na ca daivaṃ na pauruṣaṃ na ca svādhinam
“Neither fate, nor personal effort, nor self-control”
Structure
na ca daivaṃ na pauruṣaṃ na ca svādhinam
na ca daivaṃ (neither fate) na pauruṣaṃ (nor human effort) na ca (nor) svādhinam (one's own control)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| daivaṃ | daivaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | fate |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| pauruṣaṃ | pauruṣaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | human effort |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| svādhinam | svādhinam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | one's own power/control |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, न च दैवं न पौरुषं न च स्वाधीनम्, underscores the non-dual nature of reality, hinting at the limitations of attributing outcomes to fate, personal effort, or self-control. According to Śaṅkara, the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond human comprehension and the trifecta of daiva (fate), pauruṣa (personal effort), and svādhīnam (self-control). In his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, Śaṅkara argues that the distinction between these concepts is a product of avidyā (ignorance), and true understanding lies in recognizing the identity of Brahman and ātman. This verse points to the futility of relying on external or internal agencies for salvation, instead directing the seeker toward the realization of the Self. Śaṅkara's reasoning on this verse aligns with his overall philosophy of non-dualism, emphasizing the need to transcend the conditional and seek the unconditional, all-encompassing Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse can be seen as highlighting the interplay between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, discusses the concept of daiva, pauruṣa, and svādhīnam in the context of the divine plan and human action. He posits that while personal effort (pauruṣa) is necessary, it must be tempered by recognition of one's limitations and dependence on Īśvara. The verse suggests that neither fate (daiva) nor self-control (svādhīnam) alone is sufficient for liberation; rather, it is the grace of Īśvara that ultimately facilitates the journey towards mokṣa. This view emphasizes the relational aspect of the jīva-Īśvara dynamic, where the individual's efforts are recognized but ultimately subservient to the will of the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound message for contemporary life, highlighting the limitations of deterministic thinking and the importance of personal agency. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the role of human effort and self-control in shaping one's destiny. However, he also cautioned against an overreliance on external factors or a rigid belief in fate. The verse न च दैवं न पौरुषं न च स्वाधीनम् can be seen as underscoring the need for a balanced approach, recognizing the interplay between personal effort and the forces beyond one's control. S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophy, integrates this idea with the concept of the universal Self, suggesting that true freedom lies not in the external realm but in the realization of one's inner being. This verse, therefore, serves as a reminder of the importance of self-awareness, self-effort, and a deep understanding of the human condition, encouraging individuals to strive for a holistic and balanced approach to life.