Na hi duḥkhena viyogo na ca mohād api muktiḥ.
“Separation from (loved ones) is not without suffering, and release even from infatuation is not (easy).”
Structure
Na hi duḥkhena viyogo na ca moha ād api muktiḥ
Na hi duḥkhena (there is no separation by suffering) viyogo (separation) na ca (and not) moha (from delusion) ād (even) api (also) muktiḥ (liberation)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Na | Na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | Hi | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| duḥkhena | Duḥkhena | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | with suffering |
| viyogo | Viyogo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | separation |
| na | Na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | Ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| moha | Moha | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | delusion |
| ād | Ād | indeclinable | — | from, on account of |
| api | Api | indeclinable | — | also, even |
| muktiḥ | Muktiḥ | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | liberation |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the futility of seeking liberation through mere separation from worldly attachments or through the cessation of ignorance. Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasutras (1.1.1) emphasizes the importance of Self-realization, which cannot be achieved by mere renunciation or the removal of avidya (ignorance). The realization of the non-dual Brahman, which is the ultimate reality, is essential for true liberation. This verse points to the fact that the jiva's (individual self) suffering and bondage are rooted in its misconstrued identity with the body and mind, rather than its true identity with Brahman. The separation (viyogo) mentioned in the verse is not just physical but also metaphysical, implying the disconnection from one's true nature. Shankara's concept of 'anadhigatābhisaṃplavaḥ' (the uncontradicted and uninterrupted insight into Brahman) is crucial in understanding the true nature of the Self, which is beyond all dualities, including the duality of suffering and liberation. By realizing this non-dual nature, one can attain true liberation, underscoring the significance of this verse in the context of non-dual Vedanta.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse is seen as highlighting the complexities of the jiva's relationship with the divine. Ramanuja's Vishishtadvaita philosophy emphasizes the importance of bhakti (devotion) as a means to achieve liberation. The separation (viyogo) mentioned in the verse can be seen as the jiva's separation from its natural state of dependence on the Lord, which is the cause of its suffering. The release from infatuation (moha) is possible only through devotion and self-surrender to the Lord. Madhva, on the other hand, would interpret this verse as emphasizing the role of divine grace in liberating the jiva from its bondage. The suffering (duḥkha) and the infatuation (moha) are seen as opportunities for the jiva to turn towards the Lord and seek refuge in Him. This verse, in the context of Vaiṣṇava theology, points to the importance of recognizing one's dependence on the divine and seeking liberation through devotion and self-surrender, rather than through mere separation or renunciation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has profound implications for contemporary life, emphasizing the futility of seeking fulfillment through external means. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gita, highlights the importance of Self-realization as the ultimate goal of human life. The separation (viyogo) and the infatuation (moha) mentioned in the verse can be seen as the individual's disconnection from their true nature and their entanglement in the worldly realm. Vivekananda's concept of 'the harmony of all religions' and 'the universal acceptance' can be applied to this verse, where true liberation is not just a personal attainment but also a universal principle that transcends all boundaries. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical writings, emphasizes the importance of integrating the individual's spiritual aspirations with the demands of contemporary life. This verse, in the context of modern life, serves as a reminder of the need to look beyond external sources of fulfillment and to seek a deeper, more profound connection with one's true nature, which is the ultimate source of liberation and happiness.