Nāsti samayo vṛddhānāṃ nāsti kṛtvā gṛhamāgataḥ । Nāsti vṛthā kṛtaṃ kāryaṃ nāsti mitrāṃ na de śat.
“There is no time for delay for the aged; no guest comes uninvited; no work done is useless; no one is a friend or an enemy forever.”
Structure
Nāsti samayaḥ vṛddhānāṃ nāsti kṛtvā gṛhaṃ āgataḥ Nāsti vṛthā kṛtaṃ kāryaṃ nāsti mitrāṇi na deśa śatruḥ
Nāsti (there is not) samayaḥ (time) vṛddhānāṃ (for old men) nāsti (there is not) gṛhaṃ (home) kṛtvā (after making) āgataḥ (who has come) Nāsti (there is not) kāryaṃ (work) vṛthā (in vain) kṛtaṃ (done) nāsti (there is not) mitrāṇi (friends) na (nor) deśa (country) śatruḥ (enemy)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nāsti | Nāsti | indeclinable | — | there is not |
| samayaḥ | samayaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | time, occasion |
| vṛddhānāṃ | vṛddhānāṃ | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of old men, of aged persons |
| nāsti | nāsti | indeclinable | — | there is not |
| kṛtvā | kṛtvā | indeclinable | — | having done |
| gṛhaṃ | gṛhaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | home |
| āgataḥ | āgataḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | one who has come |
| Nāsti | Nāsti | indeclinable | — | there is not |
| vṛthā | vṛthā | indeclinable | — | in vain, uselessly |
| kṛtaṃ | kṛtaṃ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | deed, action |
| kāryaṃ | kāryaṃ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | duty, task |
| nāsti | nāsti | indeclinable | — | there is not |
| mitrāṇi | mitrāṇi | noun | nominative · plural · neuter | friends |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| deśa | deśa | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | country, place |
| śatruḥ | śatruḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | enemy |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse points to the impermanence of all things, including time, relationships, and actions. Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasūtras (III.3.54) highlights the concept of 'ananyatva,' or non-difference, between Brahman and the ātman. The phrase 'nāsti samayo vṛddhānāṃ' reminds us that even the aged, who have lived through many experiences, cannot afford to delay in realizing their true nature. The non-dual reading of this verse encourages the seeker to look beyond the ephemeral and focus on the timeless, all-pervading Brahman. Shankara's reasoning emphasizes that all actions, including those that seem useless, are ultimately a manifestation of the one reality. By understanding this, one can overcome the limitations of the mundane and realize the ātman-Brahman identity. In the context of this verse, the Advaita tradition invites the seeker to transcend the boundaries of time, relationships, and action, and experience the unity of all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya's commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, the Śrī Bhāṣya, highlights the concept of 'śeṣa-śeṣi bhāva,' or the relationship between the Lord (Īśvara) and the individual self (jīva). This verse reminds us that even in our relationships and actions, we must recognize the Lord's presence and guidance. The phrase 'nāsti mitrāṃ na deśa śatruḥ' suggests that ultimately, no one is a permanent friend or enemy, but rather, all beings are connected through their relationship with the Lord. Madhvācārya's commentary on the Mahābhārata also emphasizes the importance of recognizing the Lord's sovereignty in all aspects of life. This verse encourages the devotee to cultivate a sense of detachment and devotion, recognizing that all actions and relationships are ultimately a means to experience the Lord's grace and love. By surrendering to the Lord, one can transcend the limitations of worldly relationships and experience the eternal, loving relationship with the Divine
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda's lectures on the 'Practical Vedanta' emphasize the importance of applying the timeless principles of the Vedas to contemporary life. This verse reminds us that even in the midst of rapid change and uncertainty, we must focus on the eternal and universal. The phrase 'nāsti vṛthā kṛtaṃ kāryaṃ' encourages us to recognize that every action, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, has a purpose and contributes to the larger good. Radhakrishnan's writings on the 'Religion and Society' highlight the importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of all human beings and the natural world. This verse invites us to adopt a holistic and practical approach to life, recognizing that every action, relationship, and experience is an opportunity for growth, learning, and self-realization. By embracing this universal and practical perspective, we can cultivate a sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment in our lives, and contribute to the well-being of the world around us.