na me pārthāsti kartavye yadyahaṁ na hi karomi
“For me, there is nothing to be done, O Pārtha, if I do not act.”
Structure
na me pārthā asti kartavye yad yahaṁ na hi karomi
na (not) me (my) pārthā (O Arjuna) asti (there is) kartavye (to be done) yad (what) yad (which) aham (I) na (not) hi (certainly) karomi (do)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| me | me | pronoun | dative · singular · none | to me |
| pārthā | pārthā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | Prthā's son (Kṛṣṇa) |
| asti | asti | verb | √as · laṭ-present · third | there is |
| kartavye | kartavye | noun | locative · singular · neuter | in what is to be done |
| yad | yad | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | what |
| yahaṁ | yahaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular · none | I |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| karomi | karomi | verb | √kṛ · laṭ-present · first | I do |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, na me pārthāsti kartavye yadyahaṁ na hi karomi, Shankara's commentary emphasizes the non-dual reading by highlighting the importance of understanding one's true nature. According to Shankara, the phrase 'na me kartavye' suggests that there is no duty for the Self, which is beyond all actions. Shankara's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Brahmasutra (BS 1.1.1), is that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond all action and is the unchanging essence. This verse points to the identity of brahman-ātman, implying that the individual self, when realized, is free from the binding nature of actions. The phrase 'yadyahaṁ na hi karomi' underscores the idea that even the actions of the Lord are not binding, as they are ultimately illusory. Thus, this verse supports the non-dualistic understanding that the ultimate reality is beyond all actions and dualities.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Ramanuja's commentary on this verse emphasizes the devotional relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). According to Ramanuja, the phrase 'na me pārthāsti kartavye' indicates that even the Lord's actions are not obligatory, but are rather an expression of His divine will. This highlights the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara's mercy and will. Ramanuja's position, as expressed in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā (BG 3.20), is that this verse underscores the importance of self-surrender (prapatti) and devotion to the Lord. The verse 'yadyahaṁ na hi karomi' suggests that even the Lord's actions are guided by His desire to benefit the devotees, illustrating the loving and gracious nature of Īśvara. Thus, this verse is seen as a call to devotion and surrender, emphasizing the jīva's reliance on Īśvara's will.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, na me pārthāsti kartavye yadyahaṁ na hi karomi, has a profound universal and practical application. According to Swami Vivekananda, this verse emphasizes the importance of selfless action, where one's actions are not driven by personal desires or ego. As Vivekananda notes in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, 'the duty of the individual is to work without any attachment to the outcome.' This verse highlights the idea that true freedom and fulfillment come from acting without a sense of obligation or personal gain. Radhakrishnan, in his writings, connects this idea to the contemporary concept of 'detached engagement,' where one is fully engaged in their actions, yet remains unattached to the results. This verse thus serves as a guiding principle for living a life of purpose and meaning, where one's actions are guided by a sense of duty and service, rather than personal ambition or desire.