māhātmyam apy eṣa tato vada svānantaṁ brahmaṇo vadataḥ.
“Also tell me about His greatness; there is no end to Brahmaṇ (the Absolute Truth) when describing which.”
Structure
māhātmyam apy eṣa tato vada svānantam brahmaṇo vadataḥ
eṣa (this) apy (also) māhātmyam (greatness) tato (then) brahmaṇo (of Brahman) anantam (infinite) vadataḥ (while speaking) svā (your) vada (tell)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| māhātmyam | māhātmyam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | greatness |
| apy | apy | indeclinable | — | also |
| eṣa | eṣa | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | this |
| tato | tato | indeclinable | — | then |
| vada | vada | verb | √vad · optative · second | speak |
| svānantam | svānantam | compound | tatpuruṣa · "sva-ānantam" | your own extent |
| brahmaṇo | brahmaṇo | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of Brahman |
| vadataḥ | vadataḥ | verb | √vad · present participle · third | speaking |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the boundless nature of Brahmaṇ, emphasizing that descriptions of its greatness are endless. Shankara, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, highlights the non-dual essence of reality, suggesting that the pursuit of understanding Brahmaṇ leads to the realization of the brahman-ātman identity. He reasons that just as the ocean's waves are not separate from the ocean itself, the individual self (ātman) is ultimately not distinct from the universal self (Brahmaṇ). This verse, by pointing to the infinite nature of Brahmaṇ, prompts the seeker to transcend finite conceptions and embrace the infinite, thereby facilitating the intuitive grasp of non-duality. Shankara's exegesis on this verse encourages the seeker to move beyond the limitations of language and intellect to experience the unity of all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an invitation to delve into the glories of the Supreme Lord. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary, emphasizes the importance of devotion and self-surrender in understanding the Lord's greatness. He notes that the Lord's glories are indeed endless, and that the devotee's endeavor to know Him is a lifelong journey. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, stresses the real distinction between the Lord and the individual self, highlighting the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara. Both Rāmānuja and Madhva would concur that this verse prompts the devotee to engage in an ongoing exploration of the Lord's attributes and deeds, cultivating a deeper sense of reverence and love. This process of contemplating the Lord's glories, they argue, facilitates spiritual growth and the nurturing of a profound devotional relationship with the Divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical implications of spiritual principles. Concerning this verse, he might argue that the endless nature of Brahmaṇ's greatness symbolizes the infinite potential that lies within every individual. This realization, he would contend, should inspire people to strive for self-perfection and to recognize their inherent capacity for growth and transformation. S. Rādhākrishnan, echoing this sentiment, would likely highlight the universal relevance of this verse, suggesting that its message transcends sectarian boundaries. He might interpret the pursuit of understanding Brahmaṇ's greatness as a metaphor for the human quest for meaning and purpose, underscoring the importance of embracing a holistic and inclusive vision of life. Both thinkers would encourage individuals to apply the insights gleaned from this verse to their everyday lives, fostering a sense of unity, compassion, and wisdom in their interactions with the world.