Nāsti vai kasya sukh yatā yasya nāsti gṛhe dhanam.
“There is no happiness for one whose house does not have wealth.”
Structure
Nāsti vai kasya sukh yatā yasya nāsti gṛhe dhanam
Nāsti (there is not) vai (indeed) kasya (of anyone) sukh yatā (happiness) yasya (whose) gṛhe (in the house) nāsti (there is not) dhanam (wealth)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nāsti | Nāsti | indeclinable | — | there is not |
| vai | vai | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| kasya | kasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of whom |
| sukh | sukha | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | happiness |
| yatā | yatā | indeclinable | — | in which way, as |
| yasya | yasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of whom |
| nāsti | nāsti | indeclinable | — | there is not |
| gṛhe | gṛhe | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in the house |
| dhanam | dhanam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | wealth |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the idea that true happiness is not derived from external sources, such as wealth, but from the realisation of one's true nature, which is brahman. According to Shankara, the concept of 'gṛhe dhanam' can be seen as a metaphor for the conditioned mind, which is bound by worldly possessions and desires. The lack of 'sukh yatā' or happiness, in the absence of 'gṛhe dhanam', points to the impermanence and unsatisfactoriness of worldly possessions. This understanding is closely related to Shankara's commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, where he explains that the ultimate reality, brahman, is the source of all happiness and peace. The verse, thus, serves as a reminder to seek the eternal and unchanging brahman, rather than fleeting worldly pleasures, to attain true happiness and liberation.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as an emphasis on the importance of cultivating a sense of devotion and dependence on Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, explains that the concept of 'gṛhe dhanam' can be understood as the wealth of bhakti, or devotion, which is the true source of happiness and peace. The lack of 'sukh yatā' in the absence of 'gṛhe dhanam' points to the idea that without a deep sense of devotion and connection to Īśvara, one cannot experience true happiness. This verse, thus, encourages the cultivation of bhakti, through which one can develop a sense of inner peace and happiness, regardless of external circumstances. Madhvācārya, in his Anu-Vyākhyāna, further elaborates on this idea, explaining that the true wealth of a devotee lies in their unwavering dedication to Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound insight into the human condition, highlighting the fleeting nature of external sources of happiness. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lecture on 'The Ideal of a Universal Religion', explains that true happiness and peace can only be achieved by looking within, rather than relying on external sources such as wealth. The concept of 'gṛhe dhanam' can be seen as a metaphor for the inner wealth of character, courage, and resilience, which is the true source of happiness and peace. Rādhākrishnan, in his book 'The Hindu View of Life', further elaborates on this idea, explaining that the pursuit of external wealth and status is a reflection of our deeper spiritual poverty. This verse, thus, serves as a reminder to cultivate inner strength, compassion, and wisdom, which are the true sources of happiness and fulfillment in life.