na cainaṃ kledayaty eṣa tūṣṇīṃtavyā manaḥ śamaḥ
“The mind should be pacified so that it does not disturb him.”
Structure
na ca enam kledayati eṣa tūṣṇīṃ tavyā manasaḥ śamaḥ
na ca (not) eṣaḥ (this) manasaḥ (of the mind) tūṣṇīṃ (silence) tavyā (should be) śamaḥ (tranquility) enam (this) kledayati (disturbs)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| enam | enam | pronoun | accusative · singular · masculine | him |
| kledayati | kledayati | verb | √kled · present · third | troubles |
| eṣa | eṣa | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | this |
| tūṣṇīṃ | tūṣṇīṃ | indeclinable | — | silence |
| tavyā | tavyā | verb | √tūṣ · optative · third | should be observed |
| manaḥ | manaḥ | noun | genitive · singular · neuter | of the mind |
| śamaḥ | śamaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | peace |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the importance of mental equipoise in realizing the ultimate reality. According to Śaṅkara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, the disturbance of the mind is a primary obstacle to self-realization. The verse 'na cainaṃ kledayaty eṣa tūṣṇīṃtavyā manaḥ śamaḥ' suggests that the mind should be pacified to the extent that it does not disturb the individual. Śaṅkara interprets this as a call to still the mind, thereby revealing the true nature of the self, which is none other than Brahman. This non-dual reading emphasizes the identity of Brahman and Ātman, where the individual self is not separate from the ultimate reality. By achieving mental peace, one can realize this fundamental unity, transcending the limitations of the empirical world.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an exhortation to cultivate devotion and surrender to the Lord. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of prapatti, or self-surrender, as a means to attain mental peace. The disturbance of the mind is seen as a result of ignorance of one's true nature as a servant of the Lord. By surrendering to Īśvara, the individual can attain a state of tranquility, where the mind is no longer disturbed by worldly concerns. This verse highlights the relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, where the former finds peace and liberation through devotion to the latter. In this context, the pacification of the mind is a precursor to the realization of one's eternal relationship with the Divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical applications of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. Regarding this verse, he would likely stress the importance of mental calmness in achieving success and fulfillment in various endeavors. The pacification of the mind, as suggested by the verse, is not merely a spiritual goal but a universal necessity for human well-being. Vivekānanda would argue that a disturbed mind is a significant obstacle to personal growth, relationships, and societal harmony. By adopting practices such as meditation and self-reflection, individuals can cultivate mental peace, leading to a more compassionate, creative, and productive life. This verse, in the context of Neo-Vedānta, serves as a call to action, encouraging individuals to strive for mental equilibrium as a foundation for a more meaningful and purposeful existence.