sarvataḥpravṛttaṃ ca tad-vijānāc-chrutiṃ śravaṇāt
“And one should know that which pervades everywhere, by hearing the Vedic statements.”
Structure
sarvataḥ pravṛttam ca tad vijānāt śrutiṃ śravaṇāt
śravaṇāt (by hearing) ca (and) sarvataḥ (from all) pravṛttam (emanating) tad (that) śrutiṃ (knowledge) vijānāt (you should know)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sarvataḥ | sarvataḥ | indeclinable | — | from all sides |
| pravṛttam | pravṛttam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | emanating |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| tad | tad | pronoun | accusative · singular · neuter | that |
| vijānāt | vijānāt | verb | √jñā · laṭ-present · third | one knows |
| śrutiṃ | śrutiṃ | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | scripture |
| śravaṇāt | śravaṇāt | noun | ablative · singular · neuter | from hearing |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Adi Shankara interprets this verse as underscoring the all-pervasive nature of Brahman. He argues that the knowledge of Brahman can only be attained through the hearing of scriptures (śravaṇāt), which points to the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). Shankara's non-dual reading of this verse hinges on the understanding that the pervasiveness of Brahman implies its Presence in all beings, thus leading to the realization of the unity of all existence. He cites the Upanishads, where it is stated that the Brahman is 'all-pervading' and 'omnipresent', to support his interpretation of this verse. This understanding is crucial in Advaita Vedanta as it paves the way for the direct experience of Brahman, where the distinctions between the individual self and the ultimate reality dissolve.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, views this verse as affirming the omnipresence of the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). He emphasizes that the knowledge of the Lord's all-pervasive nature is acquired through the hearing of the Vedic scriptures, which is a fundamental aspect of devotion (bhakti). Ramanuja's perspective on this verse highlights the loving relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the Supreme Lord, where the jīva seeks to understand and experience the Lord's presence in all aspects of life. This devotional reading of the verse underscores the importance of scripture and the role of a qualified teacher (ācārya) in guiding the seeker towards the realization of the Lord's omnipresence. The concept of 'sarvataḥ pravṛttam' is particularly significant as it points to the Lord's universal presence, accessible through devotion and knowledge.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical and universal application of the Upanishadic and Vedantic principles. He would interpret this verse as a call to recognize and realize the universal presence that underlies all existence. This recognition, according to Vivekananda, is not merely intellectual but a living experience that transforms the individual, making them see the unity of all life. He encouraged the practice of listening to and reflecting on the ancient wisdom (śrutaṃ śravaṇāt) as a means to attain this realization. Vivekananda's approach to this verse connects it with contemporary life, emphasizing that understanding the all-pervasive nature of reality is essential for fostering unity, compassion, and peace among all beings. This universal perspective, rooted in ancient Indian philosophy, is seen by Vivekananda as a powerful tool for personal growth and social harmony in the modern world.