sa ced visrasto na sā ced amlecchā na ced vidvān na ca mlecchabhāṣī
“If he is not licentious, nor a barbarian, if he is learned and does not speak the language of the barbarians”
Structure
saḥ + cet + visrastoḥ + na + sā + cet + amlecchā + na + cet + vidvān + na + ca + mleccha + bhāṣī
saḥ (he) cet (if) visrastoḥ (fallen) na (not) sā (that person) cet (if) amlecchā (is not a barbarian) na (and) cet (if) vidvān (learned) na (not) ca (and) mleccha (barbarian) bhāṣī (speaker) na (not)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| saḥ | saḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
| cet | cet | indeclinable | — | if |
| visrastoḥ | visrastoḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | eloquent |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| sā | sā | pronoun | nominative · singular · feminine | she |
| cet | cet | indeclinable | — | if |
| amlecchā | amlecchā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | not a barbarian |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| cet | cet | indeclinable | — | if |
| vidvān | vidvān | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | learned |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| mleccha | mleccha | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | barbarian |
| bhāṣī | bhāṣī | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | speaker |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the importance of discernment in spiritual pursuits. Shankara's non-dual reading emphasizes that true knowledge (vidyā) transcends worldly distinctions, including those of language and cultural affiliation. The sage who is 'not licentious' (visrasto) has conquered the turbulence of the mind, while 'not being a barbarian' (amlecchā) signifies a transcending of the mundane, ego-bound state. The verse points to the brahman-ātman identity by highlighting the necessity of overcoming the limitations imposed by worldly conditioning, thereby revealing the unity of existence. In the context of the Subhāṣitas, this verse serves as a reminder to seek the universal truth beyond the confines of cultural and linguistic barriers, echoing Shankara's emphasis on the ultimate reality that underlies all appearances.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse can be seen through the lens of bhakti and the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Ramanuja might interpret 'not being licentious' as a call to self-control, a prerequisite for devotion. 'Not being a barbarian' could signify a rejection of ignorance and a movement towards knowledge of the divine. The importance of being 'learned' (vidvān) and not speaking the 'language of the barbarians' (mleccha-bhāṣī) could be seen as cultivating spiritual knowledge and communication that reflects devotion to the Supreme. This aligns with Madhva's emphasis on the distinction between the liberated and the bound, where spiritual knowledge and pure devotion are key. The verse thus encourages a path of devotion, learning, and detachment from worldly ignorance, to foster a deeper connection with the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This ancient verse holds profound relevance for modern life. Swami Vivekananda might see in this verse a call to spiritual strength and self-discipline, advocating for the cultivation of knowledge that is not bound by cultural or linguistic limitations. The instruction to avoid licentiousness and barbarian behavior (amlecchā) could be interpreted as a warning against succumbing to base desires and ignorance, urging individuals towards a path of self-control and enlightenment. Vivekananda's emphasis on the universal principles of Vedānta finds resonance here, as the verse promotes a universal and inclusive approach to spiritual growth. Similarly, Radhakrishnan might highlight the importance of education and critical thinking in distinguishing between true knowledge and ignorance, thereby fostering a more enlightened and compassionate society. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, serves as a reminder of the importance of pursuing knowledge, self-discipline, and universal values.