na hi duḥkhena śokena cintayā mārutimān naśet
“A wise man does not perish through grief, sorrow or thought.”
Structure
na hi duḥkhena śokena cintayā mā-rutimān naśet
mārutimān (the wind) na (not) hi (certainly) duḥkhena (by sorrow) śokena (by grief) cintayā (by anxiety) naśet (perishes)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| duḥkhena | duḥkhena | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | with sorrow |
| śokena | śokena | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | with grief |
| cintayā | cintayā | noun | instrumental · singular · feminine | with thought, by thinking |
| mā | mā | indeclinable | — | lest, do not |
| rtumān | ṛtumān | adjective | — | seasonal, proper time |
| naśet | naśet | verb | √naś · optative · third | may he perish |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse 'na hi duḥkhena śokena cintayā mārutimān naśet' underscores the non-dual nature of reality, where the wise individual (mārutimān) transcends the limitations of the empirical self. According to Shankara, the true self (ātman) is unaffected by the vicissitudes of life, including grief, sorrow, and thought. This is because the ātman is inherently identical with the ultimate reality, Brahman. In his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, Shankara explains that the knowledge of this identity (brahman-ātman aikya jñāna) liberates the individual from the cycle of suffering. This verse, therefore, points to the importance of realizing one's true nature, beyond the ephemeral experiences of the mind and body, to attain freedom from suffering.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse in the context of the relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). According to Rāmānujācārya, the wise individual (mārutimān) is one who has surrendered to the will of Īśvara and has cultivated a deep sense of devotion and dependence on Him. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Rāmānuja explains that such a person is not troubled by grief, sorrow, or thought, as they have realized their intrinsic dependence on the Lord. This realization fosters a sense of detachment and equanimity, allowing the individual to navigate life's challenges with peace and composure. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, would emphasize the role of bhakti in overcoming the effects of karma and achieving liberation, highlighting the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with the Lord to transcend suffering.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound message for contemporary life, emphasizing the importance of cultivating inner strength and resilience in the face of adversity. According to Swami Vivekānanda, the wise individual (mārutimān) represents the ideal of the strong and self-reliant person, who is untouched by the ups and downs of life. In his lectures on 'The Powers of the Mind', Vivekānanda explains that this strength can be developed through the practice of meditation, self-inquiry, and the cultivation of a positive and optimistic mindset. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings on the 'Bhagavad Gītā', highlights the universal relevance of this verse, emphasizing the need to transcend the limitations of the ego and cultivate a sense of detachment and inner peace. By applying the wisdom of this verse, individuals can develop the capacity to navigate life's challenges with greater ease, equanimity, and purpose.