Nahi dantaiḥ khāditum na ca pādaiḥ pā tum.
“It cannot be eaten with teeth nor can it be broken with legs.”
Structure
Nahi dantaiḥ khāditum na ca pādaiḥ pā tum
Nahi (not) dantaiḥ (with teeth) khāditum (to eat) na (not) ca (and) pādaiḥ (with feet) pā tum (to drink)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nahi | Nahi | indeclinable | — | not |
| dantaiḥ | dantaiḥ | noun | instrumental · plural · masculine | with teeth |
| khāditum | khāditum | verb | √khād · infinitive | to eat |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| pādaiḥ | pādaiḥ | noun | instrumental · plural · masculine | with feet |
| pātum | pātum | verb | √pā · infinitive | to drink |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'Nahi dantaiḥ khāditum na ca pādaiḥ pā tum,' suggests that the ultimate reality, Brahman, cannot be grasped or understood through our senses or physical actions. Shankara, in his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, emphasizes the limitations of sensory perception in understanding the absolute. He argues that Brahman is beyond human comprehension and cannot be perceived by the senses, which aligns with the sentiment of this verse. The non-dual reading of this verse points towards the identity of Brahman and Ātman, implying that true understanding can only be achieved through introspection and self-realization, beyond physical means. This verse, in the context of the Pañcatantra, serves as a metaphor for the futility of worldly pursuits in seeking ultimate truth, directing the seeker towards the path of self-inquiry and the realization of the non-dual nature of reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as highlighting the dependence of the jīva (individual soul) on Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his interpretation of the Brahma Sutras, discusses the concept of prapatti, or total surrender to God, as the means to attain liberation. The verse 'Nahi dantaiḥ khāditum na ca pādaiḥ pā tum' metaphorically represents the inability of the jīva to achieve its goals or understand the divine through its own efforts. It signifies the need for the jīva to surrender to Īśvara, recognizing its limitations and the futility of self-effort in achieving spiritual realization. This surrender is not a physical act but a devotional attitude, emphasizing the personal relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, where the jīva acknowledges its inherent inability to grasp the divine without the grace of Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical application of spiritual principles in everyday life. This verse, 'Nahi dantaiḥ khāditum na ca pādaiḥ pā tum,' can be seen as a call to recognize the limitations of material pursuits and the importance of cultivating inner strength and wisdom. Vivekānanda, in his speech 'The Real Nature of Man,' discusses the potential of the human being to realize its true nature, beyond the confines of the physical body and senses. This verse serves as a reminder of the futility of solely relying on external means to achieve fulfillment or understanding. Instead, it encourages individuals to look inward, fostering a sense of self-awareness and spiritual seeking. In contemporary life, this verse can inspire individuals to reevaluate their priorities, seeking a balance between external achievements and inner growth, and to cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.