Nahi kasyāpi nāsti yaḥ sādhūḥ śṛṇuyāt
“There is no one for whom it is not beneficial to listen to good advice.”
Structure
Nahi kasya api nāsti yaḥ sādhūḥ śṛṇuyāt
Nāsti (there is not) kasya api (of anyone) yaḥ (who) sādhūḥ (righteous) śṛṇuyāt (would listen)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nahi | Nahi | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| kasya | kasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of whom, of what |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also, too |
| nāsti | nāsti | verb | √as · laṭ-present · third | there is not, does not exist |
| yaḥ | yaḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | who, which |
| sādhūḥ | sādhūḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | good, virtuous, wise |
| śṛṇuyāt | śṛṇuyāt | verb | √śru · liṅ-optative · third | may he hear |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'Nahi kasyāpi nāsti yaḥ sādhūḥ śṛṇuyāt', underscores the non-dual essence of reality by implying that beneficial advice is universally applicable, transcending individual differences. Shankara's commentary on the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (2.5.19) highlights that the Self (ātman) is the ultimate reality, and listening to good advice (sādhu śṛṇvan) is a means to realize this Self. By extension, this verse points to the identity of brahman and ātman, suggesting that true understanding (derived from good advice) leads to the realization of one's true nature, which is non-dual and universal. Thus, the verse supports the Advaita philosophy of oneness and interconnectedness of all beings.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The devotional reading of this verse emphasizes the role of the guru or Īśvara (the Lord) in guiding the jīva (individual soul) towards liberation. Ramanuja, in his Sri Bhashya, discusses the importance of prapatti (surrender) to the Lord, which includes the element of listening to His words or those of His devotees. This verse can be seen as an encouragement to seek such guidance, as it states that no one is exempt from benefiting from good advice, implying everyone can surrender to and learn from the divine. Madhva, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, also emphasizes the role of divine grace and the need for the jīva to be receptive to the Lord's teachings, underscoring the importance of a devotional attitude towards spiritual growth.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures on practical Vedanta, often stressed the universal applicability of spiritual principles. This verse resonates with his teachings, as it highlights the value of seeking and listening to good advice as a means of personal growth and self-realization. Vivekananda, in his 'Lectures from Colombo to Almora', emphasizes the need for individuals to take an active role in seeking knowledge and advice that can help them overcome their limitations and realize their true potential. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical writings, speaks about the importance of cultivating a receptive and open-minded attitude towards wisdom, whether it comes from sacred texts, wise individuals, or personal experiences. This approach to the verse underscores its relevance to contemporary life, where individuals are encouraged to be proactive and open to guidance and self-reflection as a path to personal and societal improvement.