na hi duḥkhena vṛddhyeta na sukhena vilīyeta
“One should not be overjoyed by happiness nor should one be disheartened by sorrow.”
Structure
na hi duḥkhena vṛddhyeta na sukhena vilīyeta
na (not) hi (indeed) duḥkhena (by suffering) vṛddhyeta (should increase) na (not) sukhena (by happiness) vilīyeta (should fade away)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| duḥkhena | duḥkhena | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | with suffering |
| vṛddhyeta | vṛddhyeta | verb | √vṛdh · liṅ-optative · third | may increase |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| sukhena | sukhena | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | with happiness |
| vilīyeta | vilīyeta | verb | √lī · liṅ-optative · third | may perish |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Subhāṣitas underscores the non-dual nature of reality, emphasizing the impermanence and fleeting nature of both happiness and sorrow. Shankara, in his Brahmasutra Bhashya, highlights the importance of transcending the dualities of pleasure and pain to realize the ultimate truth of Brahman. He argues that one should not be swayed by these transitory experiences, as they obscure the true nature of the self (Ātman). By recognizing that both happiness and sorrow are ephemeral, the seeker can turn inward to discover the eternal, unchanging essence of the Self, thereby establishing the identity of Brahman and Ātman. In this context, the verse advises a middle path, untouched by the extremes of joy and sorrow, much like the Gita's concept of 'vita-raga' or one who is beyond attachment. This realization leads to liberation, where the individual self (jiva) recognizes its oneness with the ultimate reality (Brahman).
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava interpretation of this verse focuses on the relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). According to Rāmānujācārya, the jīva's emotional responses to worldly experiences, such as happiness and sorrow, should be seen as opportunities to nurture devotion to God. This verse, in the context of Vaiṣṇava thought, suggests that a devotee should not be overly attached to worldly happiness or distressed by sorrow, as both are transient and can distract from one's focus on the divine. Madhvācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a steady and serene mind, untouched by the fluctuations of worldly experiences, to cultivate a deeper love and surrender to Īśvara. This detachment allows the devotee to engage in selfless service and devotion, ultimately leading to liberation through the Lord's grace.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on practical Vedānta, often emphasized the universal relevance of verses like this one from the Subhāṣitas. He noted that the human tendency to be swayed by external experiences of happiness and sorrow reflects a fundamental ignorance of our true nature. This verse, according to Vivekānanda, points to the importance of developing an inner strength and equanimity, unaffected by the external world. In contemporary life, this means cultivating a mindset that is resilient in the face of challenges and humble in the face of success. S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical writings, connects this idea to the concept of 'mānasika śānti' or mental peace, which is essential for individual and social harmony. By internalizing the message of this verse, individuals can move beyond the fleeting nature of worldly experiences to find a lasting sense of peace and fulfillment, thereby contributing to a more harmonious and enlightened world.