na kadaacid-api dṛṣṭipātamātreṇa hi
“For even by a mere glance”
Structure
na kadaacid api dṛṣṭipāta mātreṇa hi
na (not) hi (indeed) kadaacid (at any time) api (even) dṛṣṭipāta (glance) mātreṇa (by the extent of)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| kadaacid | kadaacid | indeclinable | — | ever, at any time |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also, even |
| dṛṣṭipāta | dṛṣṭipāta | compound | tatpuruṣa · "dṛṣṭi-pāta" | a glance, a look |
| mātreṇa | mātreṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | by a mere glance |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Pañcatantra, 'na kadaacid-api dṛṣṭipātamātreṇa hi', underscores the profound impact of even a fleeting glance, metaphorically suggesting the immediacy of perception and the direct experience of reality. In his commentary on the Brahmasutras, Shankara emphasizes the non-dual nature of ultimate reality, where distinctions such as subject and object dissolve. Applying this to our verse, the 'mere glance' symbolizes the direct, unmediated experience of Brahman, where the distinctions between the seer, the seen, and the act of seeing are transcended. This aligns with Shankara's reasoning in his Upadesasahasri, where he discusses the direct cognition of the Self (Atman) and its identity with Brahman. Thus, this verse can be seen as pointing towards the ultimate non-dual reality, where even the simplest act of perception can lead to a profound understanding of the Brahman-Atman identity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, the concept of 'dṛṣṭipāta' or the glance, holds significant devotional connotations. This verse, in suggesting the power of a mere glance, can be interpreted in the context of the loving gaze of the Lord (Īśvara) upon the devotee (jīva). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the personal relationship between the Lord and the soul, where the Lord's glance signifies His grace and favor. Similarly, this verse can be seen as illustrating the transformative power of divine grace, where even a momentary experience of the divine presence can profoundly affect the devotee. Madhvācārya, in his Dvaita Vedanta, might interpret this verse as highlighting the real distinction between the Lord and the soul, yet emphasizing the soul's complete dependence on the Lord's mercy, symbolized by the merciful glance.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse from the Pañcatantra offers a powerful metaphor for the immediate and profound impact of our perceptions and interactions. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on Vedanta, often emphasized the practical applications of spiritual principles in everyday life. He might interpret 'dṛṣṭipātamātreṇa' as the instantaneous influence of our thoughts and actions on ourselves and others. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, highlighted the importance of experience and intuition in understanding reality. He could see this verse as underscoring the direct and intuitive nature of human experience, where a 'mere glance' can reveal profound truths about ourselves and our place in the world. Both thinkers would likely connect this verse to the universal human quest for meaning and connection, emphasizing the potential for any moment, no matter how fleeting, to be a catalyst for personal growth and self-realization.