nityodite nāsti nāsti cāpi nityodayaḥ । udayāst vayi nityā hi tava dṛṣṭir udayaḥ ॥
“The sun is not always rising, nor is it not rising; your vision, being constant, is the perpetual rising (of the knowledge within).”
Structure
nityodite nāsti nāsti cāpi nityodayaḥ udayāstvayi nityā hi tava dṛṣṭirudayaḥ
nityodite (in the sun that rises every day) nāsti (there is not) nāsti (nor is there) cāpi (also) nityodayaḥ (a constant rising) udayāst (at sunrise) tvayi (in you) nityā (always) hi (indeed) tava (your) dṛṣṭiḥ (vision) udayaḥ (is the rising)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nityodite | nityodite | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in the eternal rising |
| nāsti | nāsti | indeclinable | — | there is not |
| nāsti | nāsti | indeclinable | — | there is not |
| cāpi | cāpi | indeclinable | — | and also |
| nityodayaḥ | nityodayaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | eternal rising |
| udayāstu | udayāstu | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in the rising |
| tvayi | tvayi | pronoun | locative · singular · masculine | in you |
| nityā | nityā | adjective | — | eternal |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for |
| tava | tava | pronoun | possessive · singular · masculine | your |
| dṛṣṭiḥ | dṛṣṭiḥ | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | sight |
| udayaḥ | udayaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | rising |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In the tradition of Advaita Vedānta, this verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, suggesting that the fluctuating phenomena, like the rising and setting of the sun, are mere appearances. The perpetual rising referred to in the verse alludes to the constant and unchanging awareness of the Self (Ātman), which is ultimately identical with Brahman, the supreme reality. This interpretation aligns with Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasūtra, where he emphasizes the distinction between the changing world of phenomena (vyavahāra) and the unchanging reality (paramārtha). The verse guides the seeker to look beyond the ephemeral and to realize the eternal, all-encompassing consciousness that underlies all existence. By acknowledging that 'your vision, being constant, is the perpetual rising,' the verse points to the direct experience of the Ātman, which is not bound by the cycles of time or the limitations of the external world.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse can be seen as an expression of the intimate relationship between the jīva (the individual self) and Īśvara (the personal God). The 'perpetual rising' symbolizes the eternal and unbroken grace of God that illuminates the path of the devotee. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, highlights the importance of bhakti (devotion) as a means to realize the divine presence within. The verse suggests that just as the sun's rising is constant in its regularity, the divine light of knowledge and grace is always available to those who turn their vision inward, fostering a deep sense of dependence on and love for God. This devotional reading emphasizes the role of personal surrender and the cultivation of a loving attitude towards the deity, seeing in 'your vision' a metaphor for the divine eye that watches over and guides the devotee.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in Neo-Vedānta, interpreted such verses in the light of their universal applicability and practical utility for modern life. He saw in the concept of 'perpetual rising' a call to the individual to realize their inner potential and to strive for self-perfection. In his lectures and writings, Vivekānanda often emphasized the importance of cultivating a strong and positive self-image, unshackled by the limitations of external conditioning. This verse, in the Neo-Vedānta perspective, serves as a reminder of the human capacity for growth, renewal, and the pursuit of knowledge. It underscores the idea that true freedom and empowerment come from recognizing and connecting with one's inner, unchanging essence. Vivekānanda would likely view 'your vision, being constant, is the perpetual rising' as an exhortation to discover and express one's true, divine nature, thereby contributing to the betterment of society and the realization of a more harmonious world.