Dharme yatnaḥ satatam śreyaḥ kim anusartayā । Na hi kaścin manuṣyāṇāṃ dharmād ṛte hi niṣkṛtiḥ ॥
“Is constant effort in righteousness the best, and what is the benefit of following it, for there is no escape for men except through dharma.”
Structure
Dharme yatnaḥ satatam śreyaḥ kim anusartayā Na hi kaścit manuṣyāṇāṃ dharmād ṛte hi niṣkṛtiḥ
Dharme (in righteousness) satatam (always) yatnaḥ (effort) śreyaḥ (is best) kim (why) anusartayā (by following) Na (not) hi (indeed) kaścit (anyone) manuṣyāṇāṃ (of men) dharmād (from righteousness) ṛte (except) hi (indeed) niṣkṛtiḥ (liberation)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dharme | Dharme | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in dharma |
| yatnaḥ | yatnaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | endeavour |
| satatam | satatam | indeclinable | — | always |
| śreyaḥ | śreyaḥ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | better |
| kim | kim | indeclinable | — | whether |
| anusartayā | anusartayā | verb | √sṛ · optative · first | should I follow |
| Na | Na | indeclinable | — | no |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for |
| kaścit | kaścit | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | anyone |
| manuṣyāṇāṃ | manuṣyāṇāṃ | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of men |
| dharmād | dharmād | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from dharma |
| ṛte | ṛte | indeclinable | — | except |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for |
| niṣkṛtiḥ | niṣkṛtiḥ | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | release |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the significance of relentless pursuit of dharma, which culminates in the realization of the ultimate reality, Brahman. Shankara, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the importance of nishkama karma, or action without attachment, as a means to attain liberation. He would likely interpret this verse as highlighting the futility of seeking escape from the cycle of birth and death without adhering to dharma, which ultimately reveals the non-dual nature of Brahman and Atman. The phrase 'na hi kaścin manuṣyāṇāṃ dharmād ṛte hi niṣkṛtiḥ' suggests that there is no liberation for humans without dharma, pointing to the identity of brahman and ātman, where the individual self realizes its true nature through the practice of dharma. This understanding is in line with Shankara's notion of 'jhana' or knowledge, which is the direct experience of the ultimate reality, unencumbered by the limitations of the empirical world.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as emphasizing the importance of devotion to Īśvara, the supreme lord, through the practice of dharma. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, stresses the role of bhakti, or devotion, in attaining liberation. He would likely interpret this verse as highlighting the need for constant effort in following dharma, not merely as a means to attain liberation, but as a way to cultivate devotion to Īśvara. The phrase 'dharme yatnaḥ satatam' suggests a continuous striving for righteousness, which is seen as a means to purify the heart and mind, making it receptive to the grace of Īśvara. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, would emphasize the dualistic nature of the relationship between jīva and Īśvara, where the individual self strives to attain liberation through the practice of dharma, while acknowledging the supreme lord's sovereignty and grace.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has significant implications for contemporary life, as it emphasizes the importance of living a virtuous and righteous life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often stressed the need for individuals to cultivate a strong sense of ethics and morality, which is rooted in the practice of dharma. He would likely interpret this verse as highlighting the universal applicability of dharma, which transcends sectarian and cultural boundaries. The phrase 'na hi kaścin manuṣyāṇāṃ dharmād ṛte hi niṣkṛtiḥ' suggests that there is no escape from the consequences of our actions, and that liberation can only be attained through the practice of dharma. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical writings, emphasizes the importance of living a life of service and compassion, which is rooted in the understanding of the ultimate reality. He would likely see this verse as underscoring the need for individuals to strive for moral excellence, which is essential for creating a more just and harmonious society.