na hi duṣṭātmanaḥ kasya sakhyaṃ vrajet dhimāḥ
“The wise do not form friendships with those of evil mind.”
Structure
na hi duṣṭātmanaḥ kasya sakhyaṃ vrajet dhimāḥ
dhimāḥ (wise one) na hi (not indeed) kasya (of whom) duṣṭātmanaḥ (of evil mind) sakhyaṃ (friendship) vrajet (should form)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| duṣṭātmanaḥ | duṣṭātmanaḥ | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of one with a wicked soul |
| kasya | kasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of whom |
| sakhyaṃ | sakhyaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | friendship |
| vrajet | vrajet | verb | √vraj · optative · third | may resort to |
| dhimāḥ | dhimāḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | the wise one |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the importance of discernment in forming relationships, emphasizing that the wise should not associate with those of evil disposition. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkara notes that the company one keeps has a profound impact on one's spiritual journey. The verse 'na hi duṣṭātmanaḥ kasya sakhyaṃ vrajet dhimāḥ' suggests that an individual of discerning intellect (dhimāḥ) should avoid friendships with those of wicked mentality (duṣṭātmanaḥ), as such associations can hinder the realization of the ultimate reality, Brahman. This non-dual reading highlights the importance of satsaṅga, or the company of the good, in facilitating the understanding of the ātman-Brahman identity. Śaṅkara's emphasis on the need to cultivate noble friendships as a means to spiritual growth echoes through this verse, guiding the seeker towards the path of self-realization.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse as a reminder of the importance of seeking the company of devotees who embody divine qualities. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, stresses the value of satsaṅga in nurturing bhakti, or devotion to the Supreme Lord. According to Rāmānuja, the wise (dhimāḥ) recognize that association with the wicked (duṣṭātmanaḥ) can lead to spiritual downfall, whereas the company of the righteous fosters a deepening of one's devotion to Īśvara. This verse is thus seen as an exhortation to seek out the fellowship of those who are devoted to the Lord, as a means of strengthening one's own faith and advancing on the path to liberation. By avoiding the company of the wicked and cultivating friendships with the devotees, the jīva can experience the loving presence of Īśvara, facilitating a deeper understanding of the relationship between the individual self and the Supreme.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the importance of character-building, often emphasized the significance of the company one keeps. This verse, 'na hi duṣṭātmanaḥ kasya sakhyaṃ vrajet dhimāḥ,' resonates with Vivekānanda's message, highlighting the need for discernment in forming relationships. According to Vivekānanda, the company of the wicked can have a corrosive effect on one's character, whereas the company of the noble can inspire and uplift. In contemporary life, this verse can be seen as a reminder of the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences, whether in personal or professional contexts. S. Radhakrishnan, in his writings on the relevance of Indian philosophy to modern life, notes that this verse underscores the importance of cultivating friendships that nurture the growth of the individual, fostering an environment conducive to spiritual and emotional well-being. By applying the wisdom of this verse, individuals can make informed choices about the company they keep, ultimately contributing to their own growth and the betterment of society.