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Bhagavad Gītā · 1.40
यत्क्षेत्रं मयि दृष्टं दिव्येन त्वयि दर्शितम् ।

yat-kṣetraṁ mayi dṛṣṭaṁ divyena tvayā darśitam.

The divine field which has been shown to me by you.

TTS

Structure

Padaccheda — word separation

yat kṣetraṁ mayi dṛṣṭaṁ divyena tvayā darśitam

Anvaya — prose reordering

tvayā (by you) divyena (with divine) darśitam (vision) yat (which) kṣetraṁ (field) mayi (to me) dṛṣṭaṁ (was shown)

Word-by-Word Grammar

WordIASTTypeGrammarMeaning
yatyatpronounnominative/accusative · neuter singular · neuterwhich
kṣetraṁkṣetraṁnounaccusative · singular · masculinefield/area/domain
mayimayipronounlocative · singular · masculine/neuterin me
dṛṣṭaṁdṛṣṭaṁverb√dṛś · past participleseen
divyenadivyenaadjectivedivine
tvayātvayāpronouninstrumental · singular · masculineby you
darśitamdarśitamverb√dṛś · past participleshown

Scholarly Commentary

Advaita Vedānta(Ādi Śaṅkarācārya)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkarācārya interprets the 'divyena' in this verse as the divine eye of knowledge, symbolizing the non-dual awareness that reveals the ultimate reality. He suggests that this verse points to the identity of brahman and ātman, where the individual self, upon realizing its true nature, sees the world as an expression of the ultimate reality. The 'kṣetraṁ' or the field, represents the world, which is seen in a new light when the divine knowledge is revealed. This realization is key to transcending the mundane and achieving the state of liberation. Śaṅkarācārya's non-dual reading underscores the idea that the distinctions between the self, the world, and the ultimate reality are bridged through this divine vision, pointing towards the ultimate truth of advaita or non-duality.

Vaiṣṇava Tradition(Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya)

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, highlights the importance of the 'divyena' as a sign of divine grace that enables Arjuna to see the true nature of the world and his place within it. This verse signifies the relationship between the jīva (the individual soul) and Īśvara (the supreme Lord), where the Lord reveals the divine truth to the devotee, thus establishing a personal and devotional relationship. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, would emphasize the distinction between the soul and God, interpreting the 'divyena' as the divine power of God that allows the devotee to understand the difference between the self and the world, ultimately leading to devotion and service to the Lord. Both interpretations emphasize the devotional aspect, focusing on the personal relationship between the individual and the divine.

Neo-Vedānta(Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan)

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda views this verse as a call to introspection and self-realization, where the 'divyena' represents the inner divine spark within every individual. He emphasizes that the true understanding of the self and the world comes from looking inward, using the 'divine eye' of intuition and spiritual insight. This perspective aligns with his teachings on the universal principles of Vedānta, highlighting the potential for every person to realize their true nature and contribute to the betterment of society. S. Radhakrishnan, in a similar vein, interprets this verse as a reminder of the importance of spiritual vision in navigating the complexities of life. He suggests that the 'kṣetraṁ' or field represents the human condition, with all its challenges and opportunities, which can be transformed through the application of spiritual principles, leading to a more harmonious and enlightened way of living.

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