na hi duḥkhena viyogo na ca mohād viyogaḥ । na cāpaśamena yogo na ca sattvād viyogaḥ ॥ 220 ॥
“There is no separation from suffering, nor from delusion; nor is there union with what is not true; nor separation from what is real.”
Structure
na hi duḥkhena viyogo na ca mohāt viyogaḥ na ca apaśamena yogaḥ na ca sattvāt viyogaḥ
na hi (not indeed) duḥkhena (with suffering) viyogo (separation) na ca (and not) mohāt (from delusion) viyogaḥ (separation) na ca (and not) apaśamena (with improper behaviour) yogaḥ (union) na ca (and not) sattvāt (from virtue) viyogaḥ (separation)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| duḥkhena | duḥkhena | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | 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 |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| apaśamena | apaśamena | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | with a bad or unhealthy state |
| yogaḥ | yogaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | union |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| sattvāt | sattvāt | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from existence, from being |
| viyogaḥ | viyogaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | separation |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, emphasizing that there is no separation from suffering (duḥkha) or delusion (moha) because both are ultimately unreal. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras, particularly his discussion on the nature of ignorance (avidyā), supports this interpretation. The verse suggests that what is real (sat) is never separate from us, pointing to the identity of Brahman and Ātman. By realizing this truth, one transcends the cyclical nature of suffering and delusion, achieving moksha. Shankara's reasoning on the impermanence of worldly experiences and the eternal nature of the Self aligns with this verse, highlighting that true union is not with the ephemeral but with the enduring, unchanging essence of existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a devotional perspective, this verse is seen as a call to recognize the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Ramanuja's visishtadvaita philosophy interprets this verse as emphasizing the inseparability of the jīva from Īśvara, not in terms of absolute identity but in terms of a loving, dependent relationship. The separation (viyoga) mentioned refers to the jīva's ignorance of its true nature and its distance from God, caused by delusion and suffering. The goal, then, is to seek union (yoga) with Īśvara through devotion and knowledge, recognizing that true reality (sat) is rooted in God. This perspective offers a path of bhakti, or loving devotion, as the means to overcome the obstacles of suffering and delusion, ultimately achieving a state of union with the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda's interpretation of this verse focuses on its universal and practical application. He sees the struggle with suffering and delusion as a fundamental aspect of the human condition, from which individuals can escape by realizing their true nature. Vivekananda, in his lectures and writings, such as 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', often emphasized the importance of self-realization and the unity of all existence. This verse, to him, underscores the potential for every individual to transcend suffering and ignorance, achieving a state of liberation and peace. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, further develops this idea, discussing the universal applicability of Vedantic principles in contemporary life, emphasizing that the recognition of what is real and eternal (sat) can guide individuals through the challenges of modern life, offering a path to inner peace and understanding.