na hi duḥkhena duḥkhasya nivṛttirbhavati
“For sorrow does not remove sorrow by (the mere presence of) sorrow.”
Structure
na hi duḥkheṇa duḥkhasya nivṛttir bhavati
duḥkhasya (of suffering) nivṛttiḥ (cessation) duḥkheṇa (by suffering) na hi (not indeed) bhavati (happens)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for|indeed |
| duḥkheṇa | duḥkheṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | with suffering |
| duḥkhasya | duḥkhasya | noun | genitive · singular · neuter | of suffering |
| nivṛttir | nivṛttir | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | cessation |
| bhavati | bhavati | verb | √bhū · present · third | happens|occurs |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the futility of attempting to dispel sorrow through the mere accumulation of sorrow. According to Shankara, the non-dual reality (Brahman) is beyond all duality, including the duality of sorrow and happiness. In his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, Shankara argues that the ultimate reality is untouched by human experiences, including sorrow. This verse, in emphasizing that sorrow cannot remove sorrow, points to the need for a profound understanding of the Brahman-ātman identity. By realizing one's true nature as Brahman, the individual transcends the limitations of the empirical self and achieves liberation from the cycle of sorrow. Shankara's reasoning on this verse highlights the importance of discerning the distinction between the transient, sorrow-prone world and the eternal, unchanging reality of Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): This verse is often interpreted in the Vaiṣṇava tradition as underscoring the need for devotion to a higher power in order to transcend human suffering. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of cultivating a deep sense of dependence on Īśvara (the Lord) in order to overcome the inherent limitations and sorrows of the human condition. The verse suggests that mere human effort, motivated by sorrow, is insufficient to alleviate suffering; rather, the jīva (individual self) must turn to Īśvara for liberation. In this context, the verse 'na hi duḥkhena duḥkhasya nivṛttirbhavati' serves as a reminder of the futility of self-reliance in the face of sorrow and the need for a devotional relationship with the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. Regarding this verse, he might argue that the human tendency to dwell on sorrow only perpetuates a cycle of negativity. In his lecture 'The Real Nature of Man', Vivekānanda stresses the importance of recognizing one's true nature beyond the fleeting experiences of pleasure and pain. This verse, in highlighting the futility of sorrow as a means of removing sorrow, encourages individuals to seek a more profound and enduring sense of fulfillment. By looking beyond the limited, sorrow-prone self and cultivating a sense of inner strength and resilience, individuals can break free from the cycle of suffering and achieve a more authentic, joyful existence. This universal message of hope and self-transcendence is as relevant today as it was in ancient times.