na ca daivaṃ na pauruṣaṃ na ca kṛtyaṃ na pāpman. asti kiñcid api dravyaṃ yat kṛtā yena durjanaḥ ॥
“There is no wealth whatsoever which has been acquired by a wicked person that has not been tainted by fate, human effort, or past karma.”
Structure
na ca daivaṃ na pauruṣaṃ na ca kṛtyaṃ na pāpman. asti kiñcid api dravyaṃ yat kṛtā yena durjanaḥ
na ca (not) daivaṃ (by fate) na (nor) pauruṣaṃ (by man's effort) na ca (nor) kṛtyaṃ (by actions) na (nor) pāpman (by sin). asti (there is) kiñcid api (some) dravyaṃ (wealth) yat (which) kṛtā (was done) yena (by whom) durjanaḥ (a wicked person)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| daivaṃ | daivaṃ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | fate |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| pauruṣaṃ | pauruṣaṃ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | human effort |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| kṛtyaṃ | kṛtyaṃ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | deed |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| pāpman | pāpman | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | sin |
| asti | asti | verb | √as · laṭ-present · third | there is |
| kiñcid | kiñcid | indeclinable | — | anything |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also |
| dravyaṃ | dravyaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | wealth |
| yat | yat | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | which |
| kṛtā | kṛtā | verb | √kṛ · kt-present participle | done |
| yena | yena | pronoun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by whom |
| durjanaḥ | durjanaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | wicked person |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the idea that all acquisitions, whether by fate, human effort, or past karma, are ultimately tainted and devoid of true reality. According to Shankara, the concept of dravya (wealth or substance) is illusory, as it is rooted in the dualistic notion of subject-object differentiation. The true reality, Brahman, remains untouched by such fleeting and ephemeral acquisitions. In his commentary on the Brahmasutras, Shankara explains that the jiva's identification with the body and mind leads to the notion of ownership and possession, which is a fundamental ignorance. This verse points to the ultimate identity of Brahman and Atman, where all distinctions and dualities are transcended, and the individual self realizes its true nature as untainted and unbound. By recognizing the impermanence and unreality of worldly acquisitions, the seeker is led to inquire into the nature of the Self, ultimately discovering the timeless and spaceless Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as a reminder of the jīva's inherent dependence on Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya would argue that the concept of dravya (wealth) is not just a material acquisition, but also a spiritual one, wherein the jīva's very existence and identity are rooted in its relationship with Īśvara. The taint of fate, human effort, or past karma is a reminder of the jīva's fallen state, separated from its divine source. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, would emphasize the role of divine grace in elevating the jīva from its state of ignorance and dependence on ephemeral acquisitions. This verse highlights the importance of bhakti (devotion) and surrender to Īśvara, as the means to transcend the limitations and tainted nature of worldly possessions, and to realize one's true identity as a servant of the Lord. Through this devotion, the jīva can attain a higher understanding of its relationship with Īśvara, and ultimately, achieve liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has profound implications for contemporary life, as it highlights the fleeting nature of material possessions and the impermanence of worldly acquisitions. Swami Vivekānanda would argue that the pursuit of wealth and status is a fundamental aspect of human ignorance, distracting us from our true potential and purpose. In his lecture 'The Powers of the Mind', Vivekānanda emphasizes the need to look beyond the superficial and to recognize the inherent divinity within every individual. This verse serves as a reminder to re-evaluate our priorities and values, and to seek a more meaningful and lasting sense of fulfillment. S. Radhakrishnan, on the other hand, would connect this verse to the concept of 'dharma', highlighting the importance of living a virtuous and selfless life, unencumbered by the burdens of material possessions. By embracing a more simple and austere way of life, individuals can cultivate a deeper sense of purpose and direction, and ultimately, realize their true potential as human beings.