na hi duḥkhena viyogo na ca mohasya vṛddhatā
“For there is no separation through suffering, nor an increase of delusion.”
Structure
na hi duḥkhena viyogo na ca mohasya vṛddhatā
na hi duḥkhena (not indeed with suffering) viyogo (separation) na ca (and not) mohasya (of delusion) vṛddhatā (growth)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| duḥkhena | duḥkhena | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with sorrow |
| viyogo | viyogo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | separation |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| mohasya | mohasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of delusion |
| vṛddhatā | vṛddhatā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | old age, or growth |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, where suffering (duḥkha) and delusion (moha) are transcended through the realization of the ultimate truth. According to Shankara, the separation or seeming separation (viyoga) through suffering is an illusion, for the self (ātman) is never truly separate from the ultimate reality (Brahman). In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Shankara explains that the ignorance (avidyā) of one's true nature is the root cause of suffering, and this ignorance is not increased by suffering itself but rather by the perpetuation of false knowledge. Thus, this verse points to the liberation from the cycle of suffering and delusion, achievable through the knowledge of the brahman-ātman identity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the devotional context, this verse highlights the futility of worldly attachments and the inevitability of suffering when separated from the divine. Ramanuja, in his Bhagavad Gita commentary, emphasizes the role of divine grace in overcoming delusion and suffering. The increase of delusion (moha) refers to the strengthening of worldly bonds that keep the jīva (individual soul) away from Īśvara (the Lord). The verse suggests that even in the midst of suffering, the devotee should seek solace in the divine, recognizing that true separation is not from worldly pleasures but from the love and grace of God. Thus, the path to liberation involves surrendering to the Lord and cultivating devotion, which is the antidote to delusion and suffering.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound insight into the human condition, emphasizing the need to transcend suffering and delusion through self-realization. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures on the practical applications of Vedanta, often highlighted the importance of recognizing one's true nature beyond the ephemeral experiences of pleasure and pain. The verse indicates that suffering does not inherently lead to separation from one's true self or an increase in delusion; rather, it is our response to suffering that matters. By cultivating inner strength, resilience, and a deeper understanding of our existence, we can overcome delusion and find liberation from the cycle of suffering. This universal message resonates with contemporary life, encouraging individuals to seek a more profound and meaningful connection with themselves and the world around them, beyond the travails of everyday existence.