Monday 30 June 2014

Today's Subhashita.

काव्यं  सुधारसज्ञानां  कामिनां  कामिनी  सुधा |
धनं सुधा सलोभानां शान्तिः संन्यासिनां सुधा ||

अर्थ -       साहित्य की विभिन्न विधाओं तथा श्रंगार ,वीर , करुणा आदि नौ  रसों के मर्मज्ञ विद्वानों के लिये कविता  सुधा (अमृत) के समान  जीवन दायिनी होती है  तथा कामी व्यक्तियों के लिये एक सुन्दर और प्रेम करने  वाली स्त्री  ही सुधा के समान होती है |   लोभी व्यक्तियों के लिये धन ही सुधा के समान होता है और संयासियों के लिये तो आत्मिक शान्ति  ही अमृत तुल्य होती है |

Kaavym sudhaarasagyaanaam kaaminaam kaaminee sudhaa.
dhanam sudha  salobhaanaam shantih smnyaasinaam sudhaa.

Kaavym = poetry.    Sudhaa = the nectar used by Gods which makes them immortal.. 
Rasagyaanaam = learned persons who can appreciate the finer aspects of literature and poetry dealing with various human emotions called 'Rasa'., which are nine in number in the Sanskrit literature..     Kaaminaam = lustful or libidinous men.     Kaaminee = affectionate woman.      Dhanm = wealth, money.
Salobhanaam = greedy persons.     Shantih = peace.      Sanyasinaam = saints.

i.e.    For the scholars well versed in various finer aspects of literature and the nine 'Rasas' . poetry is like 
'Sudha' (the nectre used by Gods), and for  lustful  men a beautiful and affectionate woman is like 'Sudha'. 
For greedy persons only money is like;Sudha; and for the saints peace of mind is like 'Sudha' ..

Sunday 29 June 2014

Today's Subhashita.


क्षणमात्रं ग्रहाSSवेशो याममात्रं सुरामदः |
लक्ष्मीमदस्तु मूर्खाणामादेहमनुवर्तते  ||

अर्थ -      किसी व्यक्ति  के ऊपर जादू टोने का प्रभाव क्षण मात्र के लिये ही होता है और शराब क नशा एक याम (तीन घण्टे) तक ही रहता है |    परन्तु मूर्ख  व्यक्तिओं को अपने धनी होने का नशा  प्रच्छन्न रूप  से सदैव ही बना रहता है |

kshnamaatram grahaavesho yaamamaatram suraamadah.
Lakshmeemadastu moorkhaanaamaadeha manuvartate.

Kshnamaatram = only for a moment.     Grahaavesho = a state of mind which proceeds from magical influence  on a person and controls him.        Yaammaatram = yaam + maatram.
Yaam =  a quarter of a day or night as per Indian Astronomy (approximately a period of 3 hours)
Maatra = merely.     Suraamada =  suraa + madah.     Suraa = liquor, wine.   Madah =the state of intoxication caused by consuming liquor,  inebriation.   Lakshmi = wealth.   Madastu = intoxication by.
Moorkhaanaamaadehamanuvartate= moorkhaanaam +adeham +anuvartate,.    Moorkhaanaam = foolish persons.    Adeham= bodyless, hidden.     anuvartate = runs along, persists.

i.e.        The effect of a  magical spell over a person remains only momentarily and the inebriated state of a person by consuming liquor lasts up to a quarter of a day or night.  However, among foolish persons the
the state of  drunkenness due to their being wealthy runs along hidden in  their behaviour for ever..

Saturday 28 June 2014

Today's Subhashita.

क्षते प्रहारा निपतन्त्यभीक्ष्णं  धनक्षये दीव्यति जाठराग्निः |
आपत्सु वैराणि समुल्लसन्ति छिद्रेष्वनर्था बहुलीभवन्ति   ||

अर्थ -                 किसी व्यक्ति पर जोर से प्रहार किया जाय तो वह् घायल हो कर तुरन्त गिर जाता है | यदि उस की धन संपत्ति नष्ट हो जाती है तो उसकी जठराग्नि  (भूख) और  भी प्रबल हो जाती है | यदि वह् आपदाओं से ग्रस्त हो  तो उसकी कमजोरियां प्रकट हो कर उसके द्वारा बारंबार गलत कार्य हो जाते हैं जिस से उसके दुश्मन हर्षित होते हैं |

Kshate prahaaraa nipatyantyabheekshnam dhanakshaye deevyati jaatharaagnih.
Aapatsu vairaani samullasanti cchidreshvanarthaa bahuleebhavanti.

Kshate = injured.   Prahaaraa = by hitting or striking.    Nipatyantysbheekshnam = nipatanti +abheekshnam.     Nipatanti = fall down.    Abheekshanam = at once.    Dhanakshya = loss of money.     Deevyati = increases.    Jaatharaagnih =  stomach fire(chemical reaction) caused by release of bile juices in the stomach, which help in digesting food.     Aapatsu = calamity, misfortune.   Vairaani = enemies.    Samullasanti = become happy.    Chidreshvanarthaa = chidreshu + anaarthaa      Chidreshu = weak points, holes.    Anarthaa = disasters, wrong doings.
Bahuleebhavanti = happen frequently.

i.e.     If a person is hit very hard he gets injured and falls down at once.  If he loses his wealth, the fire of hunger  in his belly also increases considerably, and  if he is besieged by misfortune or a calamity,all his shortcomings are exposed and he frequently takes wrong decisions, which cause
much delight to his enemies.

Friday 27 June 2014

Today's Subhashita.

क्वचिद्रुष्टः क्वचित्तुष्टो रुष्टस्तुष्टः क्षणेक्षणे |
अव्यवस्थित चित्तस्य प्रसादोऽपि भयंकरः    ||

अर्थ -    यदि कोई व्यक्ति कभी संतुष्ट  और कभी क्रुद्ध होता हो और ऐसा क्षण मात्र में ही हो जाता हो तो यह् उसकी  अव्यवस्थित मानसिकता का लक्षण है और ऐसे व्यक्ति की दूसरों के प्रति दयालुता भी भय 
उत्पन्न करने वाले होती है |

Kvachidrushth kvachittushto rushtsatushtah kshanekshane.
Avyavasthita chittasya prasaadopi bhaymkarah.

 Kvachidrushtah = kvachid + rushtah.    Kvachid  =  at times.      Rushthah = angry.
Kvachittushto = kvacit + tushto.`    Tushto = satisfied, contended..      Kshane = every moment.
Avyavasthita = unsettled, fickle.    Chittasya = mind's.   Prasaadopi = prasaado + api.
Prasaado= kindness, favour.     Api = even.    Bhayankarah = awe inspiring, fearful.

i.e.       If a person becomes angry at times and  satisfied at times, and his attitude alternates between anger  and contentment every moment, then he is certainly a fickle minded person and his showing kindness or favour is also awe inspiring and fraught with fear.

Thursday 26 June 2014

Today's Subhashita.

प्रागल्भ्यहीनस्य नरस्य विद्या शस्त्रं यथा कापुरषस्य हस्ते |
न  तृप्तिमुत्पादयते   शरीरं  वृद्धस्य  दारा  इव  दर्शनीया      ||

अर्थ -      चातुर्य और आत्मविश्वाश से रहित एक विद्वान व्यक्ति की विद्या उसी  प्रकार निरर्थक  है जैसे कि एक कायर व्यक्ति के हाथों में शस्त्र या एक वृद्ध व्यक्ति की सुन्दर और दर्शनीय पत्नी, क्योंकि ये सभी इन का उपभोग न कर पाने के कारण सदैव अतृप्त ही रहते हैं |

Praagalbhyaheenasya narasya vidyaa shastram yathaa kaapurashasya haste.
Na truptimutpaadayate dheeram vruddhasya daara iva darshaneeyaa.

Praagalbhya = proficiency, self confidence.    Heenasya = deficient in, without.    Narasya = a person's.       Vidyaa = learning, knowledge.     Shastram = a weapon.     Yathaa = fjor instance, just like.     Kaapurashasya =  a cowardly person's.     Haste = in the hands of.      Na = not.     Truptimutpaadayate =Truptim +utpaadayate.    Truptim = satisfaction.      Utpaadayate = produces, originates.   Shareeram =   body.     Vruddhasya = an aged person's    Daara = wife.
Iva = like, in the same manner as.     Darshaneeya = beautiful, worth looking.

i.e.      The knowledge and learning of a  person lacking in proficiency and self confidence  is just like a weapon in the hands of a cowardly person or like the beautiful  wife of an old man, because all these persons being incapable  of enjoying their possessions, and always remain unsatisfied.

Wednesday 25 June 2014

Today's Subhashita.

 पुरोत्पीडे तडागस्य परीवाहः प्रतिक्रिया |
शोकक्षोभे  च  ह्रदयं  प्रलापैरेव  धार्यते   ||

अर्थ -   जब एक तालाब  पूरी तरह् भर जाता है और उसकी जल ग्रहण क्षमता समाप्त हो जाती है तो उसका यही उपाय है कि उस से एक नाला या नहर निकाल कर अतिरिक्त जल को प्रवाहित कर दिया जाय |  इसी प्रकार जब शोक या क्षोभ से  ह्रदय उद्वेलित हो जाता है तो वह्  रोने और अनर्गल प्रलाप से वह्  पुनः शान्त हो जाता है |

Purotpeede tadaagasya pareevaahh pratikriyaa.
shokakshobhe hradayam pralaapaireva dhaaryate.

Purotpeede = pura +utpeede.    Pura = abundantly        Utpeede =bursting full to the brim.
Tadaagasya = of a lake.    Pareevahh = a drain, a canal.     Prtikriyaa = remedy, reaction.
Shokakshobhe = shoka +kshobhe.     Shoka = sorrow, grief.    Kshobha = emotional disturbance.
Cha = and     Hradyam = heart.    Pralaapaireva = pralaapai  + aiva.    Pralaapai = incoherent  speech ,
lamentation.    Aiva = just like that..     Dhaaryate = holds, subdued

i.e.      When a lake becomes full to the brim the only remedy for this is to arrange flow of excess water by means of a drain or canal  originating from the lake.   Just like that when a person's heart is agitated due to grief and emotional disturbance, the only way to subdue is by means of incoherent speech and weeping.

Tuesday 24 June 2014

Today's Subhashita.

वरं शून्या शाला न च खलु वरो दुष्टवृषभो
वरं वेश्या पत्नी न च पुनरविनीता कुलवधूः |
वरं वासोSरण्ये न पुनरविवेकाSधिपपुरे 
वरं प्राणत्यागो न पुनरधमानामुपगमः  ||

अर्थ -      एक गोशाला मे किसी दुष्ट सांड (बैल )के रहने से तो यही अच्छा  है कि  वह्   बिल्कुल खाली रहे  |  कोई व्यक्ति किसी वेश्या को अपनी पत्नी स्वीकार कर ले  परन्तु उसे  और परिवार की अन्य स्त्रियों  को अविनीत  (तेज और रूखे स्वभाव वाली ) नहीं होना चाहिये और एक कुलवधू ले सामान आचारण करना चाहिये |  एक अविवेकी शासक के नगर मे रहने से अच्छा  तो एक जंगल में निवास करना  है, और अधम व्यक्तियों के संसर्ग में रहने से तो मृत्यु (आत्महत्या) ही श्रेयस्कर है ||  

Varam shoonyaa shaalaa na cha khalu varo dushtavrushabhh.
Varam veshya patnee na cha punaravineetaa kulabadhooh.
Varam vaasoranye na punaravivekaadhipapure.
Varam praanatyago na punaradhamaanaamupagamah.

Varam = better.    Shoonyaa = vacant..      Shaalaa = cow shed.    Na = not.   Cha = and.    
Khalu = certainly.      Dushtavrushabho = dushta +vrushabho.    Dushta = wicked, rogue.
Vrushabho = bull,   ox.      Veshyaa = prostitute.    patnee = wife.    Punaravneetaa = punah +avineetaa.
Punah =  again.     Avineetaa = immodest, unchaste.     Kulavadhoo =  virtuous and respectable woman
Vaasoranye = vaash +aranye.     Vaash = abode, residence.    Aranye = a forest.
Puraravivekaadhipapure = Punh + avivekaadhip +pure.   Avivekaadhip = imprudent. ruler.
Pure = city.     Praanatyago = commit suicide, die.    Punaradhamaanaamupagamh = punah  +
adhamaanaam +upagamah.     Adhamaanaam = vilest persons , worst persons. 
Upagamah =  associate with,  society..

i.e.    It is better to keep a  cow shed  vacant rather than keeping a rouge bull in it .   One may accept a prostitute as his wife but she and other women of the household  should not be immodest and unchaste and  behave like virtuous and respectable women.  Instead of living in a city ruled by an imprudent
person it is better to live in a forest, and instead of keeping the company of  vilest and worst persons it is better to commit suicide or die.
  

Monday 23 June 2014

Today's Subhashita.

वरं  मौनं कार्यं न च वचनमुक्तं यदनृतं
वरं क्लैव्यं पुंसां न च परकलत्राSभिगमनम् |
वरं प्राणत्यागो न च पिशुनवाक्येश्वभिरुचि-
र्वरं  भिक्षाSSशित्वं न च परधनाSSस्वादनसुखम् ||

अर्थ -    असत्य बोलने से तो मौन रहना ही अच्छा है तथा परस्त्री गमन करने से तो व्यक्ति का नपुंसक होना ही अच्छा है | दुष्ट और नीच व्यक्तियों के संसर्ग में रह्  कर उनकी बातों पर अभिरुचि रखने से तो आत्महत्या करना अच्छा है और  अन्य व्यक्तियों की  धन संपत्ति के उपभोग से सुखी होने से तो भिक्षा मांग कर जीवन
निर्वाह् करना श्रेयस्कर है

Varam maunam kaaryam na cha vachanamuktam yadnrutam.
Varam klaivyam pumsaam na cha parakalatraabhigamanam
Varam praanatyaago na cha pishunavaakyeshvabhiruchi -
Varam bhikshaashitvam na cha paradhanaasvaadanmukham.

Varam = better.    Maunam = silence.      Kaaryam = doing a work.    Na = not     Cha = and.
Vachanamuktam =   vachanam + utktam.     Vachanam = statement, words..   Uktam = say.
Yadanrutam =  yat +anrutam.      Yat = that.     Anrutam = false, untruth.    Klaivyam = impotent,
an eunuch.     Pumsaam = a man     Parakalatraabhigamanam = para+ kalatra +abhigamanam
para =other.    Kalatraa = wife      Abhigamanam = sexual intercourse.     Praanatyago = commit suicide.
Pishunavaakyeshvabhiruchi = pishuna +vaakyeshu + abhiruchi.     Pishuna = wicked and malicious person.
Vaakyeshu = sayings.     Abhiruchi = interest.     Bhikshaashitvam = living by begging.
Paradhanaasvaadanasukham = paradhan +aasvaadan+sukham.   Paradhan = another's wealth.
Aasvaadan = tasting, enjoying.     Sukham = pleasure, delight.

i.e.     It is better to keep mum rather than giving false statements, and it is better to be  impotent or an eunuch rather than having sexual relationship with another's wife.  So also it is better to commit suicide rather being in the company of wicked and malicious persons and take interest  in their loose  talks, and better be a beggar rather than  have pleasure in enjoying another's wealth.

Saturday 21 June 2014

Today's Subhashita.

गन्धः सुवर्णे  फलमिक्षुदण्डे  नाSSकारि  पुष्पं  खलु  चन्दनेषु |
विद्वान् धनाSSढ्यो न तु दीर्घजीवी धातुःपुरा  कोSपि न बुद्धिदोSभूत्  ||

अर्थ -     स्वर्ण में कोई सुगन्ध  नहीं होती है, न गन्ने के डण्डे मे कोई फल लगता है, नहीं चन्दन के वृक्ष में अच्छे आकार के फूल खिलते है, और न विद्वान् व्यक्ति कभी धनाढ्य और दीर्घजीवी होता है  |    इस सब  का
निहितार्थ यही   है कि कोई भी अपने आप मे सर्वगुण सम्पन्न  नहीं होता है और न  दूसरों को अपने गुणों को देने में सक्षम होता है |

Gandhh suvarno phalamikshudande naakaari pushpm khalu chandeneshu.
Vidvaan dhanaadhyo na tu deerghajeevee dhatuhpuraa kopi na buddhidobhoot.

Gandhh = scent.     Suvarne = gold.    Phalamikshudande = phalam +ikshudande.    Phalam = fruits.
Ikshudande = stem of sugarcane.plant.   Naakaari = na +aakaari.    Na = not.   Aakaari = shapely,well formed.      Pushpm = flowers.      Khal   u = surely.    Chandaneshu = on a sandalwood tree.
Vidvaan = a learned person.    Dhanaadhyo = a rich person.    Tu = and.   Deerghajeevee = long lived.
Dhatuhpuraa = dhaatuh +puraa.     Dhatuh = elementary substance, component.    Puraa = making full or complete.    Koopi = kah + api.     Kah  = who.     Api = even.    Buddhidobhoot = buddhido +abhoot.
Buddhido =  possessing or imparting all types of talents              Abhoot = never happened.

i.e.      In gold there is no fragrance or scent, insugarcane plant there are no fruits, in sandalwood tree
there are no shapely flowers, learned persons are neither rich nor are long-living;  This tends to prove that nobody is complete in all respects and possesses or  imparts  all  talents to others.


Friday 20 June 2014

Today's Subhashita.

अशनं मे वसनं मे जाया मे बन्धुवर्गे मे |
इति मेमेकुर्वाणं कालवृको हन्ति पुरुषाSजम् ||

अर्थ  -     घास चरते समय, अपने आश्रय स्थल पर , अपनी बकरी  और अन्य  बकरियों के साथ सदैव एक बकरा 'मैं मैं  ' ही करता है और अन्ततः समय रूपी भेडिया के हाथों मारा जाता है |
  
(इस संदर्भ में एक दोहा प्रसिद्ध है  - अजापुत्र 'मैं मैं "' करे ताहि गंवावत प्राण  |उससे तो  मैंना भली खाय दूध  मलीदा सान ||  इस का निहितार्थ यह्  है कि जो व्यक्त अहंकारी होता  है और सदा अपनी बढाई करता वह् अन्ततः उसका नाश हो जाता है |और जो विनम्र होता है वह् सुखी रहता है जैसे कि "मैना" पक्षी |  यह्  दोहा उपर्युक्त सुभाषित के आधार पर ही लिखा प्रतीत होता है | बकरा बहुत मैं मैं करता है और उसकी आवाज से आकर्षित हो कर भेडिया उसे मार देता है |  काल की उपमा इस  सुभाषित में एक भेडिये से की गयी है | )
  
Ashanam me vasanam me jaayaa me bandhvarge me. 
Iti meme kurvaanam kaalavruko hanti purushaajam.

Ashan = eating, food.   Me = the meying sound created by a goat.    Vasanam = attire, dwelling.
Jaaya = wife .      Bandhuvarge = relatives.    Iti =thus.    Memekurvaanam = Meme + kurvaanam.
Kurvaanam = making, doing.   Kaalabruko= Kaala + bruko.    Kaala = time,destiny,    Bruko = wolf.
Hanti = destroys.     Purushaajam = purusha +ajam.    Purusha = male.    Ajam = goat.

i.e.   While eating food,  dwelling, in the company of its consort and relatives, a he-goat always creates the sound of  'me me' and ultimately meets its death at the hands of destiny as a wolf.

(The author has played with the word 'Me' in this Subbhashita and emphasises that arrogance in the attitude of a he-goat leads to his untimely death either as a sacrificial animal or for its meat, because it always announces himself as Me Me.   Untimely death has been compared to a wolf, who, attracted by his meying
sound which attracts  a  wolf and  ultimately results  in its death  by the wolf. )

Thursday 19 June 2014

Today's Subhashita.

यथा चतुर्भिः कनकं परीक्ष्यते निघर्षणच्छेदतापताड्नैः  |
तथा चतुर्भिः पुरुषः परीक्ष्यते श्रुतेन  शीलेन  कुलेन कर्मणा   ||

अर्थ -     जिस प्रकार स्वर्ण की परीक्षा चार प्रकार से (1 ) कसौटी पर रगड् कर  (2) काट  कर  (3) आग
में जला कर और (4) हथौडी  से पीट कर  की जाती है, उसी प्रकार एक व्यक्ति की परीक्षा भी चार तरीकों से 
(1) उसके  पारंपरिक ज्ञान से (2) शील सौजन्य से  (3) पारिवारिक प्रष्टभूमि  तथा (4) उसके द्वारा किये कार्यों से होती है |

Yathaa chaturbhih kanakam pareekshyate nigharshanacchedataaptaadanaih.
Tathaa chaturbhih purushh pareekshyate shruten sheelen kulen karmanaa.

Yathaa = for instance.    Chaturbhih = in four ways.    Kanak = Gold.    Parikshyate = examined,
investigated.    Nigharshanacxchedataapantaadanaih = nigharshana + cheda +taapan + taadanahi.
Nigharshana = rubbing.   Chedan = cutting.     Taapan = burning.    Taadanaih = beating.
Tathaa = in the same manner.     Purushah = a person.    Shruten =by the knowledge imparted by holy men and transmitted orally from generation to generation.    Sheelen =   by the conduct and character.       Kulen = by nobleness of the family or race.   Karmanaa = by his deeds or actions.

i.e.    For instance the quality of gold is examined in four ways,  namely (i) by rubbing it on a touch stone, (ii) by cutting it, (iii) by burning it on fire, and (iv) by beating it with a hammer,  similarly the status of a person is also examined in four ways (i) by his traditional knowledge (ii) byhis nobleness and righteousness (iii) his family background and (iv) by his actions and deeds.







Wednesday 18 June 2014

Today's Subhashita.

बोधितोSपि बहुसूक्तिविस्तरैः किं खलो जगति सज्जनो भवेत् |
स्नापितोSपि  बहुशो नदीजलैर्गर्धभः   किमु  हयो  भवेत्  क्वचित्      ||

अर्थ =      बहुत सारी ज्ञानवर्धक सूक्तियों द्वारा विस्तार पूर्वक शिक्षित किये जाने पर भी क्या एक दुष्ट
और कुटिल व्यक्ति इस संसार में सज्जन  बन सकता  है  ?    ऐसा उसी तरह्  संभव नहीं है  जिस  प्रकार  कि नदी में बारम्बार  स्नान कराने से भी एक गधा घोडा नहीं बन सकता   है  |

Bodhitopi bahusooktivistaraih kim khalo jagati sajjano bhavet.
Snaapitopi nadeejalairgardhabhh  kimu hayo bhavet kvachit.

Bodhitopi = bodhito + api.    Bodhito = instructed, taught.   Api = even.    Bahusooktivistaraih =
bahu +sookti+vistarah.     Bahu = many.    Sookti = wise and beautiful saying, words of wisdom.   Vistaraih =  in great detail.     Kim = can ?      Khalo = a wicked and bad person.     Jagati = in this world.    sajjano =  noble and righteous persons.      Bhavet = become.     Snaapitopi = snapito + api.      Snaapito = made to bathe.  Bahusho = repeatedly.   Nadeejalairgardabhah = nadee + jalaih + gardhabhah.    Nadee = river.    Jalaih = water.    Gardhabhah - a donkey.      kimu = can.      Hayo = a horse.        kvachit = somewhat .

i.e.    Even by being taught extensively with the help of treatises containing  words of wisdom, can a wicked  person be transformed into a noble person ?    No, it is not possible, just like a donkey being repeatedly bathed in a river can not become a horse.

Tuesday 17 June 2014

Today's Subhashita.

अप्रतिबुद्धे  श्रोतरि  वक्तुर्वाक्यं   प्रयाति  वैफल्यम्  |
नयनविहीने भर्तरि लावण्यमिवेह  खञ्नाक्षीणाम्  ||

अर्थ -        यदि श्रोतागण मूर्ख हों तो उन्हें प्रवचन करना  से उसी प्रकार असफल और निरर्थक  होता  है ,जिस प्रकार एक रूपवान और खन्जन पक्षी  के समान सुन्दर नेत्रों वाली स्त्री की सुन्दरता उसके नयन विहीन पति के लिये निरर्थक होती है |

Apratibuddhe shrotari vakturvaakyam prayaati vaiphalyam.
Nayanviheene bhartari laavanyamiveha khanjanaaksheenaam.

Apratibuddhe =  foolish persons.     Shrotati = listeners.     Vaktuvaakyam =  vaktuh + vaakyam.
Vaktuh = spoken.    Vaakym = statement.    Prayaati = leads into, results in.         Vaiphalyam = uselessness,  fruitlessness.     Nayanaviheene = person without eyesight or vision.   Bhartari = husband.
Laavanymiveha = Laavanyam + iva +iha.     Laavanyam = beauty.loveliness.    Iva = like.    Iha = here.
Khanjanaaksheenaam = Khanjan +aksheenaam.     Khanjan = a bird known for its beautiful eyes.
Aksi = eyes.   Khanjanaakshedenaam = women having beautiful eyes like the 'Khanjan' bird.

i.e.           Addressing an assembly in which the listeners are foolish persons is a futile exercise and  results in failure, just like the loveliness of a woman having beautiful eyes like the 'khanjan' bird, is of no consequence to her blind husband.

Monday 16 June 2014

Today's Subhashita.

स्त्रीणां हि  साहचर्याद्भवन्ति चेतांसि  भर्तृसदृशानि |
मधुरापि हि मूर्छयते विषविटपिसमाश्रिता वल्ली ||

अर्थ -      स्त्रियां अपने पतियों के साहचर्य से उन्हीं  की जैसी मनोवृत्ति वाली  हो जाती हैं  उसी प्रकार जैसा कि एक सुन्दर  दिखने वाली लता एक विषेले वृक्ष का आश्रय  ले कर स्वयं भी विषैली हो कर लोगों को मूर्छित कर देती  है |

Streenaam hi saahacharyaadbhavanti chetaamsi bhartrusadrushaani.
Madhuraapi hi moorchayate vushavitapisamaashritaa valee

Streenaam = women.    Hi = surely, because.    Saahacharyaadbhavanti  = saahacharyaat +bhavanti.
Saahacharyaat = due to companionship, in assocoation with.    Bhavanti - become.    Chetaansi.= consciousness, mentality...   Bhartrusadrushaaani = bhartru +sadrushaani.     Bhartru = husband.   Sadrushaani = similar to.    Madhuraap = madhur + api.        Madhur  = charming.     Api = even.     Moorchayate = benumbs.  Vishvitapi = a poisonous tree.      Samaashrita =  leaning on,  climbing with the support of..       Valee = a creeping plant.

i.e.      Due to their association and companionship with their husbands, women acquire the mentality of  their husbands, just like a creeping plant, even if it may be  very charming, is able to benumb and poison people if  it is climbing with the support of a poisonous tree.





Sunday 15 June 2014

Today's Subhashita.

परोSपि  हितवान् बन्धुर्बन्धुरप्यहितः परः |
अहितो देहजो व्याधिर्हितमारण्यमौषधम्  ||

अर्थ -          कभी  अनजान व्यक्ति भी  हमारे हितैषी और सहायक हो जाते हैं और अपने मित्र और बन्धु ही हमारा  अहित कर देते हैं |  इसी तरह हमारे ही  शरीर में उत्पन्न व्याधि हमारा  अहित करती है जब कि सुदूर वन मे उत्पन्न औषधि हमारे लिये हितकारी होती है | 

Paropi hitavaan bandhurbandhurapyahitah parah.
Ahito dehajo vyaadhirhitamaaramyamaushadham.

Paropi = paro + api.     Paro = others     Parah = another.     Api = even.     Hitavaan = beneficial.  
Bandhurbanhurapyatih = bandhuh + api + ahitah.     Bandhu = a friend.   Ahitah = not advantageous .
dehajo = existing in the body.    Vyaadhirhitamaaranyamaushadham = vyaadhih +hitam +aranyam +
aushadham.       Vyaadhi = disease.       Hitam = beneficial.        Aaranyam = relating to forests.   Aushadham = medicine.

i.e.        On certain occasions even unknown persons are helpful and beneficial to us whereas our close friends do harm to us,  In the same way the disease originating in our own body is harmful to us, whereas a medicinal herb found in a remote forest is beneficial to us.

Saturday 14 June 2014

Today's Subhashita;

प्राप्य चाSप्युत्तमं जन्म लब्ध्वा चेन्द्रियसौष्ठ्वम्  |
न  वेत्यात्महितं  यस्तु  स  भवेदात्मघातकः           ||

अर्थ -       उत्तम मनुष्य योनि में अच्छे कुल में जन्म ले कर और सुन्दर और हृष्टपुष्ट  शरीर प्राप्त कर यदि कोई  व्यक्ति अपनी आत्मोन्नति के लिये प्रयत्नशील नहीं रहता है तो यह्  उसके लिये आत्महत्या करने के समान हानिकार होता है |

Praapya chaaputmam janma labdhvaa chendriyasaushthvam'
Na vetyaatmahitam yastu sa bhavedaatmaghaatakah.

Praapya = having attained.     Chaapyuttamam =  cha + api+utttmam.     cha =and.     Api = even.
Uttmamam = excellent.     Janma = birth.     Labdhvaa  = having obtained.      Chendriyasaushthavam =
cha +indriya +saushthavam.     Indriya = organ, sense       Saushthavam = excellence.
Vetyaatmahitam = Na + vetti+ aatmahitam.     Vetti = remember, feel.    Aatmahitam = self interest,
for one's own benefit.     Yastu = whosoever.   Sa = he.     Bhavedaatmaghaatakah = bhavet +aatmaghaatakah.       Bhavet = becomes.      Aatmaghaatakah = suicidal.

i.e.      Even if born as a human being in a noble family, and having acquired  excellent physique, if a person does not make any efforts for his own moral ans spiritual upliftment, such inaction becomes suicidal for him.


   

Thursday 12 June 2014

Today's Subhashita.

अहिं  नृपं  च शार्दूलं किटि  च बालकं तथा |
परश्वानं च मूर्खं च सप्त सुप्तान् न बोधयेत् ||

अर्थ -       सर्प, राजा , सिंह , सुअर , बालक, किसी  अन्य व्यक्ति का कुत्ता तथा एक मूर्ख व्यक्ति, एन सातों को यदि वे निद्रित अवस्था में हों  तो उन्हें कभी नहीं जगाना चाहिये | (क्यों कि ऐसा करने पर उनका व्यवहार कैसा होगा यह अनुमान नहीं लगाया जा सकता है और वे हिंसक भी हो सकते हैं  )

Ahim nrupam cha shaardoolam kiti cha baalakam tathaa.
Parashvaanam cha moorkham cha sapta suptaan na bodhayet.

Ahim = snake.    Nrupam = King.    Shaardoolam = lion.     Kiti = a pig, hog.    cha = and.
Baalakam = a child.    Tathaa = so also.     Parashvaanam  = some one else's dog.   Moorkham = a foolish person.    Sapta = seven.     Suptaan = fallen asleep.     Bodhayet = awaken, wake up.

i.e. One should not awaken from sleep these seven, namely a snake, a king, a lion, a pig, a child , some one
else's dog and a foolish person.(because their reaction may be unpredictable and may also be harmful).

Tuesday 10 June 2014

Today's Subhashita.

सुकुलजन्मविभूतिरनेकधा    प्रियसमागमसौख्यपरम्परा |
नृपकुले गुरुता विमलं यशो भवति पुण्यतरोः फलमीदृशम् ||

अर्थ -     पुण्यात्मा व्यक्ति अधिकतर  अच्छे और प्रतिष्ठित कुल में जन्म लेते हैं और प्रिय परिवारजनों से सुख  प्राप्त करते हैं  या किसी महान् राजकुल में जन्म ले कर विमल यश  और कीर्ति लाभ करते हैं | सचमुच पुण्य रूपी वृक्ष के फल भी इसी प्रकार  के होते हैं |

(यदि कोई व्यक्ति धर्म के निर्देशों के अनुसार सात्विक जीवनयापन करता है तो वह् पुण्य अर्जित करता है और अपने अगले  जन्म में या इसी जन्म में भी विभिन्न सुखों का भोग करता है | इस श्लोक में 'पुण्य' की तुलना एक वृक्ष से तथा विभिन्न सुख  सुविधाओं  की तुलना उस  वृक्ष  के फलों से की गयी है |  )

Sukulajanmavibhutiranekadhaa priyasamaagamasaukhyaparamparaa.
Nrupakule gurutaa vimalam yasho bhavati punyataroh phalameedrusham.

Sukula = a noble family.    Janma = birth.   Vibhuti = greatness    Anekadhaa = often.
Priyasamaagama =  reunion with family members.    Saukhya =  happiness, comfort.
Parampara = tradition.    Nrupakule = In a king's dynasty.    Gurutaa = greatness, majesty.
Vimalam = impeccable.    Yasho = fame.    Bhavati = happen.   Pumyataroh = Punya + taroh.
Punya  = religious merit.  (If a person leads a pious life as per tenets of religion, he earns certain plus points, which enable him to enjoy various comforts in his next birth cycle or even during his lifetime. .Taroh = Trees. Phalameedrusham= Phalam + eedrusham.        Phalam = fruits.     Eedrush = such,  of  these types.

i.e.     Pious and religious persons are often born in a noble and great family  and enjoy  happiness from their association with family members, or are born in a majestic dynasty of Kings who are known for their impeccable fame.  Truly, the fruits of the tree of 'Punya' are also of these types.

(In this subhashita 'Punya' has been compared with a tree and the resultant benefits of earning  the 'Punya'  to   the fruits of that tree.)


Monday 9 June 2014

Today's Subhashita.

विस्मयः  सर्वथा  हेयः  प्रत्यूहः  सर्वकर्मणाम्  |
तस्माद्विस्मयमुत्सृज्य साध्यसिद्धिर्विधीयताम् ||

अर्थ -      सभी कार्यों को करते समय अनावश्यक  शंकाऐं करना सर्वथा हेय (निन्दनीय)है और इस प्रवृत्ति  से बचना चाहिये |  अतएव शंकाओं  का  समाधान कर साध्य की प्राप्ति को सुनिश्चित करना चाहिये  |

Vismayah sarvathaa heyah pratyuhah sarvakarmanaam.
Tasmaadvismayamutsrujya saadhyasiddhirvidheeyataam.

Vismayah =  surprise, doubt.      Sarvathaa = by all means.    Heyah =  to be deprecated      Pratyuha = ward off, keep off.     Sarva = all.    Karmanaam = actions.activities. Tasmaadvismayamutsrujya =  tasmat =vismaya + utsrujya.    Tasmat =for that reason, hence. Utsrujya = abandoned, shunned.     Saadhyasiddhirvidheeyataam = saadhya+siddhi + vidheeyataam      Saadhya = aim to be accomplished.
Siddhi = solution to a problem.      Vidheeyataam = ensured.

i.e         Being always remaining doubtful while doing all activities must be deprecated and warded off by all means.   Hence doubts should be shunned and achievement of the aim should be ensured.

Sunday 8 June 2014

Today's Subhashita.

अनुचितकर्माSSरम्भः स्वजनविरोधो  बलीयसि स्पर्धा |
प्रमदाजनविश्वासो  मृत्युद्वाराणि   चत्वारि  ||

अर्थ -    किसी अनुचित कार्य को प्रारम्भ करना, अपने स्वजनों का विरोध करना, शक्तिशाली व्यक्तियों से स्पर्धा करना, तथा स्त्रीजन पर विश्वास करना, ये चारों परिस्थितियां मृत्युद्वार के समान हैं  यानी इन कार्यों को करने वाले  की असामयिक  मृत्यु हो जाती है |

(वर्तमान परिस्थितियों में तीसरी परिस्थिति  अर्थात "प्रमदाजन विश्वासो" को सही मानने का कोई कारण नहीं है |  यह्  केवल तत्कालीन पुरुष सत्तात्मक समाज की मनोवृत्ति को दर्शाता है | अतएव इसे तदनुसार ग्रहण करें )

Anuchitakarmaarambhh svajanavirodho baleeyasi spardhaa .
Pramadaajanavishvaaso mrutyudvaaraani chatvaari.

Anuchitakarmaarambhh = Anuchit +karma +aarambhh.    Anuchita = improper.    Karma = action, task.    Aarambha = beginning.     Svajana = relatives, one's own people.   Virodho = opposition.
 Baleeyasi = powerful men.    Spardhaa = rivalry.   Pramadaajan = womankind.
Vishvaaso = trust, reliance.    Mrutyudwaaraani = doorrs leading to death.     Chatvaari = four.

i.e.      starting a task which is improper,  opposition of one's own people and relatives, rivalry with most powerful persons and  having trust or reliance on the womankind, all these four conditions are like doors leading to untimely death.

(Under the present circumstances no  one will accept the third condition i,e. reliance on womenfolk  as a cause leading to untimely death.  This only shows the bias against womenfolk in a society dominated by men, and even now this bias still continues.   So, this Subhashita be understood accordingly.)

Saturday 7 June 2014

Today's Subhashita.


षट्कर्णे  भिद्यते  मन्त्रश्चतुष्कर्णः   स्थिरोभवेत    |
द्विकर्णस्य च मन्त्रस्य  व्रह्माSप्यन्तं  न गच्छति || 

अर्थ -     जब् तक  कोई  रहस्य या मन्त्र दो  व्यक्तियों तक ही सीमित रहता है वह् स्थिर रहता है परन्तु यदि किसी तीसरे  के कानों तक पहुंच जाता है तो वह् फिर रहस्य नहीं रहता या अपनी शक्ति खो देता है |  
यदि कोई रहस्य या मन्त्र एक ही व्यक्ति तक सीमित रहता है तो साक्षात् ब्रह्मा जी भी उसका अन्त नहीं पा सकते हैं. यानी वह् सदैव गुप्त ही रहेगा |

(तुलसीकृत रामायण में राजा प्रतापभानु  की कथा के प्रसंग में भी यह  चौपाई है -   'छठे  श्रवन यह परत कहानी  नाश तुम्हार सत्य मम बानी  ' अर्थात तीसरे व्यक्ति तक पहुंचने पर कोई रहस्य फिर गुप्त नहीं रहता है | )

 Shatkarne = shat +karne.    Shat = six.    Karne = ears.     Bhidyate = gets changed or betrayed.
Mantrashchatushkarnah = Mantrah + chatuh +karnah.    Mantrah = secret,  sacred text or speech.
Chatushkarnah = chatuh + karnah.    Thatuh = four.   Sthirobhavet = remains firm. secrecy is maintainedDvikarnasya = dvi +karnasya.       Dvi = two.       Karnasya = ear's.   
Mantrasy = of the mantra'.Brahmaapyantam = Brahmaa + api +antam.    Brahmaa = God Brahma of Hindu religion.     Api = eve.      Antam = end, inside.        Na = not.    Gacchati = not able to understand, goes.
(Here 'shatkarna' means three persons,  'chatushkarna' means two persons, and 'dvikarna' means a single person, as every person has only two ears.

i.e.        So long as a secret or a 'mantra' is confined to only two persons (four ears) it remains firm, but as soon as it reaches a third person (6th ear) it no longer remains a secret or  the 'mantra'
loses its potency. But if it remains confined to only one person then even God Brahma is not able to find what it is.

(Through this subhashita the author has emphasised the fact that a secret no longer remains a secret as soon as it is disclosed to a second or a third person.)

Friday 6 June 2014

Today's Subhashita.

भूमिपतावर्थपतौ बाले बृद्धे तपोनिधौ विदुषि |
योषिति  मूर्खे गुरुषु  च विदुषा  नैवोत्तरं  देयम्    ||

अर्थ -      राजा, धनी व्यक्ति, बच्चों, वृद्ध व्यक्तियों, तपस्वी साधुओं,  विद्वान् तथा बुद्धिमान् महिलाओं
तथा पुरुषों, मूर्ख व्यक्तियों और गुरुजनों को कभी भी प्रत्युत्तर नहीं देना चाहिये |

(उपर्युक्त व्यक्तियों को उत्तर देना हानिकर हो सकता है  या अभद्रता समझा जा सकता है  या प्रश्नकर्ता के अज्ञान को ही प्रदर्शित करता है |)

Bhoomipataavarthapatau baale vruddhe taponidhau vidushi.
Yoshiti moorkhe cha vidushaa naivottaram deyam.

Bhoomiparaavarthapatau = Bhoomipati + arthapatau.     Bhoomipati = King, landlord.
Arthpati = a rich man.    Baale =children.    Bruddhe = aged persons.   Taponidhau = an eminent sage.      Vidushi = a wise and learned woman.    Yoshiti = young women.    Moorkh = a foolish person.   Cha = and.    Vidushaa =  a wise and learned person.    Gurushu = to the teachers.
Naivottaram = naiva +uttaram     Naiva = not.    Uttaram = reply.     Deyam = give.

i.e.     One should always avoid giving rely to kings, rich men, children, aged persons, eminent and  famous sages. wise and learned men and women, foolish persons, and to one's teachers.

(Giving a reply to persons mentioned above may be risky and may be construed as an act of insubordination or arrogance, may enrage the person concerned or may expose the ignorance of the person giving the reply.)









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Thursday 5 June 2014

Today's Subhashita.

यान्ति न्यायप्रवृत्तस्य तिर्यञ्चोSपि सहायताम्  |
अपन्थानं  तु  गच्छन्तं  सोदरोSपि  विमुञ्चति  ||

अर्थ -     एक न्यायप्रिय व्यक्ति की सहायता करने के लिये टेढे स्वभाव के और कुटिल व्यक्ति भी प्रस्तुत हो जाते हैं  परन्तु यदि वह् गलत रास्ते ( अन्याय का अनुसरण ) पर चल रहा हो तो उसके सगे भाई  बन्धु
भी उसका साथ छोड  देते हैं |

Yaanti nyaayapravruttasya tiranchopi sahaayataam.
Apanthaanam to gacchantam  sodaropi vimunchati.

Yaanti = get,  achieve.   Nyaaya = justice.    Pravrattasya = person committed to.
Tiryanchopi = tiryancho +api.     Tiryancho= crooked persons.    Api = even.
Sahaayataam =  help, assistance.      Apanthaanam = wrong path.   Tu = but.
Gacchantam = by going to.    Sodaropi = sodaro + api.    Sodoro = one's own brother
Vimunchati = abandon.

i.e.      If one is a committed follower of justice to all, even crooked  persons are helpful to him.   But if he is trudging the wrong path (of injustice) even his own brothers  abandon him .

Wednesday 4 June 2014

Today's Subhashita.

मत्स्यादयो न जानन्ति नीरक्षीरविवेचनम्  |
प्रसिद्धिरेव  हंसस्य  यशः  पुण्यैरवाप्यते      ||

अर्थ -     मछलियों और अन्य जल के अन्दर रहने वाले जीवों को जल में  मिश्रित  हुए दूध को जल से अलग करना नहीं आता है जिस कार्य के लिये हंस प्रसिद्ध हैं और इसी कारण उन्हें यश और पुण्य प्राप्त होता है|

(संस्कृत साहित्य में यह्  मान्यता है कि हंसों में दूध और जल के मिश्रण से दूध को  अलग करने की सामर्थ्य होती है जिसे 'नीरक्षीरविवेक' नाम दिया गया है |   इस संसार में अच्छी और बुरी दोनों प्रकार की वस्तुऐं शुद्ध रूप में न हो कर आपस में मिश्रित होती हैं |  सज्जन और गुणग्राहक व्यक्ति गुणों को ग्रहण कर के बुराइयों को उसी प्रकार छोड देते हैं जैसे कि हंस जल में मिश्रित केवल  दूध को ही ग्रहण करत है और पानी को नहीं करता | )

Matsyaadayo na jaananti neeraksheera vivechanam.
prasiddhireva hamasya yashh punyairavaapyate.

Matsyaadayo = matsya + aadayo.   Matsya = fish,    Aadayo = etc. (reference to other creatures living under water like the fish.  Na = not.    Jaanantio = know.   Neeraksheeravivechanam = neera + ksheera+ vivehanam.    Neera = water.    Ksheera = milk.    Vivechanam = act of discriminating or distinguishing.    Prasiddhireva =prasiddhi + eva.     Prasiddhi = fame.    Eva = really.
Hansasya = a swan's.       Yashh =  fame.        Punyairavaapyate = Punyaih + avaapyate.
Punyaih = auspiciousness, virtues.       Avaapyate = obtains, acquires.

i.e.    Fish and other creatures living under water do not have the capability of separating milk from a mixture of milk and water, whereas the Swan is famous for this expertise.   Only due to this special capability the Swan is famous and is considered auspicious.

(One of the famous legends of Sanskrit Literature is the  capability of a Swan to separate milk from a mixture of milk and water, which is termed as 'neer-ksheer vivek'.  The idea behind this is that all good things are seldom available in their pure form and are mixed with impurities. The virtuous and wise men separate the good and bad things and accept only the good things like a Swan separating milk from water.)


Tuesday 3 June 2014

Today's Subhashita.

करोति निर्मलाSSधारस्तुच्छस्यापि  महर्घताम् |
अम्बुनो बिन्दुरल्पोSपि शुक्तौ मुक्ताफलं  भवेत् ||

अर्थ -      साधारण  और तुच्छ  वस्तुऐं  भी  निर्मल वस्तुओं  का आधार प्राप्त होने के कारण मूल्यवान  हो जाती है जैसे कि एक साधारण पानी की बूंद एक सीपी के अन्दर प्रविष्ट हो कर एक मूल्यवान मोती बन जाती है |
(ऐसी मान्यता है कि विशेष ग्रह-नक्षत्रों के योग के समय यदि वर्षा की बूंदें एक सीपी के अन्दर प्रविष्ट  होती हैं तो कालान्तर मे वे अमूल्य मोती के रूप मे परिवर्तित हो जाती हैं | इसी मान्यता को एक उपमा के रूप में प्रयुक्त कर सुभाषितकार ने यह्  तथ्य प्रतिपादित किया है कि सज्जन और निर्मल स्वभाव के व्यक्तियों द्वारा संरक्षण प्राप्त होने से तुच्छ व्यक्ति भी सम्मानित हो जाते हैं |)

Karoti nirmalaadhaarastuchcchasyaapi maharghataam.
Ambuno binduralpopi shuktau muktaaphalam bhavet.

Karoti = does.    Nirmalaadhaarastucchasyaapi = nirmal +aadhaarh +tucchasya +api.
Nirmal = unsullied, shining.    Aadharah =  support.    Tucchasya = insignificant, trifling.
Api = even.    Maharghataam = preciousness, high value.    Ambuno =water's/
Binduralpopi = Bindu +alpo +api.     Bindu = a drop.    Alpo = very small.
Shuktau = oysters.     Muktaphalam = pearls.    Bhavet = become.

i..e.      Even very insignificant things acquire prominence and high value in association with other
pure and unsullied things  e.g. a small drop of water falling inside an oyster shell becomes a precious pearl.

(It is believed that when drops of rain enter the oyster shell during a particular stellar position,it after some time turns into a precious pearl.  This legend has been used as a simile to emphasise the fact that by the patronage of noble and righteous persons, even ordinary persons attain prominence
in the society.)



Monday 2 June 2014

Today's Subhashita.

विद्याविहीना बहवोSपि  पुत्राः कल्पायुषः सन्तु पितुः किमेवै |
क्षयिष्णुनावाSपि   कलावता वा तस्य प्रमोदः शशिनेव सिन्धोः  ||

अर्थ -      यदि किसी व्यक्ति के अनेक विद्याविहीन पुत्र हों और उनकी आयु भी एक कल्प  की  हो तो उससे  उस व्यक्ति को क्या लाभ  होगा ?  इस के विपरीत यदि वे विभिन्न कलाओं में पारङ्गत हों पर सामान्य आयु वाले हों तो  उनसे उनके पिता को वैसा ही आनन्द प्राप्त होता है जैसा कि समुद्र  को
चन्द्रमा को देख  कर होता है |

(चन्द्रमा शुक्ल पक्ष में प्रत्येक दिन थोडा बढ कर पूर्णिमा को पूर्ण गोलाकार हो जाता है | प्रत्येक दिन की वृद्धि को एक कला कहते हैं |  जैसे जैसे चन्द्रमा की कलाओं  में बृद्धि होती है, उसी  प्रकार समुद्र में भी
ऊंची लहरें उठती हैं |  जैसे जैसे व्यक्ति के पुत्रों के गुणों में वृद्धि होती है उसी के अनुसार उनके पिता के
आनन्द की  भी वृद्धि होती है |  समुद्र और चन्द्रमा की उपमा द्वारा सुभाषितकार ने इस तथ्य को बडे ही कौशल से  प्रतिपादित किया है |)

Vidyaa viheenaa bahavopi putraah kalpaayushh santu pituh kimevai.
Kshyishnunaavaapi kalaavataa vaa tasya pramodah shishineva sindhoh.

Vidyaa = learned.    Viheena = without.     Bahavopi = vahavah +api.    Bahavah = many.
Api = even.    Putraah = sons.     Kalpaayushah =  Kalpa + aayushh.    Kalpa = a day in the life of 'Brahma', which consists of a thousand cycles of four yugas namely Satya, Tretaa, Dvaapar and Kaliyuga of varying years.(for details please refer to Vikipedia.)       Ayushah = duration of life.     Santu = there are.    Pituh = father.   Kimevai = kim + iva.     Kim = what ?        Ivai = than.
Kshayishnunaavaapi = Kshayishnuna +vaa+ api.     Kshayishnunaa = perishable.   Waa = this word added to a word makes it assertive.     Kalaavataa = well versed in various arts.    Tasya = his.
Pramodah = joy, delight.     Shashineva = shashin +iva.    Shashin = the Moon.    Iva = like.
Sindhoh = the Ocean.

i.e.       Of what use to a person are his many sons without and any virtues and learning, even if they may live for one 'kalpa' (very long lived).   On the other hand if they are well versed in different arts but having a normal life span, the give joy to their father like the Moon gives to the Ocean.

(The author has used the simile of Moon and the Ocean to explain the relationship of a father and his sons.  The Moon waxes and wanes in a cyclic way. The growth in the size of the Moon in one day is called a 'Kala', which also means 'art'.   With the growth in the size of the Moon the turbulence of the sea (alluded to joy) also increases. Similarly, the joy of the father also increases when his sons acquire many arts.)  

Sunday 1 June 2014

Today's Subhashita.

एकोSपि  गुणवान् पुत्रो निर्गुणैः किं शतेन तैः |
एकश्चन्द्रो  जगच्च्क्षुर्नक्षत्रैः  किं प्रयोजनम्    ||

अर्थ -    एक सौ  गुणहीन पुत्र होने की तुलना में  तो केवल एक ही गुणवान पुत्र होना श्रेयस्कर है जैसा कि  अकेला एक चन्द्रमा जब संसार के नेत्र के समान आकाश को  प्रकाशित करने  में समर्थ होता है तो उसकी तुलना में  सैकडों तारों का  क्या प्रयोजन (आवश्यकता) है  ?

Ekopi gunavaan putro nirgunaih kim shaten taih/
Ekashchandro jagachchakshurnakshatraih kim prayojanam.

Ekopi =  eko + api.    Eko = one.     Api = even.    Gunavaan = virtuous, talented.
Putro son.     Nirgunaih = without any virtues.    Kim = what.    Shaten = one hundred.
Taih =  they.     Ekashchandro = ekah +chandro.    Ekah = one.   Chandro = the Moon.
Jagacchchakshurnakshatraih = Jagat +chakshuh +nakshatraih.    Jagat = this world.
Chakshuh = eye.    Nakshatraih = constellation of stars in the sky.    Prayojanam = need, point.

i.e.      It is preferable to have only one virtuous and talented son rather having oe hundred sons without any virtues, just as a single Moon like an eye of this Universe is able to brighten the Sky. So where is the need of hundreds of stats in comparison to the Moon ?