na te yaśasā na tu dhanagraṇād na ca svadeśād api nādyatiśayād
“Not because of your fame, nor because of your wealth, nor because of your country, nor because of your extraordinary beauty.”
Structure
na te yaśasā na tu dhana-agraṇād na ca sva-deśād api na ādya-tiśayād
na (not) te (your) yaśasā (by fame) na (not) tu (but) dhana-agraṇād (by wealth's accumulation) na (not) ca (and) sva-deśād (from own country) api (even) na (not) ādya (today) tiśayād (from superiority)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| te | te | pronoun | dative · plural · masculine | to you |
| yaśasā | yaśasā | noun | ablative · singular · neuter | by fame |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| dhana-agraṇād | dhana-agraṇād | compound | bahuvrīhi · "dhana-agraṇa-ād" | from wealth and (high) position |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| sva-deśād | sva-deśād | compound | tatpuruṣa · "sva-deśa-ād" | from one's own country |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also, even |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ādya | ādya | indeclinable | — | first, earliest |
| tiśayād | tiśayād | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from greatness |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse is a profound reminder of the non-dual nature of reality, highlighting that true identity is not bound by fleeting attributes such as fame, wealth, geographical location, or physical beauty. According to Shankara, the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond all such distinctions. In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Shankara emphasizes the importance of understanding the absolute nature of Brahman, unencumbered by Maya or worldly attachments. This verse points to the Brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately one with the universal consciousness (Brahman). The removal of external identifiers (fame, wealth, etc.) serves as a means to reveal this intrinsic unity, echoing the concept of 'Neti, Neti' (not this, not that) from the Upanishads, which guides the seeker towards the realization of the true, unchanging Self.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as an emphasis on the devotion to Īśvara (the Supreme Lord) over worldly attachments. Rāmānujācārya, in his interpretation of the Bhagavad Gītā, underscores the importance of bhakti (devotion) as a means to transcend material bondage. The verse suggests that one's true worth or identity is not derived from earthly accomplishments or possessions but from the depth of one's devotion to the Divine. Madhvācārya, focusing on the concept of 'sva-tantra' (independence) of the Lord, might interpret this verse as highlighting the freedom of the jīva (individual soul) to choose a path of devotion, untethered by the influences of worldly fame, wealth, or beauty, thereby achieving a true and lasting relationship with Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse holds a profound universal message relevant to contemporary life, emphasizing the importance of looking beyond external validators of identity and self-worth. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often stressed the need for individuals to discover their inner strength and potential, unshackled by external influences. This verse echoes that sentiment, urging a shift in focus from ephemeral markers of success to the cultivation of inner qualities and a deeper sense of purpose. S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, discusses the concept of the 'universal self', suggesting that true fulfillment and identity can only be achieved by transcending the boundaries of the individual ego and embracing a broader, more compassionate understanding of human existence. This verse, in the context of Neo-Vedānta, serves as a call to action, encouraging individuals to explore their spiritual depth and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.