yadṛcchayā ca upayiṣyanti te rājānaḥ tva-yi sva-dhāmanaḥ
“And kings will come to you spontaneously in your own kingdom.”
Structure
yadṛcchayā ca upayiṣyanti te rājānaḥ tva-yi sva-dhāmanaḥ
te rājānaḥ (those kings) yadṛcchayā (by chance) ca (and) tva-yi (unto you) sva-dhāmanaḥ (to their own abodes) upayiṣyanti (will go)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yadṛcchayā | yadṛcchayā | indeclinable | — | by chance, accidentally |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| upayiṣyanti | upayiṣyanti | verb | √upa + √iṣ · laṣṭa-future · third | they will come to, approach |
| te | te | pronoun | nominative · plural · masculine | they |
| rājānaḥ | rājānaḥ | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | kings |
| tva-yi | tva-yi | compound | karmadhāraya · "tva + yi" | in thy, your |
| sva-dhāmanaḥ | sva-dhāmanaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | own abode, home |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkarācārya interprets this verse (yadṛcchayā ca upayiṣyanti te rājānaḥ tva-yi sva-dhāmanaḥ) as an illustration of the natural order of things when one is established in their true nature. According to Śaṅkarācārya, the phrase 'sva-dhāmanaḥ' suggests the kingdom or abode that is inherently one's own, pointing towards the non-dual Self (Brahman). This understanding is rooted in the concept that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond human constructs and dualistic perceptions. The coming of kings to one spontaneously in their own kingdom symbolizes the effortless manifestation of one's true potential and the alignment with the universal order when the individual ego (jīva) is subsumed by the realization of the ultimate reality (Brahman). This interpretation underscores the Advaita Vedānta's central theme of brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately one with the universal Self (Brahman).
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, particularly through the lens of Rāmānujācārya's Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta, this verse can be seen as an expression of the gracious and benevolent nature of the Lord (Īśvara). The phrase 'yadṛcchayā ca upayiṣyanti' suggests that the kings, symbolizing the various aspects of the universe, come to one spontaneously, indicating the gracious will of the Lord. Rāmānujācārya would likely interpret 'sva-dhāmanaḥ' as the realm or kingdom that is inherently under the Lord's jurisdiction, emphasizing the dependence of all existences on Īśvara. This reading highlights the devotional aspect of the Vaiṣṇava tradition, stressing the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara), where the jīva's realization of its true nature and position leads to a spontaneous and loving surrender to the divine will, resulting in a state of ultimate bliss and liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical applications of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. Regarding this verse, he might view the spontaneous coming of kings to one's own kingdom as a metaphor for the natural attraction of success, respect, and harmony that arises when an individual is aligned with their true nature and purpose. This alignment, Vivekānanda would argue, is rooted in the universal principles of Vedānta, which recognize the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. S. Rādhākrishnan, echoing this sentiment, would likely see this verse as symbolizing the realization of one's true potential and the consequent integration of the individual with the universal, leading to a state of inner peace and outer success. Both thinkers would encourage the application of these principles in contemporary life, fostering a sense of global citizenship, mutual respect, and the pursuit of excellence grounded in a deeper understanding of the self and its place in the world.