na hi duḥkhena vinnirviṇṇaḥ kañcana kadaacana
“No one is ever completely disheartened by sorrow.”
Structure
na hi duḥkhena nirviṇṇaḥ kañcana kadaacana
duḥkhena (with sorrow) na (not) hi (indeed) nirviṇṇaḥ (has become dispassionate) kañcana (anyone) kadaacana (at any time)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| duḥkhena | duḥkhena | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | with sorrow |
| nirviṇṇaḥ | nirviṇṇaḥ | verb | √viṇ · past participle · third | has been deterred or disheartened |
| kañcana | kañcana | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | anyone |
| kadaacana | kadaacana | indeclinable | — | ever, at any time |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'na hi duḥkhena vinnirviṇṇaḥ kañcana kadaacana', underscores the non-dual nature of reality by hinting at the impermanence and transient nature of sorrow. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, emphasizes the distinction between the Self (Ātman) and the non-Self (anātman), suggesting that sorrow, being a product of the mind, cannot affect the true, unchanging Self. This verse points to the Brahman-Ātman identity, implying that just as no one is ever completely disheartened by sorrow, the Ātman remains untouched by the ephemeral experiences of the world. This understanding is crucial in the pursuit of self-realization, as it directs the seeker to look beyond the fleeting nature of worldly experiences and delve into the permanent, unchanging essence of the Self.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse in the context of the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, highlights the concept of prapatti, or surrender, where the jīva, recognizing its inherent limitation and the omnipotence of Īśvara, seeks refuge in the Lord. This verse suggests that even in the midst of sorrow, there is an innate awareness that one is not completely overcome, implying an inner resilience that can be traced back to the jīva's innate connection with Īśvara. Madhvācārya, meanwhile, would likely emphasize the dualistic aspect, where the jīva, though distinct from Īśvara, finds solace and strength in devotion, underscoring that sorrow, while real, does not define the jīva's fundamental existence or its potential for liberation through bhakti.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical applications of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. This verse, to him, would symbolize the inherent strength and resilience of the human spirit. He might argue that the statement 'no one is ever completely disheartened by sorrow' reflects the universal potential for self-overcoming and transformation. Vivekānanda believed in the power of positive thinking and the importance of recognizing one's true nature, which is beyond the reach of sorrow or external circumstances. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, sought to reconcile Vedāntic thought with contemporary life, suggesting that such verses offer insights into human psychology and the quest for meaning and fulfillment. This verse, in the context of modern life, reminds us of the importance of hope, perseverance, and the quest for a deeper, more profound understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.