na hi kaścit kṣaṇam api na tiṣṭhati gati-saṃsthitaḥ
“No one remains still even for a moment, being situated in one kind of motion or another.”
Structure
na hi kaścit kṣaṇam api na tiṣṭhati gati saṃsthitaḥ
gati saṃsthitaḥ (having obtained a certain state of existence) na hi kaścit (not anyone) kṣaṇam api (even for a moment) na tiṣṭhati (remains steady)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| kaścit | kaścit | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | anyone |
| kṣaṇam | kṣaṇam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | a moment |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also, even |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tiṣṭhati | tiṣṭhati | verb | √sthā · laṭ-present · third | stands |
| gati | gati | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | movement, state of being |
| saṃsthitaḥ | saṃsthitaḥ | compound | tatpuruṣa · "saṃsthitaḥ" | situated, existing |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the impermanent nature of all phenomena, highlighting that no entity remains stationary, not even for a moment. Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā emphasizes that this incessant movement is a characteristic of the phenomenal world (jagat), which is ultimately an illusion (māyā) veiling the unchanging, all-pervading Brahman. The identity of Brahman and Ātman is implied here, as the verse points to the futility of seeking stability in the ephemeral world, thus prompting the seeker to look inward for the immutable Self. In his commentary on this verse, Shankara would likely reason that the constant flux in the world serves as a pedagogical tool, nudging the individual toward the realization of the eternal, unchanging essence that underlies all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava interpretation of this verse focuses on the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary, might highlight that the incessant movement described is a manifestation of the Lord's divine energy (śakti), governing all existence. This perspective underscores the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara, emphasizing that even the smallest moment of existence is a gift from the Lord, thus fostering a sense of devotion and surrender. The verse is seen as an encouragement to recognize one's place within the larger cosmic order, prompting the devotee to seek refuge in the Lord, who alone remains unchanged amidst the flux.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda would likely interpret this verse in the context of practical Vedānta, emphasizing its universal applicability to contemporary life. He might argue that the constant change and movement underscored in the verse serve as a reminder of the dynamic nature of human existence. In his lectures, Vivekānanda often stressed the importance of adapting to change, yet remaining anchored in one's inner Self, which alone provides stability amidst turmoil. This verse can be seen as advocating for a lifestyle that incorporates movement and change as natural aspects of growth, while seeking to establish a profound connection with one's inner, unchanging essence. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, would further elaborate on the significance of this verse in highlighting the dialectical relationship between change and permanence, underscoring the importance of balancing outer activity with inner contemplation.