Na kavitvādṛte kasya na hi tasya vacaḥ śṛṇvataḥ. Akavitve tu tasya drutameva hi nāśanam.
“There is no one who does not like to hear his words; but if he does not possess poetic talent, his downfall is very quick.”
Structure
Na kavitvāt ṛte kasya na hi tasya vacaḥ śṛṇvataḥ Akavitve tu tasya druta meva hi nāśanam
kasya(of whom / whose)kavitvāt(from poetry / creative skill)ṛte(except / excluding)na(not)hi(indeed / for)tasya(his / that person's)vacaḥ(words / speech)śṛṇvataḥ(listening to / hearing)na(not)Akavitve(in absence of poetic skill / lack of creativity)tu(but / however)tasya(his / that person's)druta(swift / quick)meva(alone / only)hi(indeed / for)nāśanam(destruction / downfall)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| kavitvāt | kavitvāt | compound | bahuvrīhi · "kavitva + āt" | from poetry or poetical talent |
| ṛte | ṛte | indeclinable | — | except, without |
| kasya | kasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of whom, whose |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| tasya | tasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of him, his |
| vacaḥ | vacaḥ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | word, speech |
| śṛṇvataḥ | śṛṇvataḥ | verb | √śṛṇu · present participle · second | who listens, listening |
| Akavitve | akavitve | compound | karmadhāraya · "a + kavitva" | in the absence of poetical talent |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed, but |
| tasya | tasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of him, his |
| druta | druta | verb | √drū · past participle | destroyed, lost |
| meva | meva | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| nāśanam | nāśanam | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | destruction, loss |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the significance of poetic talent or creative expression as a means to convey profound truths. From an Advaitic perspective, the ability to craft meaningful and impactful words is not merely a product of individual skill but reflects a deeper connection to the ultimate reality, Brahman. The phrase 'na kavitvādṛte kasya' suggests that the absence of such talent is not a barrier to being heard, implying that the truth itself has the power to resonate with all beings. However, when one lacks this talent, their message, regardless of its potential, may not be effectively communicated or remembered, leading to 'drutameva hi nāśanam' or a quick downfall. This reading echoes Shankara's emphasis on the importance of scripture and the role of the guru in conveying the truth of non-duality, highlighting the necessity of effective communication in leading others to the realization of the brahman-ātman identity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava interpretation of this verse places a strong emphasis on the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The 'kavitvādṛte kasya' can be seen as the Lord's grace, which is always present and appreciated by all, regardless of the individual's poetic talents. However, in the absence of such divine grace or when one's words lack the beauty and truth that reflect the Lord's glory, their influence and impact are short-lived, as indicated by 'akavitve tu tasya drutameva hi nāśanam.' This reading is in line with Rāmānujācārya's thoughts on the importance of bhakti (devotion) as a means to attain mokṣa (liberation), suggesting that the ability to inspire devotion through one's words is a manifestation of divine favor, and its absence leads to a quick downfall in terms of spiritual influence and legacy.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a practical lesson for contemporary life, highlighting the importance of effective communication and creativity in leaving a lasting impact. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the need for individuals to find their unique voice and means of expression to inspire and uplift others. The verse 'na kavitvādṛte kasya' can be seen as a call to tap into one's inner source of creativity, which is appreciated by all when genuinely expressed. Vivekānanda's emphasis on the potential of every individual to become a force for positive change resonates with the idea that lacking this creative spark or the ability to communicate effectively leads to a 'drutameva hi nāśanam,' or a quick loss of influence and relevance. This modern interpretation encourages individuals to nurture their creative potential and use it as a powerful tool for personal growth and societal contribution, echoing the universal and practical application of Vedāntic principles advocated by both Vivekānanda and Rādhākrishnan.