na yasyāsti na paro na tṛtīyo na caturtho na pañcamo vā svah ।
“He has no friend, no superior, no third, no fourth, nor even a fifth, who has no one to rely on.”
Structure
na yasya asti na paraḥ na tṛtīyaḥ na caturthaḥ na pañcamaḥ vā svaḥ
yasya (of whom) na asti (there is not) svaḥ (own) vā (or) pañcamaḥ (fifth) na caturthaḥ (fourth) na tṛtīyaḥ (third) na paraḥ (second) na (not) asti (exists)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| yasya | yasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of whom |
| asti | asti | verb | √as · present · third | is |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| paraḥ | paraḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | other, another |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tṛtīyaḥ | tṛtīyaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | third |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| caturthaḥ | caturthaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | fourth |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| pañcamaḥ | pañcamaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | fifth |
| vā | vā | indeclinable | — | or |
| svaḥ | svaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | own, self |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Pañcatantra underscores the concept of non-duality by highlighting the isolation of an individual without support. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras emphasizes the ultimate reality of Brahman as the sole existent, unchanging, and all-pervasive. In the context of this verse, Shankara might argue that the individual's lack of reliance on others is a reflection of the ultimate solitude of the Self (ātman), which, in reality, is not separate from Brahman. This solitude is not a lack but a pointer to the unity and completeness of the Self. The verse, therefore, encourages the pursuit of Self-knowledge to realize one's true nature, beyond the ephemeral connections and dependencies of the world. This understanding leads to the liberation from the cycle of birth and death, as one recognizes the eternal, unchanging essence that is Brahman. Through this realization, the distinctions of friend, superior, or any other categorization become irrelevant, as all are seen as manifestations of the One reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse can be seen as a call to recognize the ultimate dependency on Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes the concept of śeṣa-śeṣin (the Lord and the servant), highlighting the eternal relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara. This verse suggests that without recognizing and relying on Īśvara, the jīva is left isolated and without true support. The lack of a friend, superior, or any other relational category points to the incompleteness and impermanence of worldly relationships. In contrast, the relationship with Īśvara is eternal and fulfilling. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference between the Lord and the souls, would likely see this verse as underscoring the necessity of devotion to and dependence on Viṣṇu, the supreme Lord, for true security and fulfillment. This dependence is not a weakness but a natural and liberating acknowledgment of one's true position in the universe.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse resonates with the modern quest for self-reliance and independence. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of individual strength and the pursuit of one's own path to realize the divine within. The verse can be seen as a call to introspection, encouraging individuals to look within for their sense of security and identity, rather than relying on external sources. This theme aligns with Vivekānanda's idea of the 'awakened self,' where the individual, through self-discovery and self-realization, becomes a source of strength and inspiration for others. S. Radhakrishnan, with his focus on the universal and practical aspects of Vedānta, might interpret this verse as a reminder of the intrinsic worth and potential of every individual. The lack of external support or recognition should not diminish one's sense of self-worth or purpose. Instead, it should serve as a catalyst for deeper self-reflection and the pursuit of personal growth, leading to a more authentic and meaningful engagement with the world.