na kiñcid-api durlabham
“Nothing whatsoever is difficult to obtain.”
Structure
na kiñcid api durlabham
na (no) kiñcid (anything) api (even) durlabham (difficult to obtain)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| kiñcid | kiñcid | indeclinable | — | at all, anything |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also, even |
| dur-labham | dur-labham | compound | karmadhāraya · "dur-labham" | difficult to obtain |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse 'na kiñcid-api durlabham' underscores the non-dual nature of reality, pointing to the ultimate identity of Brahman and Ātman. According to Shankara, this verse suggests that nothing is difficult to obtain because the seeker and the sought are, in essence, one. This is akin to his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, where he explains that the realization of the self (Ātman) as Brahman is the ultimate goal. In this context, the verse indicates that the obstacle to obtaining what one seeks is not the external world but rather the ignorance of one's true nature. By realizing the non-dual reality, one understands that all things are, in fact, attainable because they are part of the same fundamental essence. This understanding is in line with Shankara's reasoning in the Upadesasahasri, where he emphasizes the removal of ignorance as the path to self-realization.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, the verse 'na kiñcid-api durlabham' can be seen as an expression of the devotional relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Sri Bhashya, emphasizes the importance of bhakti (devotion) in achieving the ultimate goal. In this context, the verse suggests that through unwavering devotion, nothing is difficult to obtain, as the grace of the Lord can bestow upon the devotee anything they seek. Madhvācārya, in his commentaries, also emphasizes the role of bhakti but with a stronger emphasis on the distinction between the Lord and the devotee. For him, the verse would indicate that the difficult-to-obtain things become accessible through the will of the Lord, acting out of love for the devotee. This highlights the personal relationship in Vaiṣṇava theology, where the devotee's efforts are complemented by the Lord's grace.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): The verse 'na kiñcid-api durlabham' holds profound significance in the context of modern life, as interpreted by Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan. According to Vivekānanda, this verse points to the inherent potential within every individual to achieve anything they set their mind to. In his lectures, particularly in 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', he often emphasized the importance of willpower and faith in one's own abilities. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical writings, expands on this idea by suggesting that the verse indicates the universal availability of all knowledge and power, provided one is willing to pursue it with dedication and an open mind. This interpretation makes the verse highly relevant to contemporary life, encouraging individuals to strive for their goals with confidence, knowing that the primary obstacle to success is often one's own limited perception of their potential.