na hi duḥkhena cintayā sahasā yujyate kavit. sa ca naḥ sattvamāhatya yaśaḥ.
“For one does not associate with grief and intense thought; it indeed brings us good character and fame.”
Structure
na hi duḥkhena cintayā sahasā yujyate kavit sa ca naḥ sattvam āhatya yaśaḥ
na hi (not indeed) duḥkhena (with sorrow) cintayā (with thought) sahasā (with rashness) kavit (is joined) yujyate (it is joined) saḥ (that) ca (and) naḥ (our) sattvam (fortitude) āhatya (having destroyed) yaśaḥ (glory)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| duḥkhena | duḥkhena | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | with sorrow |
| cintayā | cintayā | noun | instrumental · singular · feminine | with thought |
| sahasā | sahasā | indeclinable | — | out of cowardice or weakness |
| yujyate | yujyate | verb | √yuj · present passive · third | is joined or associated |
| kavit | kavit | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | poet |
| sa | sa | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| naḥ | naḥ | pronoun | dative · plural · masculine | to us |
| sattvam | sattvam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | goodness, courage |
| āhatya | āhatya | verb | √han · gerund | having slain or overcome |
| yaśaḥ | yaśaḥ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | fame |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse highlights the importance of introspection and the futility of external distractions in the pursuit of true knowledge. Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasutras emphasizes the need to look beyond fleeting worldly pleasures and pains, which is echoed in this verse. The phrase 'na hi duḥkhena cintayā sahasā yujyate' suggests that one should not be swayed by grief or intense thought, as these are obstacles to realizing the true nature of the Self. By transcending these limitations, one can attain a state of inner peace and understanding, which is the ultimate goal of Advaita Vedanta. This verse points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately one with the universal reality (brahman). Shankara's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, emphasizes the importance of self-inquiry and the rejection of false identifications with the body and mind, in order to realize this fundamental unity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): This verse can be seen as an expression of the devotee's longing for a deeper connection with the divine. Ramanuja's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of self-surrender and devotion to the Lord, which is reflected in the phrase 'sa ca naḥ sattvamāhatya yaśaḥ'. The verse suggests that by embracing grief and intense thought, rather than trying to avoid them, one can develop a stronger sense of character and ultimately attain a good reputation, not for personal gain, but as a natural consequence of one's devotion. This reading is in line with Ramanuja's concept of 'prapatti', or self-surrender, where the devotee offers their entire being to the Lord, including their thoughts, feelings, and actions. By doing so, the devotee can experience a deeper sense of inner peace and connection with the divine, which is the ultimate goal of the Vaiṣṇava tradition.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): This verse has a profound relevance to modern life, where individuals are often overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. Vivekananda's lectures on the practical applications of Vedanta emphasize the importance of developing a strong and resilient character, which is reflected in the phrase 'sattvamāhatya yaśaḥ'. The verse suggests that by facing our challenges and difficulties head-on, rather than trying to avoid them, we can develop a deeper sense of inner strength and purpose. This is in line with Vivekananda's concept of 'ātman-vikāsa', or self-unfoldment, where the individual realizes their full potential by embracing their challenges and limitations. By applying the principles of this verse to our daily lives, we can cultivate a sense of courage, resilience, and determination, which is essential for achieving success and fulfillment in all areas of life. As Vivekananda noted in his speech 'The Powers of the Mind', 'the greatest sin is to think that you are weak' - this verse offers a powerful antidote to that weakness, by encouraging us to face our fears and limitations, and to emerge stronger and more radiant as a result.