śrutvā danti-saṅkhyāyāṃ paramaḥ puruṣaḥ paryadiśad-vācaḥ satyaṃ brahma param
“Having heard, the Supreme Person, the greatest, spoke these true and supreme words.”
Structure
śrutvā danti-saṅkhyāyāṃ paramaḥ puruṣaḥ paryadiśat vācaḥ satyam brahma param
śrutvā (having heard) danti-saṅkhyāyāṃ (about the number of teeth) paramaḥ puruṣaḥ (the Supreme Person) vācaḥ (of words) satyam (the truth) brahma (the Absolute) param (the Supreme) paryadiśat (declared)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| śrutvā | śrutvā | indeclinable | — | having heard |
| danti | danti | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in the teeth |
| saṅkhyāyāṃ | saṅkhyāyāṃ | noun | locative · singular · feminine | in the reckoning |
| paramaḥ | paramaḥ | adjective | — | supreme |
| puruṣaḥ | puruṣaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | person |
| paryadiśat | paryadiśat | verb | √diś · preterite third person singular · third | he spoke |
| vācaḥ | vācaḥ | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | words |
| satyaṃ | satyaṃ | adjective | — | true |
| brahma | brahma | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | Brahman |
| param | param | adjective | — | supreme |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, śrutvā danti-saṅkhyāyāṃ paramaḥ puruṣaḥ paryadiśad-vācaḥ satyaṃ brahma param, as interpreted by Ādi Śaṅkarācārya, underscores the non-dual nature of reality. Śaṅkara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā highlights that the 'Supreme Person' (paramaḥ puruṣaḥ) refers to the ultimate reality, Brahman, which is beyond human comprehension but can be realized through the cessation of the modifications of the mind (danti-saṅkhyāyāṃ). The phrase 'satyaṃ brahma param' reinforces the idea that Brahman is the only truth and the supreme. According to Śaṅkara, understanding this verse leads to the realization of the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the universal self (Brahman), emphasizing the non-dual (advaita) nature of existence. In his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, Śaṅkara further explains that this realization is the ultimate goal of human life, as it frees the individual from the cycle of rebirth and suffering.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition offers a devotional reading of this verse, highlighting the personal relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya interprets 'paramaḥ puruṣaḥ' as a reference to the Lord, who, having heard the concerns of Arjuna, imparts wisdom that leads to the understanding of 'satyaṃ brahma param', the supreme and true nature of Brahman, which is inseparable from His own being. This emphasizes the path of devotion (bhakti) as a means to realize one's true nature and relationship with the divine. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might view 'satyaṃ brahma param' as a testament to the supremacy of Lord Vishnu, underscoring the dualistic (dvaita) relationship between the individual and God, where devotion and surrender are key to attaining liberation. For Rāmānujācārya, this verse illustrates the compassionate role of the Lord in guiding the devotee towards self-realization and liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Radhakrishnan, key figures in Neo-Vedānta, interpret this verse in a universal and practical light. According to Vivekānanda, the statement of the 'Supreme Person' speaking 'true and supreme words' symbolizes the inner voice of conscience that guides humanity towards the realization of the divine within. This interpretation is in line with his lectures on the practical applications of Vedānta, where he emphasizes the potential for human perfection through self-realization. Radhakrishnan, drawing from his philosophical works, might view 'satyaṃ brahma param' as an affirmation of the eternal and absolute nature of truth, which is accessible through a combination of reason and spiritual experience. Both thinkers connect the essence of this verse to the broader pursuit of human unity and the realization of one's true potential, underscoring the relevance of ancient wisdom to contemporary life and its challenges. In their view, this verse encourages individuals to seek the ultimate truth within themselves, leading to a life of purpose and fulfillment.