Nāsti nāsti ratirvindate hi kada cidapi ca yaḥ kuryāt॥
“There is no pleasure (fulfillment) for one who does not act even occasionally.”
Structure
Nāsti nāsti ratir vindate hi kada cid api ca yaḥ kuryāt
yaḥ (who) kada cid api (at any time) ca (and) hi (indeed) nāsti nāsti (does not, does not) ratir (pleasure) vindate (finds) kuryāt (should do)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nāsti | Nāsti | indeclinable | — | there is not |
| nāsti | nāsti | indeclinable | — | or there is not |
| ratir | ratir | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | pleasure |
| vindate | vindate | verb | √vind · present · third | finds, experiences |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| kada | kada | indeclinable | — | at any time, ever |
| cid | cid | indeclinable | — | ever, at all |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also, even |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| yaḥ | yaḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | who |
| kuryāt | kuryāt | verb | √kṛ · optative · third | would do |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Pañcatantra highlights the importance of action in achieving fulfillment. According to Shankara's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, particularly in the section discussing the relationship between knowledge and action, the verse 'Nāsti nāsti ratirvindate hi kada cid api ca yaḥ kuryāt' underscores the idea that true fulfillment or pleasure (ratir) is not attained by one who remains inactive. This inaction can be seen as a metaphor for the ignorance of one's true nature, which is brahman. The call to action, even if occasional, points to the necessity of realizing one's identity with the ultimate reality, brahman, to achieve true fulfillment. Shankara's exposition on the Upaniṣads, such as the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, emphasizes the pursuit of knowledge and the performance of duties as means to realize this ultimate truth. Thus, the verse indirectly supports the Advaita Vedānta stance that the path to true pleasure or fulfillment is through the realization of the non-dual identity of brahman and ātman, facilitated by engagement in worldly actions as a means to spiritual growth.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, particularly that of Rāmānujācārya, this verse can be understood as emphasizing the role of devotion and action in the pursuit of ultimate pleasure or fulfillment. The jīva (individual self) finds true satisfaction in serving and loving Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The phrase 'Nāsti nāsti ratirvindate hi kada cid api ca yaḥ kuryāt' suggests that the jīva, who fails to engage in any form of service or devotion to Īśvara, even occasionally, will not experience true fulfillment. Rāmānuja, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, a commentary on the Brahmasūtras, underscores the importance of prapatti (surrender) and bhakti (devotion) as means to attain the love of God. This verse can be seen as an encouragement to engage in acts of devotion, highlighting the Vaiṣṇava view that the relationship between the jīva and Īśvara is one of mutual love and dependence, and that through devoted action, the jīva can experience true pleasure and fulfillment in the service of the Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in Neo-Vedānta, emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. The verse 'Nāsti nāsti ratirvindate hi kada cid api ca yaḥ kuryāt' resonates with his teachings on the importance of action and selfless service. In his lectures and writings, Vivekānanda stressed that true fulfillment comes not from inaction or mere intellectual understanding but from engaging with the world in a constructive and selfless manner. This aligns with the verse's message that occasional engagement in action is necessary for achieving pleasure or fulfillment. Vivekānanda's concept of 'Karma Yoga'—the path of action—finds support in this verse, as it underscores the necessity of active participation in life for spiritual growth and the realization of one's true potential. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, highlighted the universal relevance of Indian thought, including the importance of balancing action and contemplation for achieving a fulfilling life. This verse, in the context of Neo-Vedānta, serves as a reminder of the universal and timeless value of engaging in meaningful actions as a path to personal and spiritual fulfillment.