na hi duḥkhāt prāptavyaṁ sukṛtaṁ kvāpi jāyate . duḥkhair idaṁ sukṛtaṁ niṣpādyate yatnataḥ .
“No happiness can be obtained from unhappiness, and it is only through effort and difficulties that good fortune is achieved.”
Structure
na hi duḥkhāt prāptavyaṁ sukṛtaṁ kvāpi jāyate . duḥkhair idaṁ sukṛtaṁ niṣpādyate yatnataḥ
na (no) hi (indeed) duḥkhāt (from suffering) prāptavyaṁ (to be obtained) sukṛtaṁ (good deed) kvāpi (anywhere) jāyate (is born)duḥkhair (by sufferings) idaṁ (this) sukṛtaṁ (good deed) yatnataḥ (with effort) niṣpādyate (is produced)
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 |
| prāptavyaṁ | prāptavyaṁ | verb | √prāp · futurum passivum · third | should be obtained |
| sukṛtaṁ | sukṛtaṁ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | good deed, merit |
| kvāpi | kvāpi | indeclinable | — | anywhere, ever |
| jāyate | jāyate | verb | √jan · present · third | is born, arises |
| duḥkhair | duḥkhair | noun | instrumental · plural · masculine | with sufferings |
| idaṁ | idaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | this |
| sukṛtaṁ | sukṛtaṁ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | good deed, merit |
| niṣpādyate | niṣpādyate | verb | √pāday · present · third | is produced, is made |
| yatnataḥ | yatnataḥ | indeclinable | — | with effort |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, where the ultimate goal is to realize the identity of Brahman and Ātman. According to Shankara, the sufferings and difficulties mentioned in the verse are a result of ignorance (avidyā) of one's true nature. The effort and difficulties (duḥkhair) referred to in the verse are a means to remove this ignorance and attain knowledge of the Self (Brahman). In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Shankara explains that detachment from worldly pleasures and endurance of difficulties are essential for spiritual growth. This verse points to the idea that true happiness and good fortune can only be achieved by realizing one's true nature, which is untouched by worldly dualities. The notion that 'no happiness can be obtained from unhappiness' suggests that one must look beyond the fleeting experiences of the world and seek the eternal bliss of Brahman. By emphasizing the importance of effort and difficulties, the verse highlights the need for spiritual discipline and self-inquiry in achieving this realization.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as emphasizing the importance of devotion and self-surrender to the Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya would interpret the 'duḥkhair' (difficulties) as the trials and challenges that a devotee faces on the path to realizing their true nature as a servant of the Lord. The 'sukṛtaṁ' (good fortune) refers to the divine grace and blessings that one receives through devotion and self-surrender. The verse suggests that it is only through the difficulties and challenges of spiritual practice that one can attain true happiness and fulfillment. Madhvācārya would further emphasize the role of the Lord's grace in removing the ignorance and suffering of the individual, highlighting the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara for liberation. This verse is seen as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and devotion in the face of adversity, and the ultimate goal of achieving a loving relationship with the Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has a profound universal and practical application, as it emphasizes the importance of effort and perseverance in achieving success and happiness. Swami Vivekānanda would interpret the 'duḥkhair' (difficulties) as the challenges and setbacks that one faces in life, and the 'sukṛtaṁ' (good fortune) as the realization of one's full potential and inner strength. The verse suggests that it is only through embracing and overcoming difficulties that one can achieve true fulfillment and success. In his lecture 'The Powers of the Mind', Vivekānanda emphasizes the importance of willpower and determination in overcoming obstacles and achieving one's goals. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan would interpret this verse as a call to action, urging individuals to take responsibility for their own lives and to strive for self-improvement and growth. The verse is seen as a reminder of the importance of resilience, adaptability, and perseverance in the face of adversity, and the ultimate goal of achieving a life of purpose and fulfillment.