parastāt tv anupaśyāmi vittena ativi bhāvasī । sarvatra ananta-sāgram au rathāny asthāyinah sthitān ॥
“I see a multitude of wealthier warriors standing here with limitless array of chariots.”
Structure
parastāt tv anupaśyāmi vittena ati vi bhāvasī sarvatra ananta sāgram au rathāny a sthāyinah sthitān
parastāt (on the other side) tv (of you) anupaśyāmi (I see) vittena (with wealth) ati vi (very greatly) bhāvasī (you are) sarvatra (everywhere) ananta (endless) sāgram (battlefields) au (like oceans) rathāny (chariots) a sthāyinah (constantly) sthitān (situated)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| parastāt | parastāt | indeclinable | — | from or beyond that which is other or different |
| tv | tvā | pronoun | second · singular | of you |
| anupaśyāmi | anupaśyāmi | verb | √paś · laṭ-present · first | I see |
| vittena | vittena | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with the knowledge |
| ati | ati | indeclinable | — | exceedingly, very |
| vi | vi | indeclinable | — | separately, differently |
| bhāvasī | bhāvasī | verb | √bhū · laṭ-present · second | you are |
| sarvatra | sarvatra | indeclinable | — | everywhere |
| ananta | ananta | adjective | — | endless, infinite |
| sāgram | sāgram | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | ocean, sea |
| au | au | indeclinable | — | or |
| rathāny | rathāny | noun | nominative · plural · neuter | chariots, vehicles |
| a | a | indeclinable | — | not |
| sthāyinah | sthāyinah | adjective | — | permanent, lasting |
| sthitān | sthitān | verb | √sthā · participle | situated, existing |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Bhagavad Gītā highlights the non-dual nature of reality, as it depicts a multitude of warriors standing with limitless array of chariots, yet ultimately, Shankara's commentary on this verse would emphasize that these manifestations are mere appearances, lacking inherent reality. Shankara, in his Brahmasutra Bhashya, clarifies that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is the essence of all existence. The phrase 'parastāt tv anupaśyāmi' suggests a vision of something beyond the immediate, pointing towards the transcendent. This aligns with Shankara's argument in his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, where he asserts that the individual self (ātman) is none other than Brahman. Thus, this verse can be seen as an invitation to look beyond the multitude of worldly phenomena to the unified, non-dual essence that underlies all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, particularly through the lens of Rāmānujācārya, interprets this verse with a focus on the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, the Śrī Bhāshya, would likely analyze 'vittena ativi bhāvasī' as indicating the superior wealth and power of the Supreme Lord, which surpasses all worldly wealth and military might. This interpretation underscores the dependence of all beings on Īśvara and the ultimate goal of achieving a loving relationship with the Lord. The 'ananta-sāgram' or limitless array of chariots represents the infinite power and majesty of the Lord, reminding the jīva of its finite nature and the necessity of surrender to the divine will.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in Neo-Vedānta, would interpret this verse in the context of practical Vedānta, emphasizing its application to everyday life and the struggle for self-realization. Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often stressed the importance of looking beyond external appearances to the inner, divine essence in every being. The 'multitude of wealthier warriors' and 'limitless array of chariots' can be seen as symbols of the numerous distractions and challenges one faces in life. Vivekānanda might argue that true strength lies not in external wealth or power but in the realization of one's inner, spiritual wealth. This verse, therefore, serves as a reminder of the importance of cultivating inner strength and resilience in the face of life's challenges, aligning with Vivekānanda's message of self-empowerment and service to humanity.