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Bhagavad Gītā · 11.27
यच्चेदं पुरुषेण हविर्देवेभ्यस्त्वाहुतं पशुः ।

yaccedaṁ puruṣeṇa haviḥ devebhyastvāhutam paśuḥ.

And if a man offers to the gods, with a view to satisfy his own self, an oblation, or an animal.

TTS

Structure

Padaccheda — word separation

yac ca idam puruṣeṇa haviḥ devebhyas tvā ahutam paśuḥ

Anvaya — prose reordering

yac (what) ca (and) idam (this) haviḥ (offering) puruṣeṇa (by the person) devebhyas (to the gods) tvā (you) ahutam (offered) paśuḥ (animal)

Word-by-Word Grammar

WordIASTTypeGrammarMeaning
yacyacindeclinablewhich, what
cacaindeclinableand
idaṁidampronounaccusative · neuter singular · neuterthis
purūṣeṇapurūṣeṇanouninstrumental · singular · masculineby the puruṣa, by the man
haviḥhaviḥnounnominative · neuter singular · neuteroblation, offering
devebhyasdevebhyasnoundative · plural · masculineto the gods
tvātvaindeclinableyou, to you
āhutamāhutamverb√hū · past participle · thirdoffered, presented
paśuḥpaśuḥnounnominative · singular · masculineanimal, cattle

Scholarly Commentary

Advaita Vedānta(Ādi Śaṅkarācārya)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse highlights the non-dual nature of the ultimate reality. According to Shankara, the act of offering oblations to the gods with the intention of satisfying one's own self is a reflection of the individual's ignorance of their true nature. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Shankara notes that the concept of 'I' and 'mine' is a product of avidyā, or ignorance, which veils the true identity of the Self (Ātman) with Brahman. This verse points to the idea that all actions, including rituals and sacrifices, are ultimately rooted in the ego and do not lead to true liberation. Only when the individual recognizes their true nature as Brahman can they transcend the cycle of karma and attain mokṣa. Shankara's reasoning on this verse is in line with his overall philosophy of non-dualism, where the ultimate goal is to realize the identity of the individual Self with the universal Brahman.

Vaiṣṇava Tradition(Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya)

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an opportunity to discuss the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of devotion and self-surrender in achieving liberation. According to Rāmānuja, the act of offering oblations to the gods is a means of cultivating bhakti, or devotion, which is essential for realizing one's true nature as a servant of the Lord. This verse highlights the importance of recognizing the distinction between the individual self and the Lord, while also acknowledging the intimate relationship between them. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, would likely emphasize the concept of 'śaraṇāgati,' or self-surrender, as the means to attain liberation, where the individual surrenders their ego and desires to the Lord, recognizing their complete dependence on Him.

Neo-Vedānta(Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan)

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical application of spiritual principles in everyday life. In the context of this verse, he might argue that the act of offering oblations to the gods can be seen as a symbol of the individual's desire to connect with something higher than themselves. However, he would also caution against the dangers of ritualism and superstition, emphasizing the need for self-reflection and introspection. According to Vivekananda, true liberation can only be achieved by recognizing the divine within oneself and cultivating a sense of universal compassion and empathy. In contemporary life, this verse can be seen as a call to re-examine our motivations and intentions, recognizing that true fulfillment and happiness can only be achieved by transcending our egoistic desires and cultivating a sense of connection with the world around us. As Radhakrishnan notes, 'The ultimate goal of life is not to achieve some external reward, but to realize one's own true nature, which is already perfect and divine.'

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