Na hi duṣṭopi kaḥ tvā na mitre na ripau ca kaḥ । Asattve na hi mitratvaṃ na duṣṭatvaṃ sati mitram ॥ 168 ॥
“You are neither a friend nor an enemy; in another's absence, there is neither friendship nor enmity.”
Structure
Na hi duṣṭo api kaḥ tvā na mitre na ripau ca kaḥ Asattve na hi mitratvaṃ na duṣṭatvaṃ sati mitram
Na hi kaḥ api duṣṭo tvā ca na kaḥ mitre na kaḥ ripau ca Asattve na hi mitratvaṃ sati na duṣṭatvaṃ mitram
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Na | Na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | Hi | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| duṣṭo | Duṣṭa | adjective | — | wicked |
| api | Api | indeclinable | — | even |
| kaḥ | Kaḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | who |
| tvā | Tvā | pronoun | accusative · singular · masculine | you |
| na | Na | indeclinable | — | not |
| mitre | Mitra | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in a friend |
| na | Na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ripau | Ripu | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in an enemy |
| ca | Ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| kaḥ | Kaḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | who |
| Asattve | Asattva | noun | locative · singular · neuter | in the absence of goodness |
| na | Na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | Hi | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| mitratvaṃ | Mitratva | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | friendship |
| na | Na | indeclinable | — | not |
| duṣṭatvaṃ | Duṣṭatva | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | wickedness |
| sati | Sati | adjective | — | when there is goodness |
| mitram | Mitra | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | a friend |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse points to the non-dual nature of reality, where distinctions such as friendship and enmity are transcended. According to Shankara, the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond all dualities. In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Shankara notes that the Self (Ātman) is not affected by the presence or absence of others, highlighting the verse's theme of non-dualism. The phrase 'asattve na hi mitratvaṃ na duṣṭatvaṃ sati mitram' suggests that in the absence of a real, separate entity (asat), there can be no true friendship or enmity, underscoring the illusory nature of these concepts. This verse, therefore, guides the seeker towards realizing the brahman-ātman identity, where all distinctions dissolve.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as emphasizing the unique relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Gītā, highlights the importance of recognizing the Lord's presence in all beings, which transcends worldly relationships. This verse suggests that true friendship and enmity are not based on worldly interactions but on the recognition of the divine presence. The phrase 'na hi duṣṭopi kaḥ tvā na mitre na ripau ca kaḥ' indicates that even the presence of a perceived enemy or friend does not affect the jīva's inherent relationship with Īśvara, pointing to a devotional understanding of the verse where love and devotion towards the Lord surpass worldly ties.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound message for contemporary life, emphasizing the importance of looking beyond surface-level relationships and recognizing the universal connection that binds us all. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures, often spoke about the need to transcend petty differences and see the divine in every being. This verse, with its theme of non-dualism and the illusory nature of friendship and enmity, resonates with Vivekananda's call for universal brotherhood. In practical terms, this means cultivating empathy, understanding, and compassion towards all, recognizing that our true nature is not defined by external relationships but by our inherent humanity and connection to the universe. This universal and practical application makes the verse highly relevant to modern society, urging us to move beyond divisions and embrace our shared humanity.