na hi duḥkhena viyogo na ca mohād viyogaḥ . viyogamāhātmyam evedaṁ, yatprāṇād api viyujyate
“Separation from a loved one is not due to sorrow, nor due to delusion; it is the greatness of separation that even the life (force) is separated.”
Structure
na hi duḥkhena viyogo na ca mohāt viyogaḥ viyogamāhātmyam eva idam yat prāṇāt api viyujyate
na hi (not indeed) duḥkhena (by sorrow) viyogo (separation) na (not) ca (and) mohāt (from attachment) viyogaḥ (separation) eva (only) idam (this) viyogamāhātmyam (greatness of separation) yat (which) prāṇāt (from life) api (even) viyujyate (is separated)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| duḥkhena | duḥkhena | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with sorrow |
| viyogo | viyogo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | separation |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| mohāt | mohāt | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from delusion |
| viyogaḥ | viyogaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | separation |
| viyogamāhātmyam | viyogamāhātmyam | compound | karmadhāraya · "viyogasya māhātmyam" | the greatness of separation |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | only, indeed |
| idam | idam | pronoun | nominative · neuter · neuter | this |
| yat | yat | pronoun | nominative · neuter · neuter | which, that |
| prāṇāt | prāṇāt | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from life |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also, even |
| viyujyate | viyujyate | verb | √viyuj · present passive · third | is separated |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality by asserting that separation is not a result of sorrow or delusion, but an inherent aspect of the ultimate reality. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinction between the absolute (Brahman) and the relative (jiva). In this context, the verse suggests that even the life force (prana) is subject to separation, indicating that the ultimate reality transcends all limitations, including those imposed by individual existence. This interpretation aligns with Shankara's notion of 'maya' as the illusory appearance of separation, which veils the true non-dual nature of Brahman. By recognizing the greatness of separation, the seeker is drawn towards the realization of the Brahman-ātman identity, where all distinctions, including that of separation, dissolve.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a devotional perspective, this verse highlights the intense longing that arises from separation from the beloved, in this case, the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Ramanuja's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the concept of 'bhakti' as the means to overcome the anguish of separation. The verse's statement that separation is not due to sorrow or delusion, but due to the greatness of separation itself, suggests that this longing is, in fact, a transformative force that draws the devotee closer to the Lord. Madhva, on the other hand, might interpret the 'greatness of separation' as a manifestation of the Lord's sovereignty, where even the life force is subject to His will. This understanding underscores the dependence of the jiva on Īśvara and the inevitable separation that results from the jiva's limited understanding, until it surrenders to the Lord's grace.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound insight into the human condition, highlighting the universal experience of separation and loss. Vivekananda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gita, often emphasized the importance of detachment and the recognition of the transient nature of all relationships. The 'greatness of separation' can be seen as a call to re-evaluate our attachments and to seek a deeper understanding of our true nature, beyond the ephemeral experiences of pleasure and pain. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, explored the concept of 'spiritual pilgrimage,' where the individual, faced with the inevitability of separation, embarks on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately leading to the realization of the universal and eternal essence that underlies all existence. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, invites us to embrace the transformative power of separation, using it as a catalyst for personal growth, spiritual exploration, and the cultivation of a deeper sense of inner peace and resilience.