Na hi duḥkhena kimapi sādhyaṃ na mohāt kasya hṛdayaṃ vilīyate . Na śamasya kutaḥ śamaḥ pravṛttyā na ca duṣṭena kimarthaṃ matiḥ .
“No purpose can be achieved through suffering; one's heart does not melt out of delusion; tranquility does not arise out of worldly engagement; and an evil person does not gain wisdom.”
Structure
Na hi duḥkhena kim api sādhyaṃ Na mohāt kasya hṛdayaṃ vilīyate Na śamasya kutaḥ śamaḥ pravṛttyā Na ca duṣṭena kim arthaṃ matiḥ
Na hi (no, not) duḥkhena (by suffering) kim (what) api (any) sādhyaṃ (can be achieved)Na (no) mohāt (from delusion) kasya (whose) hṛdayaṃ (heart) vilīyate (is melted)Na (no) śamasya (of tranquility) kutaḥ (whence) śamaḥ (tranquility) pravṛttyā (can be obtained)Na ca (no) duṣṭena (by an evil one) kim (what) arthaṃ (purpose) matiḥ (is there)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Na | Na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | Hi | indeclinable | — | indeed, truly |
| duḥkhena | Duḥkhena | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | with suffering |
| kim | Kim | indeclinable | — | what, anything |
| api | Api | indeclinable | — | also, too |
| sādhyaṃ | Sādhyam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | accomplishment, achievement |
| Na | Na | indeclinable | — | not |
| mohāt | Mohāt | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from delusion |
| kasya | Kasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of whom |
| hṛdayaṃ | Hṛdayaṃ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | heart |
| vilīyate | Vilīyate | verb | √lī · present · third | is melted, is ensnared |
| Na | Na | indeclinable | — | not |
| śamasya | Śamasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of tranquility |
| kutaḥ | Kutaḥ | indeclinable | — | from where |
| śamaḥ | Śamaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | tranquility |
| pravṛttyā | Pravṛttyā | noun | instrumental · singular · feminine | by undertaking |
| Na | Na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | Ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| duṣṭena | Duṣṭena | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with a wicked one |
| kim | Kim | indeclinable | — | what |
| arthaṃ | Arthaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | purpose |
| matiḥ | Matiḥ | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | intellect |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the futility of worldly pursuits in achieving true knowledge or liberation. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, emphasizes the concept of 'anatman' or the absence of a permanent self in worldly phenomena. The phrase 'na hi duḥkhena kimapi sādhyaṃ' highlights that suffering does not lead to any meaningful accomplishment. This points to the non-dual nature of reality, where the individual self (jīva) is ultimately identical with the ultimate reality (Brahman). The verse encourages the seeker to look beyond the ephemeral world of duality, where worldly engagements and delusions only perpetuate suffering. As Śaṅkara notes in his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, 'the knowledge of the Self is the only means to liberation.' This verse, in essence, supports the Advaita Vedānta's central tenet of brahman-ātman identity, guiding the seeker towards self-inquiry and non-dual realization.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): This verse can be seen as a reflection of the jīva's inherent struggle with the vicissitudes of saṃsāra. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Gītā, emphasizes the importance of devotion to Īśvara as a means to transcend worldly suffering. The phrase 'na mohāt kasya hṛdayaṃ vilīyate' suggests that delusion does not melt the heart, implying that only through devotion and self-surrender can the jīva attain true freedom. The relationship between the jīva and Īśvara is one of dependence, where the jīva seeks refuge in the Lord to overcome the limitations of the material world. As Rāmānuja notes, 'the Lord's grace is the sole means to liberation.' This verse highlights the importance of bhakti, or devotion, as a means to attain a deeper understanding of the self and the ultimate reality, ultimately leading to a state of loving surrender to Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): This verse holds profound relevance for contemporary life, as it underscores the limitations of worldly pursuits in achieving true fulfillment. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lecture on 'The Real Nature of Man,' emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and introspection in overcoming suffering. The phrase 'na śamasya kutaḥ śamaḥ pravṛttyā' suggests that tranquility cannot arise from worldly engagements, highlighting the need for a more nuanced and introspective approach to life. Vivekānanda notes that 'the greatest disease is the feeling of separateness,' and this verse encourages us to look beyond the superficial distinctions of the material world. By embracing the universal principles of Vedānta, we can cultivate a deeper sense of connection and unity, ultimately leading to a more compassionate and meaningful existence. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of introspection, self-awareness, and personal growth in navigating the complexities of modern life.