Na hi duḥkhena viyogo na ca puṇyeṇa saṅgamaḥ । Anivāyaṁ ca durjanaiḥ saha duḥkhaṁ jīvitum ॥ 252 ॥
“There is no separation from sorrow and no union with virtue; it is unavoidable to live in sorrow with wicked people.”
Structure
Na hi duḥkhena viyogo na ca puṇyeṇa saṅgamaḥ Anivāyaṁ ca durjanaiḥ saha duḥkhaṁ jīvitum
Na (not) hi (indeed) duḥkhena (with sorrow) viyogo (separation) na (not) ca (and) puṇyeṇa (with virtue) saṅgamaḥ (union)Anivāyaṁ (it is inevitable) ca (and) durjanaiḥ (with wicked people) saha (together) duḥkhaṁ (sorrow) jīvitum (to live)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| duḥkhena | duḥkhena | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | with suffering |
| viyogo | viyogo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | separation |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| puṇyeṇa | puṇyeṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | with merit |
| saṅgamaḥ | saṅgamaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | union |
| Anivāyaṁ | anivāyaṁ | indeclinable | — | inevitably, certainly |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| durjanaiḥ | durjanaiḥ | noun | instrumental · plural · masculine | with wicked people |
| saha | saha | indeclinable | — | together with |
| duḥkhaṁ | duḥkhaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | suffering |
| jīvitum | jīvitum | verb | √jīv · infinitive · third | to live |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, where the distinctions between sorrow and virtue, as well as the separation between the individual self (jīva) and the ultimate reality (Brahman), are transcended. According to Shankara, the concept of duḥkha (sorrow) arises from the illusion of duality, where the individual mistakenly identifies with the ephemeral and fluctuating world of phenomena. The phrase 'na hi duḥkhena viyogo' suggests that sorrow is not something that can be separated from, as it is an inherent aspect of the conditioned existence. Similarly, 'na ca puṇyeṇa saṅgamaḥ' indicates that virtue, or the adherence to ethical and moral principles, does not guarantee union with the ultimate reality. Ultimately, the verse points to the identity of Brahman and ātman, where the individual self, upon realizing its true nature, transcends the limitations of the conditioned world and attains liberation. As Shankara notes in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, the realization of this non-dual reality is the key to overcoming the cycle of suffering.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as emphasizing the importance of devotion (bhakti) and the relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). According to Rāmānujācārya, the phrase 'anivāyaṁ ca durjanaiḥ saha duḥkhaṁ jīvitum' highlights the inevitability of suffering in the company of wicked people, which serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking refuge in the Lord. The verse also underscores the notion that neither sorrow nor virtue can be the sole determinants of one's spiritual journey, but rather it is the Lord's grace that ultimately liberates the individual. Madhvācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the role of the Lord's grace in overcoming the limitations of the conditioned world and attaining liberation. The verse, in this context, serves as a reminder of the importance of cultivating devotion and surrendering to the will of the Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has significant implications for modern life, where individuals are often torn between the pursuit of happiness and the avoidance of suffering. According to Swami Vivekānanda, the verse highlights the futility of seeking external sources of happiness or trying to escape from suffering, as both are inherent aspects of the human condition. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of cultivating inner strength, resilience, and detachment, which enables individuals to navigate the challenges of life with equanimity. S. Radhakrishnan, in his writings, notes that the verse underscores the importance of living in the present moment, where individuals can transcend the limitations of the past and the anxieties of the future. The phrase 'anivāyaṁ ca durjanaiḥ saha duḥkhaṁ jīvitum' serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, empathy, and understanding in our interactions with others, even in the face of adversity. By embracing this verse, individuals can cultivate a deeper sense of inner peace, wisdom, and fulfillment in their lives.