत् स्वस्थः हि अयं देहः यावत् मृत्युः च दूरतः ।
yāvat svasthaḥ hi ayaṃ dehaḥ yāvat mṛtyuḥ ca dūrataḥ ।

तावत् आत्म-हितं कुर्यात् प्राण-अन्ते किं करिष्यति ॥
tāvat ātma-hitaṃ kuryāt prāṇa-ante kiṃ kariṣyati ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
yaavatsvastho hyayaM dehaH yaavanmRutyushcha dUrataH ।
taavadaatmahitaM kuryaat praaNaante kiM kariShyati ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

yaavat svasthaH hi ayaM dehaH yaavat mRutyuH cha dUrataH ।

taavat aatma-hitaM kuryaat praaNa-ante kiM kariShyati ॥

July 30th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सत्येन धार्यते पृथिवी सत्येन तपते रविः ।
सत्येन वाति वायुश्च सर्वं सत्ये प्रतिष्ठितम् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
satyena dhāryate pṛthivī satyena tapate raviḥ ।
satyena vāti vāyuśca sarvaṃ satye pratiṣṭhitam ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The earth is held up by truth; the sun burns based on truth; even the wind blows based on truth. Everything is established on truth.

Commentary:

The scriptures resound these sentences: Truth is all-pervading! It is eternal and unperturbed. Only that is the truth, everything else is untruth!

The quest of humans is for this eternal truth. All phenomena of the world are working based on this one factor alone!

The earth is held up based on the truth that the gravity of the sun and the earth's own gravitational pull hold it up. That remains true always. The sun burns and shines based on truth. The wind blows based on truth.

If all these phenomena decided to act differently each day, the world would be one colossal chaos!  The sun can't decide to be cold one day nor can the wind decide to burn suddenly!!  Beings know what to expect from each of these elements because they trust that they are all established in their own truths.

Truth upholds the very workings of the world.  This is the very basis for our existence!

pada vigrahaH:
सत्येन धार्यते पृथिवी सत्येन तपते रविः ।
satyena dhāryate pṛthivī satyena tapate raviḥ ।

सत्येन वाति वायुः च सर्वं सत्ये प्रतिष्ठितम् ॥
satyena vāti vāyuḥ ca sarvaṃ satye pratiṣṭhitam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
satyena dhaaryate pRuthivI satyena tapate raviH ।
satyena vaati vaayushcha sarvaM satye pratiShThitam ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

satyena dhaaryate pRuthivI satyena tapate raviH ।

satyena vaati vaayuH cha sarvaM satye pratiShThitam ॥

July 29th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
वित्तेन रक्ष्यते धर्मः विद्या योगेन रक्ष्यते ।
मृदुना रक्ष्यते भूपः सत्स्त्रिया रक्ष्यते गृहम् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
vittena rakṣyate dharmaḥ vidyā yogena rakṣyate ।
mṛdunā rakṣyate bhūpaḥ satstriyā rakṣyate gṛham ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Virtue is protected by wealth; knowledge is guarded by practice; gentleness protects a king; a home is secured by an excellent lady.

Commentary:

Everyone and everything has a protector!

Wealth serves as the guardian of virtue. For example, performing acts of welfare for society is a virtue, and such actions often require wealth. Since wealth is used to uphold and promote dharma, it becomes a keeper of virtue.

Knowledge, or vidyā, is safeguarded through practice. Simply earning and accumulating knowledge isn’t enough; it must be applied and practiced daily. Without use, knowledge deteriorates, becoming rusty and ineffective. Thus, practice is the protector of knowledge.

Gentleness protects a king. This might seem unusual, but it holds true. Gentleness here refers to the king’s treatment of his subjects. By handling them with care and respect, he earns their loyalty and trust, minimizes internal enemies, and ensures a stable and enduring reign. A gentle demeanor is, therefore, the guardian of a king.

The most essential unit of society is the home, and its guardian is the lady of the house. She is the foundation, managing the family’s needs, instilling values, disciplining children, ensuring health, and maintaining harmony.

An intelligent woman imparts the right values to her children. A well-rounded woman nourishes her family with thoughtful choices. A level-headed woman prioritizes her household’s needs and keeps everyone balanced. Together, these qualities define her excellence and secure the home. She creates a safe haven, allowing everyone to thrive and be their best selves.

As the saying goes, “गृहिणी गृहमुच्यते” (gṛhiṇī gṛhamucyate)—the home is defined by the lady. It should be understood as “गृहम् उच्यते” (gṛham ucyate—upholds the house), not “गृहं मुच्यते” (gṛhaṃ mucyate—lets go of the household). A woman has the power to make or break a home—it is truly in her hands!

pada vigrahaH:

वित्तेन रक्ष्यते धर्मः विद्या योगेन रक्ष्यते ।
vittena rakṣyate dharmaḥ vidyā yogena rakṣyate ।

मृदुना रक्ष्यते भूपः सत्-स्त्रिया रक्ष्यते गृहम् ॥
mṛdunā rakṣyate bhūpaḥ sat-striyā rakṣyate gṛham ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
vittena rakShyate dharmaH vidyaa yogena rakShyate ।
mRudunaa rakShyate bhUpaH satstriyaa rakShyate gRuham ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

vittena rakShyate dharmaH vidyaa yogena rakShyate ।

mRudunaa rakShyate bhUpaH sat-striyaa rakShyate gRuham ॥

July 28th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
अग्निर्देवो द्विजातीनां मुनीनां हृदि दैवतम् ।
प्रतिमा स्वल्पबुद्धीनां सर्वत्र समदर्शिनः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
agnirdevo dvijātīnāṃ munīnāṃ hṛdi daivatam ।
pratimā svalpabuddhīnāṃ sarvatra samadarśinaḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

For the twice-born (brahmins), fire is God. For the ascetics, the Lord is in their hearts. For those with very little insight, it is in the statue. For those with equanimity, He is everywhere!

Commentary:

A person born as a Brahmin, is considered to have two births—first, when he actually takes birth, and second, after the sacred thread ceremony. For him, the rituals taught and imbibed are divine and he reveres them as God. The fire used in those rituals is God to him.

The ascetics carry the Lord in their hearts. They truly connect with their inner divine spirit. Everyone has the divine in their hearts, but a personal connection to it is what makes a world of difference.

Those with limited insight consider 'seeing' Him as seeing a statue of Him. They worship the statue with utmost reverence but do not translate that to the living world around them.

However, those with a sense of equanimity see God in everything and everywhere! They identify the divinity in each and everything/being around them. To them, God is not just in a statue, fire, or a ritual. He is in every aspect and form around them.  Every action they undertake is an offering to Him and every breath they breathe is His miracle!

How each one cognizes the Lord is entirely up to him. Each one perceives God as per his own spiritual maturity. Spiritual maturity is not attained with merely the passing of the years but by obedience to His will. 

pada vigrahaH:

अग्निः देवः द्विजातीनां मुनीनां हृदि दैवतम् ।
agniḥ devaḥ dvijātīnāṃ munīnāṃ hṛdi daivatam ।

प्रतिमा स्वल्प-बुद्धीनां सर्वत्र सम-दर्शिनः ॥
pratimā svalpa-buddhīnāṃ sarvatra sama-darśinaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
agnirdevo dvijaatInaaM munInaaM hRudi daivatam ।
pratimaa svalpabuddhInaaM sarvatra samadarshinaH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

agniH devaH dvijaatInaaM munInaaM hRudi daivatam ।

pratimaa svalpa-buddhInaaM sarvatra sama-darshinaH ॥

July 27th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
दारिद्र्यनाशनं दानं शीलं दुर्गतिनाशनम् ।
अज्ञाननाशिनी प्रज्ञा भावना भयनाशिनी ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
dāridryanāśanaṃ dānaṃ śīlaṃ durgatināśanam ।
ajñānanāśinī prajñā bhāvanā bhayanāśinī ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Giving quells poverty, integrity dispels bad times, awareness dismisses ignorance, (and) contemplation dissipates fear.

Commentary:

A little bit of light dispels a lot of darkness!  Similarly, 

1. Giving is an action that quells the poverty of the giver and the receiver alike! The receiver gains what he needs and the giver gains on the scale of virtue and in learning selflessness. Hence, giving eradicates poverty on different levels for all the people involved.
2. No matter the circumstances or conditions, trading values, and integrity is not a choice. Everything else may be in shambles, but his soul won't be! Be it good times or bad times, a person's integrity protects him and allows him to come out unscathed.
3. Awareness and ignorance are antonyms of each other, just like light and darkness. These two swords can never fit in one scabbard. When one is in, the other is out! When one has awareness,  ignorance gets dismissed automatically!
4. Is one afraid in his own house, even if it is dark? Because of familiarity, one will not feel intimidated. It makes it easy for him to contemplate the time and space essential to navigate himself even in darkness. This contemplation dissipates all fears in him and makes his perception of the surroundings clearer.

To turn any weakness into strength, acquire the right tool that dispels the weakness from its very roots. That is success!

pada vigrahaH:
दारिद्र्य-नाशनं दानं शीलं दुर्गति-नाशनम् ।
dāridrya-nāśanaṃ dānaṃ śīlaṃ durgati-nāśanam ।

अज्ञान-नाशिनी प्रज्ञा भावना भय-नाशिनी ॥
ajñāna-nāśinī prajñā bhāvanā bhaya-nāśinī ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
daaridryanaashanaM daanaM shIlaM durgatinaashanam ।
aj~naananaashinI praj~naa bhaavanaa bhayanaashinI ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

daaridrya-naashanaM daanaM shIlaM durgati-naashanam ।

aj~naana-naashinI praj~naa bhaavanaa bhaya-naashinI ॥

July 26th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
कामधेनुगुणाविद्या ह्यकाले फलदायिनी ।
प्रवासे मातृसदृशी विद्या गुप्‍तं धनं स्मृतम् ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
kāmadhenuguṇāvidyā hyakāle phaladāyinī ।
pravāse mātṛsadṛśī vidyā gup‍taṃ dhanaṃ smṛtam ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Knowledge (vidyā) has the attributes of kāmadhenu (the celestial cow, that grants all wishes) and bears fruit in inopportune times too. It (knowledge) is equivalent to a mother when away from home.  Knowledge is deemed to be a hidden stash of wealth.

Commentary:

There is no scarcity of subhāṣitas on vidyā. In this one, the poet says vidyā is like kāmadhenu, the celestial cow that grants all wishes. It gives one the means to achieve anything he desires! How he puts it to use is up to him! One can use his vidyā to attain more money, fame, name, or better yet, Mukti (salvation). 

Knowledge is compared to a mother who nurtures because knowledge fosters one's thinking. Just as a mother's proximity gives a safe haven to her child, so does knowledge give confidence. The confidence gained through knowledge makes one feel at ease even when in a foreign land. Unfamiliar grounds can be trodden with surety when armed with a weapon called knowledge. It is an invisible treasure chest that keeps providing one with the tools as and when needed but it can't be stolen by anyone. It is all his own to keep forever!

Knowledge is power. Equip yourself with it!

pada vigrahaH:
कामधेनु-गुणा-विद्या हि अकाले फल-दायिनी ।
kāmadhenu-guṇā-vidyā hi akāle phala-dāyinī ।

प्रवासे मातृ-सदृशी विद्या गुप्‍तं धनं स्मृतम् ॥
pravāse mātṛ-sadṛśī vidyā gup‍taṃ dhanaṃ smṛtam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kaamadhenuguNaavidyaa hyakaale phaladaayinI ।
pravaase maatRusadRushI vidyaa guptaM dhanaM smRutam ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

kaamadhenu-guNaa-vidyaa hi akaale phala-daayinI ।

pravaase maatRu-sadRushI vidyaa guptaM dhanaM smRutam ॥

July 25th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
मूर्खस्तु परिहर्तव्यः प्रत्यक्षो द्विपदः पशुः ।
भिनत्ति वाक्यशूलेन अदृष्टः कण्ठको यथा ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
mūrkhastu parihartavyaḥ pratyakṣo dvipadaḥ paśuḥ ।
bhinatti vākyaśūlena adṛṣṭaḥ kaṇṭhako yathā ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A foolish person should be shunned just like a two-legged animal. He pierces with verbal spears, just as an invisible thorn does.

Commentary:

When one is pricked by a thorn, it hurts, and the immediate instinct is to remove it. But what if the thorn is invisible or lodged so deep that it cannot be reached? The poet likens a foolish person to such a thorn—difficult to get rid of and a constant source of irritation. Similarly, an ignorant individual uses rude and thoughtless words as verbal spears, relentlessly poking and provoking others just to elicit a reaction.

The poet takes this comparison further, equating such a person to an animal with only two legs. While most animals have four legs, this two-legged "animal" exhibits behavior no different from theirs. Animals act instinctively, often unaware of the emotions or feelings of others. Yet, even animals have been known to display compassion in unexpected circumstances. But this two-legged "animal," devoid of empathy and reason, seems beyond remedy. The wisest course of action is simply to avoid such a person.

Humans are celebrated as "the cleverest living beings." Let us live up to that reputation and not devolve into "two-legged fools." A little wisdom and empathy can preserve the dignity of being truly human.

pada vigrahaH:
मूर्खः तु परिहर्तव्यः प्रत्यक्षः द्विपदः पशुः ।
mūrkhaḥ tu parihartavyaḥ pratyakṣaḥ dvipadaḥ paśuḥ ।

भिनत्ति वाक्य-शूलेन अ-दृष्टः कण्ठकः यथा ॥
bhinatti vākya-śūlena a-dṛṣṭaḥ kaṇṭhakaḥ yathā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
mUrkhastu parihartavyaH pratyakSho dvipadaH pashuH ।
bhinatti vaakyashUlena adRuShTaH kaNThako yathaa ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

mUrkhaH tu parihartavyaH pratyakShaH dvipadaH pashuH ।

bhinatti vaakya-shUlena a-dRuShTaH kaNThakaH yathaa ॥

July 24th

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

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

Meaning of the subhAShita:

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

Commentary:

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

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

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

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

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

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

eka-vRukSha-samaarUDhaaH naanaa varNaaH viha~ngamaaH ।

prabhaate dashasu dikShu tatra kaa parivedanaa ॥

July 23rd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सम्पत्सु महतां चित्तं भवत्युत्पलकोमलम् ।
आपत्सु च महाशैलशिलासंघातकर्कशम् ॥
- नीतिशतक

Transliteration:
sampatsu mahatāṃ cittaṃ bhavatyutpalakomalam ।
āpatsu ca mahāśailaśilāsaṃghātakarkaśam ॥
- nītiśataka

Meaning of the subhAShita:

In prosperity, the minds of noble people become as tender as the lotus. In hardships, their thinking is as rugged as the pile of rocks on a huge mountain.

Commentary:

It is not a "one size fits all" approach. The noble know how to balance their emotions, responding appropriately to different situations.

A commoner might lose control upon witnessing prosperity, figuratively soaring high with excitement as if their feet no longer touch the ground. In contrast, prosperity humbles the noble, making them as gentle as a lotus. They dedicate themselves to the welfare of others, yet remain aware of the fleeting nature of wealth. They don’t let it inflate their ego or sway their humility.

When faced with hardships, however, the noble shed their gentleness and become as unyielding as a pile of rocks atop a vast mountain. Why this comparison, instead of simply saying "as hard as a rock"? The mountain itself is rugged and harsh. For a pile of rocks to endure and remain steadfast on top of it, they must be even more resilient than the rocks scattered on the streets. The determination of the noble in the face of adversity is unmatched. In contrast, the average person may crumble under hardship, losing their faith, confidence, and will.

Transform your wounds into wisdom and never succumb to despair. Adversity is one of the greatest teachers, so learn your lessons!

pada vigrahaH:
सम्पत्सु महतां चित्तं भवति उत्पल-कोमलम् ।
sampatsu mahatāṃ cittaṃ bhavati utpala-komalam ।

आपत्सु च महा-शैल-शिला-संघात-कर्कशम् ॥
āpatsu ca mahā-śaila-śilā-saṃghāta-karkaśam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sampatsu mahataaM chittaM bhavatyutpalakomalam ।
aapatsu cha mahaashailashilaasaMghaatakarkasham ॥
- nItishataka

sampatsu mahataaM chittaM bhavati utpala-komalam ।

aapatsu cha mahaa-shaila-shilaa-saMghaata-karkasham ॥

July 22nd

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
रत्नाकरः किं करोति स्वरत्नैः
विन्ध्याचलः किं करिभिः करोति ।
श्रीखन्ण्डखण्डैर्मलयाचलः किं
परोपकाराय सतां विभूतयः ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नभाण्डागार

Transliteration:
ratnākaraḥ kiṃ karoti svaratnaiḥ
vindhyācalaḥ kiṃ karibhiḥ karoti ।
śrīkhanṇḍakhaṇḍairmalayācalaḥ kiṃ
paropakārāya satāṃ vibhūtayaḥ ॥
- subhāṣitaratnabhāṇḍāgāra

Meaning of the subhAShita:

What will the ocean do with its own gems? What will the vindhyā mountain do with the elephants (dwelling) there? Of what use are the sandal trees to the malaya mountain? The wealth of the noble is for the benefaction of others.

Commentary:

Most people spend their wealth on themselves—there's no greatness in that!

Yet, nature offers countless examples that stand in contrast to this mindset. An ocean is a storehouse for multitudes of precious gems. But does it use even a single prized stone to deck itself up? The vindhyā mountain is the house for many herds of elephants. Yet it does not direct them to work for its needs! There are more sandalwood trees on the malaya mountain than in any other place on Earth. But the mountain doesn't have any use for them!

Similarly, the noble do not obsess over their possessions. Instead, they put their wealth to use for the benefit of others. They are neither selfish nor attached to their material possessions. For them, 'using their wealth for the right purpose' takes more priority than 'for whom it is being used'!

If you have much, give your wealth; if you have little, certainly give your heart! There is never a scarcity for that! Just do every action wholeheartedly. The results will increase multifold.

pada vigrahaH:
रत्नाकरः किं करोति स्व-रत्नैः
ratnākaraḥ kiṃ karoti sva-ratnaiḥ

विन्ध्याचलः किं करिभिः करोति ।
vindhyācalaḥ kiṃ karibhiḥ karoti ।

श्रीखन्ण्ड-खण्डैः मलयाचलः किं
śrīkhanṇḍa-khaṇḍaiḥ malayācalaḥ kiṃ

पर-उपकाराय सतां विभूतयः ॥
para-upakārāya satāṃ vibhūtayaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
ratnaakaraH kiM karoti svaratnaiH
vindhyaachalaH kiM karibhiH karoti ।
shrIkhanNDakhaNDairmalayaachalaH kiM
paropakaaraaya sataaM vibhUtayaH ॥
- subhaaShitaratnabhaaNDaagaara

ratnaakaraH kiM karoti sva-ratnaiH

vindhyaachalaH kiM karibhiH karoti ।

shrIkhanNDa-khaNDaiH malayaachalaH kiM

para-upakaaraaya sataaM vibhUtayaH ॥

July 21st

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
किं तया क्रियते धेन्वा या न सूते न दुग्धदा ।
कोऽर्थः पुत्रेण जातेन यो न विद्वान्न भक्तिमान् ॥
- पञ्चतन्त्र, कथामुख


Transliteration:
kiṃ tayā kriyate dhenvā yā na sūte na dugdhadā ।
ko'rthaḥ putreṇa jātena yo na vidvānna bhaktimān ॥
- pañcatantra, kathāmukha

Meaning of the subhAShita:

What shall you do with a cow that neither milks nor bears a calf? What is the use of an offspring who is neither learned nor devoted?!

Commentary:

There is a purpose for everything! A cowherd rears his cattle so that he can milk them or so they can bear calves someday. What is the use of a cow which is neither able to give milk nor bear a calf? All the tending becomes a wasteful effort.

Similarly, there is a certain set of expectations for offspring as well. Every parent wants their children to be learned and cultured. Knowledge makes one humble. The humility thus learnt, carries him through the rough sails of life. 

Arrogance is not an appealing trait. One needs to acknowledge and respect that there is a higher power that works as a driving force in this world. This is shown through devotion. 

Hence, a parent wants his offspring to be learned and devoted. What is the use of a son/daughter who is neither learned nor devoted? Just as a cow that can neither milk nor bear a calf, tending such a child is a futility of effort!

It is easier to build strong children than repair broken adults. Guide them earlier on, so they don't become useless animals!

pada vigrahaH:
किं तया क्रियते धेन्वा या न सूते न दुग्धदा ।
kiṃ tayā kriyate dhenvā yā na sūte na dugdhadā ।

कः अर्थः पुत्रेण जातेन यः न विद्वान् न भक्तिमान् ॥
kaḥ arthaḥ putreṇa jātena yaḥ na vidvān na bhaktimān ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kiM tayaa kriyate dhenvaa yaa na sUte na dugdhadaa ।
ko.rthaH putreNa jaatena yo na vidvaanna bhaktimaan ॥
- pa~nchatantra, kathaamukha

kiM tayaa kriyate dhenvaa yaa na sUte na dugdhadaa ।

kaH arthaH putreNa jaatena yaH na vidvaan na bhaktimaan ॥

July 20th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
शयानं चानुशयति तिष्ठन्तं चानुतिष्ठति ।
अनुधावति धावन्तं कर्म पूर्वकृतं नरम् ॥
- सुभाषितसुधानिधि


Transliteration:
śayānaṃ cānuśayati tiṣṭhantaṃ cānutiṣṭhati ।
anudhāvati dhāvantaṃ karma pūrvakṛtaṃ naram ॥
- subhāṣitasudhānidhi

Meaning of the subhAShita:

The fruits of deeds of the past follow a being in his sleep, follow him when standing, (and) follow when running.  (No respite!)

Commentary:
One may be amidst a hundred friends and still feel lonely, or he may think he is all alone, by himself. But in reality, he is never alone.

There is something that follows him better than a shadow! A shadow follows him only when there is light in the vicinity. This is better than that because it follows him without any conditions or exceptions! 

That unrelenting companion is the fruit of his past deeds. It follows him through every moment of his life. It sleeps with him, stands with him, and even runs with him if he runs! Can one ask for any company more constant than that?! Whether he wants it or not, whether he likes it or not, it is present with him all the time.

If one wants pleasant company, then he should probably invest more in doing good deeds.

pada vigrahaH:
शयानं च अनुशयति तिष्ठन्तं च अनु-तिष्ठति ।
śayānaṃ ca anuśayati tiṣṭhantaṃ ca anu-tiṣṭhati ।

अनु-धावति धावन्तं कर्म पूर्व-कृतं नरम् ॥
anu-dhāvati dhāvantaṃ karma pūrva-kṛtaṃ naram ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
shayaanaM chaanushayati tiShThantaM chaanutiShThati ।
anudhaavati dhaavantaM karma pUrvakRutaM naram ॥
- subhaaShitasudhaanidhi

shayaanaM cha anushayati tiShThantaM cha anu-tiShThati ।

anu-dhaavati dhaavantaM karma pUrva-kRutaM naram ॥

July 19th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
राजपत्नी गुरोः पत्नी मित्रपत्नी तथैव च ।
पत्नीमाता स्वमाता च पञ्चैता मातरः स्मृताः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
rājapatnī guroḥ patnī mitrapatnī tathaiva ca ।
patnīmātā svamātā ca pañcaitā mātaraḥ smṛtāḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

A king's wife, teacher's wife, friend's wife, wife's mother, and his own (birth) mother: these 5 should be deemed as mother figures.

Commentary:

It is said, 'God couldn't be everywhere, so he made mothers!'  In a lifetime, one doesn't come across just one mother but many who fill that role. Hence, all of them deserve the same reverence as their own mother.

1. A leader or king protects and prospers the nation. He is revered as the father of his subjects. His wife is respected as a mother because she walks hand in hand with him for the welfare of the land.
2. A teacher guides and makes a person an able being. In the olden days, students lived at their teacher's house until learning was completed. The wife of the teacher fed them and showed affection to them just as a mother would. She is revered for her tending and affection.
3. A friend is a trusted person who stands by through thick and thin. Can that trust be repaid by disrespecting his wife? The highest position of honor one can give is that of a mother. Hence, the friend's wife is given this honor.
4. The mother of one's own wife is given this utmost regard. This is because the wife instills values in the entire family. All that she has learnt is through her mother. She passes on the teaching to her children in the household. Veneration to the wife's mother is for teaching ethics to his wife and giving away the daughter that she had nurtured so diligently!
5. If one says giving the highest order of reverence to others is that of a mother, what to speak of his own mother! She is the one who nurtures him in her womb, gives birth to him, tends to him, teaches him life's essence, instills ethics in him, and gives direction to his life. She does pretty much everything in her capacity to make sure that her child is secure and ready to take on life! Respecting her is not an option, it is natural! There are no words or deeds with which one can repay his mother. All one can do is imbibe her values, be the person she intended him to be, and be eternally grateful to her!

Like they say, 'It takes a village to raise a child'! All these roles of mothers contribute significantly. 'Beings are what their mothers made them'. Mothers are always held in the highest esteem!

pada vigrahaH:
राज-पत्नी गुरोः पत्नी मित्र-पत्नी तथ एव च ।
rāja-patnī guroḥ patnī mitra-patnī tatha eva ca ।

पत्नी-माता स्व-माता च पञ्च एताः मातरः स्मृताः ॥
patnī-mātā sva-mātā ca pañca etāḥ mātaraḥ smṛtāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
raajapatnI guroH patnI mitrapatnI tathaiva cha ।
patnImaataa svamaataa cha pa~nchaitaa maataraH smRutaaH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

raaja-patnI guroH patnI mitra-patnI tatha eva cha ।

patnI-maataa sva-maataa cha pa~ncha etaaH maataraH smRutaaH ॥

July 18th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
तावद् भयेषु भेतव्यं यावद्भयमनागतम् ।
आगतं तु भयं दृष्ट्वा प्रहर्तव्यमशङ्कया ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
tāvad bhayeṣu bhetavyaṃ yāvadbhayamanāgatam ।
āgataṃ tu bhayaṃ dṛṣṭvā prahartavyamaśaṅkayā ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

(One) should fear fears, only as long as the fears are awaited. Upon seeing the onset of fear, (he) should beat it without a doubt.

Commentary:

The biggest thing one fears is, fear itself!  

 

No one wants to give an open invitation for their own fears. Dreaded circumstances are better kept at bay. Be it any kind of phobia, big or small, everyone has their own fears. 

However, this fear is valid only until the onset of the feared situation itself! One should certainly try all the tricks in his book to avoid those dreaded circumstances.  But sometimes, it is not possible to ward off the trepidations despite all efforts. When that happens, he should most certainly keep his fear aside and fight it off with all his might. No excuses, no stone unturned! It becomes his prime duty to get himself out of the fearful situation, despite the fear! Thinking will not help overcome fear, action will. 

It is the first step which is always the hardest! Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in doing so. This eventually, aids in vanquishing the fear altogether.

FEAR can be connotated as—Forget Everything And Run (or) Face Everything And Rise!  The choice is ours. 

pada vigrahaH:
तावद् भयेषु भेतव्यं यावत् भयम् अनागतम् ।
tāvad bhayeṣu bhetavyaṃ yāvat bhayam anāgatam ।

आगतं तु भयं दृष्ट्वा प्रहर्तव्यम् अशङ्कया ॥
āgataṃ tu bhayaṃ dṛṣṭvā prahartavyam aśaṅkayā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
taavad bhayeShu bhetavyaM yaavadbhayamanaagatam ।
aagataM tu bhayaM dRuShTvaa prahartavyamasha~nkayaa ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

taavad bhayeShu bhetavyaM yaavat bhayam anaagatam ।

aagataM tu bhayaM dRuShTvaa prahartavyam asha~nkayaa ॥

July 17th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
कः कालः कानि मित्राणि को देशः कौ व्ययाऽगमौ ।
कश्चाहं का च मे शक्तिः इति चिन्त्यं मुहुर्मुहुः ॥
- चाणक्य नीति


Transliteration:
kaḥ kālaḥ kāni mitrāṇi ko deśaḥ kau vyayā'gamau ।
kaścāhaṃ kā ca me śaktiḥ iti cintyaṃ muhurmuhuḥ ॥
- cāṇakya nīti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

These should be thought over, again and again—What are (my) circumstances? Who are (my) friends? What region have I come from? What are (my) income and expenses? Who am I? What are my strengths? 

Commentary:

If one asked—"do fish grow on trees?", the answer would always be the same—"NO!" However, certain questions do not always have the same answer, nor are they as simple. One's situation is new and different every time. Therefore, the answers to our questions will be different each time, too!

To be on top of his own state of affairs, one needs to question himself time and again - "What are my circumstances today?"  "Who are my current friends and foes?"  "What part of the world am I living in?"  "What are the economic and political situations in my surroundings?"   "How are my balance sheets of income and expenses matching up?" And, importantly, "What are my strengths and weaknesses?" 

None of these will remain consistent throughout one's life. The answers to these questions keep changing based on many external factors as well as personal growth.  Contemplating these gives a person an opportunity to re-evaluate his life at each step and patch a leak at the earliest.

A small leak can wreck a great ship. Catching in time can save a lot of time and trouble later. Stop, rethink, re-evaluate—do not hesitate to make tough decisions.

pada vigrahaH:
कः कालः कानि मित्राणि को देशः कौ व्यय-आगमौ ।
kaḥ kālaḥ kāni mitrāṇi ko deśaḥ kau vyaya-āgamau ।

कः च अहं का च मे शक्तिः इति चिन्त्यं मुहुः मुहुः ॥
kaḥ ca ahaṃ kā ca me śaktiḥ iti cintyaṃ muhuḥ muhuḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
kaH kaalaH kaani mitraaNi ko deshaH kau vyayaa.gamau ।
kashchaahaM kaa cha me shaktiH iti chintyaM muhurmuhuH ॥
- chaaNakya nIti

kaH kaalaH kaani mitraaNi ko deshaH kau vyaya-aagamau ।

kaH cha ahaM kaa cha me shaktiH iti chintyaM muhuH muhuH ॥

July 16th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
आत्मनो मुखदोषेण बध्यन्ते शुकसारिकाः ।
बकास्तत्र न बध्यन्ते मौनं सर्वार्थसाधनम् ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नसमुच्चय


Transliteration:
ātmano mukhadoṣeṇa badhyante śukasārikāḥ ।
bakāstatra na badhyante maunaṃ sarvārthasādhanam ॥
- subhāṣitaratnasamuccaya

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Parrots and other talking birds get captured due to their own folly. (But) storks are not captured. Silence is instrumental in attaining all purposes!

Commentary:

Speech is silver, silence is gold!

Due to their chattering, parrots and other talking birds, attract unwanted attention. Hunters aspiring to cage a talking bird will spread nets to capture them. But the 'dumb' storks—so to say—keep their silence and hardly entice the hunters. Ever heard of a stork being captured to adorn a cage?  It is as if his silence saves him from the trouble!

It is equally true for humans as well. Time and again, one may regret letting words slip through his lips and say, 'Why ever did I open my mouth?!' The time to remind oneself that 'silence is instrumental in attaining all purposes!' is: before speaking.  Because sped arrows and spoken words can never be taken back.

Speak only when you feel that your words are better than your silence.  Meaning, use your words cautiously and only if you are sure about what you are saying. Equally important is to know when it is best to not use it at all!  

pada vigrahaH:

आत्मनः मुख-दोषेण बध्यन्ते शुक-सारिकाः ।
ātmanaḥ mukha-doṣeṇa badhyante śuka-sārikāḥ ।

बकाः तत्र न बध्यन्ते मौनं सर्व-अर्थ-साधनम् ॥
bakāḥ tatra na badhyante maunaṃ sarva-artha-sādhanam ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
aatmano mukhadoSheNa badhyante shukasaarikaaH ।
bakaastatra na badhyante maunaM sarvaarthasaadhanam ॥
- subhaaShitaratnasamuchchaya

aatmanaH mukha-doSheNa badhyante shuka-saarikaaH ।

bakaaH tatra na badhyante maunaM sarva-artha-saadhanam ॥

July 15th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
सौवर्णानि सरोजानि निर्मातुं सन्ति शिल्पिनः ।
तत्र सौरभनिर्माणे चतुरश्चतुराननः ॥
- सुभाषितरत्नसमुच्चय


Transliteration:
sauvarṇāni sarojāni nirmātuṃ santi śilpinaḥ ।
tatra saurabhanirmāṇe caturaścaturānanaḥ ॥
- subhāṣitaratnasamuccaya

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Lotuses of gold are sculpted by many a sculptors. (However,) for incorporating fragrance in them, only Lord Brahma is skilled enough!

Commentary:

One may be the most skillful, yet his skillset invariably falls short at some point. With modern-day technology and inventions, there is still a point where man does not have all the answers or all the capabilities. The following story says it all -

Once, a man said to Brahma, 'I've learnt how to create, now you can take a rest!' Calmly Brahma said, "Very well. But before I retire, could you demonstrate your prowess? Make a pot." The man laughed and said, "That is no big deal, I've made bigger things than that!" He picked up some clay to make the pot when Brahma stopped him. "Put that down, please. That clay wasn't made by you. Shouldn't you be making your own clay if you are a creator?!" The perplexed man had no answer. Brahma replied, "I thought so. Time for me to get back to work, guess I can't retire quite yet!" :-)

There may be skilled sculptors who can make the most beautiful lotuses even from gold. But only the four-faced Brahma knows the secret of putting fragrance in the flowers! Only he has the skill to breathe life into them! He is the only one who can provide the material necessary for making them as well!!

Do not play yourself up! There is someone above who directs the proceedings of the world continuously.  Stay humble.

pada vigrahaH:
सौवर्णानि सरोजानि निर्मातुं सन्ति शिल्पिनः ।
sauvarṇāni sarojāni nirmātuṃ santi śilpinaḥ ।

तत्र सौरभ-निर्माणे चतुरः चतुराननः ॥
tatra saurabha-nirmāṇe caturaḥ caturānanaḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
sauvarNaani sarojaani nirmaatuM santi shilpinaH ।
tatra saurabhanirmaaNe chaturashchaturaananaH ॥
- subhaaShitaratnasamuchchaya

sauvarNaani sarojaani nirmaatuM santi shilpinaH ।

tatra saurabha-nirmaaNe chaturaH chaturaananaH ॥