na hi duḥkhena vṛttenamukhaṃ me 'sti na me gṛham | na ca me rājyasampadaḥ kāmahe tanna kāñcanam
“For one who is not distressed by adversity, his face does not fall; he does not long for a home or wealth and gold.”
Structure
na hi duḥkhena vṛttenam ukhaṃ me asti na me gṛhaḥ | na ca me rājya sampadaḥ kāmahe tat na kāñcanam
na (not) hi (indeed) duḥkhena (by suffering) vṛttena (accompanied) mukham (face) me (my) asti (is) na (not) me (my) gṛhaḥ (home)na (not) ca (and) me (my) rājya-sampadaḥ (royal wealth) kāmahe (I desire) tat (that) na (not) kāñcanam (gold)
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 |
| vṛtta | vṛtta | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | occurred, happened |
| namukhaṃ | namukhaṃ | compound | bahuvrīhi · "na-ā-mukhaṃ" | not turned towards me, not facing me |
| me | me | pronoun | genitive · singular | of me |
| asti | asti | verb | √as · laṭ-present · third | is |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| me | me | pronoun | genitive · singular | of me |
| gṛhaḥ | gṛhaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | house |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| me | me | pronoun | genitive · singular | of me |
| rājya | rājya | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | kingdom |
| sampadaḥ | sampadaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | wealth, prosperity |
| kāmaha | kāmaha | verb | √kām · liṅ-optative · first | I desire |
| tat | tat | pronoun | accusative · singular · neuter | that |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| kāñcanam | kāñcanam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | gold |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality by implying that the one who has transcended the dualities of pleasure and pain (duḥkha) does not suffer from a fallen countenance or hanker after worldly possessions. Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā (Chapter 2, Verse 14) echoes this sentiment, suggesting that the wise one, having understood the impermanence of all things, is not disturbed by the fleeting nature of worldly experiences. The face, symbolizing one's true nature, remains unchanged, reflecting the unchanging essence of brahman. This realization of the brahman-ātman identity frees the individual from the bondage of worldly desires, illustrating the profound non-dualistic insight that the ultimate reality is not something to be attained but is the very essence of one's being.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): From a devotional perspective, this verse can be seen as a reflection of the jīva's (individual self) relationship with Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya's concept of 'prapatti' or surrender to the Lord is pertinent here. The jīva, realizing its inherent limitations and the fleeting nature of worldly possessions, seeks refuge in Īśvara, thereby transcending the dualities of pleasure and pain. The 'face' that does not fall symbolizes the grace of Īśvara, which upholds the devotee. Rāmānujācārya's commentary on the Brahma Sūtras (2.3.41) emphasizes the Lord's grace in sustaining the universe and guiding the devotee towards liberation, illustrating how the devotee's trust in Īśvara leads to a state of inner peace and detachment from worldly desires.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): This verse offers a powerful message for contemporary life, emphasizing the importance of inner strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the 'Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', Volume 4, underscores the need for individuals to cultivate a sense of detachment and equilibrium in the midst of life's challenges. The 'face that does not fall' represents the unwavering courage and hope that arise from understanding one's true nature and potential. Vivekānanda's emphasis on the universal principles of Vedānta, such as the inherent divinity of every being, provides a practical and inspiring framework for applying this verse in everyday life, encouraging individuals to rise above the ephemeral nature of worldly successes and failures and to find peace and fulfillment in their inner selves.