na kadaacidapi śakyam
“It is never possible.”
Structure
na kada acit api śakyam
na (not) kada (ever) acit (at any time) api (also) śakyam (possible) [kartā not explicitly stated, understood as 'it is']
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| kada | kadā | indeclinable | — | ever, at any time |
| acit | acit | verb | √cit · past · third | perceived, understood |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also, even |
| śakyam | śakyam | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | it can be done, it is possible |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'na kadaacidapi śakyam,' underscores the fundamental non-dual nature of reality. According to Śaṅkarācārya, the idea that something is impossible or 'na śakyam' ultimately points to the limitations of human understanding and the illusory nature of duality. In his commentary on the Brahmasūtra (2.1.14), Śaṅkara argues that all distinctions, including the notion of possibility and impossibility, are sublated in the realization of Brahman. Hence, this verse can be seen as an invitation to transcend the bounded thinking that posits dualistic distinctions, leading the seeker towards the understanding of the identity of Brahman and Ātman. The impossibility referred to in the verse is, therefore, not a fixed state but a pointer to the futility of attempting to grasp reality through dichotomous thinking, thereby guiding the seeker towards the non-dual awareness.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The verse 'na kadaacidapi śakyam' is interpreted within the Vaiṣṇava tradition as highlighting the dependence of all beings on Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrībhāṣya, emphasizes that the accomplishments or attainments of the jīva are not independently possible without the grace of the Lord. This understanding underscores the relational aspect between the individual self (jīva) and the Supreme (Īśvara), reinforcing the concept of prapatti or surrender. Madhvācārya, from a Dvaita perspective, might view this verse as reinforcing the inherent distinction between the Lord and the individual selves, emphasizing that the very notion of possibility or impossibility is itself subject to the will of Īśvara, thus guiding the devotee towards a path of devotion and surrender. This devotional reading sees the verse as an affirmation of the jīva's incapacity to achieve liberation without the Lord's intervention.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): The verse 'na kadaacidapi śakyam' can be interpreted in a modern context as highlighting the limitations and potentialities of human endeavor. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of recognizing one's own limitations as a precursor to spiritual growth and self-realization. This verse, in the context of Vivekānanda's teachings, serves as a reminder of the infinite potential that lies beyond the boundaries of human perception and the conventional notions of possibility. It encourages the individual to strive beyond perceived limits, recognizing that true freedom and realization can only be achieved by transcending the ordinary and the mundane. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical writings, underscores the universal human quest for meaning and the transcendence of limitations, suggesting that this verse points towards an existential and practical wisdom that is both universally applicable and deeply personal.