na tvat-pratipakṣo 'sti na tvat-samastathā । na tvat-prakṛṣṭād asti kaścid api sanātanaḥ ॥
“There is no one your equal, nor superior, nor even comparable to you, and none is superior to you.”
Structure
na tvat pratipakṣo asti na tvat samastathā na tvat prakṛṣṭāt asti kaścit api sanātanaḥ
na (no) tvat (your) pratipakṣoḥ (equal opponent) asti (exists) na (no) tvat (your) samastathā (equal) asti (exists) na (no) tvat (your) prakṛṣṭāt (superior) kaścit (anyone) api (even) sanātanaḥ (eternal being) asti (exists)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvat | tvat | pronoun | second · singular · neuter | from you |
| pratipakṣaḥ | pratipakṣaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | opponent |
| asti | asti | verb | √as · laṭ-present · third | is |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvat | tvat | pronoun | second · singular · neuter | from you |
| sama | sama | indeclinable | — | equal |
| stathā | stathā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | equal one, peer |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvat | tvat | pronoun | second · singular · neuter | from you |
| prakṛṣṭāt | prakṛṣṭāt | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | beyond you, greater than you |
| asti | asti | verb | √as · laṭ-present · third | is |
| kaścit | kaścit | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | anyone |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | even, also |
| sanātanaḥ | sanātanaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | eternal one |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse exemplifies the non-dual nature of reality, underscoring the idea that there is no entity comparable or superior to the ultimate reality, Brahman. According to Shankara, in his commentary on the Brahmasutras, the concept of 'na tvat-pratipakṣo 'sti' implies that there is no other reality that can stand as an opposite or equal to Brahman, signifying its absolute and unconditioned nature. This points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately non-different from Brahman. Shankara's reasoning emphasizes that any seeming differentiation is due to avidyā (ignorance), and verses like this one from the Mahābhārata serve to guide the seeker towards the understanding of this fundamental non-duality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the context of Vaiṣṇava theology, this verse highlights the supremacy of the divine, particularly Vishnu or Krishna, as the ultimate reality. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasutras, interprets such verses as affirming the Lord's absolute sovereignty and uniqueness, emphasizing that there is no being equal to or greater than Him. This devotional reading underscores the relationship between the jīva (the individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord), where the jīva's ultimate goal is to realize its dependence on and love for Īśvara, acknowledging His unparalleled greatness. For Madhvācārya, such a verse would also serve to establish the absolute distinction between the Lord and the individual souls, emphasizing a dualistic relationship where the Lord's superiority is paramount.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda often emphasized the universal and practical applications of Vedantic principles. In the context of this verse, he might interpret it as a call to recognize the inherent divinity and potential within every individual. The idea that there is none superior or equal suggests that each person has a unique role and contribution to make in the world. This perspective encourages self-reflection and empowerment, acknowledging that true strength and wisdom come from recognizing and embracing one's own unique qualities and purpose. As Vivekānanda noted in his lectures, the goal is to inspire individuals to strive for self-realization and service to others, based on the understanding that every being has the potential to manifest the divine. This verse, in a modern context, can be seen as a reminder of the importance of self-esteem, individuality, and the pursuit of one's highest potential.