na kadācid-api svapne'pi dulabhaṁ dṛṣṭiṁ vismṛtuṁ śakyate
“One can never, not even in a dream, forget the rare sight”
Structure
na kadācit api svapne api dulabham dṛṣṭim vismṛtum śakyate
na (not) kadācit (at any time) api (even) svapne (in a dream) api (even) dulabham (rare) dṛṣṭim (sight) vismṛtum (to forget) śakyate (is possible)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| kadācit | kadācit | indeclinable | — | ever, at any time |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also, even |
| svapne | svapne | noun | locative · singular · neuter | in a dream |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also, even |
| dulabham | dulabham | adjective | — | difficult to obtain |
| dṛṣṭim | dṛṣṭim | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | sight, vision |
| vismṛtum | vismṛtum | verb | √smṛ · passive participle | forgotten |
| śakyate | śakyate | verb | √śak · present passive · third | it is possible |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the notion that certain experiences, once encountered, leave an indelible mark on the consciousness, much like the realization of the ultimate reality, Brahman. Śaṅkara's commentary on the Brahma Sūtras highlights the idea that the knowledge of Brahman, once attained, is never forgotten. The verse 'na kadācid-api svapne'pi dulabham dṛṣṭim vismṛtum śakyate' suggests that even in the dream state, a realm where the ordinary rules of reality are suspended, the vision of the ultimate truth remains unforgettable. This points to the non-dual nature of reality, where the distinction between the individual self (ātman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) is transcended, leading to a state of awareness that is beyond the ephemeral nature of worldly experiences. Śaṅkara's reasoning emphasizes that this verse indicates the permanence of self-realization, akin to the realization of one's true nature as Brahman, which cannot be erased from consciousness, not even in the fleeting realm of dreams.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse in the context of the devotee's relationship with the divine. According to Rāmānujācārya, the 'dulabham dṛṣṭim' or the rare sight, refers to the glimpse of the divine, which, once experienced, can never be forgotten. This experience is not limited to the waking state but pervades all states of consciousness, including the dream state. The verse is seen as an affirmation of the devotee's enduring connection with Īśvara, where the memory of the divine vision remains an integral part of the jīva's (individual self) consciousness. Madhvācārya, in his commentary, would likely emphasize the unique, personal relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, suggesting that this verse highlights the jīva's capacity to retain the memory of the divine encounter, underscoring the devotional path as a means to establish and deepen this relationship.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical and universal dimensions of Vedāntic philosophy. This verse, from a Neo-Vedāntic perspective, can be seen as a call to recognize the profound impact of profound experiences on our lives. The 'rare sight' can symbolize any moment of deep insight, realization, or connection, whether with the divine, nature, or one's own inner self. Vivekānanda might interpret this verse as encouraging individuals to seek out and cherish such experiences, as they have the power to transform and elevate human consciousness, leaving an indelible mark that can guide us through life's challenges. S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, would likely underscore the humanistic and universal aspects of this verse, suggesting that the unforgettable nature of profound experiences points to a shared human quest for meaning and connection, transcending individual and cultural boundaries.