athacintayāmāsa jijñāsayā paryabhūtastvayā । brahmādibhyāḥ puruṣāya viṣṇave namo namoḥ || 11 ||
“And then, being completely bewildered, with a questioning mind, he bowed to You, saying: 'O Viṣṇu, O primeval Man, O Lord, salutations to You, salutations to You.'”
Structure
atha + cintayāmāsa + jijñāsayā + paryabhūtastvayā + brahmādi + bhyāḥ + puruṣāya + viṣṇave + namo + namoḥ
Athā (then) cintayāmāsa (he thought) jijñāsayā (with curiosity) tvayā (by You) paryabhūtah (being overwhelmed) brahmādi (of Brahmā and others) bhyāḥ (from) puruṣāya (to the Supreme Being) viṣṇave (to Viṣṇu) namo (obeisance) namoḥ (obeisance)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| atha | atha | indeclinable | — | then, now |
| cintayāmāsa | cintayāmāsa | verb | √cint · laṣṭa · third | he thought |
| jijñāsayā | jijñāsayā | noun | instrumental · singular · feminine | with the desire to know |
| paryabhūtastvayā | paryabhūtastvayā | verb | √bū · laṣṭa · third | you surrounded |
| brahmādibhyāḥ | brahmādibhyāḥ | compound | dvandva · "brahmādi bhyāḥ" | from Brahmā and others |
| brahmādi | brahmādi | compound | karmadhāraya · "brahma ādi" | Brahmā and others |
| bhyāḥ | bhyāḥ | indeclinable | — | from |
| puruṣāya | puruṣāya | noun | dative · singular · masculine | to the person |
| viṣṇave | viṣṇave | noun | dative · singular · masculine | to Viṣṇu |
| namo | namo | indeclinable | — | obeisance |
| namoḥ | namoḥ | indeclinable | — | obeisance (second occurrence) |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, being completely bewildered, the questioning mind seeks the ultimate truth. According to Shankara, the usage of 'paryabhūtastvayā' (being completely bewildered by You) signifies the dissolution of the individual ego, leading to the realization of the non-dual nature of reality. This verse points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (jīva) recognizes its true identity with the ultimate reality (Brahman). Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā highlights the importance of self-inquiry and the role of devotion in realizing this identity. The phrase 'namo namoḥ' (salutations to You, salutations to You) underscores the devotee's complete surrender to the ultimate reality, ultimately leading to the realization of the Self.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse illustrates the devotional attitude of a seeker, who, being bewildered by the Lord's majesty, bows down in reverence. Rāmānujācārya's commentary emphasizes the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord), where the jīva, driven by a questioning mind, seeks to understand the Lord's nature. The phrase 'brahmādibhyāḥ puruṣāya' (from Brahmā to the individual self) highlights the Lord's absolute supremacy and control over all creation. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, would interpret this verse as an affirmation of the difference between the jīva and Īśvara, where the jīva, despite being bewildered, still maintains its individuality while acknowledging the Lord's greatness.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has profound implications for contemporary life, where individuals are often bewildered by the complexities of the world. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of self-inquiry and devotion in navigating life's challenges. The phrase 'jijñāsayā' (with a questioning mind) resonates with the modern seeker's quest for meaning and purpose. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings, highlights the universal relevance of this verse, where the individual, regardless of their background or beliefs, can find solace and guidance in the ultimate reality. This verse encourages the modern individual to cultivate a sense of devotion and inquiry, leading to a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.