sa tvāṃ premānubaddhena paśyann viśvamāyayā.
“But you, with your love-bound eyes, behold the universe through the māyā.”
Structure
sa tvām premānubaddhena paśyan viśvam āyayā
sa (he) tvām (You) premānubaddhena (with love-bound) paśyan (seeing) viśvam (the universe) āyayā (with wonder)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sa | sa | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
| tvām | tvām | pronoun | second · singular · masculine | you |
| premānubaddhena | premānubaddhena | compound | tatpuruṣa · "prema-anubaddhena" | with love-bound |
| paśyan | paśyan | verb | √paś · present participle · first | seeing |
| viśvam | viśvam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | the world |
| āyayā | āyayā | indeclinable | — | in a manner |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkarācārya interprets this verse as an invitation to see the world through the lens of non-duality, where the distinction between the self and the universe is transcended. The 'premānubaddhena' or love-bound vision refers to the vision of unity, where the individual self (ātman) is seen as non-different from the ultimate reality (Brahman). Śaṅkarācārya's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, emphasizes the illusory nature of the world (māyā) and the need to realize the identity of the individual self with the absolute. This verse thus points to the brahman-ātman identity, encouraging the seeker to behold the universe as a manifestation of the ultimate reality, rather than as a separate, independent entity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, understands 'premānubaddhena' as the loving devotion of the jīva (individual soul) towards Īśvara (the Lord). This devotion is not just an emotional state but a profound recognition of the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara. Through such devotion, the jīva comes to see the world as a manifestation of Īśvara's māyā, and thus, their relationship is one of loving service and surrender. Madhvācārya, emphasizing the difference between the jīva and Īśvara, sees this verse as highlighting the importance of recognizing one's true position as a servant of the Lord, beholding the universe as a creation of Īśvara, and thus, cultivating devotion towards Him.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical application of spiritual principles in everyday life. He would interpret 'premānubaddhena' as the capacity to see the world with love and compassion, recognizing the divine in all beings. This vision is not limited to a particular tradition but is a universal principle that can guide human action and interaction. According to Vivekānanda, one who sees the world through such a lens of love and unity will naturally work towards the upliftment of all, recognizing that the distinctions and divisions are but a manifestation of māyā. S. Radhakrishnan, echoing this sentiment, emphasized the ethical implications of such a vision, where the realization of the unity of all existence leads to a life of service, empathy, and understanding, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious and peaceful world.