Na hi duḥkhena duḥkhaṁ māpyate. Sukhenaiva sukhaṁ yattaḥ.
“Dukkha is not achieved by another dukkha; Sukha is only achieved by Sukha.”
Structure
Na hi duḥkhena duḥkhaṁ māpyate Sukhena eva sukhaṁ yattaḥ
duḥkhena (with suffering) na hi (not indeed) duḥkhaṁ (suffering) māpyate (is obtained) eva (indeed) Sukhena (with happiness) sukhaṁ (happiness) yattaḥ (is obtained)
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 |
| duḥkhaṁ | duḥkhaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | suffering |
| māpyate | māpyate | verb | √māp · passive present · third | is measured, is matched |
| Sukhena | Sukhena | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | with happiness |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | only, indeed |
| sukhaṁ | sukhaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | happiness |
| yattaḥ | yattaḥ | verb | √yat · third person singular · third | is produced, results |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, where suffering (duḥkha) and happiness (sukha) are not mutually exclusive or interdependent. As Shankara explains in his commentary on the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond all dualities, including the duality of pleasure and pain. The verse highlights that true happiness (sukha) can only be achieved by realizing one's true nature, which is identical with Brahman (brahman-ātman identity). Shankara's reasoning emphasizes that the pursuit of happiness through external means is futile, as it is rooted in the ego and the fleeting nature of the world. Instead, the verse points to the direct experience of Brahman, which alone can bring about lasting happiness and liberation. By realizing this identity, one transcends the limitations of the individual self and experiences the unbounded bliss of Brahman. This interpretation is in line with Shankara's overall philosophy, which seeks to establish the non-dual nature of reality and the path to liberation through self-inquiry and contemplation.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is often seen as an expression of the devotee's relationship with the divine. Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the importance of devotion (bhakti) in achieving true happiness. The verse suggests that it is not through worldly suffering (duḥkha) that one can attain happiness, but rather through the cultivation of love and devotion for the Lord (Īśvara). This love and devotion are the means by which the individual self (jīva) can experience the bliss of the divine. Madhva, on the other hand, interprets the verse as highlighting the difference between the sufferings of the worldly life and the happiness that comes from devotion to God. According to Madhva, the happiness mentioned in the verse is not a worldly happiness, but a spiritual one, which arises from the realization of one's dependence on God and the cultivation of devotion. In both interpretations, the relationship between the individual self and the divine is central, and the verse is seen as a call to cultivate devotion and love for the Lord in order to achieve true happiness.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has a profound message for contemporary life, as it highlights the importance of cultivating inner peace and happiness in the face of adversity. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the need to develop a strong and stable mind, which is not easily swayed by external circumstances. The verse suggests that true happiness can only be achieved by looking within, and that external sources of happiness are fleeting and unreliable. Radhakrishnan, in his writings on Indian philosophy, interprets the verse as a call to develop a sense of inner detachment and equanimity, which allows one to navigate the challenges of life with greater ease and peace. In modern times, this verse can be seen as a reminder of the importance of mindfulness, self-reflection, and inner growth in achieving true happiness and fulfillment. By applying the principles of this verse, individuals can cultivate a more positive and resilient mindset, better equipped to handle the challenges of contemporary life.