yat-kṣetraṁ yat-samṛddhiṁ ca prāptum iccha si tad-grahīṭum । agraiḥ prasaṅgair-mahārāja kuru caiva enam uttaram ॥ 33 ॥
“Whatever field and prosperity you wish to obtain, take it now, and then resolve to do even greater deeds.”
Structure
yat kṣetraṁ yat samṛddhiṁ ca prāptum iccha si tad grahīṭum agraiḥ prasaṅgair mahārāja kuru ca eva enam uttaram
si (you) iccha (wish) prāptum (to obtain) yat (what) kṣetraṁ (field/area) yat (what) samṛddhiṁ (prosperity) ca (and) tad (that) grahīṭum (to take/accept) mahārāja (O great king) agraiḥ (with foremost/eager) prasaṅgair (endeavors) kuru (do) eva (indeed) ca (and) enam (this) uttaram (supreme/noblest)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yat | yat | pronoun | accusative · neuter · neuter | whatever |
| kṣetraṁ | kṣetraṁ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | field |
| yat | yat | pronoun | accusative · neuter · neuter | whatever |
| samṛddhiṁ | samṛddhiṁ | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | prosperity |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| prāptum | prāptum | verb | √prāp · infinitive | to obtain |
| iccha | iccha | verb | √icch · optative · second | you may desire |
| si | si | verb | — | you are |
| tad | tad | pronoun | accusative · neuter · neuter | that |
| grahīṭum | grahīṭum | verb | √grah · infinitive | to seize |
| agraiḥ | agraiḥ | noun | instrumental · plural · masculine | with the foremost |
| prasaṅgair | prasaṅgair | noun | instrumental · plural · masculine | with eagerness |
| mahārāja | mahārāja | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | great king |
| kuru | kuru | verb | √kṛ · imperative · second | you should do |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | only |
| enam | enam | pronoun | accusative · singular · masculine | him |
| uttaram | uttaram | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | higher |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In the Bhagavad Gītā, Ādi Śaṅkarācārya interprets this verse as an encouragement to recognize the ultimate reality that underlies all desires and actions. Shankara's commentary on this verse emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinction between the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the eternal nature of the self. He argues that the desire for specific fields or prosperity is rooted in ignorance of one's true nature, which is the brahman-ātman identity. By recognizing this identity, one transcends the limitations of the ego and achieves liberation. As Shankara notes in his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, the ultimate goal is to realize the non-dual nature of reality, where the individual self (ātman) is identical with the universal Self (Brahman). This verse serves as a reminder to strive for this realization, rather than being bound by worldly desires.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an expression of the Lord's encouragement to Arjuna to take responsibility for his actions and to strive for excellence in his duty as a warrior. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of selfless action (niskāma karma) and devotion to the Lord. He argues that the desire for specific fields or prosperity should be subordinated to the desire to serve the Lord and fulfill one's duty. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, interprets this verse as a call to recognize the Lord's sovereignty and to trust in His providence. According to Madhva, the Lord's statement 'take it now' is an invitation to Arjuna to trust in the Lord's goodness and to have faith that He will provide for his needs. This verse highlights the importance of the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord), and the need for the jīva to surrender to the will of Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets this verse as a call to action and self-empowerment. He argues that the verse is an encouragement to individuals to take charge of their own lives and to strive for excellence in their pursuits. Vivekānanda emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and individual effort, and sees this verse as a reminder that true fulfillment can only be achieved through one's own efforts. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, highlights the universal and practical application of this verse. He argues that the verse is relevant to contemporary life, where individuals are often faced with choices and challenges that require courage, determination, and self-confidence. According to Radhakrishnan, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of living in the present moment and of taking responsibility for one's own life and actions. It encourages individuals to strive for excellence and to pursue their goals with passion and dedication, while remaining grounded in a sense of purpose and values.