na hi duḥkhena duḥkhānāṃ asti nivṛttiḥ
“For sorrow does not cease through sorrow.”
Structure
na hi duḥkheṇa duḥkhānāṃ asti nivṛttiḥ
duḥkhānāṃ (of sorrows) nivṛttiḥ (cessation) na hi (not indeed) duḥkheṇa (by suffering/through sorrow) asti (exists)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| duḥkheṇa | duḥkheṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with suffering |
| duḥkhānāṃ | duḥkhānāṃ | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of sufferings |
| asti | asti | verb | √as · laṭ-present · third | there is |
| nivṛttiḥ | nivṛttiḥ | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | cessation |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse resonates with the non-dual philosophy of Advaita Vedānta, as it underscores the futility of attempting to alleviate sorrow through the proliferation of sorrow itself. Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasutras (specifically, 1.1.1) echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that the cessation of sorrow can only be achieved through the realization of the ultimate reality, Brahman. The verse na hi duḥkhena duḥkhānāṃ asti nivṛttiḥ points to the understanding that true liberation from suffering lies not in the multiplication of sorrow but in the recognition of the identity between the individual self (ātman) and the universal self (Brahman). This realization, according to Shankara, is the sole means to transcend the cycle of sorrow, thereby affirming the verse's emphasis on moving beyond the phenomenal realm of duality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse through the lens of devotional service and the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, while not directly commenting on this verse, discusses the concept of prapatti, or surrender, as a means to overcome sorrow. This aligns with the verse's implication that sorrow cannot be overcome by sorrow, suggesting instead the need for a higher, devotional approach. Madhvācārya, emphasizing the distinction between the Lord and the souls, would likely view this verse as underscoring the need for the jīva to seek refuge in Īśvara to escape the cycle of suffering, highlighting the importance of bhakti, or devotion, as the path to liberation from sorrow.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse finds practical application in contemporary life through the lens of Neo-Vedānta, which emphasizes the universal and inclusive aspects of Vedāntic thought. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often stressed the importance of moving beyond mere intellectual understanding to practical application of spiritual principles. He would likely see this verse as a call to action, encouraging individuals to transcend the limitations of sorrow by embracing a broader, more compassionate worldview. S. Radhakrishnan, similarly, would interpret this verse in the context of his philosophy of 'spiritual humanism,' emphasizing the need for individuals to cultivate inner strength and wisdom to overcome the challenges of life, including sorrow, thereby affirming the verse's message of seeking liberation through a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.