Na hi duṣṭena dṛṣṭaṁ kim api dṛṣṭena paśyati . Dṛṣṭena dṛṣṭaṁ śiṣyeṇa kas tv iha na dṛṣṭavān ॥ २८२
“Surely the corrupt cannot see anything; whom can the blind see? And who among us has not seen what a pupil sees once taught?”
Structure
Na hi duṣṭena dṛṣṭam kim api dṛṣṭena paśyati Dṛṣṭena dṛṣṭam śiṣyeṇa kas tv iha na dṛṣṭavān
Na hi duṣṭena (by the wicked one) dṛṣṭam (seen) kim api (anything) dṛṣṭena (by the seer) paśyati (sees) Dṛṣṭena (by the seer) dṛṣṭam (seen) śiṣyeṇa (by the disciple) kas (who) tv (indeed) iha (here) na dṛṣṭavān (has not seen)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Na | Na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | Hi | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| duṣṭena | Duṣṭena | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by the wicked one |
| dṛṣṭam | Dṛṣṭam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | anything seen |
| kim | Kim | indeclinable | — | anything |
| api | Api | indeclinable | — | also |
| dṛṣṭena | Dṛṣṭena | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by one who has seen |
| paśyati | Paśyati | verb | √paś · present · third | sees |
| Dṛṣṭena | Dṛṣṭena | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by one who has seen |
| dṛṣṭam | Dṛṣṭam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | what has been seen |
| śiṣyeṇa | Śiṣyeṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by the disciple |
| kas | Kaḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | who |
| tv | Tv | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| iha | Iha | indeclinable | — | here |
| na | Na | indeclinable | — | not |
| dṛṣṭavān | Dṛṣṭavān | verb | √dṛś · past · third | has seen |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality by highlighting the limitations of perception when influenced by corruption or ignorance. According to Shankara, the corrupt or 'duṣṭena' cannot truly see, implying a state of spiritual blindness. The phrase 'dṛṣṭena dṛṣṭam' suggests that what is seen by the seer (the Self) is itself the seen (the world), pointing to the identity of the brahman-ātman. This interpretation aligns with Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasūtra, where he argues that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is the essence of all existence. The verse thus supports the Advaita Vedānta view that the distinctions between the subject and object are illusory, and that true understanding comes from recognizing the non-dual nature of reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as emphasizing the importance of devotion and the role of the guru in spiritual growth. Rāmānujācārya would likely interpret 'dṛṣṭena dṛṣṭam' as the vision of the liberated soul, which sees the world as a manifestation of Īśvara (the Lord). The corrupt or ignorant individual cannot see this reality, while the devotee, guided by the guru, comes to understand the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference between the Lord and the devotee, might see this verse as highlighting the need for devotion to overcome spiritual blindness and understand the distinction between the Self and the world, ultimately leading to a deeper devotion to Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, from a modern perspective, emphasizes the importance of purity of heart and the role of education in overcoming ignorance. Swami Vivekānanda might interpret 'dṛṣṭena dṛṣṭam' as the realization that comes from direct experience and understanding, which is accessible to all who approach knowledge with an open and pure heart. He would likely connect this verse to his teachings on the universal principles of Vedānta, emphasizing that true knowledge and vision are not limited by individual corruption or societal ignorance but are available to anyone who seeks them sincerely. S. Radhakrishnan, focusing on the practical application, might see this verse as urging individuals to seek knowledge and understanding through self-reflection and the guidance of wise teachers, leading to a more enlightened and compassionate society.