yasmādṛte nāsti śokastv apratītas tvāyuṣaḥ । sa nityam eva kīrtayennāsty aśo nirāyuṣaḥ ॥
“From which, if not obtained, there is no sorrow and which does not cease to exist even when the life (of the person) ceases, that fame one should always praise.”
Structure
yasmāt ṛte nāsti śokaḥ tvam apratītaḥ tvāyuṣaḥ saḥ nityam eva kīrtayet nāsti aśo nirāyuṣaḥ
yasmāt (from whom) ṛte (except) nāsti (there is not) śokaḥ (grief) tvam (you) apratītaḥ (are not known) tvāyuṣaḥ (your lifespan) saḥ (that person) nityam (always) eva (only) kīrtayet (should be praised) nāsti (there is not) aśoḥ (of a man without fame) nirāyuṣaḥ (lifespan)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yasmāt | yasmāt | indeclinable | — | from whom, because of whom |
| ṛte | ṛte | indeclinable | — | except, without |
| nāsti | nāsti | verb | √as · laṣṭ- indicative · third | there is not |
| śokaḥ | śokaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | grief |
| tvam | tvam | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | you |
| apratītaḥ | apratītaḥ | verb | √prī · laṣṭ- indicative · second | have not perceived |
| tvāyuṣaḥ | tvāyuṣaḥ | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | your lifespan |
| saḥ | saḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
| nityam | nityam | indeclinable | — | always |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| kīrtayet | kīrtayet | verb | √kīr · liṅ- optative · third | should praise |
| nāsti | nāsti | verb | √as · laṣṭ- indicative · third | there is not |
| aśo | aśo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | grief |
| nirāyuṣaḥ | nirāyuṣaḥ | adjective | — | lifeless |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse points to the non-dual nature of reality, where the ultimate truth is beyond the ephemeral world of sorrow and impermanence. Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā highlights that the fame or reputation (kīrti) being referred to here is not of the mundane kind but rather the realization of one's true nature, which is identical with Brahman. The phrase 'yasmādṛte nāsti śokastvam' suggests that when one is established in this awareness, there is no sorrow, as one has transcended the limitations of the finite self. This understanding is in line with Shankara's interpretation of the Mahāvākya 'Tat tvam asi' (You are That), where the individual self (ātman) is seen as non-different from the ultimate reality (Brahman). This verse, therefore, underscores the importance of realizing this identity to overcome sorrow and achieve liberation.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as emphasizing the importance of cultivating a relationship with the Divine, Īśvara, through devotion (bhakti). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets 'kīrti' as the glory or fame of the Lord, which is eternal and beyond human sorrow. The phrase 'sa nityam eva kīrtayen' suggests that one should always praise or glorify the Lord, as this leads to a deeper understanding of one's own nature and one's relationship with Īśvara. This relationship is central to the Vaiṣṇava tradition, where the individual self (jīva) is seen as a dependent entity (śeṣa) of the Supreme Lord (śeṣin). By constantly glorifying the Lord, one reminds oneself of this relationship and moves closer to achieving liberation through devotion and the grace of the Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the universal and practical application of Vedāntic principles. This verse, he would argue, points to the importance of transcending earthly attachments and desires, which are the root causes of sorrow. The 'fame' referred to here is not external recognition but the inner peace and satisfaction that come from realizing one's true nature. Vivekānanda would interpret 'yasmādṛte nāsti śokastvam' as suggesting that when one is detached from worldly pleasures and pains, one finds a state of inner peace that is not affected by external events. He would encourage individuals to strive for this state through self-reflection, service to others, and the cultivation of a higher sense of purpose. In contemporary life, this verse can inspire individuals to re-evaluate their priorities, seeking fulfillment not in external validation but in the pursuit of their inner truth and the well-being of all.