śreyaḥ pravṛttiṁ ca lokānāṁ vadati ca mayi śraddhām . āsāṁ śraddhāṁ hi kariṣyanti tān vṛṇu pārtha sañjayā ॥ १५ ॥
“He speaks about the best course of action and faith in Me; those who have such faith in Me, choose them, O Arjuna.”
Structure
śreyaḥ pravṛttiṁ ca lokānāṁ vadati ca mayi śraddhām . āsāṁ śraddhāṁ hi kariṣyanti tān vṛṇu pārtha sañjayā
śreyaḥ (best) pravṛttiṁ (endeavour) ca (and) lokānāṁ (of people) vadati (speaks) ca (and) mayi (towards Me) śraddhām (faith) . āsāṁ (of such) śraddhāṁ (faith) hi (certainly) kariṣyanti (will have) tān (those) vṛṇu (choose) pārtha (Arjuna's son) sañjayā (Sanjaya)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| śreyaḥ | śreyaḥ | indeclinable | — | happiness, well-being; or comparative form used adverbially |
| pravṛttiṁ | pravṛttiṁ | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | inclination, tendency |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| lokānāṁ | lokānāṁ | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of people, of worlds |
| vadati | vadati | verb | √vad · laṭ-present · third | speaks, says |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| mayi | mayi | pronoun | locative · singular · masculine/neuter | in me |
| śraddhām | śraddhām | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | faith, devotion |
| āsāṁ | āsāṁ | pronoun | genitive/accusative · plural · feminine | of them, those |
| śraddhāṁ | śraddhāṁ | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | faith, devotion |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| kariṣyanti | kariṣyanti | verb | √kṛ · liṅ-optative · third | they will do, they may do |
| tān | tān | pronoun | accusative · plural · masculine | them, those |
| vṛṇu | vṛṇu | verb | √vṛ · laṣ- imperative · second | choose, select |
| pārtha | pārtha | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | son of Prthā, epithet of Arjuna |
| sañjayā | sañjayā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | O Sañjaya |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, the emphasis on faith in the Supreme Being (śraddhām mayi) hints at the non-dual nature of reality. According to Shankara, the faith referred to here is not a mere emotional or intellectual assent but a deep, intuitive understanding that leads to the realization of the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). This verse can be seen as an echo of the Upanishadic mantra 'Tat tvam asi' (You are That), underscoring the unity of all existence. The phrase 'śreyaḥ pravṛttiṁ ca lokānāṁ vadati' suggests that the pursuit of the ultimate good (śreyaḥ) is inherently linked with the realization of this non-dual truth. Thus, the verse points towards the ultimate goal of Advaita Vedanta — the direct experience of Brahman-ātman identity, where the distinctions between the individual and the Supreme dissolve.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): This verse highlights the importance of devotion (bhakti) and faith (śraddhā) in the personal God (Īśvara), specifically in Lord Krishna. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara. The jīva's faith in and love for Īśvara are met with Īśvara's grace, guiding the jīva towards the path of righteousness (śreyaḥ pravṛttiḥ). The phrase 'āsāṁ śraddhāṁ hi kariṣyanti' suggests that those who cultivate such faith will be blessed with more faith, creating a virtuous cycle that deepens their devotion and leads to liberation. This verse, in the Vaiṣṇava tradition, serves as a reminder of the personal and loving nature of God, who engages with His devotees and guides them on the path to eternal union with Him.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a universal message applicable to contemporary life. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures, often emphasized the practical aspect of Vedanta, suggesting that true faith and devotion can transform an individual's life and society. The call to 'choose them' (vṛṇu) who have faith suggests a proactive approach to spiritual growth, encouraging seekers to associate with those who embody higher values and to cultivate a deep faith in a higher power or principle. This verse, in a broader sense, speaks to the human quest for meaning and the supreme good (śreyaḥ), advocating for a path that combines personal spiritual growth with engagement in the world (pravṛttiḥ). According to S. Radhakrishnan, such a path is not merely a withdrawal from the world but an active participation in it, guided by a deep sense of purpose and faith, leading to a more harmonious and enlightened world.