na hi duṣṭopi kastvaḥ pratibimbati yanna prakāśeti gaganam api gūḍham ।
“For even the wicked do not leave an impression on the sky which does not shine forth and is hidden.”
Structure
na hi duṣṭo api kaḥ stvaḥ pratibimbati yanna prakāśeti gaganam api gūḍham
na hi (not indeed) duṣṭo (evil) api (even) kaḥ (who) stvaḥ (are you) yanna (that does not) pratibimbati (reflect) gaganam (sky) api (even) gūḍham (hidden) prakāśeti (shines)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| duṣṭo | duṣṭo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | evil, wicked one |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also, even |
| kaḥ | kaḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | who, what |
| stvaḥ | stvaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | you are, this is (archaic) |
| pratibimbati | pratibimbati | verb | √bimb · present · third | reflects, shines |
| yanna | yanna | indeclinable | — | which not |
| prakāśeti | prakāśeti | verb | √kāś · present · third | shines, becomes manifest |
| gaganam | gaganam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | sky, heaven |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also, even |
| gūḍham | gūḍham | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | hidden, obscure |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'na hi duṣṭopi kastvaḥ pratibimbati yanna prakāśeti gaganam api gūḍham,' underscores the non-dual nature of reality, where the ultimate truth, Brahman, remains untouched by the dualities of the mundane world. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras, particularly in the introduction to the fourth chapter, emphasizes that the Self (Ātman) is not affected by the actions of the individual, just as the sky remains unchanged despite the fleeting appearances of clouds. This verse points to the identity of Brahman and Ātman, suggesting that just as the sky's true nature is not altered by external phenomena, the true Self remains unblemished by the actions, good or bad, of the individual. This non-dual reading encourages the seeker to look beyond the ephemeral and seek the eternal, unchanging truth within.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as highlighting the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya might interpret the 'gaganam' (sky) as a metaphor for the Lord, who remains unaffected by the actions of the jīvas, whether they be good or bad. The 'prakāśeti' (shining forth) could imply the Lord's grace, which illuminates the path for the jīva. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference between the Lord and the individual souls, might see this verse as underscoring the idea that while the jīvas may be tainted by their actions, the Lord remains pure and untouched. This devotional reading invites the devotee to seek refuge in the Lord, recognizing the inherent purity and grace that emanates from the divine, guiding the individual towards a path of righteousness and liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound message for contemporary life, emphasizing the importance of inner resilience and detachment. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on Practical Vedānta, often spoke about the need to cultivate a sense of inner peace and calm, untouched by the turmoil of the external world. He might interpret the 'gūḍham' (hidden) sky as symbolizing the depths of one's own consciousness, which remain untouched by the external world. S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, highlighted the universal applicability of Vedāntic principles, suggesting that this verse encourages individuals to look beyond the superficial and to seek the deeper, unchanging reality within themselves. This modern reading invites individuals to embrace a holistic approach to life, recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of cultivating inner strength, compassion, and wisdom in navigating the challenges of contemporary life.