klaivaṁ nāviḡamiṣyāmi nāhaṁ prāpsyāmi mamatim
“I will not be able to attain my resolve if overcome with miserly weakness.”
Structure
klaivam nāvi gamiṣyāmi nāhaṁ prāpsyāmi mamatim
ahaṁ (I) klaivam (like a coward) nāvi (not) gamiṣyāmi (will go) nā (not) ahaṁ (I) mamatim (my opinion) prāpsyāmi (will obtain)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| klaivaṁ | klaivaṁ | indeclinable | — | surely, certainly |
| nāvi | nāvi | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| gamiṣyāmi | gamiṣyāmi | verb | √gam · future · first | I will go |
| nāhaṁ | nāhaṁ | indeclinable+pronoun | — | I not |
| prāpsyāmi | prāpsyāmi | verb | √prāp · future · first | I will obtain |
| mamatim | mamatim | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | egoism, pride |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, Śaṅkarācārya emphasizes the importance of overcoming weakness and instability to attain the ultimate goal of life. According to Shankara, the miserly weakness referred to in this verse is a manifestation of the ego, which hinders the realization of the brahman-ātman identity. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Shankara notes that the verse suggests that one who is overcome with weakness will not be able to attain the resolve to realize the Self. This is because the ego creates a sense of separation and duality, which prevents the individual from experiencing the non-dual nature of reality. Shankara's reasoning on this verse is closely related to his discussion on the nature of the Self in the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, where he argues that the individual self is ultimately identical with the supreme Self, Brahman. By overcoming weakness and ego, the individual can realize this identity and attain liberation.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, Rāmānujācārya interprets this verse as a call to devotion and self-surrender. According to Rāmānuja, the miserly weakness referred to in this verse is a sign of the jīva's separation from Īśvara, the supreme Lord. The verse suggests that one who is overcome with weakness will not be able to attain the resolve to surrender to the Lord and attain His grace. Rāmānuja's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā emphasizes the importance of bhakti, or devotion, in overcoming this weakness and attaining the ultimate goal of life. In his commentary on this verse, Rāmānuja notes that the Lord's mercy is available to all, but it is only accessible to those who surrender their ego and weakness to Him. By surrendering to the Lord, the individual can overcome their miserly weakness and attain the resolve to realize their true nature as a servant of the Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda interprets this verse as a call to self-empowerment and inner strength. According to Vivekānanda, the miserly weakness referred to in this verse is a sign of the individual's lack of faith in themselves and their own potential. In his lectures and writings, Vivekānanda emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and inner strength in overcoming this weakness and achieving success in life. In a lecture on the Bhagavad Gītā, Vivekānanda notes that the verse suggests that one who is overcome with weakness will not be able to attain their goals, but by cultivating inner strength and self-confidence, the individual can overcome any obstacle and achieve their full potential. This verse has a universal and practical application, as it reminds us that our thoughts and attitudes have the power to shape our reality and determine our success or failure in life. By applying the principles of this verse, individuals can cultivate the inner strength and resolve needed to overcome challenges and achieve their goals in contemporary life.