na hi duḥkhena viyogo na ca mohād virahaḥ kṛtaḥ . atha sattvena yujyante yathā pūrvam atho purā .
“For there is no separation caused by sorrow, nor any disunion due to delusion; (the relations) are connected by (natural) affinity just as before, even as formerly.”
Structure
na hi duḥkhena viyogo na ca mohāt virahaḥ kṛtaḥ atha sattvena yujyante yathā pūrvam atho purā
na hi (no, not) duḥkhena (by suffering) viyogo (separation) na (not) ca (and) mohāt (from delusion) virahaḥ (separation) kṛtaḥ (is made) atha (then) sattvena (with Being/Existence) yujyante (they are united) yathā (as) pūrvam (before) atho (then) purā (formerly)
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 sorrow |
| viyogo | viyogo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | separation |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| mohāt | mohāt | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from infatuation |
| virahaḥ | virahaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | separation |
| kṛtaḥ | kṛtaḥ | verb | √kṛ · past · third | was made |
| atha | atha | indeclinable | — | then, now |
| sattvena | sattvena | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | with goodness |
| yujyante | yujyante | verb | √yuj · present · third | they are united |
| yathā | yathā | indeclinable | — | as |
| pūrvam | pūrvam | indeclinable | — | formerly |
| atho | atho | indeclinable | — | then, again |
| purā | purā | indeclinable | — | formerly |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual reality, pointing to the ultimate identity of Brahman and Ātman. Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on the Brahmasūtra (2.1.14) highlights that the distinctions caused by sorrow and delusion are mere superimpositions on the absolute reality. The phrase 'na hi duḥkhena viyogo' signifies that sorrow does not create a separation in the ultimate sense, as it is a product of ignorance (avidyā). The natural affinity (sattvena) that connects beings suggests an intrinsic unity, reflecting the indivisible nature of Brahman. This reading aligns with Śaṅkarācārya's emphasis on the illusory nature of the world (māyā) and the liberating knowledge of non-duality (jñāna). By affirming that relations are connected by natural affinity 'just as before, even as formerly,' the verse hints at the timelessness and changelessness of the ultimate reality, which is the core of Advaita Vedānta's philosophical stance.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, particularly through the lens of Rāmānujācārya's Viśiṣṭādvaita, this verse can be seen as affirming the eternal relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The statement 'na hi duḥkhena viyogo' can be interpreted as indicating that even in times of sorrow or suffering, the fundamental connection between the jīva and Īśvara remains unbroken. The 'virodha' or seeming separation caused by 'mohāt' (delusion) is transient and does not affect the inherent, loving relationship between the devotee and the Lord. Rāmānujācārya's emphasis on the inseparability of the jīva from Brahman, with the jīva being the body of Brahman, supports the idea that the natural affinity (sattvena) reconnects beings in a manner that reflects their original, unbroken relationship with the Divine. This understanding underscores the Vaiṣṇava focus on bhakti (devotion) as a means to realize and deepen this eternal connection.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. This verse, with its message of an intrinsic, natural affinity connecting all beings, resonates with Vivekānanda's call for unity and solidarity among all people. The statement 'atha sattvena yujyante' suggests that, beyond the superficial divisions caused by sorrow or delusion, there exists a deeper, universal bond. Vivekānanda, in his speech at the World's Parliament of Religions, advocated for recognizing and embracing this fundamental unity of all existence. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, highlighted the importance of realizing this unity as a foundation for a more compassionate and just society. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, serves as a reminder of our shared humanity and the need to transcend the boundaries that separate us, fostering a global community based on mutual respect, understanding, and the acknowledgment of our interconnectedness.