yasyānnena vṛddhiḥ bhūtāni tāni tasyaiva vedāhaṃ yadannenā jīvanti.
“I know that the creatures which are born, subsist and grow do so only on food.”
Structure
yasyānnena vṛddhiḥ bhūtāni tāni tasyaiva aham vedā yad annena jīvanti
yasyānnena (by whose food) bhūtāni (all beings) vṛddhiḥ (grow) tāni (those) tasya eva (belong to Him alone) aham (I) vedā (know) yad (that) annena (by food) jīvanti (they live)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yasyānnena | yasyānnena | compound | tatpuruṣa · "yasya annena" | of whom food |
| vṛddhiḥ | vṛddhiḥ | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | growth |
| bhūtāni | bhūtāni | noun | nominative · plural · neuter | all living entities |
| tāni | tāni | pronoun | nominative · plural · neuter | they |
| tasyaiva | tasyaiva | compound | tatpuruṣa · "tasya eva" | of that very person |
| aham | ahem | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | I |
| vedā | vedā | verb | √vid · laṭ-present · first | know |
| yad | yad | pronoun | accusative · neuter · neuter | what |
| annenā | annenā | compound | tatpuruṣa · "anna ena" | by food |
| jīvanti | jīvanti | verb | √jīv · laṭ-present · third | live |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the fundamental dependence of all beings on food for their sustenance and growth, hinting at the ultimate reality that underlies all existence. Shankara, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality, suggesting that the diversity of beings is sustained by a singular, omnipresent essence - Brahman. The verse's focus on food as the basis of life implies that the distinctions between creatures are superficial, with their existence rooted in a common, unifying principle. This interpretation aligns with Shankara's reasoning in other passages, where he argues for the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the universal Self (Brahman), thereby transcending the ephemeral, food-dependent cycle of birth, growth, and decay.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, especially through the lens of Rāmānujācārya, views this verse as an affirmation of the interconnectedness of all beings and their dependence on a higher power, Īśvara. Ramanuja's philosophy of Viśiṣṭādvaita (qualified non-dualism) posits that the jīvas (individual souls) and the world are real but inseparable from, and dependent on, the divine. This verse supports the idea that even the basic sustenance of life, food, is a manifestation of Īśvara's grace, highlighting the reciprocal relationship between the jīva and God. In this context, the recognition of food's indispensable role in life serves as a reminder of one's devotion and gratitude towards the divine, fostering a deeper sense of bhakti (devotion) and interdependence.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): From a modern, practical perspective, this verse can be seen as underscoring the universal importance of nourishment, not just physical but also spiritual. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the interconnectedness of all aspects of human existence, advocating for a holistic approach to life that balances the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions. This verse, by highlighting the fundamental role of food in sustaining life, serves as a metaphor for the broader principle of interconnectedness and interdependence that pervades all of existence. Furthermore, it can be interpreted as a call to gratitude and mindfulness in our daily lives, encouraging us to appreciate the simple yet profound elements that sustain us, and to reflect on the deeper, spiritual nourishment that underlies all aspects of human existence.