na hi duṣṭasya śāstrēṇa yogo yogo hi duṣkaraḥ
“Indeed, there is no union (or compatibility) of the evil (or vicious) with the Shastras, for the union (or compatibility) is indeed difficult to achieve.”
Structure
na hi duṣṭasya śāstrēṇa yogo yogo hi duṣkaraḥ
na (not) hi (certainly) duṣṭasya (of the wicked) śāstrēṇa (by scripture) yogo (union) asti (exists), yogo (union) hi (certainly) duṣkaraḥ (is difficult)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| duṣṭasya | duṣṭasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of the wicked one |
| śāstrēṇa | śāstrēṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with scripture |
| yogo | yogo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | union |
| yogo | yogo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | union |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| duṣkaraḥ | duṣkaraḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | difficult |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual reading of the ultimate reality, emphasizing the incompatibility between the evil or vicious and the sacred scriptures. According to Shankara's reasoning, the Shastras represent the embodiment of dharma, guiding humanity towards the realization of the Self (ātman). The union or compatibility referred to here is not between two separate entities but rather the alignment of the individual self with the ultimate reality, Brahman. This verse suggests that such a union is difficult to achieve if one is tainted by evil or vicious tendencies, as these obstruct the direct experience of the non-dual Self. In the context of Advaita Vedanta, the concept of 'duṣṭa' (evil) refers to the misidentification of the Self with the ephemeral and the conditioned, leading to a fragmented and limited understanding of reality. Therefore, this verse implies that the realization of the Brahman-ātman identity requires a transcendence of such conditioning, allowing for the direct experience of the unconditioned, all-encompassing Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse through the lens of bhakti, emphasizing the devotional relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). According to Ramanuja, the incompatibility between the evil and the Shastras signifies the irreconcilable nature of the jīva's innate freedom with the bondage of karma and ignorance. The 'yogo' or union referred to in this verse can be seen as the spiritual practice that facilitates the jīva's liberation, allowing it to realize its true nature as a servant of the Lord. This verse highlights the importance of purifying one's heart and actions to achieve this union, as the presence of evil or vicious tendencies would hinder the jīva's progress on the path to liberation. Madhva, on the other hand, would interpret the 'duṣṭa' as those who reject the authority of the Vedas and the Shastras, thereby denying themselves the means to achieve liberation. In this context, the verse serves as a warning to those who would seek to undermine the revealed scriptures and the bhakti tradition they embody.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda and S. Radhakrishnan, proponents of Neo-Vedanta, would likely interpret this verse in the context of universal ethics and the pursuit of self-realization. Vivekananda, in his lectures on the 'Complete Works', emphasized the importance of character-building and the cultivation of virtues as a means to achieve spiritual growth. This verse, in his view, highlights the need to purify one's character, letting go of evil or vicious tendencies that hinder the realization of one's true potential. Radhakrishnan, in his writings on 'The Principal Upanishads', noted that the concept of 'yogo' or union in this verse refers to the integration of the individual personality, bringing together the disparate threads of human experience into a cohesive and meaningful whole. This verse, therefore, serves as a reminder of the importance of cultivating a unified and integrated personality, unencumbered by the divisive and destructive forces of evil or viciousness. In contemporary life, this verse can be seen as a call to self-reflection and personal growth, urging individuals to strive for a higher level of moral awareness and spiritual understanding.