Parastād api ca dṛṣṭvā nānupaśyati yo janah. Saḥ paśyann api na paśyati yaḥ pūrvam anupaśyati.
“One who does not see even when looking, and does not see what was previously seen, is not seeing even if seeing.”
Structure
Parastāt api ca dṛṣṭvā na anupaśyati yo janah Saḥ paśyann api na paśyati yaḥ pūrvam na anupaśyati
Yo janah parastāt api ca dṛṣṭvā na anupaśyati, saḥ pūrvam na anupaśyati, paśyann api na paśyati
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parastāt | parastāt | indeclinable | — | from beyond, from afar |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also, even |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| dṛṣṭvā | dṛṣṭvā | indeclinable | — | having seen |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| anupaśyati | anupaśyati | verb | √paś · laṭ-present · third | does not see |
| yo | yo | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | who |
| janah | janah | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | person, man |
| Saḥ | saḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
| paśyann | paśyann | verb | √paś · laṭ-present participle · third | seeing |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also, even |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| paśyati | paśyati | verb | √paś · laṭ-present · third | sees |
| yaḥ | yaḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | who |
| pūrvam | pūrvam | indeclinable | — | before, previously |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| anupaśyati | anupaśyati | verb | √paś · laṭ-present · third | does not see |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, emphasizing that true seeing is not about external perception but about recognizing the inherent unity of Brahman and Ātman. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, highlights the importance of self-inquiry to realize this unity. He notes that one who fails to see the truth even when it is presented before them is akin to one who does not see what was previously seen, indicating a lack of understanding of their true nature. This verse, in essence, points to the limitations of the physical eye in perceiving reality and encourages the seeker to look inward for true vision. The phrase 'Saḥ paśyann api na paśyati' underscores that even the act of seeing can be misleading if not grounded in the understanding of the ultimate reality, thereby emphasizing the advaitic principle that the ultimate truth is beyond the duality of the seen and the seer.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse, within the Vaiṣṇava tradition, is seen as emphasizing the distinction between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Vishishtadvaita philosophy, would interpret this verse as highlighting the need for devotion and self-surrender to truly 'see' the divine. The phrase 'Parastād api ca dṛṣṭvā nānupaśyati' suggests that even when the divine is proximally present, the jīva may still fail to perceive it due to its own limitations and ignorance. Madhvācārya, with his Dvaita philosophy, might see this verse as underscoring the absolute distinction between the Lord and the soul, emphasizing that the soul's ability to 'see' truth is entirely dependent on the Lord's grace. Thus, in both interpretations, the verse is a call to recognize one's dependence on the divine for true understanding and vision.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound insight into the human condition, highlighting the discrepancy between physical sight and true understanding. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the importance of looking beyond the superficial to grasp the deeper truths of existence. He might interpret this verse as encouraging individuals to move beyond the limitations of sensory perception to achieve a more profound and universal understanding. Sarvepalli Rādhākrishnan, with his emphasis on the practical application of philosophy, might see this verse as a reminder of the need for self-reflection and introspection in contemporary life. The phrase 'Saḥ paśyann api na paśyati' could be seen as a commentary on the modern condition, where individuals are surrounded by information yet often lack true insight and understanding, thus requiring a reorientation towards introspection and spiritual growth.