yad yad hi dharmasya glānir bhavati Bhārata / abhyutthānaṁ sadṛśaṁ tad dharmasya hi gopāyanaṁ
“Whatever degeneration of dharma occurs, O Bharat, that very thing I undertake to protect and uplift.”
Structure
yad yad hi dharmasya glānir bhavati Bhārata abhyutthānam sadṛśam tad dharmasya hi gopāyanaṁ
yad yad (whatever) hi (certainly) dharmasya (of dharma) glāniḥ (decline) bhavati (occurs) Bhārata (O Bhārata) tad (that) sadṛśam (similar) abhyutthānam (rise) dharmasya (of dharma) hi (indeed) gopāyanaṁ (protection) tad (that) eva (is)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yad | yad | indeclinable | — | whatever |
| yad | yad | indeclinable | — | whatever |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for|indeed |
| dharmasya | dharmasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of duty |
| glānir | glānir | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | decay|decline |
| bhavati | bhavati | verb | √bhū · present · third | happens|occurs |
| Bhārata | Bhārata | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | of Bhārata |
| abhyutthānam | abhyutthānam | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | uprising|promotion |
| sadṛśam | sadṛśam | indeclinable | — | similar|comparable |
| tad | tad | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | that |
| dharmasya | dharmasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of duty |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for|indeed |
| gopāyanaṁ | gopāyanaṁ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | protection|preservation |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the nondual nature of reality, where the protection and upliftment of dharma are ultimately the self's (ātman) own restoration to its true nature. Shankara, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, highlights the concept of 'sadṛśaṁ' or similarity, suggesting that the abhyutthāna (upliftment) of dharma is in essence the realization of the identity of the individual self (jīva) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). This verse, therefore, points to the liberation (mokṣa) that results from the understanding of this identity, where the distinctions and degenerations (glānir) of the conditional world are transcended. In this context, the role of the divine (as expressed through Krishna) is to guide the seeker towards this realization, emphasizing the path of knowledge (jñāna yoga) as the means to attain the state of unity with Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava interpretation of this verse revolves around the concept of divine grace and the responsibility of the jīva (individual self) towards Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary, emphasizes the idea that the Lord's intervention to protect dharma is a manifestation of His infinite mercy and love for His devotees. The 'glānir' or degeneration of dharma is seen as an opportunity for the Lord to demonstrate His power and grace, reestablishing the path of righteousness. This verse thus underscores the devotional relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, where the jīva's surrender and devotion invite the Lord's grace, leading to spiritual upliftment and the realization of one's eternal relationship with the divine. Madhvācārya, in his commentary, further elaborates on the concept of 'sadṛśaṁ' as indicating the Lord's willingness to descend and guide His devotees back to the path of dharma.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda interprets this verse as a call to action, emphasizing the universal and practical application of spiritual principles in everyday life. He sees the 'glānir' or degeneration of dharma as a pervasive issue in society, where values and morals are compromised. The upliftment of dharma, therefore, is not merely a theoretical or philosophical concept but a practical imperative that requires individual effort and collective action. This verse, in Vivekānanda's view, inspires individuals to take responsibility for their own spiritual growth and to work towards the betterment of society, reflecting the ideal of 'sadṛśaṁ' or similarity between the individual's aspirations and the divine will. Rādhākrishnan further expands on this idea, highlighting the importance of cultivating a sense of universal responsibility and empathy, where the protection and upliftment of dharma become a shared human endeavor, transcending sectarian and national boundaries.