na hi duṣṭopi kas tvatprakāreṇopakṛtyate । anopakāre hi ko doṣaḥ ।
“For even an evil person is not injured by you; what then is the fault in not doing a favour?”
Structure
na hi duṣṭaḥ api kaḥ tvatprakāreṇa upakṛtyate । anopakāre hi kaḥ doṣaḥ
kaḥ (who) duṣṭaḥ (even a wicked person) api (also) tvatprakāreṇa (in your manner) upakṛtyate (is benefited) na (not) hi (indeed) ।anopakāre (not doing a favor) hi (for) kaḥ (what) doṣaḥ (fault)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| duṣṭaḥ | duṣṭaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | wicked person |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | even |
| kaḥ | kaḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | who |
| tvatprakāreṇa | tvatprakāreṇa | compound | bahuvrīhi · "tvatprakāra eṇa" | in your manner |
| upakṛtyate | upakṛtyate | verb | √kṛ · passive present · third | is benefited |
| anopakāre | anopakāre | compound | bahuvrīhi · "anopakāra" | in case of no favor |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| kaḥ | kaḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | who |
| doṣaḥ | doṣaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | fault |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately identical with the absolute reality (Brahman). Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on the Brahmasūtra (1.1.5) highlights the importance of recognizing this non-dual essence. The present verse, in stating that even an evil person is not injured by one who embodies this understanding, points to the idea that true harm or injury can only occur when there is a misperception of the self as separate from others. When one recognizes the unity of all existence, actions are performed without the intention of harming or benefiting specific individuals, as all are seen as manifestations of the ultimate reality. This understanding liberates one from the cycle of karma, as discussed in the Upadeśasāhasrī. Thus, the verse indirectly points to the brahman-ātman identity by highlighting the futility of dualistic distinctions in the pursuit of true knowledge and liberation.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, particularly through the lens of Rāmānujācārya, views this verse as an expression of the jīva's (individual soul) relationship with Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānuja's commentary on the Gītā (12.13-14) emphasizes the importance of developing a compassionate and non-harming attitude towards all beings, recognizing that they are all manifestations of the Lord's energies. This verse suggests that even those who might be considered evil are not beyond the reach of divine compassion and are, in fact, worthy of our understanding and non-harm. The emphasis here is on the development of bhakti (devotion) and the cultivation of virtues such as dayā (compassion) and karuṇā (mercy), which are seen as essential for realizing one's true nature as a servant of the Lord. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference (bheda) between the individual soul and the Lord, might interpret the verse as highlighting the Lord's gracious nature, which extends even to those who are considered sinful, demonstrating the infinite mercy of Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the 'Universal Religion', often emphasized the importance of recognizing the inherent divine in every individual, regardless of their actions or character. This verse, from a Neo-Vedānta perspective, highlights the universality and practicality of applying spiritual principles in daily life. Vivekānanda, in his speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions, spoke about the need to recognize the unity of all existence and to treat every being with compassion and respect, as this is the path to true freedom and happiness. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings on the 'Hindu View of Life', emphasized the importance of cultivating a broad and sympathetic understanding, recognizing that all individuals are at different stages of their spiritual journey. This verse can be seen as a practical guide for living a life of non-violence and compassion, reflecting the universal principles that underlie all spiritual traditions and are applicable in contemporary life, promoting harmony and understanding among all people.