na hi duṣṭe cāru mukhaṃ na tilaṃ mukhe na tilākṣīṃ kvacit ।
“The face is not beautiful with a mole; nor does a mole make the face beautiful; and tilākṣī is never found.”
Structure
na hi duṣṭe cāru mukhaṃ na tilaṃ mukhe na tilākṣīṃ kvacit
na (not) hi (indeed) duṣṭe (in the wicked) cāru (beautiful) mukhaṃ (face) na (not) tilaṃ (mole) mukhe (on the face) na (not) tilākṣīṃ (one having a mole on her face) kvacit (ever)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| duṣṭe | duṣṭe | noun | locative · singular · feminine | in a wicked or corrupt one |
| cāru | cāru | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | beauty, lovely one |
| mukhaṃ | mukhaṃ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | face |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tilaṃ | tilaṃ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | sesame seed |
| mukhe | mukhe | noun | locative · singular · neuter | on the face |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tilākṣīṃ | tilākṣīṃ | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | one with a tilaka on her eyes |
| kvacit | kvacit | indeclinable | — | ever, at any time |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the essence of non-duality by highlighting the impermanence and unreal nature of physical attributes. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras emphasizes that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond all physical characteristics. In the context of this verse, the beauty or ugliness attributed to a mole or the face is illusory, as these are transient and dependent on the observer's perspective. The assertion that 'tilākṣī is never found' can be seen as a metaphor for the unattainability of true beauty or reality through physical means. This aligns with Shankara's reasoning that the Ātman, or the individual self, is ultimately one with Brahman, and that all distinctions, including those of beauty and ugliness, are manifestations of Maya, or illusion. Thus, the pursuit of beauty or the avoidance of ugliness is a distraction from the true quest for self-realization and the understanding of the non-dual nature of existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a devotional perspective, this verse can be seen as an allegory for the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The face, with or without a mole, represents the jīva, while the concept of beauty or the lack thereof symbolizes the jīva's inherent qualities or flaws. The Vaiṣṇava tradition, as expounded by Rāmānujācārya, emphasizes the importance of bhakti, or devotion, in bridging the gap between the jīva and Īśvara. The statement 'The face is not beautiful with a mole' may suggest that even the jīva's positive attributes are insignificant without devotion to the Lord. Furthermore, 'nor does a mole make the face beautiful' could imply that even flaws can be transcended through devotion, as the Lord's love is not conditioned by the jīva's qualities. The absence of tilākṣī signifies the rarity of true devotion, highlighting the need for self-surrender and grace.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound lesson in the universality and timelessness of spiritual principles. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures on practical Vedanta, often emphasized the importance of looking beyond the physical and superficial. The mole, or any physical feature, is mere appearance and does not define the true essence of an individual. Vivekananda would likely interpret this verse as a call to recognize and embrace the inner beauty and potential that resides within every being, unaffected by external attributes. The idea that 'tilākṣī is never found' can be seen as a reminder that true beauty, wisdom, or enlightenment is not something external that can be acquired but is instead an intrinsic part of one's being, waiting to be realized. This verse resonates with contemporary life, encouraging individuals to move beyond judgments based on appearance and to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of themselves and others, fostering a more compassionate and inclusive society.