yat syāt pramāṇeṇa tena sarvatra vijayate . śūnye ca vinded atha vāyau .
“By that (Yoga) one conquers everywhere; verily one finds It in the void or in the wind.”
Structure
yat syāt pramāṇeṇa tena sarvatra vijayate śūnye ca vinded atha vāyau
yat(what/that which) syāt(may be/is) pramāṇeṇa(with/in the manner of) tena(then/by that) sarvatra(everywhere) vijayate(victorious/conquers) śūnye(in the void/in space) ca(and) vindet(finds/discovered) atha(then/next) vāyau(in the air/in the wind)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yat | yat | pronoun | nominative · neuter singular · neuter | what |
| syāt | syāt | verb | √as · liṅ-optative · third | may be |
| pramāṇeṇa | pramāṇeṇa | compound | tatpuruṣa · "pramāṇena" | by measure |
| tena | tena | pronoun | instrumental · singular · masculine | thereby |
| sarvatra | sarvatra | indeclinable | — | everywhere |
| vijayate | vijayate | verb | √vij · laṭ-present · third | he wins |
| śūnye | śūnye | compound | karmadhāraya · "śūnye" | in the void |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| vindet | vindet | verb | √vid · liṅ-optative · third | he may find |
| atha | atha | indeclinable | — | then |
| vāyau | vāyau | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in the wind |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Bhagavad Gītā underscores the non-dual nature of reality, where the ultimate reality, Brahman, is realized through the practice of Yoga. According to Shankara, the term 'Yoga' here refers to the union of the individual self (jīva) with the universal Self (Brahman). The phrase 'yat syāt pramāṇeṇa' suggests that this realization is the ultimate proof or means of knowledge. Shankara, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes that the knowledge of Brahman is not something to be acquired but rather realized as the true nature of the self. This verse points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self, upon realizing its true nature, conquers the limitations of the empirical world and finds liberation. As Shankara notes, this realization is not dependent on external circumstances but can be achieved in any state, including the 'void' or 'wind', symbolizing the transcending of all dualities.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an expression of the devotional path to realizing the ultimate reality, Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, highlights the importance of self-surrender and devotion to the Lord as the means to achieve this realization. The term 'Yoga' here is understood as the practice of loving devotion (bhakti) towards God, which enables the devotee to overcome the obstacles of the worldly life and achieve union with the divine. The phrase 'sarvatra vijayate' suggests the all-pervading nature of the Lord, who is the ultimate reality and the goal of the devotee's quest. The reference to finding the ultimate reality in the 'void' or 'wind' symbolizes the omnipresence of God, who can be realized in any state, through devotion and self-surrender. Madhvācārya, in his commentary, further emphasizes the role of the guru and the scriptures in guiding the devotee on this path.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): This verse from the Bhagavad Gītā has profound implications for contemporary life, as seen in the writings and lectures of Swami Vivekānanda. According to Vivekānanda, the practice of Yoga, as mentioned in this verse, is not limited to physical postures or breathing techniques but is a comprehensive approach to realizing one's true potential. The term 'pramāṇeṇa' suggests the importance of direct experience and self-realization in achieving this goal. Vivekānanda, in his lecture 'The Real Nature of the Soul', emphasizes that this realization is not dependent on external circumstances but can be achieved by anyone, regardless of their background or situation. The phrase 'śūnye ca vinded atha vāyau' symbolizes the ability to find peace and liberation in any situation, whether in solitude or in the midst of activity. This verse, therefore, offers a universal and practical message, encouraging individuals to strive for self-realization and inner peace, and to cultivate a deeper understanding of their place in the world. As S. Rādhākrishnan notes, this verse highlights the importance of balancing the inner and outer aspects of human life, leading to a more harmonious and fulfilling existence.