na hi duṣṭātmanah kasya duṣṭo dṛṣṭaḥ śuddhi-micchaataḥ ।
“For one desiring purification, who can be seen as defective by an impure minded person?”
Structure
na hi duṣṭa-ātmanah kasya duṣṭo dṛṣṭaḥ śuddhi-m icchaataḥ
na hi duṣṭa-ātmanah (not of evil-minded person) kasya (of whom) duṣṭoḥ (the evil one) dṛṣṭaḥ (has been seen) śuddhi-m (purification) icchaataḥ (seeking)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| duṣṭa-ātmanah | duṣṭātmanah | compound | bahuvrīhi · "duṣṭaḥ ātmā yasyasya" | of one whose self is corrupted |
| kasya | kasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of whom |
| duṣṭo | duṣṭo | verb | √duṣ · past participle · third | corrupted |
| dṛṣṭaḥ | dṛṣṭaḥ | verb | √dṛś · past participle · third | seen |
| śuddhi-m | śuddhi-m | compound | karmadhāraya · "śuddhiḥ" | purification |
| icchaataḥ | icchaataḥ | verb | √icch · optative · third | may he desire |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality by highlighting the futility of judging others when one's own mind is impure. According to Shankara, the seeker of purification (śuddhi-micchaataḥ) must recognize that the perception of defects in others (duṣṭa) is a projection of one's own impure mind (duṣṭātmanah). In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Shankara notes that the realization of Brahman-ātman identity is hindered by the tendency to see differences and imperfections in others. This verse points to the need for self-reflection and the cultivation of a pure mind, which alone can reveal the true nature of reality. As Shankara writes, 'The Self is not something to be seen; it is the seer' (Brahma Sutra Bhashya 1.1.4). By letting go of our impure perceptions, we can glimpse the unity of all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): This verse is often seen as a reflection of the jīva's (individual self) relationship with Īśvara (the Lord). Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Gita, notes that the impure mind (duṣṭātmanah) is characterized by a lack of devotion and a tendency to criticize others. In contrast, the devotee who seeks purification (śuddhi-micchaataḥ) is aware of their own limitations and seeks refuge in the Lord. This verse reminds us that our perception of others is often a reflection of our own spiritual state. As Ramanuja writes, 'The Lord is the inner Self of all beings, and the jīva's knowledge of this truth is the means to attain liberation' (Gita Bhashya 13.2). By cultivating devotion and self-awareness, we can transcend our limited perspectives and experience the divine presence in all beings.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): This verse has profound implications for modern life, where we are often quick to judge others and slow to examine our own motivations. Vivekananda, in his lecture 'The Powers of the Mind', notes that the impure mind is characterized by a 'negative and critical attitude' towards others. In contrast, the seeker of purification must cultivate a positive and expansive mindset, recognizing that the divine is present in all beings. As Vivekananda writes, 'We are all divine, and the divinity is within us' (The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, Vol. 2). By applying this verse to our daily lives, we can learn to look beyond the surface level of others' actions and see the inherent goodness and potential that lies within. This shift in perspective can lead to greater empathy, compassion, and understanding in our personal and social relationships.