na lajjayā nāpi paruṣeṇa vācā nāsūnoktyā na ca durāgamena । karotu daivaṃ yadi necchati parastrīgamanameva tarhi tāhaśaḥ ॥ 124 ॥
“If he does not desire to go to a prostitute, then let him do penance; such is the man who merely talks harshly, not modestly, not gently, not in a pleasant way.”
Structure
na lajjayā nāpi paruṣeṇa vācā nāsūnoktyā na ca durāgamena karotu daivaṃ yadi necchati parastṛīgamanam eva tarhi tāhaśaḥ
Tāhaśaḥ (such a person) na (not) karotu (should do) daivaṃ (to fate), yadi (if) necchati (he does not wish) parastṛī-gamanam (to go to another's wife) eva (certainly) tarhi (then), na (not) lajjayā (out of shame), nāpi (nor) paruṣeṇa (harsh) vācā (speech), nāsūnoktyā (nor with deceitful words), na (not) ca (and not) durāgamena (by going from a distance)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| lajjayā | lajjayā | noun | ablative · singular · feminine | by shame |
| nāpi | nāpi | indeclinable | — | nor |
| paruṣeṇa | paruṣeṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with harsh |
| vācā | vācā | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | speech |
| nāsūnoktyā | nāsūnoktyā | noun | ablative · singular · feminine | by disagreeable speech |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| durāgamena | durāgamena | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with difficulty of access |
| karotu | karotu | verb | √kṛ · optative · third | let him do |
| daivaṃ | daivaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | fate |
| yadi | yadi | indeclinable | — | if |
| necchati | necchati | verb | √iṣ · present · third | he does not wish |
| parastrī | parastrī | compound | tatpuruṣa · "parā + strī" | another's wife |
| gamanam | gamanam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | going |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | only |
| tarhi | tarhi | indeclinable | — | then |
| tāhaśaḥ | tāhaśaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | a fool |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Subhāṣita highlights the futility of outward actions and harsh speech, emphasizing the importance of inner purity and self-control. According to Shankara, one's words and actions must align with a profound understanding of the non-dual nature of reality, where the distinction between the individual self (ātman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) is transcended. This verse points to the brahman-ātman identity by suggesting that true freedom from the cycle of worldly desires and attachment can only be achieved through self-reflection and introspection, rather than through external means such as visiting a prostitute. As Shankara notes in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, 'The Self is not something to be attained, it is always present; it is the witnessing consciousness, the seer, that is the ultimate reality.' This verse serves as a reminder to look inwards and cultivate a deeper understanding of one's true nature, rather than seeking fleeting pleasures or external validation. By doing so, one can realize the unity of all existence and attain liberation from the bounds of worldly desires.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse underscores the importance of devotion and self-surrender to a higher power. According to Ramanuja, the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord) is one of loving dependence, where the jīva seeks refuge in Īśvara and strives to cultivate a deep sense of devotion and surrender. This verse suggests that mere verbal professions of devotion are insufficient; true devotion requires a willingness to surrender one's ego and worldly attachments, and to cultivate a sense of humility and self-control. As Ramanuja notes in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, 'The Lord is the inner self of all beings, and it is through devotion and self-surrender that one can realize this inner reality.' This verse serves as a reminder to Vaiṣṇavas to focus on cultivating a deeper sense of devotion and self-awareness, and to recognize the futility of seeking external pleasures or validation. By surrendering to the Lord and cultivating a sense of inner purity, one can attain a state of liberation and union with the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a powerful message for contemporary life, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, self-control, and inner transformation. As Swami Vivekananda notes in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gita, 'The greatest sin is to think yourself weak, and the greatest virtue is to think yourself strong.' This verse serves as a reminder that true freedom and empowerment can only be achieved through inner transformation, rather than through external means or superficial changes. By cultivating a deeper sense of self-awareness and self-control, individuals can break free from the cycles of desire and attachment that bind them to worldly pleasures, and attain a state of inner peace and liberation. As Radhakrishnan notes in his writings on Hindu philosophy, 'The goal of human life is not to accumulate wealth or power, but to realize the divine within, and to cultivate a sense of compassion, wisdom, and self-awareness.' This verse offers a universal and practical message, applicable to individuals from all walks of life, reminding us to look inwards and cultivate a deeper sense of purpose, meaning, and direction in our lives.