na hi duḥkhāt prāptavyaṃ sukhaṃ vidyāt praśāntaḥtaḥ
“Tranquility of mind yields happiness, not suffering.”
Structure
na hi duḥkhāt prāptavyam sukham vidyāt praśāntataḥ
na (no) hi (certainly) duḥkhāt (from suffering) prāptavyam (to be obtained) sukham (happiness) vidyāt (there is) praśāntaḥ (a peaceful) taḥ (person)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed, for |
| duḥkhāt | duḥkhāt | noun | ablative · singular · neuter | from sorrow |
| prāptavyam | prāptavyam | verb | √prāp · future passive · third | should be obtained |
| sukham | sukham | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | happiness |
| vidyāt | vidyāt | verb | √vid · optative · third | one should know |
| praśāntataḥ | praśāntaḥ | compound | bahuvrīhi · "praśāntaḥ sa" | from the peaceful one ( Self ) |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse na hi duḥkhāt prāptavyaṃ sukhaṃ vidyāt praśāntataḥ underscores the importance of mental tranquility in achieving true happiness. According to Śaṅkarācārya, this tranquility is a direct result of realizing the non-dual nature of reality, where the distinctions between the individual self (jīva) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) are transcended. This is in line with his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, where he emphasizes that the knowledge of Brahman leads to the cessation of suffering. By realizing that the apparent duality is merely an illusion (māyā), one can attain a state of inner peace that is untouched by external sufferings, thereby experiencing true happiness. This verse thus supports the central tenet of Advaita Vedānta: the identity of Brahman and Ātman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse highlights the significance of devotion and surrender to a higher power (Īśvara) as a means to achieve inner peace and happiness. Rāmānujācārya would likely interpret this verse as emphasizing the role of bhakti (devotion) in transcending suffering. By cultivating a state of mental tranquility through devotion, one can develop a deeper relationship with Īśvara, which ultimately leads to true happiness. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might focus on the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, arguing that the recognition of this distinction is crucial for understanding the path to liberation. For Madhva, the verse suggests that it is through the grace of Īśvara, accessed through devotion and knowledge of one's true nature, that one can overcome suffering and attain happiness.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda often highlighted the practical applications of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. He would likely interpret this verse as a call to cultivate inner strength and peace in the face of adversity. In his lectures, Vivekananda frequently emphasized the importance of self-control and the development of a strong, tranquil mind as the foundation for achieving true happiness. This idea resonates with the message of the verse, which points to the tranquility of mind as the source of happiness, rather than external circumstances. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, stressed the universal and timeless nature of such principles, suggesting that they can be applied in contemporary life to overcome the challenges of the modern world. This verse, therefore, offers a universal message of hope and empowerment, encouraging individuals to seek happiness within, through the cultivation of mental tranquility.