Yastvahaṁkāram anivṛttaṁ vṛtteḥ viveka-nāśanam । Ātma-vantam ekī-bhāvena yaṁ paśyasi sa tathaiva tam.
“One who sees that ego which is not eliminated from the interactions and which destroys discrimination as being one with the Self.”
Structure
Yas tu ahamkāram anivṛttam vṛtteḥ viveka nāśanam ātma-vantam ekī-bhāvena yam paśyasi sa tathaiva tam
Yas tu (who indeed) vṛtteḥ (from intellect) viveka (discernment) nāśanam (destroyer) anivṛttam (unresolved) ahamkāram (ego) ātma-vantam (Self-endowed one) ekī-bhāvena (as identical) yam (whom) paśyasi (you see) sa (that) tathaiva (in the same way) tam (one)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yas | Yas | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | who |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| ahamkāram | aḥmākāram | compound | tatpuruṣa · "aḥ + kāram" | egoism |
| anivṛttam | anivṛttam | verb | √vṛt · past participle · third | not ceased |
| vṛtteḥ | vṛtteḥ | noun | ablative · singular · feminine | from the function |
| viveka | viveka | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | discernment |
| nāśanam | nāśanam | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | destruction |
| ātma-vantam | ātmavantam | compound | bahuvrīhi · "ātmā + vant" | endowed with a self |
| ekī-bhāvena | ekī-bhāvena | compound | karmadhāraya · "ekī + bhāva" | in a unified way |
| yam | yam | pronoun | accusative · singular · masculine | whom |
| paśyasi | paśyasi | verb | √paś · present · second | you see |
| sa | saḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
| tathaiva | tathaiva | indeclinable | — | indeed like that |
| tam | tam | pronoun | accusative · singular · masculine | him |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Shankara explains that the verse highlights the importance of recognizing the non-dual nature of reality. The 'ahaṁkāra' or ego, which is not eliminated from interactions, destroys discrimination and leads to a false sense of separateness. Shankara argues that the verse points to the identity of Brahman and Ātman, emphasizing that the Self is beyond all modifications and interactions. He cites the example of the sun, which remains unchanged despite its reflections in various waters. Similarly, the Self remains untouched by the ego and its interactions, and it is this understanding that leads to liberation. This verse, in Shankara's view, underscores the need for self-inquiry and the direct experience of the non-dual reality, which is the ultimate goal of Advaita Vedānta.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets this verse as highlighting the importance of devotion and surrender to Īśvara. He argues that the ego, which is not eliminated from interactions, is a major obstacle to realizing the true nature of the self and its relationship with Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya emphasizes that the verse points to the need for the jīva to recognize its dependence on Īśvara and to cultivate a sense of devotion and surrender. He cites the example of Arjuna, who, having recognized his limitations and surrendered to Krishna, is able to see things as they truly are. This verse, in Rāmānujācārya's view, underscores the importance of bhakti and prapatti, or devotion and surrender, as the means to attain liberation and realize the true nature of the self and its relationship with Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical and universal application of the Bhagavad Gītā. He interpreted this verse as highlighting the importance of self-awareness and the need to transcend the limitations of the ego. Vivekānanda argued that the verse points to the need for individuals to recognize their true nature and to cultivate a sense of inner freedom and spontaneity. He cited the example of the 'awakened' individual, who, having transcended the ego and its limitations, is able to see things as they truly are and to act with greater freedom and effectiveness. This verse, in Vivekānanda's view, underscores the importance of self-inquiry, self-awareness, and spiritual practice as the means to attain greater freedom, happiness, and fulfillment in life. He also connected this verse to contemporary life, emphasizing the need for individuals to cultivate a sense of inner peace and harmony in the face of the challenges and complexities of modern life.