na hi duṣṭajanasa ya mukhaṁ puṣpaṁ vāsi taṁ sadai va .
“The face of a wicked person is not always a flower (i.e., pleasant).”
Structure
na hi duṣṭa-janasya mukhaṁ puṣpaṁ vāsi taṁ sadā eva
na hi (not indeed) duṣṭa-janasya (of an evil person) mukhaṁ (face) sadā eva (always) puṣpaṁ (like a flower) vāsi taṁ (is fragrant)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| duṣṭa | duṣṭa | adjective | — | wicked, evil |
| janasa | janasa | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of a man, person's |
| ya | ya | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | which, who |
| mukhaṁ | mukhaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | face |
| puṣpaṁ | puṣpaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | flower |
| vāsi | vāsi | verb | √vās · preterite · third | dwells, stays |
| taṁ | taṁ | pronoun | accusative · singular · masculine | that, him |
| sadā | sadā | indeclinable | — | always |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, Shankara discusses the concept of the outer self, which is often veiled by one's actions and appearances. The verse 'na hi duṣṭajanasya mukhaṁ puṣpaṁ vāsi taṁ sadā eva' reinforces this idea, suggesting that the face of a wicked person, much like the outer self, may not always reveal their true nature. This points to the non-dual understanding that our true self, or ātman, is not defined by external appearances or actions, but is rather the unchanging, all-pervading brahman. Shankara's reasoning emphasizes the importance of looking beyond the surface level to realize the ultimate reality, highlighting the distinction between the ephemeral, illusory world and the eternal, unchanging brahman. By contemplating this verse, one can begin to discern the difference between the outer, conditioned self and the inner, unconditioned ātman, ultimately leading to the realization of the brahman-ātman identity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): This verse can be understood through the lens of the Vaiṣṇava concept of the jīva's relationship with Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrībhāṣya, explains that the actions and character of an individual are reflections of their inner tendencies and devotion to Īśvara. The face of a wicked person, despite appearances, may not always be pleasant, indicating a disconnection from Īśvara. This disconnect is a result of the jīva's free will, which can either lead to a life of devotion and service to Īśvara or to a path of wickedness. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of cultivating devotion and maintaining a strong connection with the divine, as this relationship is what ultimately determines the true nature of an individual. The verse encourages the development of a discerning eye, one that looks beyond external appearances to the inner, spiritual reality, and recognizes the significance of Īśvara's grace in transforming the jīva.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the practical applications of Vedānta, often emphasized the importance of self-reflection and introspection. This verse, 'na hi duṣṭajanasya mukhaṁ puṣpaṁ vāsi taṁ sadā eva', serves as a poignant reminder that our external appearances and actions do not always reflect our true character. Vivekānanda would argue that this verse encourages us to look beyond the superficial and to strive for authenticity and sincerity in our interactions with others. He believed that true strength lies not in outward appearances, but in the cultivation of inner virtues such as compassion, empathy, and kindness. In contemporary life, this verse can be applied to our daily interactions, reminding us to approach others with an open mind and a non-judgmental attitude, recognizing that everyone has the potential for growth and transformation. By embracing this universal and practical application, we can work towards creating a more harmonious and inclusive society, one that values the inherent worth and dignity of every individual.