mayi santuṣṭaḥ śuciḥ brahmasaṃcitaiḥ
“Being satisfied in Me, and purified by accumulated knowledge of Brahman”
Structure
mayi santuṣṭaḥ śuciḥ brahmasaṃcitaiḥ
śuciḥ (pure) brahmasaṃcitaiḥ (stored Brahman) mayi (in Me) santuṣṭaḥ (satisfied)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mayi | mayi | indeclinable | — | in me |
| santuṣṭaḥ | santuṣṭaḥ | verb | √tuṣṭ · kṛt-participle · third | being satisfied |
| śuciḥ | śuciḥ | adjective | — | pure |
| brahmasaṃcitaiḥ | brahmasaṃcitaiḥ | compound | tatpuruṣa · "brahmasamcīta" | with the thoughts concentrated on Brahman |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse 'mayi santuṣṭaḥ śuciḥ brahmasaṃcitaiḥ' from the Bhagavad Gītā highlights the importance of being satisfied in the ultimate reality, Brahman. According to Shankara, the term 'mayi' (in me) refers to the non-dual Brahman, and 'santuṣṭaḥ' (satisfied) implies a state of inner contentment that arises from the realization of one's true nature as Brahman. Shankara, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā (BG 2.52), emphasizes that this satisfaction is not a feeling of pleasure but a state of being that transcends the duality of subject and object. The phrase 'śuciḥ brahmasaṃcitaiḥ' (purified by accumulated knowledge of Brahman) suggests that the seeker's knowledge and detachment lead to purification, enabling the jīva to realize its identity with Brahman. This verse, in the non-dual tradition, underscores the ultimate goal of Self-realization, where the individual self (ātman) is recognized as one with the universal Self (Brahman).
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, the verse 'mayi santuṣṭaḥ śuciḥ brahmasaṃcitaiḥ' is interpreted in the context of devotion and the loving relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, explains that 'mayi' refers to the Lord, who is the ultimate refuge and the object of love and devotion. Being satisfied in the Lord implies a state of complete surrender and trust, where the devotee finds inner peace and fulfillment. The term 'śuciḥ' (pure) suggests that this satisfaction is accompanied by a purification of the mind and heart, which is a result of 'brahmasaṃcitaiḥ' (accumulated knowledge and devotion). For Rāmānujācārya, this verse highlights the path of bhakti (devotion), where the ultimate goal is to attain a loving union with the Lord, rather than a mere intellectual understanding of Brahman. This loving devotion is seen as the means to attain purification and liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda interprets the verse 'mayi santuṣṭaḥ śuciḥ brahmasaṃcitaiḥ' in the light of practical Vedānta, emphasizing the universal and inclusive nature of the ultimate reality. According to Vivekānanda, being satisfied in the ultimate reality ('mayi santuṣṭaḥ') means attaining a state of inner peace and contentment that is not dependent on external circumstances. This satisfaction arises from the realization of one's true nature and the interconnectedness of all existence. Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often cited the importance of purification ('śuciḥ') through self-control, self-inquiry, and service to others. The phrase 'brahmasaṃcitaiḥ' (accumulated knowledge of Brahman) is seen as the culmination of spiritual practices and the acquisition of wisdom. For Vivekānanda, this verse has practical implications for everyday life, as it encourages individuals to cultivate a sense of inner peace, compassion, and unity with all existence, leading to a more harmonious and balanced world.