Na hi duḥkhātprāptaṁ sukhaṁ vidyādviparı̄tataḥ . Na ca dṛṣṭādṛṣṭaṁ phalaṁ kadāpi na vidyate ॥
“Because happiness never results from misery; on the contrary, misfortune results. There is no visible or invisible fruit which does not exist.”
Structure
Na hi duḥkhāt prāptaṁ sukhaṁ vidyāt viparı̄tataḥ Na ca dṛṣṭa adṛṣṭaṁ phalaṁ kadāpi na vidyate
duḥkhāt (from suffering) hi (certainly) prāptaṁ (obtained) sukhaṁ (happiness) na vidyāt (not exists) viparı̄tataḥ (otherwise) ca (and) dṛṣṭa (seen) adṛṣṭaṁ (unseen) phalaṁ (result) kadāpi (at any time) na (not) vidyate (exists)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Na | Na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | Hi | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| duḥkhāt | duḥkhāt | noun | ablative · singular · neuter | from sorrow |
| prāptaṁ | prāptaṁ | verb | √prāp · past participle · third | obtained |
| sukhaṁ | sukhaṁ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | happiness |
| vidyāt | vidyāt | verb | √vid · optative · third | one should know |
| viparı̄tataḥ | viparitataḥ | indeclinable | — | otherwise, on the contrary |
| Na | Na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| dṛṣṭaṁ | dṛṣṭaṁ | verb | √dṛś · past participle · third | seen |
| adṛṣṭaṁ | adṛṣṭaṁ | verb | √dṛś · past participle · third | not seen |
| phalaṁ | phalaṁ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | fruit, result |
| kadāpi | kadāpi | indeclinable | — | ever, at any time |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| vidyate | vidyate | verb | √vid · present · third | exists |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality by highlighting the futility of seeking happiness through dualistic means. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, emphasizes that true bliss can only be achieved by realizing the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). The verse 'na hi duḥkhātprāptaṁ sukhaṁ vidyāt' suggests that happiness cannot arise from misery, indicating that the pursuit of worldly pleasures is ultimately unsatisfying. Instead, one must seek to understand the true nature of reality, which is beyond the dichotomy of pleasure and pain. This realization leads to the direct experience of Brahman, which is characterized by eternal bliss and liberation. As Shankara notes in his Upadeśasāhasrī, the understanding of non-duality is the key to transcending the limitations of the ego and achieving true freedom.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition approaches this verse from a devotional perspective, emphasizing the relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, interprets the verse as highlighting the futility of seeking happiness independently of God's grace. The phrase 'na ca dṛṣṭādṛṣṭaṁ phalaṁ kadāpi na vidyate' suggests that all fruits, whether visible or invisible, are ultimately dependent on the will of Īśvara. This understanding leads to a sense of humility and dependence on God, which is a key aspect of Vaiṣṇava devotion. Madhvācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, further emphasizes the importance of self-surrender (prapatti) as a means of achieving true happiness and liberation. By surrendering one's ego and desires to the will of God, the devotee can experience the bliss of union with the Divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has significant implications for contemporary life, as it highlights the importance of reevaluating our understanding of happiness and fulfillment. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the need to look beyond external sources of happiness and instead cultivate inner strength and resilience. The verse 'na hi duḥkhātprāptaṁ sukhaṁ vidyāt' suggests that true happiness cannot be achieved through the pursuit of fleeting pleasures, but rather through the cultivation of a deeper sense of purpose and meaning. S. Radhakrishnan, in his book 'Eastern Religions and Western Thought', further explores the universal relevance of this verse, noting that it speaks to the human condition and the quest for happiness that transcends cultural and philosophical boundaries. By applying the insights of this verse to our daily lives, we can cultivate a more nuanced understanding of happiness and fulfillment, one that is rooted in a deeper sense of connection to ourselves, others, and the world around us.