Nahi kasya cid api jātu kartumarhaḥ prayatnataḥ . Aśakyam ity eva mantavyam śāstreṇa yad uktam ॥
“One should never attempt to do anything which is not possible; whatever the Shastra says is impossible should be considered as impossible.”
Structure
Nahi kasya cid api jātu kartum arhaḥ prayatnataḥ. Aśakyam iti eva mantavyam śāstreṇa yad uktam.
kartum arhaḥ (one who is able to do) na hi (not indeed) kasya cid api (of anyone) jātu (ever) prayatnataḥ (endeavouring) eva (alone) mantavyam (should be thought) ity (thus) aśakyam (as 'impossible') śāstreṇa (by the śāstra) yad (what) uktam (has been said)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nahi | Nahi | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| kasya | kasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of whom, whose |
| cid | cid | indeclinable | — | some, any |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also, too, even |
| jātu | jātu | verb | √jan · past participle | born, existing |
| kartum | kartum | infinitive | — | to do |
| arhaḥ | arhaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | able, capable |
| prayatnataḥ | prayatnataḥ | indeclinable | — | with effort, eagerly |
| Aśakyam | Aśakyam | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | impossible, incapable |
| iti | iti | indeclinable | — | thus, saying |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | only, just |
| mantavyam | mantavyam | verb | √man · future passive | should be thought, considered |
| śāstreṇa | śāstreṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by the scripture, by the text |
| yad | yad | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | what, which |
| uktam | uktam | verb | √vac · past participle | said, stated |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Pañcatantra is elucidated by Śaṅkarācārya's non-dual perspective, where the ultimate reality, Brahman, is the only truth. Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, particularly on the verse 'yadāhi ṃsātmyaṃ atītaḥ' (when one has transcended the ego), sheds light on this concept. The attempt to do the impossible, as warned against in this verse, stems from ignorance of one's true nature. Recognizing the impossibility of certain actions is, in fact, a step towards understanding the limitations of the ego and the world of duality, thereby pointing towards the realization of the identity of Ātman and Brahman. By accepting the limits as defined by the Śāstras, one aligns with the ultimate reality, avoiding the futile attempts that arise from a misplaced sense of ego and capability, thus leading to a path of self-realization and liberation.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse underscores the importance of recognizing one's limitations and the omnipotence of Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya's Visishtadvaita philosophy emphasizes the real distinction between the individual self (jīva) and the ultimate reality (Brahman or Īśvara), yet their inseparable relationship. According to Rāmānujācārya, attempting the impossible would be a manifestation of disregard for this relationship, ignoring the boundaries set by the Śāstras, which are considered revelations of Īśvara's will. This disregard would lead to dissonance in the relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, hindering the path to moksha or liberation. Thus, this verse encourages a devotional attitude of surrender and acceptance of one's roles and capabilities within the divine plan, emphasizing trust in Īśvara's grace and guidance.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in Neo-Vedānta, would interpret this verse as a call to practical wisdom and self-awareness in the pursuit of one's goals. In his lectures, such as those compiled in 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', Vivekānanda emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own capabilities and the realistic assessment of one's endeavors. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, advises against futile struggles and the waste of energy on tasks that are beyond one's reach or are inherently impossible. It encourages individuals to focus on achievable goals, leveraging their unique strengths and talents, thereby contributing positively to society. This approach aligns with Vivekānanda's vision of a balanced life that combines personal growth with service to others, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful existence.