dhṛtarāṣṭrasya nandanaḥ yuyutsur ena saṅgame
“The son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Yuyutsu, wanted to fight in the battle.”
Structure
dhṛtarāṣṭrasya nandanaḥ yuyutsur eṇa saṅgame
dhṛtarāṣṭrasya (of Dhṛtarāṣṭra) nandanaḥ (son) yuyutsur (wishing to fight) eṇa (with him) saṅgame (in the battle)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| dhṛtarāṣṭrasya | dhṛtarāṣṭrasya | compound | tatpuruṣa · "dhṛtarāṣṭrasya putraḥ" | son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra |
| nandanaḥ | nandanaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | son |
| yuyutsur | yuyutsur | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | desiring to fight |
| eṇa | eṇa | indeclinable | — | with, by |
| saṅgame | saṅgame | noun | locative · singular · neuter | in the battle |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, dhṛtarāṣṭrasya nandanaḥ yuyutsur eṇa saṅgame, is often seen by Advaitins as an example of a character trapped in the web of karma and avidyā. Shankara, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, doesn't directly comment on this specific verse but emphasizes the importance of understanding one's true nature (Ātman) to transcend the bondage of actions (karma). The desire to fight, as exhibited by Yuyutsu, is a product of ignorance (avidyā) about one's real self. According to Shankara, recognizing the non-dual nature of reality (Brahman) is crucial for liberation. In the context of this verse, the focus should be on understanding the motivations behind Yuyutsu's desire to fight, which stems from his identification with his role and family ties, rather than his true, unchanging self. This understanding can lead to a realization of the brahman-ātman identity, where the distinctions between the individual self and the ultimate reality disappear.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as an exemplification of the complex interplay between the jīva (individual souls) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, would likely emphasize the role of divine grace in guiding the actions of individuals like Yuyutsu. Yuyutsu's desire to fight, despite being a son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, signifies a conflict within himself, reflecting the universal struggle between dharma (righteousness) and adharma (unrighteousness). This internal conflict is an opportunity for the Lord to guide the jīva towards the path of dharma, illustrating the loving and redeeming nature of Īśvara. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might focus on the stark contrast between Yuyutsu's inclination to fight for what is right, despite his familial ties, as a demonstration of the jīva's capacity for self-determination and the pursuit of dharma, under the ultimate supervision of Viṣṇu.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): From a modern perspective, this verse can be viewed as a symbol of the universal human struggle to find one's place and purpose in the world. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of self-realization and the pursuit of one's dharma. Yuyutsu's desire to fight, despite the potential risks and familial opposition, can be seen as a call to individuals to stand up for what they believe in, even if it means going against the norms or expectations of others. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, highlighted the significance of integrating the spiritual with the practical aspects of life. This verse, in the context of the Bhagavad Gītā, serves as a reminder of the need to align one's actions with a higher purpose, contributing to the greater good of society. Both Vivekānanda and Rādhākrishnan would likely interpret Yuyutsu's stance as a manifestation of the human quest for meaning and the eternal struggle between personal convictions and external circumstances.