na hi kaśyacit kuśalaṃ pariharartum arhati nityaśaḥ
“One should not abandon happiness or well-being permanently.”
Structure
na hi kaśyacit kuśalaṃ parihartum arhati nityaśaḥ
nityaśaḥ (always) na hi (not indeed) kaśyacit (anyone) kuśalaṃ (good) parihartum (to abandon) arhati (ought)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| kaśyacit | kaśyacit | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | anyone, somebody |
| kuśalaṃ | kuśalaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | well-being, happiness |
| parihartum | parihartum | verb | √hṛ · infinitive · third | to abandon, to give up |
| arhati | arhati | verb | √arh · present · third | deserves, ought |
| nityaśaḥ | nityaśaḥ | indeclinable | — | always, constantly |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual perspective, where the ultimate reality, Brahman, is the only true and permanent existence. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras, particularly in the section discussing the nature of the self (ātman), highlights the importance of realizing one's true nature as being inseparable from Brahman. The injunction not to abandon happiness or well-being permanently can be seen as a metaphor for not forgetting one's true, unchanging nature. This verse, in essence, points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (jīva) is not separate from the ultimate reality (Brahman). By interpreting 'kuśalaṃ' as spiritual well-being, one can understand that the pursuit of spiritual growth and self-realization is not something to be given up but rather cultivated as a continuous endeavor towards realizing the non-dual truth.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be understood through the lens of the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasize the importance of bhakti (devotion) as the means to realize one's true nature and achieve liberation. The concept of not abandoning happiness or well-being permanently can be seen as an encouragement to continuously cultivate devotion to Īśvara, recognizing that true and lasting happiness comes from this relationship. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference between the individual soul and the Supreme Lord, would interpret this verse as advising the jīva to maintain a constant seeking of spiritual well-being through worship and dedication to Īśvara, thereby ensuring a path towards liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. This verse, from a Neo-Vedāntic perspective, encourages individuals to cultivate a mindset that seeks permanent well-being, not just fleeting pleasures. Vivekānanda would likely interpret 'kuśalaṃ' as referring to the highest good, which is achieved through self-realization and service to others. This view aligns with his message of universal brotherhood and the importance of individual contribution to societal well-being. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, highlights the importance of living a life that balances individual spiritual growth with social responsibility, suggesting that true and lasting happiness is found in living a life of purpose and service, thereby never abandoning the pursuit of well-being.