na hi duṣṭopi kastvā na mitraṁ kiṁ parasya vā . api tvameva tvāṃ hi sarve vyāvartiṣat .
“You are not indeed a wicked person; nor are you a friend; nor do you belong to anybody; all men have indeed turned away from you.”
Structure
na hi duṣṭo api kaḥ tvā na mitram kiṃ parasya vā api tvam eva tvāṃ hi sarve vyāvartiṣat
na hi (certainly not) duṣṭo (wicked) api (even) kaḥ (who) tvā (you) na (not) mitram (friend) kiṃ (what) parasya (of others) vā (or) api (also) tvam (you) eva (alone) tvāṃ (you) hi (indeed) sarve (all) vyāvartiṣat (have turned away)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| duṣṭo | duṣṭo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | wicked one |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also |
| kaḥ | kaḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | who |
| tvā | tvā | pronoun | accusative · singular · masculine | you |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| mitram | mitram | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | friend |
| kiṃ | kiṃ | indeclinable | — | or |
| parasya | parasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of others |
| vā | vā | indeclinable | — | or |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also |
| tvam | tvam | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | you |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | alone |
| tvāṃ | tvāṃ | pronoun | accusative · singular · masculine | you |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| sarve | sarve | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | all |
| vyāvartiṣat | vyāvartiṣat | verb | √vart · preterite · third | turned away |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse points to the ultimate reality of brahman-ātman identity, where the distinctions of good, bad, friend, or stranger dissolve. According to Shankara, the concept of 'duṣṭa' (wicked) and 'mitra' (friend) are merely relative terms, existing only at the level of the phenomenal world (vyavahara). The verse suggests that one who has transcended these dualities has realized the non-dual nature of reality. As Shankara notes in his Brahma Sutra Bhashya, the absolute reality (brahman) is beyond all relational categories. This verse underscores the idea that the liberated individual (jivanmukta) is beyond such worldly designations, existing in a state of unity with the ultimate reality. The phrase 'sarve vyāvartiṣat' (all men have turned away) signifies the world's inability to comprehend this state, highlighting the transcendence of the liberated individual beyond the bounds of worldly relationships.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse can be seen as a reflection of the jīva's (individual self) relationship with Īśvara (the Lord). Ramanuja would interpret the phrase 'na hi duṣṭopi kastvā' as indicating that the jīva, in its inherent nature, is not inherently wicked but is rather tainted by the influence of the worldly passions (prakṛti). The 'mitra' (friend) refers to the jīva's potential for a loving relationship with Īśvara. However, the phrase 'api tvameva tvāṃ hi sarve vyāvartiṣat' suggests that the jīva, due to its ignorance (avidyā), has turned away from its true nature and its relationship with the Lord. Madhva, on the other hand, would emphasize the concept of 'svatantra' (independence) of the Lord, suggesting that the jīva's existence is inherently dependent on Īśvara. This verse thus underscores the importance of recognizing one's true relationship with the divine and striving for a devotional connection (bhakti) to transcend worldly bondage.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound message for contemporary life, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and inner transformation. As Swami Vivekananda noted in his lectures, the distinctions of good, bad, friend, or stranger are mere 'superficialities' that obscure our true nature. The phrase 'na hi duṣṭopi kastvā' suggests that our inherent nature is not defined by external labels or relationships but is rather a reflection of our inner reality. The verse 'api tvameva tvāṃ hi sarve vyāvartiṣat' can be seen as a call to introspection, urging us to turn away from the external world and its expectations, and instead, focus on our inner growth and self-realization. Radhakrishnan, in his writings, emphasized the concept of 'spiritual democracy,' where every individual has the potential for spiritual growth and self-realization, regardless of external circumstances. This verse thus serves as a reminder of our inherent potential for transformation and the importance of cultivating a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.