na hi kaścit kṣaṇam api pravṛttaḥ svakarmṇi rājate ||
“For one who has entered into his own duty, not even for a moment remains without being engaged.”
Structure
na hi kaścit kṣaṇam api pravṛttaḥ sva-karmṇi rājate
kaścit (anyone) na hi (not indeed) kṣaṇam api (even for a moment) sva-karmṇi (in his own action) pravṛttaḥ (engaged) rājate (rules)
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 | even a moment |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also, even |
| pravṛttaḥ | pravṛttaḥ | verb | √vṛt · past participle · third | engaged |
| sva | sva | indeclinable | — | one's own |
| karmṇi | karmṇi | noun | locative · singular · neuter | in one's own work |
| rājate | rājate | verb | √rāj · present · third | reigns, is glorious |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Shankara explains this verse as an illustration of the natural engagement of the Self (ātman) in its inherent duty, which is to realize its true nature as Brahman. For Shankara, the phrase 'svakarmṇi' (one's own duty) signifies the performance of actions that are in harmony with the nature of the Self. Since the Self is ultimately one with Brahman, this duty involves the cultivation of self-knowledge and the renunciation of egoistic motivations. In this sense, the verse points to the idea that when one is established in their true nature, there is no moment when they are not engaged in their natural duty, which is to realize the unity of the individual self (jīva) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). This understanding is central to Shankara's non-dual (Advaita) interpretation of the Bhagavad Gītā and Vedanta.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Ramanuja interprets this verse in the context of the loving relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). For Ramanuja, the duty (svakarma) referred to in this verse is the duty to cultivate devotion (bhakti) and service to the Lord. The verse suggests that one who is devoted to their duty towards the Lord is always engaged, even for a moment, in thoughts, words, or deeds that are pleasing to the Lord. This constant engagement is seen as a natural consequence of having taken refuge in the Lord and having dedicated oneself to the path of devotion. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Ramanuja emphasizes the importance of this verse in illustrating the transformative power of devotion, which leads the devotee to a state of continuous engagement with the divine, regardless of the external circumstances.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekananda sees this verse as a powerful reminder of the universal principle of selfless work (niskāma karma). In his lectures and writings, Vivekananda often emphasized the importance of being engaged in one's duty without attachment to the results, as a means to achieve inner freedom and peace. He interpreted the phrase 'svakarmṇi' to mean one's own natural work or swadharma, which is in harmony with the individual's inherent nature and capacities. For Vivekananda, this verse highlights the practical application of the philosophical principles of Vedanta in everyday life. It encourages individuals to find their unique role in society and to engage in it with dedication and selflessness, recognizing that such engagement is a fundamental aspect of human fulfillment and a path to spiritual growth. This understanding is reflective of Vivekananda's emphasis on the universal and practical dimensions of Vedanta, applicable to people from all walks of life.