Nāsti nāsti raṇe kūrpāḥ parṇaśo nāsti vāsarāḥ. Nāsti bhīmā nāsti mṛgyā nāstī rudrasya vaṃśataḥ.
“There are no jackals in the battlefield, no birds among cattle, no fear-inspiring creatures among deer, and no descendants of Rudra.”
Structure
Nāsti nāsti raṇe kūrpāḥ parṇaśo nāsti vāsarāḥ Nāsti bhīmā nāsti mṛgyā nāstī rudrasya vaṃśataḥ
Nāsti (there is not) raṇe (in war) kūrpāḥ (tortoises)parṇaśo (with leaves) nāsti (there are not) vāsarāḥ (cows)Nāsti (there is not) bhīmā (fearful one) nāsti (there is not) mṛgyā (prey) nāstī (there is not) rudrasya (of Rudra's) vaṃśataḥ (lineage)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nāsti | Nāsti | indeclinable | — | there is not |
| nāsti | nāsti | indeclinable | — | there is not |
| raṇe | raṇe | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in war |
| kūrpāḥ | kūrpaḥ | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | cripples or cowards |
| parṇaśo | parṇaśo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | cripple or wounded |
| nāsti | nāsti | indeclinable | — | there is not |
| vāsarāḥ | vāsarāḥ | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | calves or weaklings |
| Nāsti | Nāsti | indeclinable | — | there is not |
| bhīmā | bhīmā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | fearful or cowardly person |
| nāsti | nāsti | indeclinable | — | there is not |
| mṛgyā | mṛgyā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | desire or longing |
| nāstī | nāstī | indeclinable | — | there is not |
| rudrasya | rudrasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of Rudra or Śiva |
| vaṃśataḥ | vaṃśataḥ | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from the lineage or family |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the illusory nature of worldly distinctions, pointing to the ultimate non-dual reality of Brahman. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras highlights the concept of 'avidyā' or ignorance, which gives rise to false divisions. Similarly, in this verse, the categorizations of creatures and their supposed 'natural' habitats or characteristics are shown to be empty, mirroring the Advaitic notion that all distinctions, including the separation between the individual self (ātman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman), are ultimately unreal. The assertion 'nāsti' (there is not) repeatedly drives home the idea that these distinctions lack inherent existence, guiding the seeker towards the realization of the unqualified, all-encompassing Brahman-ātman identity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava interpretation of this verse could view the absence of certain creatures in specific contexts as a metaphor for the soul's (jīva) relationship with the Lord (Īśvara). Just as jackals are not found in battlefields, indicating an inappropriate or impossible coexistence, the jīva's innate tendency towards worldly entanglements (like fear or aggression) must be transcended to realize its true nature in devotion to Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya might see this as an illustration of the 'aprthaksamithi' or incompatibility between the paths of worldly engagement and spiritual liberation, emphasizing the need for the jīva to seek refuge in the Lord. This perspective underlines the devotional path as the means to understand and experience the harmony between the individual self and the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda's emphasis on the practical application of Vedantic principles can be applied to this verse, highlighting the importance of adapting to different environments and situations, just as creatures are found in their appropriate habitats. The idea that 'there are no jackals in the battlefield' can symbolize the futility of applying inappropriate strategies or mindsets in different contexts of life. For instance, aggression (associated with Rudra) is out of place in spiritual pursuits. Vivekananda's lectures often stressed the need for individuals to understand their strengths and the demands of their situation, choosing the right approach for personal and spiritual growth. This verse, therefore, encourages a reflective and contextually appropriate approach to life's challenges, mirroring Vivekananda's call for a dynamic, practical spirituality suited to modern needs.