Na hi duṣṭo'pi kadaacidapi śuddho bhavati mṛttikā.
“For even the purest clay, once polluted, never becomes pure again.”
Structure
Na hi duṣṭo api kada acit api śuddho bhavati mṛttikā
Mṛttikā (clay) duṣṭā (defiled) api (even) kada acit (at any time) śuddḥaḥ (pure) bhavati (becomes) na hi (not indeed)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| duṣṭo | duṣṭaḥ | verb | √duṣ · past participle | corrupted, wicked |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also, even |
| kada | kada | indeclinable | — | at any time, ever |
| acit | acit | indeclinable | — | not, never |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also, even |
| śuddho | śuddhaḥ | verb | √śudh · past participle | purified, clean |
| bhavati | bhavati | verb | √bhu · present · third | becomes |
| mṛttikā | mṛttikā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | clay, earth |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the impermanence of purity in the material realm, echoing the concept of māyā. Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasūtra (III.3.14) highlights that even the purest of substances can be tainted by external impurities. The non-dual reading of this verse suggests that the only true purity lies in the ātman, which is untouched by the external world. The impurity of clay, once polluted, signifies the impermanence of worldly things, directing the seeker towards the eternal and unchanging nature of Brahman. The identity of brahman-ātman is thus illuminated, where the ultimate reality is beyond the ephemeral nature of material purity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse illustrates the doctrine of prapatti, or surrender, where the jīva recognizes its inherent limitations and the futility of seeking self-purification. Rāmānujācārya's Śrī Bhāṣya (II.3.41) emphasizes the jīva's dependence on Īśvara for liberation, drawing a parallel between the clay's irreversibility and the jīva's inability to attain purity through its own efforts. The devotional reading encourages the devotee to seek refuge in a higher power, acknowledging that just as polluted clay cannot regain its original state, the jīva requires divine intervention to transcend its inherent impurities and attain mokṣa.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse serves as a reminder of the practical applications of Vedāntic philosophy in contemporary life. Vivekānanda's lectures on 'Practical Vedānta' emphasize the importance of self-reflection and personal growth, where the pursuit of inner purity is paramount. The irreversibility of polluted clay can be seen as a metaphor for the long-term effects of negative habits and thought patterns. Radhakrishnan's writings on 'The Hindu View of Life' also highlight the need for self-purification and the cultivation of a positive mindset, illustrating how this ancient verse holds valuable lessons for modern individuals seeking personal and spiritual growth in the face of life's challenges.