Nāsti kasya sadā snehon nāsti kasya sadā dveṣaḥ | Kāleṇa sajjanapāpakarmasvapi parivartanam |
“There is no one with whom one is always friendly, nor is there one with whom one is always inimical; with the passage of time even the best and the worst change.”
Structure
Nāsti kasya sadā snehon nāsti kasya sadā dveṣaḥ Kāleṇa sajjana pāpa karma svapi parivartanam
Nāsti (there is not) kasya (of anyone) sadā (always) snehon (affection), nāsti (there is not) kasya (of anyone) sadā (always) dveṣaḥ (hatred). Kāleṇa (with time) sajjana (good) pāpa (evil) karma (actions) svapi (even) parivartanam (change)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nāsti | Nāsti | indeclinable | — | there is not |
| kasya | kasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of whom |
| sadā | sadā | indeclinable | — | always |
| snehon | snehon | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | affection |
| nāsti | nāsti | indeclinable | — | there is not |
| kasya | kasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of whom |
| sadā | sadā | indeclinable | — | always |
| dveṣaḥ | dveṣaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | hatred |
| Kāleṇa | Kāleṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with time |
| sajjana | sajjana | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | good man |
| pāpa | pāpa | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | sin |
| karma | karma | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | action |
| svapi | svapi | indeclinable | — | even |
| parivartanam | parivartanam | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | change |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse illuminates the non-dual nature of reality, underscoring that friendships and enmities are transient and ultimately illusory. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras (BS 1.1.5) explains that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond human relationships and dualities. The verse 'Nāsti kasya sadā snehon nāsti kasya sadā dveṣaḥ' supports this view by highlighting the impermanence of worldly attachments, thus pointing towards the brahman-ātman identity. As Shankara notes in his Upadesasahasri (3.14), all distinctions, including friendships and enmities, dissolve when one realizes the true nature of the Self. This realization allows one to transcend the ephemeral nature of worldly relationships and perceive the unity of existence, reinforcing the idea that the ultimate truth lies beyond the flux of human emotions and experiences.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse is seen as a reflection of the complex and dynamic relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Ramanuja, in his Śrī Bhāṣya (2.2.42), interprets the changing nature of human relationships as a manifestation of the Lord's inscrutable will. The shifting sands of friendship and enmity are reminders of the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara. The verse underscores the importance of cultivating a steady and unwavering devotion to the Lord, beyond the vicissitudes of worldly relationships. Madhva, in his Anuvyākhyāna, similarly emphasizes the Lord's sovereignty over all aspects of existence, including human emotions and interactions. By recognizing the Lord's role in shaping our relationships, the devotee can cultivate a deeper sense of detachment and reliance on Īśvara, ultimately leading to a more profound and enduring connection with the Divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda, in his Lectures from Colombo to Almora, often emphasized the practical applications of Vedantic principles in everyday life. This verse, 'Nāsti kasya sadā snehon nāsti kasya sadā dveṣaḥ', serves as a reminder of the impermanence of all human relationships and emotions. It encourages the individual to cultivate a sense of inner stability and detachment, unshaken by the ephemeral nature of worldly connections. S. Radhakrishnan, in his Indian Philosophy, Volume II, highlights the universality of this message, noting that it transcends cultural and historical boundaries. The verse offers a powerful prescription for contemporary life, where individuals are increasingly faced with the challenges of building and maintaining meaningful relationships in a rapidly changing world. By embracing the timeless wisdom of this verse, one can develop a more compassionate and inclusive approach to relationships, recognizing that the essence of human connection lies in the shared experience of impermanence and the pursuit of lasting wisdom.