Dharmaṣya tvasmādṛte nāsti dānaṁ na ca vijayaḥ
“There is no charity and no victory without Dharma.”
Structure
Dharmaṣya tv asmāt ṛte nāsti dānaṁ na ca vijayaḥ
Dharmaṣya (of dharma/gen righteousness) tv (your) asmāt (from you) ṛte (separation) nāsti (there is not) dānaṁ (gift/giving) na (not) ca (and) vijayaḥ (victory)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dharmaṣya | Dharmaṣya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of Dharma |
| tv | tv | particle | — | your |
| asmāt | asmāt | pronoun | ablative · first | from me |
| ṛte | ṛte | indeclinable | — | without, except |
| nāsti | nāsti | verb | √as · present · third | there is not |
| dānaṁ | dānaṁ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | donation, gift |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| vijayaḥ | vijayaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | victory |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the importance of Dharma in achieving true fulfillment. According to Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, Dharma is not just a moral or ethical principle but a means to realize the ultimate reality, Brahman. The phrase 'dharmaṣya tvasmādṛte' suggests that Dharma is the foundation, the 'tva' indicating the ultimate reality. Shankara would likely interpret this verse as pointing to the identity of Brahman and Ātman, where Dharma serves as a catalyst for Self-realization. In his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, Shankara emphasizes that the performance of Dharma leads to the realization of the Self, which is the ultimate goal. Thus, the verse 'dharmaṣya tvasmādṛte nāsti dānaṁ na ca vijayaḥ' reinforces the idea that without Dharma, true charity and victory are unattainable, as they are rooted in the understanding of the non-dual nature of reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, Dharma is seen as a means to cultivate devotion to the Supreme Lord. Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Gita, emphasizes the importance of performing one's duties according to Dharma, as this leads to the development of Bhakti, or devotion. The phrase 'na ca vijayaḥ' suggests that true victory can only be achieved through the grace of the Lord, which is obtained by following Dharma. Madhva, on the other hand, would likely interpret this verse as highlighting the distinction between the Lord and the individual self, emphasizing that Dharma is a means to recognize and worship the Supreme Lord. For both Ramanuja and Madhva, this verse points to the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord), where Dharma serves as a bridge between the two, facilitating the attainment of liberation and the experience of divine grace.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has profound implications for contemporary life. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the importance of Dharma as a universal principle that transcends individual interests. He argues that true charity and victory can only be achieved when one's actions are guided by a sense of duty and responsibility, rather than personal gain. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings on the Upanishads, highlights the connection between Dharma and the realization of the universal Self. He notes that the performance of Dharma leads to the cultivation of a sense of unity and solidarity with all beings, which is essential for achieving true victory and fulfillment. In the context of modern life, this verse can be seen as a call to action, encouraging individuals to embody the principles of Dharma in their personal and professional lives, and to strive for a world where charity and victory are not limited to individual achievements, but are rather a reflection of a deeper sense of unity and harmony.