amṛtatvasya ca srotasaḥ
“And the source of immortality”
Structure
amṛtatvasya ca srotasaḥ
amṛtatvasya (of the source of immortality) ca (and) srotasaḥ (the source)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| amṛtatvasya | amṛtatvasya | compound | tatpuruṣa · "amṛtatva + asya" | of the state of being immortal |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| srotasaḥ | srotasaḥ | noun | genitive · singular · neuter | of the source |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse 'amṛtatvasya ca srotasaḥ' is considered pivotal in understanding the nature of the ultimate reality. According to Advaita Vedānta, this phrase signifies the source of immortality, which is the Brahman itself. The immortality referred to here is not of the physical body but of the Ātman, the individual self, which is ultimately one with Brahman. Śaṅkarācārya interprets this verse as an affirmation of the eternal and unchanging nature of the Self. The source of immortality is the knowledge of this unity, which liberates the individual from the cycle of birth and death. This understanding is central to the non-dualistic philosophy of Advaita Vedānta, emphasizing the importance of realizing one's true nature as immortal and divine.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, the phrase 'amṛtatvasya ca srotasaḥ' is seen as a reference to the divine grace of Lord Viṣṇu, who is the source of all immortality. Rāmānujācārya, a key figure in Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta, interprets this verse as underscoring the dependence of all existence on the divine. The source of immortality is the grace of God, which sustains and nurtures all beings. Madhvācārya, from the Dvaita Vedānta perspective, sees this verse as an affirmation of the absolute distinction between the independent Lord and dependent beings, with immortality being a gift from the Lord to those who attain liberation through devotion and knowledge. Both interpretations highlight the central role of divine grace in achieving immortality.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): The modern interpreters of Vedānta, such as Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, emphasize the universal and practical implications of the verse 'amṛtatvasya ca srotasaḥ'. Swami Vivekānanda sees this phrase as a call to realize the immortal aspect of the Self, which is beyond the limitations of the mortal body. He advocates for the practice of yoga and the cultivation of spiritual awareness as means to experience this immortality. S. Rādhākrishnan, focusing on the philosophical aspects, interprets the source of immortality as the realization of the universal Self, which is the essence of all existence. This understanding is not limited to individual liberation but encompasses a vision of universal harmony and the betterment of human society, reflecting the adaptive and inclusive nature of Neo-Vedānta.