Nāsti nāsti raṇe śūraḥ prāṇaiḥ kṛīḍati yaḥ । Na jīved yadi no rīt syāt prāṇebhyo naḥ paro dravyaḥ .
“There is no hero in battle who does not play with his life; if one does not die (in battle) we consider wealth to be more precious than life.”
Structure
Nāsti nāsti raṇe śūraḥ yaḥ prāṇaiḥ kṛīḍati, Na jīvet yadi no rīt syāt, prāṇebhyo naḥ paro dravyaḥ
Nāsti (there is not) nāsti (not) raṇe (in battle) śūraḥ (hero) yaḥ (who) prāṇaiḥ (with lives) kṛīḍati (plays), Na (not) jīvet (let him live) yadi (if) no (not) rīt (custom) syāt (were), prāṇebhyo (than lives) naḥ (to us) paro (greater) dravyaḥ (wealth)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nāsti | Nāsti | indeclinable | — | there is not |
| nāsti | nāsti | indeclinable | — | there is not |
| raṇe | raṇe | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in battle |
| śūraḥ | śūraḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | hero |
| yaḥ | yaḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | who |
| prāṇaiḥ | prāṇaiḥ | noun | instrumental · plural · masculine | with his life |
| kṛīḍati | kṛīḍati | verb | √kṛīḍ · laṭ-present · third | plays |
| Na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| jīved | jīved | verb | √jīv · liṅ-optative · third | may he live |
| yadi | yadi | indeclinable | — | if |
| no | no | indeclinable | — | not |
| rīt | rīt | verb | √rī | followed |
| syāt | syāt | verb | √as · liṅ-optative · third | were |
| prāṇebhyo | prāṇebhyo | noun | ablative · plural · masculine | than life |
| naḥ | naḥ | pronoun | dative · plural | to us |
| paro | paro | indeclinable | — | greater |
| dravyaḥ | dravyaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | wealth |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Pañcatantra, 'Nāsti nāsti raṇe śūraḥ prāṇaiḥ kṛīḍati yaḥ', when interpreted through the lens of Advaita Vedānta, underscores the ultimate reality where the distinction between the individual self (ātman) and the universal self (Brahman) dissolves. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentaries on the Upaniṣads and the Bhagavad Gītā, often emphasized the importance of recognizing this non-dual reality. In the context of this verse, the 'hero' who 'plays with his life' in battle can be seen as a metaphor for the jīva (individual self) that, when completely dedicated to the pursuit of truth or dharma, transcends its mortal limitations. This act of self-sacrifice, or the willingness to risk one's life, symbolizes the shedding of the ego and the temporal, ultimately pointing towards the understanding that the true self (ātman) is beyond the physical body and its fears. Through this understanding, one approaches the realization of the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self is not separate from the universal consciousness. Thus, in the pursuit of higher truths, the hero in battle exemplifies the courage to confront and transcend the limitations of the mundane, seeking union with the ultimate reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, with its emphasis on bhakti (devotion) and the personal relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord), interprets this verse as a testament to the ultimate surrender of the self to the divine will. Rāmānujācārya, in his exposition of the Bhagavad Gītā, highlights the importance of prapatti, or total surrender to God, as a means to achieve liberation. In the context of the given verse, the hero who risks his life in battle can be seen as an embodiment of the devotee who, with unwavering faith, dedicates his actions and very existence to the service of the divine. The willingness to sacrifice one's life (prāṇaiḥ kṛīḍati) reflects the depth of devotion and commitment to dharma, recognizing that the true treasure (dravyaḥ) lies not in worldly wealth or even life itself, but in the love and service of God. This interpretation aligns with Rāmānuja's view that the path to liberation involves not just knowledge, but active engagement in bhakti, leading to a profound personal relationship with the divine, where the individual self finds its true fulfillment and purpose.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in the Neo-Vedānta movement, often emphasized the practical and universal applications of ancient Indian wisdom. Interpreting the given verse, 'Nāsti nāsti raṇe śūraḥ prāṇaiḥ kṛīḍati yaḥ', in this light, we see it as a call to courage and selflessness in the face of adversity. Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, stressed the importance of living a life of purpose and service, transcending the bounds of personal fear and selfish desire. The 'hero in battle' who 'plays with his life' becomes a symbol for anyone who, with courage and conviction, dedicates themselves to a higher cause, whether it be the service of humanity, the pursuit of knowledge, or the realization of the self. This verse, in a contemporary context, reminds us that true fulfillment and freedom can only be achieved by embracing challenges with courage and living a life that values principles and contributions to the greater good over personal comfort or wealth. As S. Radhakrishnan reflected, such a life of dedication and service is not merely a moral or ethical stance, but a path to self-realization and the discovery of one's true potential, echoing the message of this ancient verse in a language relevant to modern life.