na hi duṣṭopi dūṣayati yatpraśastau.
“Even a bad person does not criticise what has been praised.”
Structure
na hi duṣṭaḥ api dūṣayati yat praśastau
na hi duṣṭaḥ (no, not even an evil person) api (even) dūṣayati ( criticizes) yat (what) praśastau (is praised)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| duṣṭaḥ | duṣṭaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | evil one, wicked person |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | even, also |
| dūṣayati | dūṣayati | verb | √dūṣ · present · third | blames, censures |
| yat | yat | pronoun | accusative · singular · neuter | what, which |
| praśastau | praśastau | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in praise, in commendation |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse 'na hi duṣṭopi dūṣayati yatpraśastau' can be interpreted through the lens of non-duality, where the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond human criticism or praise. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras (1.1.5) highlights that the absolute truth is untouched by human opinions. This verse suggests that even a bad person's criticism cannot taint what is inherently pure and praiseworthy, pointing to the idea that the true nature of reality, or Brahman, remains unblemished by human perceptions. The identity of Brahman and Ātman is underscored here, as the verse implies that what is praised is beyond human Criticism, much like the Ātman is beyond the reach of human frailties. This reading aligns with Shankara's emphasis on the distinction between the absolute and the relative, guiding the seeker towards the realization of the non-dual truth.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse illuminates the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Ramanuja's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita (18.66) underscores the devotee's surrender to the Lord, transcending human criticism or praise. The verse 'na hi duṣṭopi dūṣayati yatpraśastau' signifies that even a person of questionable character cannot detract from the glory of the Lord, which is forever established. This resonates with the Vaiṣṇava concept of the Lord's transcendental nature, immune to human opinions. The emphasis here is on the devotional relationship, where the jīva's connection to Īśvara remains unwavering, untouched by external criticisms, reflecting the unconditional love and surrender advocated by Ramanuja and other Vaiṣṇava thinkers.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): The universal applicability of 'na hi duṣṭopi dūṣayati yatpraśastau' can be understood through the lens of Neo-Vedānta. Swami Vivekananda, in his lecture 'The Powers of the Mind' (Complete Works, Vol. 4), emphasizes the power of positive thought and the importance of focusing on the good. This verse encourages us to recognize and appreciate what is praiseworthy, regardless of the source of criticism. It applies to our daily lives, where we often face criticism, yet the verse teaches us to remain focused on our values and principles. Radhakrishnan, in 'The Bhagavadgītā' (1948), highlights the importance of self-cultivation and not being swayed by external opinions. This contemporary reading of the verse underscores the importance of inner strength, resilience, and adhering to one's principles, echoing the practical wisdom advocated by both Vivekananda and Radhakrishnan.