Na kavitve ca doṣosti na cārdratve na pāṇḍite .
“There is no fault in poetic talent, nor in being drunk, nor in being learned.”
Structure
Na kavitve ca doṣaḥ asti na cārdratve na pāṇḍite
Na doṣaḥ asti kavitve ca na cārdratve na pāṇḍite
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Na | Na | indeclinable | — | not |
| kavitve | kavitve | noun | locative · singular · neuter | in poetry |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| doṣaḥ | doṣaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | fault |
| asti | asti | verb | √as · laṭ-present · third | is |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| cārdratve | cārdratve | noun | locative · singular · neuter | in childishness |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| pāṇḍite | pāṇḍite | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in learnedness |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, when understood in the context of non-dualism, points to the inherent perfection and faultlessness of the Self (Ātman). Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras (specifically 1.1.5) emphasizes that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond human defects and dualities. In this light, 'Na kavitve ca doṣosti na cārdratve na pāṇḍite' underscores that just as poetic talent, intoxication, and learning are transient and unrelated to the true nature of the Self, so too are all other distinctions and attributes. The verse thus encourages the seeker to transcend these ephemeral states and realize the faultless, eternal essence that is Brahman-Ātman. Shankara's reasoning on similar passages suggests that the focus should be on the absolute, unchanging reality beyond the flux of worldly experiences and qualities.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the devotional tradition, this verse can be seen as highlighting the grace of Īśvara (the Lord) that is equally bestowed upon all, regardless of their state or occupation. Ramanuja, in his interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the Lord's affection for His devotees, irrespective of their background or condition. This verse, 'Na kavitve ca doṣosti na cārdratve na pāṇḍite', suggests that spiritual growth and proximity to the divine are not contingent upon one's talents, intellectual pursuits, or even one's moral state but rather on devotion and surrender. Madhva, focusing on the dual relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara, would likely interpret this verse as an invitation to recognize the Lord's omnipresence and equal love for all souls, encouraging devotees to approach Him with humility and love, beyond the boundaries of worldly achievements or flaws.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse resonates with the universal and practical teachings of Swami Vivekananda, who emphasized the inherent potential and perfection in every individual. In his lectures on 'Practical Vedanta', Vivekananda often stressed that true strength lies not in external achievements but in the realization of one's inner divinity. The message of 'Na kavitve ca doṣosti na cārdratve na pāṇḍite' aligns with Vivekananda's call to look beyond superficial distinctions and to recognize the underlying unity and perfection in all beings. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, further developed this idea by highlighting the importance of experiencing the ultimate reality in daily life, beyond the dichotomies of human experience. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, reminds us that true fulfillment and meaning are found not in external validation or accomplishments but in the realization and expression of our authentic, inner selves.