mṛtyu-daṇḍa-koṭy-aiśvaryam praptaṁ nābhijāyate
“Wealth, equal to the dominion of the lord of death, I have obtained, not to be born again.”
Structure
mṛtyu-daṇḍa-koṭy-aiśvaryam praptaṁ nābhijāyate
mṛtyu-daṇḍa (death penalty) koṭy-aiśvaryam (billionaire wealth) praptaṁ (obtained) nābhijāyate (not produced)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mṛtyu-daṇḍa-koṭy-aiśvaryam | mṛtyu-daṇḍa-koṭy-aiśvaryam | compound | tatpuruṣa · "mṛtyu-daṇḍa-koṭi aiśvaryam" | wealth in the form of the staff of death, i.e., supreme power |
| praptaṁ | praptaṁ | verb | √prapt · past participle · third | obtained |
| nābhijāyate | nābhijāyate | verb | √bhu · present · third | is not born |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Shankara interprets this verse as an illustration of the non-dual nature of reality, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately identical with the supreme reality (Brahman). The 'wealth' referred to here symbolizes the understanding of this ultimate truth, which, once attained, liberates the individual from the cycle of birth and death. Shankara's reasoning emphasizes the attainment of this knowledge as a state of being that transcends worldly dominion, including even the power of Yama, the lord of death. This verse, according to Shankara, underscores the importance of realizing the ātman-Brahman identity to achieve liberation (moksha), highlighting that true freedom and power come from this profound understanding rather than any temporal or spatial dominion.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his interpretation, focuses on the devotional aspect of this verse, seeing it as an expression of the jīva's (individual soul's) dependence on Īśvara (the Supreme Lord) for liberation. The 'wealth' is the grace of the Lord, which, when bestowed upon the devotee, ensures their liberation from the cycle of births and deaths. This interpretation emphasizes the personal relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, where the jīva's liberation is not just a matter of knowledge but also of devotion and surrender to the Lord. Madhvācārya, while differing in some aspects of his philosophy from Rāmānuja, would also emphasize the role of the Lord's grace in achieving liberation, highlighting the verse as a call to devotion and service to the Supreme Being as the means to attain the ultimate goal.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. This verse, to him, represents the potential for human liberation through the realization of one's true nature. The 'wealth' symbolizes the inner strength and wisdom that comes from this realization, enabling the individual to transcend the limitations and fears of the mundane world, including the fear of death. Vivekānanda's interpretation is universal and inclusive, seeing this verse as applicable to all humanity regardless of religious or cultural background. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, underscores the importance of self-realization for achieving a life of purpose and meaning, connecting this verse to the broader human quest for significance and transcendence beyond mortal confines.