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Bhagavad Gītā · 2.49
सेयं मे मतिरastă यथैवं गृहीता मया । अप्रामेयस्य च मतिर्नियमितुम् ।।

sā yame 'me matir astā yathā evam̐ grhīta mayā | aprāmeẙaś ca matir niyamitum

This is my considered opinion; now you must decide as to how this ambiguous matter can be settled.

TTS

Structure

Padaccheda — word separation

sā + yame + me + matir + astā + yathā + evam + gṛhīta + mayā + aprāmeẏa + śca + matir + niyamitum

Anvaya — prose reordering

mayā (by me) evam (thus) gṛhīta (taken) matir (resolve) astā (is) sā (that) yame (which) me (my) aprāmeẏa (immeasurable) śca (and) matir (resolve) niyamitum (to regulate)

Word-by-Word Grammar

WordIASTTypeGrammarMeaning
pronounnominative · singular · femininethat
yameyamenoundative · singular · masculineto whom
memepronoundative · singular · masculinemy
matirmatirnounnominative · singular · feminineintellect
astāastāverb√as · past · thirdwas
yathāyathāindeclinableas
evamevamindeclinablethus
gṛhītagṛhītaverb√gṛh · past participle · thirdtaken
mayāmayānouninstrumental · singular · masculineby me
aprāmeẏaaprāmeẏacompoundbahuvrīhi · "na prāmeẏa"immeasurable
ścaścaindeclinableand
matirmatirnounnominative · singular · feminineintellect
niyamituṃniyamituṃverb√niyam · infinitiveto regulate

Scholarly Commentary

Advaita Vedānta(Ādi Śaṅkarācārya)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse is pivotal in establishing the non-dual nature of reality. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets the phrase 'apprāmeẏaś ca matir niyamitum' as highlighting the limitations of the human intellect in comprehending the absolute truth. The Absolute, being beyond human cognition, cannot be bound by the constraints of human thought. This verse points to the brahman-ātman identity, emphasizing that the ultimate reality is not something to be intellectually grasped but realized through direct experience. As Śaṅkara notes, the understanding of this verse is crucial for transcending the dualistic thinking and realizing the non-dual essence of the Self. In essence, the verse underscores the futility of intellectual deliberations in capturing the essence of the Divine and invites the seeker to embrace a more intuitive and experiential approach to understanding the ultimate truth.

Vaiṣṇava Tradition(Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya)

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): This verse signifies the importance of surrendering one's intellect to the Divine will. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary, highlights the phrase 'sā yame me matir astā' as an expression of Arjuna's humility and recognition of his limitations. The verse is seen as an invitation to the devotee to submit their understanding to the guidance of the divine, acknowledging that the ways of the Divine are beyond human comprehension. This surrender is not a negation of the intellect but a realization of its limitations in the face of the infinite wisdom of the Lord. Rāmānujācārya's interpretation emphasizes the personal relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Divine), where the devotee's intellectual endeavors are directed towards understanding and fulfilling the will of the Divine, rather than attempting to comprehend the incomprehensible.

Neo-Vedānta(Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan)

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): This verse holds profound significance for modern life, as it addresses the human quest for certainty and control. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the importance of recognizing the limits of human knowledge and the dangers of intellectual arrogance. The phrase 'apprāmeẏaś ca matir niyamitum' is seen as a reminder of the mysteries that lie beyond human understanding, inviting individuals to embrace a sense of humility and openness. Vivekānanda's interpretation highlights the universal applicability of this verse, encouraging individuals to approach life's challenges with a sense of awe, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. In contemporary terms, this verse can be seen as advocating for a more holistic and integrative approach to problem-solving, one that combines intellectual inquiry with intuition, empathy, and a deep respect for the complexities of human experience.

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