sarve ramaṇte prāṇinaḥ sukheshu ca teṣāṃ kṛte । na tu duḥkheṣv asantaḥ sukham icchanti tattvataḥ
“All living beings rejoice in pleasures and are made for them; in fact, no one desires happiness in unhappiness.”
Structure
sarve prāṇinaḥ ramaṇte sukheshu ca teṣāṃ kṛte na tu duḥkheṣu asantaḥ tattvataḥ sukham icchanti
sarve (all) prāṇinaḥ (living beings) sukheshu (in pleasures) ca (and) teṣāṃ (of them) kṛte (which are made) ramaṇte (rejoice)na (not) tu (but) asantaḥ (unwise) duḥkheṣu (in sorrows) tattvataḥ (actually) sukham (happiness) icchanti (desire)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sarve | sarve | pronoun | nominative · plural · masculine | all |
| prāṇinaḥ | prāṇinaḥ | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | living beings |
| ramaṇte | ramaṇte | verb | √raṇ · laṭ-present · third | they delight |
| sukheshu | sukheshu | noun | locative · plural · neuter | in pleasures |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| teṣāṃ | teṣāṃ | pronoun | genitive · plural · masculine | of them |
| kṛte | kṛte | verb | √kṛ · laṭ-present · third | are made |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| duḥkheṣu | duḥkheṣu | noun | locative · plural · neuter | in pains |
| asantaḥ | asantaḥ | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | not content |
| tattvataḥ | tattvataḥ | indeclinable | — | actually |
| sukham | sukham | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | happiness |
| icchanti | icchanti | verb | √icch · laṭ-present · third | they desire |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Pañcatantra highlights the inherent nature of all living beings to seek happiness and avoid suffering. According to Shankara, this inclination is rooted in the ultimate reality of Brahman, which is the essence of all existence. In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Shankara explains that the desire for happiness is a manifestation of the ātman's (individual self) quest for union with Brahman. The verse suggests that true happiness can only be achieved when one understands the non-dual nature of reality, where the distinctions between pleasure and pain, self and other, are transcended. This understanding is in line with Shankara's concept of 'ananda' (bliss), which is the fundamental nature of Brahman. By realizing this non-dual identity, one can experience lasting happiness and peace, unconditioned by external circumstances.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Ramanuja interprets this verse as a reflection of the dependent nature of the jīva (individual self) on Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The jīva's inherent desire for happiness is a manifestation of its innate longing for union with Īśvara. According to Ramanuja, this desire can only be fulfilled when the jīva recognizes its relationship with Īśvara and surrenders to His will. The verse highlights the futility of seeking happiness in worldly pleasures, which are ephemeral and ultimately unsatisfying. Instead, Ramanuja advocates for a devotional approach, where the jīva cultivates love and devotion for Īśvara, recognizing that true happiness can only be found in Him. This perspective is echoed in Ramanuja's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, where he emphasizes the importance of self-surrender (prapatti) as a means to attain liberation and experience true happiness.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekananda views this verse as a call to recognize the universal human aspiration for happiness and fulfillment. He emphasizes that true happiness can only be achieved when one transcends the limitations of the individual ego and connects with the larger universe. In his lecture 'The Ideal of Universal Brotherhood,' Vivekananda cites this verse as an illustration of the innate human desire for happiness, which can only be fulfilled when we recognize our interconnectedness with all beings. He advocates for a practical approach to spirituality, where one cultivates self-awareness, self-control, and compassion, leading to a deeper understanding of the universe and our place within it. By applying the principles of this verse to contemporary life, we can work towards creating a more harmonious and equitable society, where the universal quest for happiness is recognized and respected.