Na tvāṃ na mayā dattam nāyaṁ mitravināśakaḥ
“This (poison) was neither given by you nor by me, and it does not destroy a friend.”
Structure
Na tvām na mayā dattam nāyam mitravināśakaḥ
Nāyam (this one) mitravināśakaḥ (destroyer of friends) na tvām (not you) na mayā (not by me) dattam (given)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Na | Na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvām | tvām | pronoun | accusative · singular | you |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| mayā | mayā | pronoun | instrumental · singular | by me |
| dattam | dattam | verb | √dā · past participle | given |
| nāyam | nāyam | indeclinable | — | this is not |
| mitravināśakaḥ | mitravināśakaḥ | compound | bahuvrīhi · "mitravināśaka" | the destroyer of friends |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality by highlighting the illusory distinction between the giver, the receiver, and the act of giving. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras (particularly 1.1.5) emphasizes that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond all transactions and dualities. The phrase 'na tvāṃ na mayā dattam' (neither given by you nor by me) points to the impossibility of attributing actions or possessions to the individual self, as these are mere projections of the mind. The second part, 'nāyam mitravināśakaḥ' (and it does not destroy a friend), further suggests that true friendship or relationship is not based on external transactions but on the recognition of the shared essence, the ātman. This recognition leads to the understanding that all beings are interconnected and that harm to another is harm to oneself, ultimately revealing the brahman-ātman identity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava perspective on this verse emphasizes the relational aspect between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Sri Bhasya, discusses the concept of 'bheda-abheda' (difference-in-identity), where the jīva and Īśvara are distinct yet inseparably connected. The phrase 'na tvāṃ na mayā dattam' can be seen as reflecting the idea that true gifts or sacrifices are those that are offered to the Lord, who is the ultimate recipient and benefactor. The statement 'nāyam mitravināśakaḥ' underscores the principle of non-harm (ahiṃsā) towards all beings, recognizing them as parts of the divine body of Īśvara. This verse, therefore, encourages a devotional attitude, where actions are guided by a sense of service to the Lord and His creations, fostering a community of love and compassion.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda often emphasized the practical applications of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. This verse can be interpreted as a call to transcend the ego-bound transactions that often characterize human relationships. The statement 'na tvāṃ na mayā dattam' suggests that true giving is not about the donor or the recipient but about the act itself, untainted by personal motivations or expectations. Vivekānanda, in his lectures on 'Karma Yoga', highlights the importance of selfless action, where one works without attachment to the fruits of their labor, fostering a sense of detachment and universal brotherhood. The phrase 'nāyam mitravināśakaḥ' resonates with his message of love and service, encouraging individuals to work towards the upliftment of all, recognizing that harm to one is harm to the collective humanity, and thus, serving as a catalyst for personal and social transformation.