yacca paśyasi yacca tvaṁ śṛṇūsedapī tat
“And what you see and what you hear, that also is That.”
Structure
yacca paśyasi yacca tvam śṛṇūse tad api tat
yacca (whatever) tvam (you) paśyasi (see) yacca (and) tvam (you) śṛṇūse (hear) tad (that) api (also) tat (that)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yacca | yacca | indeclinable | — | and what |
| paśyasi | paśyasi | verb | √paś · laṭ-present · second | you see |
| yacca | yacca | indeclinable | — | and what |
| tvam | tvam | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | you |
| śṛṇūse | śṛṇūse | verb | √śru · laṭ-present · second | you hear |
| tad | tad | pronoun | accusative · singular · neuter | that |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also |
| tat | tat | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | that |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, yacca paśyasi yacca tvaṁ śṛṇūsedapī tat, is pivotal in Advaita Vedānta for establishing the non-dual nature of reality. Shankara, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets this verse as affirming that everything perceived, whether through sight or hearing, is ultimately Brahman. He reasoning is grounded in the concept of 'sarvam khalv idam brahma' (all this is indeed Brahman), suggesting an intrinsic unity between the individual self (ātman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). This verse thus reinforces the idea that distinctions between subject and object, or between the individual and the universe, are illusory. By acknowledging that all perceptions lead to the realization of 'That' (Brahman), Shankara underscores the path to self-realization, where the individual understands his true nature as non-different from the universal consciousness.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, particularly through the lens of Rāmānujācārya, views this verse as an affirmation of the dependent relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānuja, in his commentary, Gītā Bhāṣya, emphasizes that the perception of the world and the knowledge gained through senses are means to understand the majesty and omnipresence of God. The phrase 'yacca paśyasi yacca tvaṁ śṛṇūse tad api tat' is seen as underscoring the omnipresence of Īśvara, suggesting that every aspect of existence, every sight and every sound, is a manifestation of the divine. This understanding promotes bhakti, or devotion, as the path to liberation, where the jīva, in acknowledging the all-pervasive nature of Īśvara, seeks to reestablish its loving relationship with the Supreme.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in Neo-Vedānta, interprets this verse as a call to realize the universal consciousness that underlies all existence. In his lectures and writings, Vivekānanda emphasizes the practical application of this verse, suggesting that recognizing the divine in every aspect of life leads to a more harmonious and compassionate existence. He connects the idea that 'what you see and what you hear, that also is That' to the concept of oneness, encouraging individuals to transcend the boundaries of the ego and perceive the world as an interconnected whole. This perspective is echoed by S. Rādhākrishnan, who suggests that the realization of the universal presence, as hinted in this verse, is essential for fostering global understanding and peace. By applying the wisdom of this verse to contemporary life, individuals can cultivate a deeper sense of unity and purpose, contributing to the betterment of society.