na hi suptasya sīhasya vṛkaiḥ ihalanenā ca
“Sleeping lion is not injured by jackals' barking.”
Structure
na hi suptasya sīhasya vṛkaiḥ ihalanenā ca
na (not) hi (for) suptasya (of the sleeping) sīhasya (lion) vṛkaiḥ (by wolves) ihalanenā (with fear) ca (and)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| suptasya | suptasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of one who is sleeping |
| sīhasya | sīhasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of a lion |
| vṛkaiḥ | vṛkaiḥ | noun | instrumental · plural · masculine | by wolves |
| ihalanenā | ihalanenā | noun | instrumental · singular · feminine | by carelessness |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse illustrates the non-dual nature of reality, where the sleeping lion, untouched by the barking of jackals, symbolizes the serene and undisturbed ātman. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras (BS 1.1.5) emphasizes that the ultimate reality, Brahman, remains unchanged and unaffected by the external world, much like the lion remains untouched by the jackals' barking. This verse points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately one with the universal reality (Brahman), and thus, remains unaffected by the fleeting disturbances of the world. The verse encourages the seeker to realize this identity and attain liberation from the cycles of suffering. In Shankara's words, 'the Self is not affected by the changes of the body and the senses' (Taittiriya Upanishad 2.5), echoing the idea presented in this verse.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): This verse can be seen as an allegory for the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). The sleeping lion represents the jīva in a state of spiritual slumber, unaware of its true nature and relationship with Īśvara. The barking of jackals symbolizes the distractions and challenges of the material world, which cannot disturb the jīva once it has realized its true nature and surrendered to Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāshya (SB 1.1.1), emphasizes the importance of prapatti, or self-surrender, to attain liberation. This verse highlights the need for the jīva to awaken to its true nature and seek refuge in Īśvara, who, like the lion, remains unaffected by the turmoil of the world. By surrendering to Īśvara, the jīva can attain peace and liberation, just as the lion remains undisturbed by the barking of jackals.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): This verse has a profound message for contemporary life, where individuals are often bombarded by distractions and challenges. The sleeping lion, unperturbed by the barking of jackals, represents the ideal of inner peace and stability that one can attain through spiritual practices and self-awareness. Swami Vivekananda, in his lecture 'The Powers of the Mind' (CW 6: 271), emphasizes the importance of developing a strong and focused mind, which can remain unaffected by external disturbances. This verse encourages individuals to cultivate this inner strength and detachment, allowing them to navigate the complexities of modern life with equanimity and peace. By applying the principles of this verse, one can transcend the limitations of the material world and attain a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment, much like the lion remains serene and untouched by the barking of jackals.