na hi duḥkhena viyogo na ca mohād viyogaḥ . viyoga eva hi duḥkhaṁ tad asti na tu nāsti ca ॥
“Separation is not caused by sorrow or by delusion; in fact, separation itself is sorrow; it exists, it does not not exist.”
Structure
na hi duḥkheṇa viyogo na ca mohāt viyogaḥ viyoga eva hi duḥkhaṁ tad asti na tu nāsti ca
na (not) hi (indeed) duḥkheṇa (with sorrow) viyogo (separation) na (not) ca (and) mohāt (from delusion) viyogaḥ (separation)viyogaḥ (separation) eva (alone) hi (indeed) duḥkhaṁ (sorrow) tad (that) asti (exists) na (not) tu (but) nāsti (does not exist) ca (and)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| duḥkheṇa | duḥkheṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with suffering |
| viyogo | viyogo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | separation |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| mohāt | mohāt | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from delusion |
| viyogaḥ | viyogaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | separation |
| viyoga | viyoga | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | separation |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | only, indeed |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| duḥkhaṁ | duḥkhaṁ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | suffering |
| tad | tad | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | that |
| asti | asti | verb | √as · present · third | is |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed, but |
| nāsti | nāsti | verb | √as · present · third | is not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, where separation is an illusion. According to Shankara, the concept of separation (viyoga) is rooted in our misperception of the world, akin to the notion of 'sorrow' (duḥkhena) and 'delusion' (mohāt). The phrase 'viyoga eva hi duḥkhaṁ' supports the Advaitic view that suffering arises from our misplaced sense of separation from the ultimate reality, Brahman. This perspective is echoed in Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras, where he argues that the individual self (ātman) is not separate from the universal self (Brahman). Thus, this verse highlights the importance of realizing the identity of the individual self with the absolute, ultimately transcending the illusory experience of separation and sorrow.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, particularly Rāmānujācārya, would interpret this verse in the context of the loving relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The 'separation' (viyoga) referred to here can be seen as the jīva's existential distance from its natural state of union with Īśvara, caused not by sorrow or delusion, but by the jīva's own limitations and ignorance. According to Ramanuja, the realization of the inseparability of the jīva from Īśvara is crucial for overcoming this separation and its attendant suffering. This verse, in the Vaiṣṇava view, underlines the importance of devotional practices and knowledge (jñāna) to bridge this gap, ultimately leading to the blissful experience of union with the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures on the practical applications of Vedānta, often emphasized the universal relevance of verses like this one. The idea that 'separation itself is sorrow' speaks directly to the human experience of suffering that arises from feelings of disconnection and isolation. According to Vivekananda, recognizing and transcending this sense of separation is key to achieving a state of unity and harmony within oneself and with the world. This understanding is not limited to spiritual seekers but has profound implications for social and interpersonal relationships. Rādhākrishnan, expanding on this idea, noted that the recognition of the illusoriness of separation can inspire a sense of global unity and cooperation, fostering a more compassionate and interconnected world. Thus, this verse offers a timeless and universal message of hope and unity.