na tasya kāryaṃ na karmaṇi na sargo na pṛthak kṛtiḥ
“For Him there is neither work to be done, nor creation, nor any distinct effort.”
Structure
na tasya kāryaṃ na karmaṇi na sargo na pṛthak kṛtiḥ
na (not) tasya (of That) kāryaṃ (any effect or action result)na (not) karmaṇi (in actions or work)na (not) sargo (creation or emanation)na (not) pṛthak (separate or distinct)kṛtiḥ (making or creation)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tasya | tasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of him |
| kāryaṃ | kāryaṁ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | work to be done |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| karmaṇi | karmaṇi | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in action |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| sargo | sargo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | creation |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| pṛthak | pṛthak | indeclinable | — | separate |
| kṛtiḥ | kṛtiḥ | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | action |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, affirming that Brahman, the ultimate reality, is beyond all actions and creations. Shankara's commentary on the Kaṭhopaniṣad emphasizes that the Self (Ātman) is not bound by karma or the cycle of birth and death. The phrase 'na tasya kāryaṃ na karmaṇi' suggests that Brahman is not involved in any activity, reinforcing the idea that the ultimate reality is beyond human comprehension. This understanding points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self is ultimately one with the universal Self. Shankara's reasoning on this verse is rooted in the idea that the distinctions we experience in the world are a result of Maya, or illusion, and that the true nature of reality is beyond all duality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse as emphasizing the distinction between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya's commentary on the Upaniṣads highlights that the jīva is bound by karma and the cycle of birth and death, whereas Īśvara is beyond all actions and creations. The phrase 'na sargo na pṛthak kṛtiḥ' suggests that Īśvara's creation is not independent of His will, and that the jīva's existence is dependent on Īśvara's grace. This understanding underscores the devotional relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, where the individual self seeks to attain liberation through devotion to the Lord. Madhvācārya's commentary further emphasizes the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, highlighting the importance of bhakti (devotion) in achieving liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has far-reaching implications for contemporary life, as it reminds us of the importance of detachment and non-attachment. Swami Vivekānanda's lectures on the Upaniṣads highlight the need to transcend the limitations of the ego and the material world, and to realize our true nature as spiritual beings. The phrase 'na tasya kāryaṃ na karmaṇi' suggests that our true nature is beyond all action and karma, and that we should strive to cultivate a sense of inner peace and detachment in the midst of worldly activities. S. Rādhākrishnan's writings further emphasize the universal and practical application of this verse, highlighting the importance of self-realization and the cultivation of a sense of inner freedom. In contemporary life, this verse can inspire us to adopt a more mindful and detached approach to our daily activities, and to strive for a deeper sense of purpose and meaning.