na hi kaścit kṣaṇam api prajāpatiḥ vinā yataḥ prajāḥ sarjate
“For not even for a moment can Prajapati remain without creating”
Structure
na hi kaścit kṣaṇam api prajāpatiḥ vinā yataḥ prajāḥ sarjate
na hi kaścit prajāpatiḥ kṣaṇam api vinā yataḥ prajāḥ sarjate
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| kaścit | kaścit | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | anyone |
| kṣaṇam | kṣaṇam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | a moment |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also |
| prajāpatiḥ | prajāpatiḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | the Prajapati |
| vinā | vinā | indeclinable | — | without |
| yataḥ | yataḥ | indeclinable | — | from whom |
| prajāḥ | prajāḥ | noun | nominative · plural · feminine | creatures |
| sarjate | sarjate | verb | √sṛj · present · third | are created |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse highlights the inherent creativity of the ultimate reality, Brahman. Shankara interprets 'Prajapati' as a symbol for the divine, emphasizing that creation is an eternal and inherent process. In his commentary on the Brahmasutra (2.1.7), Shankara argues that the universe is a manifestation of Brahman's inherent energy. The phrase 'na hi kaścit kṣaṇam api' underscores the timeless and continuous nature of creation, which Shankara links to the concept of 'satyam' or the eternal essence of Brahman. By extension, this verse points to the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman), as the creative impulse is an intrinsic aspect of both. According to Shankara, the ultimate goal of human existence is to realize this identity, thereby transcending the limitations of the individual ego and experiencing the infinite and eternal Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Ramanuja interprets this verse as emphasizing the dependence of all beings on the divine, particularly Vishnu. The phrase 'prajāpatiḥ vinā' highlights the inability of the individual self (jīva) to exist independently of the supreme being (Īśvara). In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita (3.5), Ramanuja notes that the verse underscores the lord's role as the creator and sustainer of the universe. The continuous creation spoken of in this verse is seen as a manifestation of the lord's infinite mercy and benevolence. The relationship between jīva and Īśvara is one of dependence and surrender, and the verse is seen as encouraging the devotee to recognize their dependence on the divine and cultivate devotion and surrender. By acknowledging the lord's role as the ultimate creator, the devotee can experience a deeper sense of connection and communion with the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekananda interprets this verse as emphasizing the infinite potential and creativity that lies within every individual. The phrase 'na hi kaścit kṣaṇam api' suggests that the human being is capable of continuous growth and evolution, and that the creative impulse is an inherent aspect of human nature. In his lecture 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda' (Vol. 2, p. 279), Vivekananda notes that this verse points to the idea that the ultimate reality is not a static entity, but a dynamic and evolving process. He connects this idea to the concept of 'rita' or the universal law that governs the cosmos, arguing that humans must align themselves with this law in order to realize their full potential. By recognizing the infinite creativity and potential that lies within themselves, individuals can overcome limitations and achieve a higher state of consciousness, experiencing a sense of unity and harmony with the universe.