Na kavItvaṃ na cāritraṃ na śīlaṃ vīryaṃ na jātIḥ । Nirdhūtena sphullikā hi kanthena upakāro bhavet ॥ 253
“Poetic skill, good character, good family and valour are of no use if a person does not render help to others.”
Structure
Na kavItvaṃ na cāritraṃ na śīlaṃ vīryaṃ na jātIḥ Nirdhūtena sphullikā hi kanthena upakāro bhavet
Na (not) kavItvaṃ (poetic skill) na (nor) cāritraṃ (good character) na (nor) śīlaṃ (good nature) vīryaṃ (great strength) na (nor) jātIḥ (high birth) hi (indeed) Nirdhūtena (by one who has shaken off) sphullikā (a lowly person) kanthena (with a patched garment) upakāro (benefit) bhavet (can be done)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Na | Na | indeclinable | — | not |
| kavItvaṃ | kavītvaṃ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | poetic skill |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| cāritraṃ | cāritraṃ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | good character |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| śīlaṃ | śīlaṃ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | good nature |
| vīryaṃ | vīryaṃ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | courage |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| jātIḥ | jātīḥ | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | birth |
| Nirdhūtena | nirdhūtena | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by one who has been cleansed |
| sphullikā | sphullikā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | a spot or mark |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for |
| kanthena | kaṇṭhena | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with the neck |
| upakāro | upakāro | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | benefit |
| bhavet | bhavet | verb | √bhū · optative · third | may be |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the principle that true self-realization is not about external attributes such as poetic skill, character, family, or valour, but about recognizing one's true nature, which is the non-dual Brahman. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentaries on the Upaniṣads, emphasizes the importance of understanding the ultimate reality that transcends all duality. In this context, the verse suggests that unless one is willing to assist others, their realization of the Ātman-Brahman identity remains incomplete, as it is through selfless service that one experiences the unified consciousness. This echoes Śaṅkara's concept of 'lokasaṃgraha' or the welfare of the world, where the pursuit of knowledge must be coupled with the service to humanity to truly grasp the non-dual nature of existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse highlights the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord), emphasizing that the true fulfillment of one's duties and the cultivation of virtues such as compassion and service to others are essential for a meaningful relationship with the divine. Rāmānujācārya, for instance, would interpret this verse as underscoring the importance of 'prapatti' or self-surrender to the Lord, where one recognizes their total dependence on Īśvara and engages in actions that please Him, including the service to all beings as a manifestation of His divine presence. This service is seen as a means to purify the self and prepare it for the direct experience of the divine grace.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life, and this verse resonates with his advocacy for selfless service as a path to spiritual growth and social improvement. He would likely view this verse as a call to action, reminding us that true strength and character are not measured by personal achievements or status, but by the positive impact one has on the lives of others. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, underscores the universal relevance of the Vedāntic message, including the importance of compassion and service. He might interpret this verse as a reminder that our individual identities and societal roles are secondary to our fundamental human obligation to contribute to the common good and support each other in our shared human journey.