kṣetrajñena mahatā yena sarvam idaṁ tatam prāptaś cāpi eṣa tattvaṁ vaktum arhasi mādhava
“The one who knows the field, the great knower, by whom this entire field is pervaded, and having obtained whom you have gained the fundamental reality, speak to me, O Mādhava.”
Structure
kṣetrajñena mahatā yena sarvam idaṁ tatam prāptaś cāpi eṣa tattvaṁ vaktum arhasi mādhava
kṣetrajñena (by the knower of the field) mahatā (the great one) yena (by whom) sarvam (all) idaṁ (this) tatam (pervaded) prāptaś (having obtained) cāpi (and) eṣa (this) tattvaṁ (truth) vaktum (to speak) arhasi (you should) mādhava (O descendant of Manu)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| kṣetrajñena | kṣetrajñena | compound | tatpuruṣa · "kṣetra-jña-ena" | with the knower of the field |
| mahatā | mahatā | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by the great one |
| yena | yena | pronoun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by whom |
| sarvam | sarvam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | everything |
| idaṁ | idaṁ | pronoun | accusative · singular · neuter | this |
| tatam | tatam | verb | √tṛ · past participle · third | pervaded |
| prāptaś | prāptaś | verb | √prāp · past participle · third | attained |
| cāpi | cāpi | indeclinable | — | and also |
| eṣa | eṣa | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | this |
| tattvaṁ | tattvaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | the truth |
| vaktum | vaktum | verb | √vac · infinitive | to speak |
| arhasi | arhasi | verb | √arh · present · second | you are worthy |
| mādhava | mādhava | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | descended from the ancient sage |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse is pivotal in understanding the non-dual nature of reality as it hints at the identity of the individual self (jīva) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). According to Śaṅkara, the term 'kṣetrajña' (knower of the field) refers to the self that witnesses all phenomena without being affected by them. The phrase 'mahatā yena sarvam idaṁ tatam' suggests that this self is not just a passive observer but is, in fact, the pervasive essence of all existence. Śaṅkara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā emphasizes the ultimate goal of realizing this non-dual identity, where the distinctions between the self and the world dissolve. This realization, or 'tattvaṁ,' is what is meant by 'having obtained whom you have gained the fundamental reality.' Thus, this verse supports the central Advaita Vedānta concept of brahman-ātman identity, guiding the seeker towards a profound understanding of the ultimate non-dual reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, particularly through the lens of Rāmānujācārya's Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta, this verse is interpreted as highlighting the distinction between the individual self (jīva) and the supreme lord (Īśvara), while also emphasizing their interconnectedness. Rāmānujācārya views 'kṣetrajña' as the individual self that is inherently dependent on Īśvara. The phrase 'mahatā yena sarvam idaṁ tatam' points to the omnipresence of Īśvara, who is the ultimate reality that pervades all existence. The realization of this relationship between jīva and Īśvara is the 'tattvaṁ' referred to in the verse. For Rāmānujācārya, this realization involves recognizing the inherent dependence of the individual self on the divine and culminates in a devotional relationship where love and service to Īśvara become the path to liberation. This interpretation underscores the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on the personal aspect of the divine and the path of bhakti as the means to attain spiritual liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): From a modern perspective, this verse offers a profound insight into the universal and practical applications of Vedāntic philosophy. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the importance of realizing one's true nature, which is in line with the 'kṣetrajña' concept. He saw this realization as a means to transcend the limitations of the individual ego and to connect with the universal consciousness that pervades all existence. The phrase 'sarvam idaṁ tatam' can be seen as a call to recognize this interconnectedness of all phenomena, encouraging a holistic and compassionate worldview. Vivekānanda and later thinkers like S. Rādhākrishnan have interpreted such verses as guiding principles for contemporary life, emphasizing the need for self-realization, service to others, and the pursuit of knowledge that leads to a deeper understanding of the self and the world. This verse, therefore, is not just a theological statement but a philosophical and practical guide for living a meaningful and fulfilling life, applicable across cultural and religious boundaries.