mokṣasāṃ ca mamāśmitān | vedān sarvān veditum |
“And I am the source of all the liberated souls, and I am the one who knows all the Vedas.”
Structure
mokṣasām ca mama aśmitān vedān sarvān veditum
mama (my) mokṣasām (liberations) ca (and) aśmitān (proclaimed) vedān (Vedas) sarvān (all) veditum (to know)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mokṣasām | mokṣasām | compound | tatpuruṣa · "mokṣa + ām" | of liberation |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| mama | mama | pronoun | possessive · singular · masculine|neuter | my |
| aśmitān | aśmitān | verb | √aś · liṅ-optative · first | I have considered |
| vedān | vedān | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | the Vedas |
| sarvān | sarvān | adjective|pronoun | — | all |
| veditum | veditum | infinitive | — | to know |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, where the distinctions between the individual self (jīva) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) dissolve. According to Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, the phrase 'mokṣasāṃ ca mamāśmitān' hints at the identity of the liberated self with Brahman. The term 'aśmitān' is crucial, as it signifies the ego or the sense of 'I-ness' that, when transcended, reveals the true nature of the self. Shankara argues that the knowledge of all Vedas ('vedān sarvān veditum') is not just an accumulation of scriptural knowledge but an intuitive understanding that arises from realizing one's true nature as Brahman. This verse, therefore, points to the brahman-ātman identity, emphasizing that liberation is not something to be attained but is the natural state of being once ignorance (avidyā) is dispelled.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an affirmation of the Lord's (Īśvara) intimate relationship with the liberated souls (jīvas) and His role as the revealer of the Vedas. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets 'mokṣasāṃ ca mamāśmitān' as indicating that the Lord is the very essence of the liberated souls, their inner self. The knowledge of all Vedas ('vedān sarvān veditum') is understood as a grace bestowed by the Lord, enabling the devotee to understand the true import of the scriptures and thus deepen their devotion. This verse highlights the dependency of the jīva on Īśvara, not just for liberation but for all knowledge and understanding, fostering a devotional attitude of surrender and dependence on the Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda often emphasized the universal and practical application of Vedāntic principles. Regarding this verse, he might interpret 'mokṣasāṃ ca mamāśmitān' as a call to recognize one's true, liberated nature. The phrase 'vedān sarvān veditum' would be seen as an encouragement to seek knowledge and understanding that transcends sectarian and dogmatic boundaries. Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, such as 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', frequently stressed the importance of realizing one's own divinity and the divinity in all beings. This verse, in a contemporary context, reminds us of the importance of seeking a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world, beyond superficial differences, and striving for a universal and inclusive worldview that recognizes the inherent freedom and dignity of every individual.