na hi kaścit kṣaṇam api jātu nāvaśīkate . yatsya dārdhyam āyāti tasya devānugṛham ॥ 12 ॥
“For no one, even for a moment, ever becomes completely inactive; for as a man's prosperity increases, the divine grace follows.”
Structure
na hi kaścit kṣaṇam api jātu na avaśīkate yatsya dārdhyam āyāti tasya deva anugṛham
na hi kaścit (no one) jātu (at any time) kṣaṇam api (even for a moment) na avaśīkate (does not become degraded) yatsya (whose) dārdhyam (prosperity) āyāti (comes) tasya (that person) deva (of the divine) anugṛham (grace)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| kaścit | kaścit | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | anyone, somebody |
| kṣaṇam | kṣaṇam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | a moment |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also, even |
| jātu | jātu | indeclinable | — | at all, ever |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| avaśīkate | avaśīkate | verb | √śī · present · third | is dependent, depends |
| yatsya | yatsya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of whom, whose |
| dārdhyam | dārdhyam | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | poverty, destitution |
| āyāti | āyāti | verb | √ā · present · third | comes, befalls |
| tasya | tasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of him, his |
| deva | deva | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | gods |
| anugṛham | anugṛham | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | favour, grace |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the inherent nature of consciousness, where even inactivity is a form of activity. According to Shankara, the concept of 'na avaśīkate' or never being completely inactive points to the eternal and unchanging essence of the Self (ātman). In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Shankara explains that this verse hints at the brahman-ātman identity by suggesting that all actions, including inaction, are ultimately rooted in the divine. The phrase 'yatsya dārdhyam āyāti' highlights the idea that as one's spiritual strength increases, so does the divine grace, ultimately leading to the realization of the non-dual Self. This interpretation is in line with Shankara's non-dualistic approach, where the distinctions between the individual self and the ultimate reality are transcended, and the verse is seen as a pointer to this ultimate truth.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Rāmānujācārya, a key figure in the Vaiṣṇava tradition, interprets this verse in the context of the loving relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). He sees 'na hi kaścit kṣaṇam api jātu nāvaśīkate' as an affirmation that every action, or even inaction, of the jīva is an opportunity for Īśvara's grace to manifest. The 'dārdhyam' or spiritual strength that increases is a result of the jīva's devotion and surrender to Īśvara, and 'devānugṛham' signifies the Lord's reciprocal grace and favor towards the devotee. This verse, for Rāmānujācārya, underscores the devotional path where the jīva, in constant interaction with Īśvara, experiences divine grace, guiding the jīva towards liberation. This interpretation emphasizes the personal aspect of the divine and the reciprocal love between the Lord and the devotee.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in modern Vedāntic thought, views this verse as a call to action and self-realization. He emphasizes that 'na hi kaścit kṣaṇam api jātu nāvaśīkate' signifies that every moment is an opportunity for growth and self-improvement, as inactivity is not a natural state for humanity. The 'dārdhyam āyāti' or increase in spiritual strength is a result of one's efforts and dedication towards realizing one's true potential. Vivekānanda connects 'devānugṛham' with the universal principle of support and guidance that is available to all who strive for self-realization. In his lectures and writings, Vivekānanda often stressed the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life, seeing this verse as a reminder of the human potential for continuous growth and the universal support that is available for those who aspire to achieve their highest potential. This approach makes the verse relevant to contemporary life, encouraging individuals to be proactive and strive for self-improvement.