na hi duṣṭātmā kasya cit
“For a wicked-minded person is not (or never) a friend to anyone.”
Structure
na hi duṣṭ-ātmā kaśya cit
na hi (no, not) duṣṭātmā (evil-minded person) kaśya (of anyone) cit (at all)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| duṣṭ-ātmā | duṣṭātman | compound | bahuvrīhi · "duṣṭo ātmā yaśya" | of evil soul |
| kaśya | kaśya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of whom, of what person |
| cit | cit | indeclinable | — | any, at all |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the importance of understanding the true nature of the self. According to Śaṅkarācārya, the wicked-minded person is engulfed in ignorance, failing to recognize the inherent non-duality of Brahman and Ātman. In his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, Śaṅkarācārya argues that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is untouched by the fleeting qualities of the individual self, including wickedness. The verse 'na hi duṣṭātmā kasya cit' highlights the impermanence of such qualities, pointing towards the eternal and unchanging nature of the self. Through self-inquiry and the realization of non-duality, one can transcend the limitations of the wicked-minded state, ultimately revealing the true identity of Brahman-Ātman. This understanding is crucial for achieving liberation, as it allows the individual to detach from the ephemeral world and merge with the ultimate reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse as a warning against the dangers of a self-centered and wicked mindset. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of cultivating devotion to Īśvara, the supreme lord, as a means of overcoming such a mindset. According to Rāmānuja, the wicked-minded person is characterized by a lack of devotion and a focus on personal gain, leading to a disconnection from the divine. In contrast, the devotee, who has surrendered to Īśvara, is able to transcend the limitations of the ego and achieve a state of selfless love and service. This verse highlights the need for the jīva, the individual self, to recognize its dependence on Īśvara and to cultivate a relationship of devotion and surrender, ultimately leading to liberation and union with the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has significant implications for modern life, as it underscores the importance of cultivating a positive and compassionate mindset. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the need for individuals to recognize and overcome their own weaknesses and limitations, rather than trying to change others. According to Vivekānanda, the wicked-minded person is often characterized by a narrow and selfish perspective, which can lead to conflict and suffering. In contrast, the individual who cultivates a broad and compassionate mindset, recognizing the inherent unity and interconnectedness of all beings, is able to transcend such limitations and achieve a state of peace and harmony. This verse highlights the importance of self-awareness, self-reflection, and personal transformation, as a means of creating a more just and peaceful world. As Rādhākrishnan notes, 'the individual is not isolated, but is a part of the larger whole, and his freedom and fulfillment are inextricably linked to the freedom and fulfillment of all.'