na tu tena mahārājan kiñcid-api pravartitam .
“But, O great king, nothing whatsoever was accomplished by him.”
Structure
na tu tena mahārājan kiñcid-api pravartitam
tena (by him) mahārājan (O great king) na (not) tu (indeed) kiñcid-api (even anything) pravartitam (was done)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed, however |
| tena | tena | pronoun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by him |
| mahārājan | mahārājan | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | great king |
| kiñcid | kiñcid | indeclinable | — | anything, at all |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also, even |
| pravartitam | pravartitam | verb | √pra-vart · past passive · third | was caused to be done |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the concept of non-dualism by highlighting the ineffectiveness of actions when they are driven by ego and a sense of doership. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, emphasizes that true accomplishment arises not from individual effort but from the understanding of one's true nature as brahman. The phrase 'na tu tena mahārājan kiñcid-api pravartitam' suggests that all actions are ultimately futile when considered from the standpoint of the ultimate reality, pointing towards the brahman-ātman identity. This aligns with Shankara's reasoning in his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, where he discusses the futility of seeking fulfillment through external means, advocating instead for the realization of the Self as the ultimate goal.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the context of Vaiṣṇava theology, this verse can be seen as underscoring the dependence of the jīva (individual soul) on Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the concept of prapatti, or surrender, where the individual recognizes their inability to achieve spiritual goals through their own efforts alone. The phrase 'na tu tena mahārājan kiñcid-api pravartitam' can be interpreted as highlighting the futility of self-effort without the grace of the Lord, thereby emphasizing the importance of devotion and surrender. This reading aligns with Rāmānuja's vision of the relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, where the former's efforts are fruitful only when guided by and dedicated to the latter.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound insight into the human condition, highlighting the limitations of individual action when driven by ego and personal desire. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of selfless action (niṣkāma karma) as a means to transcend the ego and realize one's true potential. The phrase 'na tu tena mahārājan kiñcid-api pravartitam' can be seen as a call to move beyond egoistic motivations, recognizing that true fulfillment and accomplishment arise from actions performed in a spirit of service and dedication to a higher purpose. This reading finds resonance in Vivekānanda's articulation of the ideal of the 'servant of humanity,' where individual efforts are directed towards the welfare of all, illustrating the universal and practical application of this verse in contemporary life.