na hi duṣṭapravṛttasya praśaṃsā kāryeti matvā, na ca doṣānnivartayet.
“For one with a bad tendency, no praise should be done thinking it is to be done, and one should not turn him away from his faults.”
Structure
na hi duṣṭapravṛttasya praśaṃsā kārya iti matvā na ca doṣān nivartayet
na (not) hi (indeed) duṣṭapravṛttasya (of one who is of evil conduct) praśaṃsā (praise) kāryā (should be done) iti (thus) matvā (thinking) na (not) ca (and) doṣān (from faults) nivartayet (should turn away)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| duṣṭa | duṣṭa | verb | √duṣ · past participle | corrupted, wicked |
| pravṛttasya | pravṛttasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of one who has started or undertaken |
| praśaṃsā | praśaṃsā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | praise |
| kārya | kārya | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | to be done |
| iti | iti | indeclinable | — | thus, saying |
| matvā | matvā | verb | √man · gerund | thinking |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| doṣān | doṣān | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | faults |
| nivartayet | nivartayet | verb | √vart · optative · third | may turn back or away from |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the futility of praising or censuring one with a bad tendency, as both approaches fail to address the root of the issue. According to Shankara, true transformation arises from self-inquiry and realization of the brahman-ātman identity. In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras (BS 1.1.1), Shankara argues that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond human tendencies and that liberation comes from understanding this non-dual nature. Similarly, this verse implies that one should look beyond the surface-level tendencies and instead focus on the inner, unchanging essence, which is the true self. By recognizing the impermanence of human tendencies and the eternal nature of the self, one can transcend the cycle of praise and blame, ultimately realizing the unity of existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse can be seen as an illustration of the complex relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya (SB 1.1.1), discusses the importance of recognizing the inherent flaws in the jīva, which stem from its finite and dependent nature. The verse warns against praising or turning a blind eye to the flaws of one with a bad tendency, instead advocating for a nuanced approach that acknowledges the interplay between the jīva's tendencies and Īśvara's guiding presence. By recognizing the jīva's limitations and the Lord's sovereignty, one can cultivate a devotional attitude, ultimately seeking to realign their tendencies with the divine will. This verse thus emphasizes the need for self-reflection, humility, and devotion in the pursuit of spiritual growth.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a timeless wisdom that transcends traditional boundaries, speaking to the universal human experience. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda' (Vol. 4, p. 214), emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and personal responsibility in overcoming negative tendencies. This verse suggests that true change arises not from external praise or criticism but from introspection and self-reflection. In contemporary life, this message resonates strongly, as we navigate complex social dynamics and grapple with the consequences of our actions. By internalizing this verse's message, individuals can cultivate a deeper sense of agency, recognizing that personal growth and transformation are ultimately the result of inner-directed effort, rather than external validation or condemnation. This approach can foster a more compassionate and empathetic society, where individuals support one another in their pursuit of self-improvement and spiritual growth.