rajo guṇeṇdriyāṇāṁ paśūnāṁ janayēt yathā ।
“As rajas produces animal-like creatures.”
Structure
rajo guṇeṇdriyāṇāṁ paśūnāṁ janayēt yathā
yathā rajo-guṇeṇ indriyāṇāṁ paśūnāṁ janayēt
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| rajo | rajo | indeclinable | — | the rajo-guna |
| guṇeṇ | guṇeṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by the guna |
| indriyāṇāṁ | indriyāṇāṁ | noun | genitive · plural · neuter | of the senses |
| paśūnāṁ | paśūnāṁ | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of the animals |
| janayēt | janayet | verb | √jan · liṅ-optative · third | should produce |
| yathā | yathā | indeclinable | — | as |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkarācārya interprets the verse 'rajo guṇeṇdriyāṇāṁ paśūnāṁ janayēt yathā' as an illustration of the deluding power of rajas, which binds the Self to the cycle of birth and death. According to Śaṅkarācārya, the verse highlights the importance of transcending the three guṇas, including rajas, to realize the true nature of the Self (ātman) as identical with Brahman. In his commentary on the Gītā (BG 14.10), Śaṅkarācārya notes that the influence of rajas on the senses and mind leads to the creation of animal-like creatures, implying a state of spiritual ignorance. This reading underscores the non-dual (advaita) perspective, emphasizing the ultimate unity of the individual Self with the universal Brahman, unencumbered by the limitations of the guṇas.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, views the verse 'rajo guṇeṇdriyāṇāṁ paśūnāṁ janayēt yathā' as a description of the Lord's (Īśvara) creative power, where rajas is an instrumental cause in the creation of beings with animal-like tendencies. This perspective emphasizes the relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the Lord, highlighting the jīva's dependence on Īśvara for its existence and characteristics. Madhvācārya, in his commentary, further elaborates on the distinction between the Lord and His creations, stressing that the influence of rajas on the jīvas results in their bondage to the cycle of saṃsāra. Both Rāmānujācārya and Madhvācārya's interpretations underscore the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on devotion (bhakti) as a means to transcend the limitations imposed by the guṇas and attain liberation through the Lord's grace.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. Regarding the verse 'rajo guṇeṇdriyāṇāṁ paśūnāṁ janayēt yathā', he would likely interpret it as a call to recognize and transcend the animalistic tendencies within ourselves, which are fueled by rajas. Vivekānanda stressed the importance of self-control, detachment, and the cultivation of higher qualities (sattva) to achieve a balanced and harmonious life. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, views this verse as an invitation to understand the human condition and the role of the guṇas in shaping our experiences. He advocates for a balanced approach, combining the activism of rajas with the wisdom of sattva, to create a more just and compassionate society. Both thinkers connect the verse to contemporary life, emphasizing personal growth, social responsibility, and the universal applicability of Vedāntic principles.