na ca dehānni dehāt tvaṁ na ca yenaivāhaṁ paśyasi
“You are not the body, nor am I the one through whom you see.”
Structure
na ca dehānni dehāt tvam na ca yena eva aham paśyasi
tvam (you) dehāt (from the body) dehānni (bodies) na ca (and not) paśyasi (see) yena eva (by which) aham (I) paśyasi (see) na ca (and not) dehāt (from the body) tvam (you)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| dehānni | dehānī | noun | nominative · plural · neuter | bodies |
| dehāt | dehāt | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from the body |
| tvam | tvam | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | you |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| yena | yena | pronoun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by which |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| aham | ahem | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | I |
| paśyasi | paśyasi | verb | √paś · present · second | you see |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, the distinction between the self (ātman) and the body is underscored, aligning with the non-dualistic philosophy of Advaita Vedānta. Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā emphasizes the impermanence of the body and the permanence of the self, highlighting the illusory nature of the body as merely a vehicle for the self. The phrase 'you are not the body' directly points to the ultimate reality of brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (jīva) is not different from the supreme self (brahman). This understanding liberates one from the cycle of birth and death, as one recognizes their true nature beyond the ephemeral physical form. Shankara's commentary on similar passages, such as BG 2.11-13, reinforces this interpretation, guiding the seeker towards self-inquiry and the realization of non-duality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, through the lens of Rāmānujācārya and Madhvācārya, interprets this verse within the context of the loving relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānuja's visishtadvaita Vedānta sees the jīva as a dependent yet eternal entity of Īśvara, with the body being an instrument for the jīva's interaction with the world. The statement 'you are not the body' serves as a reminder of the jīva's inherent spiritual nature and its potential for liberation through devotion to Īśvara. Madhva, on the other hand, with his dvaita Vedānta, would emphasize the real distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, yet both interpretations within the Vaiṣṇava tradition use this verse to underscore the jīva's dependency on Īśvara for true understanding and liberation. This verse thus becomes a call to devotees to seek a deeper, spiritual self-awareness beyond physical existence.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, key figures of Neo-Vedānta, interpreted this verse in the context of universal applicability and practical living. Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of realizing one's true nature beyond the limitations of the body, advocating for a life of service and spirituality. He saw this verse as an encouragement to look within, to discover the inner strength and potential that lies beyond the physical and material. Rādhākrishnan, with his focus on the synthesis of Eastern and Western thought, viewed this verse as a reminder of the universal human quest for meaning and transcendence. He connected the idea of 'you are not the body' with the broader human experience, suggesting that this realization can lead to a more compassionate, tolerant, and peaceful world. Both thinkers used this verse to inspire individuals towards a path of self-discovery, service, and the pursuit of spiritual growth, making it relevant to contemporary life and its challenges.