niṣpakṣaḥ parīkṣya mitrāṃ kartum icchēt prabuddhaḥ
“A wise man should examine and then make a friend.”
Structure
niṣpakṣaḥ parīkṣya mitrāṃ kartum icchēt prabuddhaḥ
prabuddhaḥ niṣpakṣaḥ parīkṣya mitrāṃ kartum icchēt
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| niṣpakṣaḥ | niṣpakṣaḥ | adjective | — | impartial, unbiased |
| parīkṣya | parīkṣya | indeclinable | — | having examined, having tested |
| mitrāṃ | mitrāṃ | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | friend (to be made) |
| kartum | kartum | indeclinable | — | to make, to create |
| icchēt | icchēt | verb | √icch · optative · third | one should wish, desire |
| prabuddhaḥ | prabuddhaḥ | adjective | — | wise, intelligent, awakened |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse निष्पक्षः परीक्ष्य मित्रां कर्तुमिच्छेत्प्रबुद्धः underscores the importance of discernment in forming relationships, which aligns with the non-dual philosophy of Advaita Vedanta. Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, particularly in Chapter 6, emphasizes the need for self-examination and the cultivation of a discerning mind to realize the ultimate reality, Brahman. In the context of this verse, the 'wise man' (prabuddhaḥ) is one who has realized the brahman-ātman identity, and thus, makes decisions based on this profound understanding, unfettered by biases or personal attachments. The act of examining before making a friend mirrors the introspection necessary for self-realization, highlighting the verse's relevance to the path of Advaita Vedanta.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse can be seen through the lens of the Vaiṣṇava tradition as emphasizing the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, particularly stresses the importance of surrender and devotion to the Lord, noting that true wisdom (prabuddhaḥ) includes recognizing one's position as a servant of the Lord. The act of carefully selecting friends (parīkṣya mitrāṃ kartum) can be interpreted as a jīva's effort to surround themselves with influences that foster devotion and service to Īśvara, thereby facilitating a deeper, loving relationship with the divine. This selective approach mirrors the discernment advised in spiritual pursuits, where one chooses the company that enhances their devotion and understanding of the Supreme.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): The wisdom of निष्पक्षः परीक्ष्य मित्रां कर्तुमिच्छेत्प्रबुद्धः finds a universal and practical application in contemporary life through the teachings of Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan. Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the importance of self-reliance and the need for individuals to develop their critical faculties. This verse resonates with that call, urging individuals to be 'wise' (prabuddhaḥ) and impartial (niṣpakṣaḥ) when forming friendships, which is crucial in today's complex social landscape. Rādhākrishnan, drawing on the Upanishads and modern thought, would likely interpret this verse as a call to discernment in all aspects of life, recognizing that true friendship, like true knowledge, comes from a place of clarity and understanding, contributing to personal and societal harmony.