sthīrāṁ prāptvā yad-vṛttim
“Having obtained which stable state of mind”
Structure
sthīrāṁ prāptvā yad-vṛttim
tvam (you) sthīrāṁ (steady) vṛttim (state of mind) prāptvā (having attained) yad (what) vṛttim (state of mind) labhase (you attain)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sthīrāṁ | sthīrāṁ | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | steady state of mind |
| prāptvā | prāptvā | indeclinable | — | having attained |
| yad-vṛttim | yad-vṛttim | compound | tatpuruṣa · "yad-vṛtti" | the state of being which |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Shankara explains that the stable state of mind (sthīrāṁ) mentioned in this verse refers to the state of tranquility and equilibrium that arises from the realization of the non-dual nature of reality. According to Shankara, this state is obtained when the individual self (jīva) realizes its identity with the ultimate reality, Brahman. Shankara cites the Upaniṣadic verse 'Tat tvam asi' (That thou art) to emphasize the identity between the individual self and the ultimate reality. In the context of this verse, Shankara argues that the stable state of mind is a state of inner peace and freedom from the fluctuations of the mind, which is the natural consequence of realizing one's true nature as Brahman. This realization is the ultimate goal of the spiritual journey, and it is the state that is being referred to in this verse as the 'stable state of mind'. As Shankara writes in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, 'The self that is free from the fluctuations of the mind is the self that is established in its true nature, and that is the state of liberation'.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets the stable state of mind (sthīrāṁ) as the state of devotion and surrender to the Lord (Īśvara). According to Rāmānuja, this state is obtained when the individual self (jīva) recognizes its dependence on the Lord and surrenders to His will. Rāmānuja cites the verse 'sarva-dharmān parityajya' (Abandon all duties) to emphasize the importance of surrendering to the Lord. In this context, the stable state of mind refers to the state of inner peace and freedom from anxiety that arises from devotion to the Lord. Rāmānuja argues that this state is the natural consequence of recognizing one's relationship with the Lord, and it is the state that is being referred to in this verse as the 'stable state of mind'. As Rāmānuja writes, 'The self that is devoted to the Lord is the self that is established in its true nature, and that is the state of liberation'. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, interprets the stable state of mind as the state of knowledge of the difference between the individual self and the Lord, which leads to devotion and surrender.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets the stable state of mind (sthīrāṁ) as the state of inner strength and equilibrium that arises from the realization of one's true nature. According to Vivekānanda, this state is obtained when the individual self (jīva) recognizes its inherent potential and strength, and is able to face the challenges of life with courage and determination. Vivekānanda cites the verse 'yadāhankāram āśritya' (When the ego is abandoned) to emphasize the importance of transcending the ego and recognizing one's true nature. In this context, the stable state of mind refers to the state of inner peace and freedom from anxiety that arises from self-realization. As Vivekānanda writes, 'The self that is established in its true nature is the self that is free from the fluctuations of the mind, and that is the state of liberation'. S. Rādhākrishnan, on the other hand, interprets the stable state of mind as the state of integration and harmony between the individual self and the world, which leads to a sense of purpose and fulfillment in life.