na hi duḥkhena viyogo na sukhena viyogaḥ . samānaḥ sarvadā jīvituṃ yukto vipulaprāṇaḥ ॥
“A person with abundant life force is always fit to live, unaffected by separation through either sorrow or happiness.”
Structure
na hi - duḥkhena - viyogo - na - sukhena - viyogaḥ - samānaḥ - sarvadā - jīvituṃ - yukto - vipula - prāṇaḥ
vipulaḥ (great) prāṇaḥ (soul) na hi (not indeed) duḥkhena (with sorrow) viyogo (separation) na (nor) sukhena (with happiness) viyogaḥ (separation) samānaḥ (equally disposed) sarvadā (always) jīvituṃ (to live) yukto (fit)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| duḥkhena | duḥkhena | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with suffering |
| viyogo | viyogo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | separation |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| sukhena | sukhena | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with happiness |
| viyogaḥ | viyogaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | separation |
| samānaḥ | samānaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | equal, same |
| sarvadā | sarvadā | indeclinable | — | always |
| jīvituṃ | jīvituṃ | verb | √jīv · liṅ-optative · third | to live |
| yukto | yukto | verb | √yuj · past · third | endowed, fit |
| vipula | vipula | adjective | — | great, abundant |
| prāṇaḥ | prāṇaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | life, breath |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, emphasizing the ātman's inherent capability to transcend ephemeral experiences of sorrow and happiness. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras highlights the notion that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is untouched by the vicissitudes of life, implying a similar impassiveness for the ātman when realized in its true nature. The phrase 'samānaḥ sarvadā jīvituṃ yukto' suggests an equanimity that is not disturbed by external factors, pointing towards the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the universal self (Brahman), where such distinctions as sorrow and happiness lose their potency. This understanding aligns with Shankara's reasoning in his exposition of the Mahāvākya, 'Tat tvam asi,' where the ultimate goal is to realize this non-dual identity, thereby achieving a state of being that is beyond the reach of transient emotional states.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse can be interpreted within the Vaiṣṇava tradition as emphasizing the dependency of the jīva (individual soul) on Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, discusses the concept of 'aprathakṣiddhi,' or the natural, inherent realization that comes from understanding the true nature of the self and its relationship with the divine. The ability to live unaffected by sorrow or happiness ('na hi duḥkhena viyogo na sukhena viyogaḥ') suggests a state of devotion where the jīva, recognizing its inherent limitations and the grace of Īśvara, achieves a profound sense of peace and unity with the divine. Madhvācārya, in his Dvaita philosophy, might see this verse as underscoring the difference between the jīva and Īśvara, yet both would agree on the importance of bhakti in achieving a life that is not swayed by worldly experiences.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the practical applications of Vedānta, often emphasized the universal message of strength and resilience found in ancient Indian texts. This verse, with its theme of living beyond the influence of sorrow and happiness, resonates deeply with his call for individuals to rise above petty disturbances and to realize their inner strength and potential. In his speech 'The Powers of the Mind,' Vivekānanda discusses the human capacity for self-control and the achievement of a higher state of consciousness, unswayed by external events, echoing the sentiment of 'samānaḥ sarvadā jīvituṃ yukto.' Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, highlights the relevance of Vedāntic principles to modern life, suggesting that such verses offer a path to inner peace and balance, essential for navigating the complexities of contemporary existence.