naiva tasya kṛtam kāryaṃ nakṛtam na bhaviṣyati । evam uktaḥ tathāhi svadharmo vedair nibaddhaḥ ॥
“For one such as him, there is neither work done, nor work left undone; thus having spoken, his own inherent duty, as bound by the Vedas, is thus.”
Structure
na eva tasya kṛtam kāryaṃ na akṛtam na bhaviṣyati evam uktaḥ tathā hi svadharmo vedaiḥ nibaddhaḥ
na eva (not indeed) tasya (of him) kṛtam (done) kāryaṃ (work) na (not) akṛtam (undone) na (nor) bhaviṣyati (will be) evam (thus) uktaḥ (said) tathā (thus) hi (indeed) vedaiḥ (by the Vedas) svadharmo (one's own duty) nibaddhaḥ (is bound)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| tasya | tasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of him |
| kṛtam | kṛtam | verb | √kṛ · past participle · third | has been done |
| kāryaṃ | kāryaṃ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | work to be done, duty |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| akṛtam | akṛtam | verb | √kṛ · past participle · third | has not been done |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| bhaviṣyati | bhaviṣyati | verb | √bhu · future · third | will be |
| evam | evam | indeclinable | — | thus, so |
| uktaḥ | uktaḥ | verb | √vac · past participle · third | has been said |
| tathā | tathā | indeclinable | — | thus, so |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| svadharmo | svadharmo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | one's own duty |
| vedaiḥ | vedaiḥ | noun | instrumental · plural · masculine | by the Vedas |
| nibaddhaḥ | nibaddhaḥ | verb | √badh · past participle · third | has been declared, prescribed |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): According to Ādi Śaṅkarācārya, this verse signifies the state of a Self-realized individual who has transcended the realm of action and inaction. For such a person, there is neither a duty to be performed nor a duty left undone, as their actions are no longer motivated by personal desires or ego. The phrase 'svadharmo vedaiḥ nibaddhaḥ' suggests that one's inherent duty is in accordance with the Vedas, which represents the ultimate reality. Thus, the individual's actions are guided by a deeper understanding of the universe and their place within it, rather than by external circumstances or societal expectations. This verse underscores the idea that true freedom lies in the realization of one's essential nature, beyond the confines of worldly duties and responsibilities.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as a description of the ideal devotee who has dedicated their life to the service of the Lord. According to Rāmānujācārya, the phrase 'naiva tasya kṛtam kāryaṃ' indicates that the devotee's actions are not motivated by personal gain or reward, but rather by a sense of duty and devotion to the Lord. The Vedas, as the supreme authority, have ordained the devotee's duties, and they perform them without attachment or aversion. Madhvācārya further emphasizes that the devotee's actions are a manifestation of their love and surrender to the Lord, and that they are freed from the cycle of karma and rebirth. This verse highlights the importance of selfless devotion and surrender as the means to attain liberation in the Vaiṣṇava tradition.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): From a modern perspective, this verse can be seen as a call to live in the present moment, unencumbered by the burdens of the past or the anxieties of the future. According to Swami Vivekānanda, the phrase 'na bhaviṣyati' suggests that the individual should not be concerned with the consequences of their actions, but rather focus on the present moment. S. Rādhākrishnan further interprets this verse as a statement on the importance of living in harmony with one's own nature and the natural world. The Vedas, in this context, represent the universal principles that govern human existence, and the individual's duty is to live in accordance with these principles. This verse encourages the individual to cultivate a sense of detachment, self-awareness, and inner peace, and to live a life that is guided by a deeper understanding of the human condition and the world around them.