na hi duḥkhena viyogo na sukhena sa-yogaḥ .
“For there is no separation through suffering, nor union through happiness.”
Structure
na hi duḥkhena viyogo na sukhena sa-yogaḥ
na hi duḥkhena (not indeed with suffering) viyogo (separation) na (nor) sukhena (with happiness) sa-yogaḥ (union)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| duḥkhena | duḥkhena | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | with sorrow |
| viyogo | viyogo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | separation |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| sukhena | sukhena | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | with happiness |
| sa-yogaḥ | sa-yogaḥ | compound | karmadhāraya · "sahita-yogaḥ" | union with him/her/it |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, suggesting that union and separation are mere illusions. According to Shankara, the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond human experiences of pleasure and pain. In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Shankara argues that the self (ātman) is not affected by worldly experiences, including suffering and happiness. This verse, na hi duḥkhena viyogo na sukhena sa-yogaḥ, points to the fact that the ātman remains unchanged and unattached, whether in a state of suffering or happiness. This non-dual reading of the verse highlights the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman), implying that true liberation lies in realizing this fundamental unity. By transcending the duality of pleasure and pain, one can attain the state of freedom from suffering, as embodied in the concept of mokṣa.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse can be seen as a reflection of the complex relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the supreme Lord (Īśvara). In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, Rāmānujācārya and Madhvācārya emphasize the importance of devotion and self-surrender as a means to achieve union with the divine. The verse, na hi duḥkhena viyogo na sukhena sa-yogaḥ, highlights the limitations of worldly experiences, including happiness and suffering, in achieving true union with the Lord. According to Rāmānujācārya, the ultimate goal is to attain a state of eternal devotion, where the individual self is completely surrendered to the will of the Lord. In this context, the verse points to the futility of seeking union with the divine through worldly means, instead emphasizing the need for selfless devotion and surrender.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound insight into the human condition, highlighting the impermanence of worldly experiences and the limitations of human endeavors. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lecture on 'The Real Nature of the Soul', emphasizes the importance of looking beyond the dualities of pleasure and pain, and instead, cultivating a sense of inner detachment and equilibrium. This verse, na hi duḥkhena viyogo na sukhena sa-yogaḥ, resonates with Vivekānanda's idea that true freedom and happiness lie in realizing one's true nature, beyond the fluctuations of the external world. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings on the Upaniṣads, highlights the importance of cultivating a sense of inner wisdom and detachment, in order to navigate the complexities of modern life. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, reminds us of the need to cultivate a deeper sense of inner awareness and equilibrium, in order to navigate the challenges of the modern world.