na tu gaṅgāṃ na ca kāśīkaṃ na jīvedvaḥ yaḥ smaretpitṝn
“He who remembers his ancestors does not live in vain, (even if he lives) neither on the Ganges nor in Kashi.”
Structure
na tu - gaṅgām - na - ca - kāśīkaṃ - na - jīvet - vai - yaḥ - smaret - pitṝn
yaḥ (who) pitṝn (the ancestors) smaret (remembers) na (not) tu (indeed) gaṅgām (the Ganga) na (nor) ca (and) kāśīkaṃ (Kashi) jīvet (should live) vai (indeed) na (not)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| gaṅgām | gaṅgām | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | the Ganges |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| kāśīkaṃ | kāśīkaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | Kāśī (Varanasi) |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| jīvet | jīvet | verb | √jīv · optative · third | may live |
| vai | vai | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| yaḥ | yaḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | who |
| smaret | smaret | verb | √smṛ · optative · third | may remember |
| pitṝn | pitṝn | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | the ancestors |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the significance of remembering one's ancestors, but through the lens of non-duality, it transcends literal interpretation. Shankara's commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad (where it discusses the five sheaths) indirectly sheds light on this verse by emphasizing the ultimate reality of Brahman. The act of remembering ancestors becomes a metaphor for recognizing the eternal, unchanging essence within all beings. This essence, or ātman, is identical to Brahman. Thus, the verse points to the futility of external actions (like living on the Ganges or in Kashi) for spiritual liberation, instead emphasizing the inner recognition of brahman-ātman identity. By remembering one's true nature, one does not live in vain, regardless of physical location or actions.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasutras, discusses the importance of devotion and the path of bhakti. While not directly commenting on this verse, his overall philosophy can be applied here. Remembering ancestors can be seen as a form of devotion to one's lineage, which is ultimately a part of the divine lineage of Īśvara. This act, when done with devotion, leads to a closer relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Thus, even without the sacred geography of the Ganges or Kashi, one's life is not in vain if it is filled with devotion to the divine and recognition of the divine in all relationships, including those with ancestors.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical application of Vedantic principles in everyday life. This verse can be seen as a call to action, urging individuals to honor their heritage and ancestors not just ritually but by living a life of purpose and service. Remembering ancestors becomes a metaphor for connecting with one's roots and values, which in turn inspires a life of meaning and contribution. In contemporary terms, this verse suggests that regardless of one's geographical location or religious affiliations, a life dedicated to the values and principles that our ancestors embodied is a life well-lived. It emphasizes the universal human quest for a life of purpose, which transcends external markers of spirituality or geographical locations like the Ganges or Kashi.