na hi duḥkhena santapyamāno na kiñcidapi durlabhaṁ prāpnoti
“One who is tormented by grief does not obtain even the slightest thing that is difficult to obtain.”
Structure
na hi duḥkhena santapyamānaḥ na kiñcid api durlabhaṁ prāpnoti
duḥkhena (by suffering) santapyamānaḥ (being tormented) na hi (not indeed) kiñcid api (anything at all) durlabhaṁ (difficult to obtain) prāpnoti (obtains)
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 suffering |
| santapyamānaḥ | santapyamānaḥ | verb | √tap · present participle · third | being tormented |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| kiñcid | kiñcid | indeclinable | — | anything, at all |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also, even |
| durlabhaṁ | durlabhaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | difficult to obtain |
| prāpnoti | prāpnoti | verb | √pā · present · third | he obtains |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the idea that one who is consumed by grief is unable to attain even the most minimal of difficult achievements. From a non-dual perspective, Shankara would argue that this verse points to the limitations of the ego-bound individual, who, due to ignorance of their true nature, becomes entangled in suffering. The identification with the limited self, rather than the ultimate reality of Brahman, leads to a state of bondage, where one is tormented by grief and unable to realize their true potential. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, Shankara notes that the self, when identified with the body and mind, is subject to the vicissitudes of life, including sorrow and suffering. In contrast, the realization of the Brahman-ātman identity allows for a transcendence of these limitations, enabling the individual to attain a state of freedom and liberation. This verse, therefore, can be seen as an exhortation to seek the knowledge of one's true nature, beyond the confines of the ego and its attendant sufferings.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is often seen as emphasizing the importance of devotion and surrender to the Lord. Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, notes that the individual, when overwhelmed by grief, is unable to focus on the ultimate goal of realizing their relationship with the divine. The Lord, as the embodiment of compassion and mercy, is always available to assist the devotee, but the devotee must first turn to Him with a pure heart and mind. This verse, therefore, serves as a reminder of the need for the devotee to cultivate a state of inner peace and detachment, in order to receive the Lord's grace and attain the difficult-to-achieve goal of liberation. Madhva, on the other hand, would emphasize the role of the Lord's will in determining the individual's ability to attain their goals. According to Madhva, the Lord's grace is not limited by the individual's actions, but rather, it is the Lord's sovereign will that determines the outcome of the individual's efforts.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound insight into the human condition, highlighting the debilitating effects of grief and negativity on our ability to achieve our goals. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the importance of cultivating a positive and optimistic mindset, in order to overcome the limitations and challenges of life. He notes that the individual, when consumed by grief and negativity, becomes mired in a state of inertia, unable to tap into their inner resources and potential. In contrast, the individual who cultivates a state of inner peace, calmness, and detachment is able to access their deeper strengths and abilities, and is thus able to achieve even the most difficult goals. Radhakrishnan, in his writings on the Upanishads, similarly emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-transcendence, in order to overcome the limitations of the ego and realize one's true potential. This verse, therefore, can be seen as a call to cultivate a deeper awareness of oneself and one's place in the world, in order to tap into the universal energies and achieve a state of fulfillment and liberation.