na hi duḥkhāt prāptam prāpya naśyati .
“Sorrow does not perish even after having been obtained.”
Structure
na hi duḥkhāt prāptam prāpya naśyati
duḥkhāt (from suffering) prāptam (obtained) na hi (not indeed) prāpya (having obtained) naśyati (perishes)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| duḥkhāt | duḥkhāt | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from sorrow |
| prāptam | prāptam | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | what has been obtained |
| prāpya | prāpya | indeclinable | — | having obtained |
| naśyati | naśyati | verb | √naś · laṭ-present · third | perishes |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse 'na hi duḥkhāt prāptam prāpya naśyati' underscores the non-dual perspective of Advaita Vedānta, suggesting that sorrow, once arisen, does not dissipate merely by attainment or possession. According to Shankara, the ultimate reality, Brahman, is untouched by the vicissitudes of human experience, including sorrow. This verse, in Shankara's view, points to the limitations of empirical experience and the transient nature of worldly joys and sorrows, emphasizing the need to seek the timeless, unchanging essence of Brahman-ātman. In his commentary on the Brahmasutra, Shankara explains that the realization of this verse leads the seeker to understand the distinction between the ephemeral world of phenomena and the eternal, unchanging Self, thereby guiding one towards the path of self-inquiry and liberation.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse highlights the inherent sorrow and dissatisfaction that pervades human existence, prompting the devotee to seek solace in the divine. Rāmānujācārya would interpret 'na hi duḥkhāt prāptam prāpya naśyati' as an affirmation of the futility of worldly pursuits in dispelling sorrow, underscoring the need for devotion to a personal deity, such as Vishnu, to find true peace. This verse, for Rāmānuja, emphasizes the dependence of the jīva (individual self) on Īśvara (the Lord) for liberation from the cycle of sorrow, pointing to the path of bhakti or devotion as the means to transcend worldly suffering and achieve union with the divine. By citing the example of the Gītā, where Krishna advises Arjuna to perform actions without attachment, Rāmānuja would illustrate the importance of cultivating a devotional attitude towards God to overcome sorrow.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, key figures of Neo-Vedānta, interpret 'na hi duḥkhāt prāptam prāpya naśyati' in a universal and practical light, relating it to the human condition in contemporary society. Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the importance of inner strength and the development of the individual's higher self to overcome the pervasive influence of sorrow. Radhakrishnan, drawing on both Eastern and Western philosophical traditions, would view this verse as a call to recognize the limitations of material attainment in satisfying human aspirations, pointing towards the cultivation of a deeper, spiritual dimension in life. By applying this verse to modern existential concerns, such as the search for meaning and fulfillment, Neo-Vedānta scholars advocate for a balanced approach that integrates spiritual values with practical living, aiming to transcend sorrow through self-awareness, compassion, and service to humanity.