na hi duḥkhāt prāptam syāt sukhaṁ yannopajāyate / na ca svapne 'pi hi duḥkhaṁ yan na sukhasambhavam ॥ 11
“Pleasure cannot arise from pain and in a dream also pain does not occur if there is no possibility of pleasure.”
Structure
na hi duḥkhāt prāptam syāt sukhaṁ yat na upajāyate na ca svapne api hi duḥkhaṁ yat na sukha sambhavam
na hi (not indeed) duḥkhāt (from suffering) prāptam syāt (can be obtained) sukhaṁ (happiness) yat (which) na upajāyate (does not arise) na ca (and not) api (even) svapne (in dream) hi (indeed) duḥkhaṁ (suffering) yat (which) na (not) sukha sambhavam (can bring happiness)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| duḥkhāt | duḥkhāt | noun | ablative · singular · neuter | from suffering |
| prāptam | prāptam | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | obtained |
| syāt | syāt | verb | √as · optative · third | may be |
| sukhaṁ | sukhaṁ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | happiness |
| yat | yat | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | which |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| upajāyate | upajāyate | verb | √jā · present · third | arises |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| svapne | svapne | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in a dream |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| duḥkhaṁ | duḥkhaṁ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | suffering |
| yat | yat | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | which |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| sukha | sukha | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | happiness |
| sambhavam | sambhavam | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | origin |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, suggesting that pleasure and pain are interconnected and inseparable, much like the ultimate reality of Brahman and the individual self (ātman). Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras emphasizes the idea that the absolute (Brahman) is beyond human experiences of pleasure and pain. In this context, the verse points to the illusory nature of worldly experiences, highlighting the impermanence of both pleasure and pain. The realization of Brahman-ātman identity is thus facilitated by understanding that true freedom lies beyond the cyclical nature of worldly experiences, as stated in the verse. By recognizing the interconnectedness of pleasure and pain, the verse encourages the seeker to look beyond the transient and seek the eternal, unchanging reality that underlies all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse is seen as an expression of the complex relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Ramanuja's Visishtadvaita philosophy emphasizes the notion of 'aprthak-siddhi,' where the individual's experiences, including pleasure and pain, are inextricably linked to their devotional relationship with the Lord. The verse suggests that even in the midst of pain, there is an underlying potential for pleasure or liberation, which can only be realized through devotion to and surrender before the Lord. Madhva, on the other hand, might interpret this verse as highlighting the distinction between the inherent bliss of the Lord and the misery of the individual soul, emphasizing the need for divine grace to bridge this gap. Both perspectives underscore the central role of devotion and the jīva-Īśvara relationship in navigating the complexities of human experience.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda would likely interpret this verse as a call to spiritual introspection and self-realization. In his lectures, Vivekananda often emphasized the importance of transcending worldly dualities, including the interplay between pleasure and pain. He might see this verse as encouraging individuals to look beyond fleeting experiences and seek the deeper, unchanging reality within. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his writings on the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, highlights the universal and practical application of such verses, suggesting that they offer guidance for everyday life. By recognizing the interconnectedness of pleasure and pain, individuals can cultivate a sense of detachment, equanimity, and inner peace, ultimately leading to a more authentic and fulfilling existence. This interpretation underscores the relevance of ancient wisdom to contemporary life, encouraging individuals to seek a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.