Na pravekṣyam asaṅkṣyam na ca dīrghaṁ na hasvam . Astreṇa yatamānasya kurukṣetre 'pi vartayet || 156 ||
“One should not tarry where there is no thoroughfare, nor (move) too long or too short a distance; on the way to Kurukṣetra, one should (thus) act even with a missile.”
Structure
Na pravekṣyam asaṅkṣyam na ca dīrghaṁ na hrasvam Astreṇa yatamānasya kurukṣetre 'pi vartayet
Yatamānasya (of one who is intent) astreṇa (with a weapon) kurukṣetre (even in the battlefield of Kurukṣetra) na (not) pravekṣyam (should enter) asaṅkṣyam (unhesitatingly) na (not) ca (and) dīrghaṁ (long) na (not) hrasvam (short) vartayet (should act)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| pravekṣyam | pravekṣyam | verb | √viś · fut · third | one should enter |
| asaṅkṣyam | asaṅkṣyam | indeclinable | — | urgently, quickly |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| dīrghaṁ | dīrgham | adjective | — | long |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hrasvam | hṛsvam | adjective | — | short |
| Astreṇa | āstreṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with the bow |
| yathamānasya | yathamānasya | verb | √yat · present participle · third | who is striving, endeavouring |
| kurukṣetre | kurukṣetre | noun | locative · singular · neuter | in the Kurukṣetra |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | even |
| vartayet | vartayet | verb | √vṛt · optative · third | let it exist, be |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Pañcatantra can be seen through the lens of non-dualism, where the journey to Kurukṣetra symbolizes the path to Self-realization. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentaries on the Upaniṣads, often emphasizes the importance of steady effort (yatamāna) towards understanding the ultimate reality, Brahman. The instruction not to tarry where there is no thoroughfare (na pravekṣyam asaṅkṣyam) can be interpreted as avoiding unnecessary distractions on the spiritual path. The mention of not moving too long or too short a distance (na ca dīrghaṁ na hrasvam) advocates for a balanced approach, echoing Śaṅkarācārya's advice on moderating one's efforts in pursuit of knowledge. Acting with the precision of a missile (astreṇa) towards one's goal underscores the need for focused and determined action. Thus, this verse, when viewed through the non-dual lens, encourages the seeker to maintain a balanced and focused effort towards realizing the identity of ātman and Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the context of Vaiṣṇava theology, this verse can be understood as a metaphorical guide for the devotee's relationship with Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrībhāṣya, discusses the concept of prapatti, or surrender, which involves a deep understanding of one's limitations and the acknowledgment of God's grace. The warning against tarrying where there is no thoroughfare may be seen as a caution against becoming entangled in worldly attachments that do not lead to God. The advice to avoid moving too long or too short a distance could symbolize the balance between personal effort (prayatna) and surrender (prapatti) in one's spiritual journey. The image of acting with the aim of a missile on the way to Kurukṣetra suggests a steadfast and unwavering commitment to one's spiritual path, reflecting the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on devoted service (bhakti) as a means to attain closeness to Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his teachings, often stressed the importance of practical application of spiritual principles in everyday life. This verse from the Pañcatantra can be seen as advocating for a balanced and focused approach to achieving one's goals, whether spiritual or worldly. The instruction not to waste time in fruitless endeavors (na pravekṣyam asaṅkṣyam) resonates with Vivekānanda's call for efficient and purposeful action. The metaphor of moving with the precision of a missile towards one's objective underscores the value of concentration and determination. Furthermore, the reference to Kurukṣetra, a site of great historical and spiritual significance, as the destination, implies that the ultimate goal of human endeavor should be noble and elevated. Thus, this verse, when viewed through the lens of Neo-Vedānta, encourages individuals to adopt a practical, focused, and noble-minded approach to their pursuits, reflecting the universal and timeless wisdom of Indian spirituality.