na hi duḥkhena vinā sukhamp prāptamp kadācidapi | na ca mohāt samuktir yaḥ samṛddhaḥ sa duḥkhitaḥ |
“Never has happiness been obtained without suffering, and one who is prosperous is not free from delusion and is afflicted.”
Structure
na hi duḥkhena vinā sukham prāptam kadācid api | na ca mohāt s muktiḥ yaḥ samṛddhaḥ sa duḥkitaḥ
na (no) hi (indeed) duḥkhena (by suffering) vinā (without) sukham (happiness) prāptam (is obtained) kadācid (at any time) api (also)na (no) ca (and) mohāt (from delusion) s (that) muktiḥ (liberation) yaḥ (who) samṛddhaḥ (is prosperous) sa (that) duḥkitaḥ (is unhappy)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| duḥkhena | duḥkhena | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | with suffering |
| vinā | vinā | indeclinable | — | without |
| sukham | sukham | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | happiness |
| prāptam | prāptam | verb | √prāp · past participle · third | has been obtained |
| kadācid | kadācid | indeclinable | — | ever, at any time |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also, indeed |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| mohāt | mohāt | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from delusion |
| s | s | indeclinable | — | he, she, it |
| muktiḥ | muktiḥ | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | liberation |
| yaḥ | yaḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | who |
| saṃṛddhaḥ | saṃṛddhaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | prosperous |
| sa | sa | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
| duḥkitaḥ | duḥkitaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | suffering |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the impermanence and interdependence of pleasure and pain, pointing to the ultimate reality beyond duality. As Shankara notes in his Brahmasutra Bhashya, the cycle of suffering and happiness is inextricably linked, and true liberation can only be achieved by transcending this cycle. The verse's statement that 'one who is prosperous is not free from delusion' highlights the inherent suffering (duḥkha) present even in seemingly desirable states. This suffering arises from ignorance of one's true nature, which is none other than Brahman. The identity of Brahman and Ātman is the key to understanding this verse, as it reveals that the pursuit of external sources of happiness is ultimately futile. Only through self-realization can one attain true liberation from the cycle of suffering and pleasure, realizing the non-dual reality that underlies all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse is interpreted in the Vaiṣṇava tradition as a call to recognize the limitations of worldly happiness and the inevitability of suffering. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāshya, emphasizes the importance of devotion to Īśvara as the means to transcend this cycle. The verse's message that prosperity does not guarantee freedom from delusion is seen as a warning against the dangers of pride and the fleeting nature of worldly success. Madhvācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, highlights the role of divine grace in liberating the jīva from the cycle of suffering. The relationship between the jīva and Īśvara is central to this interpretation, with the verse encouraging the devotee to seek refuge in the divine, recognizing that true happiness and liberation can only be found through devotion and surrender to the will of Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound insight into the human condition, highlighting the interconnectedness of pleasure and pain. As Swami Vivekānanda noted in his lectures, true strength lies not in the absence of suffering but in the ability to face it with courage and equanimity. The verse's message that prosperity is not a guarantee against delusion is a powerful warning against the dangers of complacency and the importance of ongoing self-reflection and growth. S. Radhakrishnan, in his writings, emphasizes the importance of integrating spiritual values into daily life, recognizing that the pursuit of external sources of happiness is ultimately unsatisfying. This verse can be seen as a call to cultivate inner strength, resilience, and wisdom, recognizing that true happiness and fulfillment arise from within. By embracing this wisdom, individuals can transcend the limitations of the external world and find peace and liberation in the midst of life's challenges.