na tv-evāhaṁ veda-aḥam na tv-evā tvāṁ veda-āḥ
“I do not know you, nor do you know me.”
Structure
na tu eva aham veda aham na tu eva tvam veda ah
na (not) tu (but) eva (indeed) aham (I) veda (know) aham (myself)na (not) tu (but) eva (indeed) tvam (you) veda (know) ah (you)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed, however |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | only, indeed |
| aham | aham | pronoun | nominative · singular | I |
| veda | veda | verb | √vid · laṭ-present · first | I know |
| aham | aham | pronoun | nominative · singular | I |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed, however |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | only, indeed |
| tvam | tvam | pronoun | nominative · singular | you |
| veda | veda | verb | √vid · laṭ-present · second | you know |
| ah | āḥ | indeclinable | — | O (used in addressing someone) |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse 'na tv-evāhaṁ veda-aḥam na tv-evā tvāṁ veda-āḥ' highlights the limitations of knowledge in understanding the ultimate reality. According to Shankara, this verse underscores the idea that the self (ātman) and Brahman are beyond the duality of knowing and being known. In his commentary on the Kaṭhopaniṣad, Shankara explains that the individual self (jīva) is not a separate entity that can know or be known independently. Instead, the verse points to the ultimate non-dual reality where the distinction between the knower and the known dissolves. This understanding is central to the Advaita Vedānta tradition, where the identity of Brahman and ātman is revealed through the removal of ignorance (avidyā). As Shankara notes, the ultimate reality is 'tad vijñānārtham' - to be known, but not in the conventional sense of duality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): The verse 'na tv-evāhaṁ veda-aḥam na tv-evā tvāṁ veda-āḥ' is seen as an expression of the loving relationship between the jīva and Īśvara. According to Rāmānujācārya, this verse suggests that the Lord (Īśvara) and the individual self (jīva) are intimately connected, yet their relationship cannot be grasped through mere knowledge. The verse highlights the limitations of human understanding in comprehending the divine. Rāmānujācārya's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā and the Brahma Sūtras emphasizes the idea that the jīva's knowledge of Īśvara is not a matter of intellectual comprehension, but rather a heartfelt devotion and surrender. In this context, the verse is seen as an invitation to cultivate a deeper, personal relationship with the divine, where the distinction between the knower and the known is transcended in love and devotion.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): The verse 'na tv-evāhaṁ veda-aḥam na tv-evā tvāṁ veda-āḥ' has significant implications for modern life. As Swami Vivekānanda noted in his lectures, this verse reminds us of the limitations of our knowledge and the importance of humility. In today's world, where information is readily available, it's easy to get caught up in the idea that we can know everything. However, this verse cautions us against such arrogance, encouraging us instead to cultivate a sense of awe and wonder. By recognizing the limits of our knowledge, we can foster a deeper appreciation for the mysteries of life and the interconnectedness of all things. As Vivekānanda emphasized, this verse points to the universal truth that underlies all human experience, a truth that can be accessed through direct perception and intuition, rather than mere intellectual understanding. By embracing this truth, we can transcend the boundaries of individualism and cultivate a sense of unity and compassion.