na tvayā kāryam idaṃ aprajasya nāviṣahsyasi na ca rājaputreṇa .
“This (war) should not be done by you; you will not be able to bear it, nor will a prince.”
Structure
na tvayā kāryam idaṃ aprajasya nāviṣahsyasi na ca rājaputreṇa
na (not) tvayā (by you) idaṃ (this) kāryam (action) aprajasya (of an impotent man) na (not) aviṣahsyasi (you will not endure) na (and not) ca (also) rājaputreṇa (by a prince)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvayā | tvayā | pronoun | instrumental · singular | by you |
| kāryam | kāryam | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | what is to be done |
| idaṃ | idaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | this |
| aprajasya | aprajasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of Yuvanashva (the father) |
| nāviṣahsyasi | nāviṣahsyasi | verb | √viṣah · future · second | you will not attain |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| rājaputreṇa | rājaputreṇa | compound | tatpuruṣa · "rājaputra + ena" | with a king's son |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the limitations of the individual self when it comes to performing actions that have far-reaching consequences, such as war. According to Shankara, the ultimate reality is Brahman, and the individual self (jiva) is not separate from it. In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Shankara emphasizes the concept of 'avidya' or ignorance, which leads to the misidentification of the self with the body and mind. This verse points to the futility of actions driven by ego and desire, and hints at the need for self-realization, where one recognizes their true nature as Brahman. As Shankara notes in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, the performance of actions without attachment to their fruits is a means to attain this self-realization. The phrase 'na tvayā kāryam idaṃ' can be seen as an invitation to transcend the limited ego-bound perspective and recognize the unity of all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In this verse, the Vaiṣṇava tradition sees an emphasis on the importance of self-reflection and the recognition of one's limitations. According to Rāmānujācārya, the jiva is dependent on the Lord (Īśvara) for its existence and actions. The phrase 'na tvayā kāryam idaṃ' can be seen as a reminder of this dependence, and the need for the individual to seek guidance from the Lord. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, would interpret this verse as an affirmation of the doctrine of 'tattva-viveka', which emphasizes the distinction between the Lord and the individual self. The verse highlights the inability of the individual to accomplish certain tasks, such as war, without the Lord's sanction. This reading underscores the devotional aspect of the Vaiṣṇava tradition, where the individual seeks to cultivate a personal relationship with the Lord and recognize their dependence on Him.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse can be seen as a call to introspection and self-awareness in the face of complex situations. According to Swami Vivekananda, the individual must recognize their limitations and develop a sense of detachment from the fruits of their actions. In his lecture on 'The Powers of the Mind', Vivekananda emphasizes the importance of cultivating a strong and focused mind, which can help the individual to navigate challenging situations. This verse can be applied to contemporary life by recognizing that individuals have limited control over the outcomes of their actions, and that true freedom and empowerment come from within. As S. Radhakrishnan notes in his book 'The Hindu View of Life', the verse highlights the need for a deeper understanding of oneself and one's place in the world, and the importance of cultivating a sense of inner peace and wisdom in the face of uncertainty and adversity.