mayi sarvāṇi karmāṇi sanna-sann karmaṇi kartum
“To consider all actions as being done in Me”
Structure
mayi sarvāṇi karmāṇi sanna-sann karmaṇi kartum
kartum (to do) sarvāṇi (all) karmāṇi (actions) sanna-sann (completely renouncing) karmaṇi (in action) mayi (in Me)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mayi | mayi | pronoun | locative · singular | in Me |
| sarvāṇi | sarvāṇi | adjective | — | all |
| karmāṇi | karmāṇi | noun | accusative · plural · neuter | actions |
| sanna-sann | sanna-sann | compound | dvandva · "sanna ca sanna ca" | abandoned and not abandoned |
| karmaṇi | karmaṇi | noun | locative · singular · neuter | in action |
| kartum | kartum | infinitive | — | to do |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, mayi sarvāṇi karmāṇi sanna-sann karmaṇi kartum, underscores the non-dual nature of reality by emphasizing that all actions should be considered as being done in the Self (Ātman or Brahman). According to Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, this perspective allows the individual to transcend the egoistic notion of being the doer, thereby negating the bondage caused by actions (karmabandha). By considering all actions as being performed in the ultimate reality, the individual self (jīva) realizes its identity with the supreme Self (Brahman), leading to liberation (mokṣa). This interpretation is in line with Shankara's exposition of the brahman-ātman identity, where the ultimate goal is to realize that the individual self is not different from the universal Self. This verse, in the context of Advaita Vedānta, serves as a reminder of the path to this realization, emphasizing the importance of a non-dualistic understanding of actions and their ultimate performer.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an exhortation to devotees to dedicate all their actions to the Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets this verse as a means to cultivate devotion (bhakti) by surrendering the fruits of all actions to God. This surrender is seen as a way of acknowledging the Lord's sovereignty over all actions and recognizing the jīva's dependence on Him. By dedicating all actions to the Lord, the devotee develops a sense of detachment (vairāgya) and devotion, which are essential for achieving liberation. Madhvācārya, from a Dvaita perspective, would also emphasize the importance of recognizing the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, while highlighting the devotee's dependence on God's grace for liberation. In both interpretations, the verse is central to the devotional life, guiding the devotee towards a life of dedication and surrender.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, interpreting this verse in the context of modern life, would likely emphasize its universal and practical application. He might argue that considering all actions as being done in the ultimate reality (mayi sarvāṇi karmāṇi) fosters a sense of unity and interconnectedness among all beings. This perspective, according to Vivekānanda, can inspire individuals to work selflessly for the greater good, recognizing that their actions contribute to the well-being of the whole. In his lectures and writings, Vivekānanda often stressed the importance of service (sevā) as a means to realize this unity, suggesting that by dedicating their actions to the service of others, individuals can experience a sense of oneness with the universe. S. Radhakrishnan, with his philosophical inclination, might further elaborate on how this verse points to the fundamental human quest for meaning and purpose, highlighting the significance of finding one's actions rooted in a higher reality for a fulfilling life.