na hi duḥkhāt prāptam sukhaṁ vidyād viparītataḥ.
“Happiness does not arise from misery and vice versa.”
Structure
na hi duḥkhāt prāptam sukhaṁ vidyāt viparītataḥ
na (no) hi (indeed) duḥkhāt (from suffering) prāptam (obtained) sukhaṁ (happiness) vidyāt (you should know) viparītataḥ (to be opposite)
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 sorrow |
| prāptam | prāptam | verb | √prāp · past participle · third | obtained |
| sukhaṁ | sukhaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | happiness |
| vidyāt | vidyāt | verb | √vid · optative · third | one should know, consider |
| viparītataḥ | viparītataḥ | indeclinable | — | otherwise, on the contrary |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, na hi duḥkhāt prāptam sukhaṁ vidyād viparītataḥ, encapsulates the non-dual understanding of reality by implying that happiness and misery are intertwined yet fundamentally illusory. According to Śaṅkarācārya, the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond the duality of sukha (happiness) and duḥkha (misery). In his commentary on the Brahma Sūtra, Śaṅkara explains that the Ātman, or the individual self, is not affected by the fleeting experiences of pleasure and pain, which are mere projections of the mind. This verse points to the brahman-ātman identity by suggesting that true liberation lies in transcending the phenomenal world of dualities, thereby realizing one's true nature as pure consciousness, untainted by the ephemeral experiences of happiness and misery. By embracing this non-dual perspective, one can overcome the cycle of suffering and attain lasting peace.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an affirmation of the devotional path to liberation. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, comments on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizing the importance of surrendering to the divine will of Īśvara. The relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord) is one of dependence, where the jīva's experiences of happiness and misery are ultimately dependent on the will of Īśvara. This verse, na hi duḥkhāt prāptam sukhaṁ vidyād viparītataḥ, highlights the importance of accepting both happiness and misery as divine dispensations, thereby cultivating a sense of detachment and devotion to the Lord. By recognizing the interdependence of joy and sorrow, the devotee can develop a deeper understanding of the Lord's grace and mercy, ultimately leading to a state of profound peace and bliss.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, na hi duḥkhāt prāptam sukhaṁ vidyād viparītataḥ, offers a practical and universal message for contemporary life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of cultivating a balanced and detached attitude towards life's experiences. He argues that true freedom and happiness can only be achieved by transcending the narrow limitations of the ego and embracing the larger perspective of the universe. This verse suggests that our experiences of happiness and misery are intertwined, and that one cannot exist without the other. By recognizing this fundamental interdependence, we can develop a more nuanced understanding of the human condition and strive for a state of equilibrium, where we are no longer tossed about by the vicissitudes of life. As S. Rādhākrishnan notes, this verse encourages us to adopt a holistic approach to life, acknowledging the complex web of relationships between our experiences, and striving for a deeper understanding of the human condition.