na hi duḥkhena vin nirvartitum aśakyam । sukhena tenaiva vartitum ॥
“Indeed, one cannot live without it by suffering; one can live only by enjoying it.”
Structure
na hi duḥkhena vina nirvartitum aśakyam sukhena tena eva vartitum
na (not) hi (indeed) duḥkhena (by sorrow) vina (without) nirvartitum (to live) aśakyam (impossible)sukhena (with happiness) tena (that) eva (alone) vartitum (to live)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| duḥkhena | duḥkhena | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | with suffering |
| vina | vinā | indeclinable | — | without |
| nirvartitum | nirvartitum | verb | √vṛ · infinitive · third | to accomplish or complete |
| aśakyam | aśakyam | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | it is impossible |
| sukhena | sukhena | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | with happiness |
| tena | tena | pronoun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by that |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | only, indeed |
| vartitum | vartitum | verb | √vṛ · infinitive · third | to exist or live |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, pointing to the ultimate identity of Brahman and Ātman. According to Shankara, the experience of suffering (duḥkha) and joy (sukha) are both rooted in the mistaken identification with the ephemeral world, rather than the timeless, unchanging Self. The phrase 'na hi duḥkhena vin nirvartitum aśakyam' highlights the impossibility of existing without suffering, which is a fundamental aspect of samsaric existence. However, the verse also suggests that one can live 'sukhena tena eva vartitum,' or only by enjoying the true nature of the Self, which is untouched by suffering. This reading is consonant with Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasutras, where he argues that the ultimate reality is beyond all duality, including the duality of pleasure and pain.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is often seen as highlighting the dependent nature of the jīva (individual self) on Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the idea that the jīva's existence is inextricably linked to its relationship with Īśvara, and that true happiness (sukha) can only be achieved through devotion to the Lord. The phrase 'na hi duḥkhena vin nirvartitum aśakyam' is understood as acknowledging the inevitability of suffering in a world marked by impermanence and separation from the divine. However, the verse also offers a message of hope, suggesting that by cultivating a relationship with Īśvara, one can experience true joy and fulfillment, as expressed in the phrase 'sukhena tena eva vartitum.' Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might interpret this verse as emphasizing the importance of surrender to the will of the Lord, as the only means of attaining true happiness.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has profound implications for contemporary life, as it underscores the importance of cultivating a deeper understanding of the human experience. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the idea that true happiness can only be achieved by looking beyond the fleeting pleasures and pains of the world. The phrase 'na hi duḥkhena vin nirvartitum aśakyam' is a stark reminder of the universality of suffering, but the verse as a whole offers a powerful message of hope and resilience. As S. Rādhākrishnan notes, the key to unlocking true happiness lies in cultivating a sense of inner fulfillment, which can only be achieved by transcending the limitations of the ego and embracing a larger sense of purpose and meaning. In this sense, the verse can be seen as a call to action, urging us to re-examine our priorities and values, and to seek a deeper, more lasting sense of joy and fulfillment in our lives.