na hi duḥkhāt prāptum arhati sukhaṃ sukhād api । duḥkham evedaṃ aśrutipraśamāt sukhasyā ।
“One does not obtain happiness from sorrow, nor even from happiness; indeed, this (life) is sorrow, mitigated only by the knowledge of (ancient) lore.”
Structure
na hi duḥkhāt prāptum arhati sukhaṃ sukhād api duḥkham eva idam aśruti praśamāt sukhasyā
na (not) hi (indeed) duḥkhāt (from suffering) sukhaṃ (happiness) prāptum (to obtain) arhati (ought to) sukhād (from happiness) api (even),duḥkham (suffering) eva (only) idam (this) aśruti (unheard) praśamāt (cessation) sukhasyā (of happiness)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| duḥkhāt | duḥkhāt | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from suffering |
| prāptum | prāptum | verb | √prāp · infinitive | to obtain |
| arhati | arhati | verb | √arh · present · third | is worthy of, deserves |
| sukhaṃ | sukhaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | happiness |
| sukhād | sukhād | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from happiness |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also |
| duḥkham | duḥkham | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | suffering |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| idaṃ | idaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | this |
| aśruti | aśruti | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | Veda, scripture |
| praśamāt | praśamāt | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from the pacification |
| sukhasyā | sukhasyā | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | of happiness |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse points to the non-dual nature of reality, where the distinctions between happiness and sorrow are ultimately illusory. As Shankara notes in his commentary on the Brahmasutras, the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond all dualities, including those of pleasure and pain. The verse's assertion that one does not obtain happiness from sorrow, nor even from happiness, underscores the impermanence and unreliability of worldly experiences. The mention of 'knowledge of ancient lore' as a means to mitigate sorrow alludes to the pursuit of self-knowledge, which alone can reveal the true nature of the Self, unencumbered by the fluctuations of the empirical world. In this sense, the verse supports the Advaita doctrine of Brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self is ultimately one with the absolute reality, and all suffering arises from ignorance of this fundamental unity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse highlights the inherent suffering of the worldly condition and the need for spiritual redemption through devotion to a personal deity. Ramanuja, in his Sri Bhashya, emphasizes the role of divine grace in alleviating human suffering, suggesting that true happiness can only be achieved through a loving relationship with God. The phrase 'knowledge of ancient lore' can be seen as a reference to the scriptural traditions that guide the devotee towards this relationship. The verse's emphasis on the futility of seeking happiness through worldly means resonates with the Vaishnava concept of 'nishkama karma' or desireless action, where one's actions are dedicated to the service of the Lord, rather than personal gain. This perspective underscores the dependence of the jiva (individual self) on Ishvara (the Lord) for ultimate liberation from suffering.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound message for contemporary life, emphasizing the fleeting nature of worldly happiness and the importance of spiritual seeking. As Vivekananda noted in his lectures, true strength lies not in the absence of challenges, but in the ability to face them with equanimity, grounded in a deeper understanding of the self. The 'knowledge of ancient lore' can be seen as a symbol for the universal wisdom that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries, guiding us towards a more meaningful and compassionate existence. Radhakrishnan, in his writings, highlights the importance of integrating the spiritual and the mundane, recognizing that the pursuit of happiness must be grounded in a broader sense of purpose and responsibility. This verse thus encourages a reflective and introspective approach to life, acknowledging the complexities of human experience while pointing towards the possibility of a more profound and lasting fulfillment.