na hi duḥkhena cintayā na ca kāmena rāgiṇā | śokagrastenaca prāṇān han ti śuṣke ca daṁṣṭriṇā ॥ 203
“Neither sorrow nor desire kills, nor does grief; but a man with dry teeth (a famished animal) does.”
Structure
na hi duḥkhena cintayā na ca kāmena rāgiṇā śoka-grastenaca prāṇān han ti śuṣke ca daṁṣṭriṇā
na hi(not indeed) duḥkhena(with sorrow) cintayā(with thought) na ca(and not) kāmena(with desire) rāgiṇā(the desirer) śoka-grastenaca(and by one overwhelmed with grief) prāṇān(life) han ti(destroys) śuṣke(in a dried-up) ca(and) daṁṣṭriṇā(tooth)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| duḥkhena | duḥkhena | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with sorrow |
| cintayā | cintayā | noun | instrumental · singular · feminine | with thought, by thinking |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| kāmena | kāmena | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with desire |
| rāgiṇā | rāgiṇā | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by one who is attached |
| śoka-grastenaca | śoka-grastenaca | compound | dvandva · "śokagrastaś ca" | and by one who is overcome by grief |
| prāṇān | prāṇān | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | life, lives |
| han | han | verb | √han · liṅ-optative · third | may kill |
| ti | ti | indeclinable | — | ( third person marker) |
| śuṣke | śuṣke | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in a dry, withered state |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| daṁṣṭriṇā | daṁṣṭriṇā | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with the one having fangs (i.e. a beast) |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the impermanence of worldly afflictions such as sorrow, desire, and grief, highlighting their inability to truly harm the self. According to Shankara, the ultimate reality, Brahman, is untouched by these fleeting emotions. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, Shankara notes that the self (ātman) is not affected by the trials and tribulations of the world, much like this verse suggests that sorrow, desire, and grief do not truly kill. The image of the 'man with dry teeth' serves as a metaphor for the devastating effects of unchecked desire, which can consume an individual, illustrating the importance of recognizing the distinction between the eternal self and the ephemeral nature of worldly experiences. By understanding this distinction, one can transcend the limitations of the mundane and recognize the unity of Brahman and ātman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse can be seen as an illustration of the jīva's (individual self) struggle with the vicissitudes of life, and the necessity of turning to Īśvara (the Lord) for solace. Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Brahmasutra, emphasizes the importance of prapatti, or self-surrender, as a means of overcoming the trials and tribulations of the world. The 'man with dry teeth' can be seen as a symbol of the jīva's inherent weakness and susceptibility to the forces of nature, highlighting the need for the jīva to seek refuge in the Lord. This verse thus serves as a reminder of the importance of cultivating a devotional attitude, recognizing one's limitations, and seeking the protection and guidance of a higher power. By acknowledging the jīva's dependence on Īśvara, one can transcend the suffering inherent in the world and attain a state of peace and liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound insight into the human condition, highlighting the ways in which our emotional and psychological states can either empower or debilitate us. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the importance of cultivating inner strength and resilience in the face of life's challenges. The image of the 'man with dry teeth' serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of allowing our desires and fears to consume us, and the need to cultivate a sense of detachment and equanimity. This verse can be seen as a call to action, encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their own lives, to recognize the impermanence of worldly experiences, and to strive for a deeper sense of purpose and meaning. By applying the principles of this verse to our daily lives, we can develop the inner strength and wisdom necessary to navigate life's challenges with courage, compassion, and wisdom, and to realize our full potential as human beings.