na hi duḥkhena duḥkhasya nivṛttiḥ viṣam ivātiviṣam
“For sorrow does not remove sorrow any more than poison removes poison.”
Structure
na hi duḥkheṇa duḥkhasya nivṛttiḥ viṣam iva ati viṣam
duḥkheṇa (with suffering) na hi (not indeed) duḥkhasya (of suffering) nivṛttiḥ (cessation) viṣam (poison) iva (like) ati viṣam (extremely poisonous)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| duḥkheṇa | duḥkheṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with suffering |
| duḥkhasya | duḥkhasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of suffering |
| nivṛttiḥ | nivṛttiḥ | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | cessation |
| viṣam | viṣam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | poison |
| iva | iva | indeclinable | — | like |
| ati | ati | indeclinable | — | very, exceedingly |
| viṣam | viṣam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | poison |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dualistic perspective of Advaita Vedānta, where Shankara's reasoning emphasizes that sorrow cannot dispel sorrow, just as poison cannot counteract poison. This analogy highlights the futility of attempting to overcome suffering through worldly means. According to Shankara, true liberation from duḥkha (sorrow) can only be achieved through the realization of the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (ātman) is understood to be one with the ultimate reality (brahman). In his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, Shankara argues that the pursuit of happiness through worldly objects is misguided, as it is rooted in the misconception of a separate, independent self. This verse serves as a reminder to seek refuge in the wisdom of non-duality, where the ultimate reality transcends the limitations of sorrow and suffering.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse in the context of the devotional relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya's perspective emphasizes that the jīva's attempts to alleviate its own suffering through self-effort are ultimately futile, much like trying to counteract poison with more poison. Instead, the jīva must surrender to the mercy of Īśvara, who alone can provide true liberation from duḥkha. Madhvācārya's Dvaita Vedānta also underscores the importance of bhakti (devotion) in overcoming suffering, highlighting the jīva's inherent dependence on Īśvara. This verse serves as a reminder of the need for self-surrender and devotion to the Lord, who is the sole refuge from the sorrows of the world.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has profound implications for contemporary life, as it cautions against the misguided pursuit of happiness through external means. Swami Vivekānanda's lectures emphasize the importance of looking within for true fulfillment, rather than relying on external sources of pleasure. In his speech 'The Real Nature of the Soul,' Vivekānanda argues that the individual must transcend the limitations of the ego and worldly attachments to experience true freedom from suffering. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan's writings highlight the need for a holistic approach to human well-being, one that integrates the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of human experience. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of cultivating inner strength, resilience, and wisdom in navigating the challenges of modern life, and finding fulfillment through a deeper understanding of the self and its place in the world.