yāni civa kuruTe punyāni tāni tasya manīṣiṇaḥ / paśyanti paśyanti hi iha devās tad tvāṃśca paśyāśva
“The wise man sees truly that whatever actions are done as virtuous, are witnessed by the gods here and you should see them too.”
Structure
yāni + civa + kuruTe + punyāni + tāni + tasya + manīṣiṇaḥ / paśyanti + paśyanti + hi + iha + devās + tad + tvāṃ + śca + paśyāśva
yāni (which) punyāni (good deeds) tasya (that person's) manīṣiṇaḥ (wise ones) kuruTe (perform) civa (indeed) tāni (those) iha (here) devās (gods) paśyanti (see) paśyanti (they see) hi (indeed) tad (that) tvāṃ (you) śca (and) paśyāśva (also see)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yāni | yāni | neuter plural pronoun | — | |
| civa | civa | indeclinable | — | verily, indeed |
| kuruTe | kuruTe | verb | √kṛ · laṭ-present · second | you do |
| punyāni | punyāni | neuter plural adjective | — | |
| tāni | tāni | neuter plural pronoun | — | |
| tasya | tasya | masculine singular pronoun | — | |
| manīṣiṇaḥ | manīṣiṇaḥ | masculine plural noun | — | |
| paśyanti | paśyanti | verb | √paś · laṭ-present · third | they see |
| paśyanti | paśyanti | verb | √paś · laṭ-present · third | they see |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| iha | iha | indeclinable | — | here, in this world |
| devās | devās | masculine plural noun | — | |
| tad | tad | neuter singular pronoun | — | |
| tvāṃ | tvāṃ | second person singular pronoun | — | |
| śca | śca | indeclinable | — | and, also |
| paśyāśva | paśyāśva | verb | √paś · liṅ-optative · second | may you see |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse is pivotal in establishing the non-dual nature of reality. Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā emphasizes that the wise (manīṣiṇaḥ) see the truth that all virtuous actions are ultimately a manifestation of the divine, witnessed by the gods, which symbolizes the higher, universal consciousness. According to Shankara, this realization points to the identity of Brahman and Ātman, where the individual self (jīva) is not separate from the ultimate reality (Brahman). The phrase 'tad tvāṃśca paśyāśva' (and you should see them too) suggests a call to the individual to realize this unity, transcending the duality of the observer and the observed. This non-dual reading underscores the idea that true wisdom lies in recognizing the universal, divine presence in all actions, thereby dissolving the distinctions between the self and the world.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Rāmānujācārya, a key figure in the Vaiṣṇava tradition, interprets this verse with a strong emphasis on devotion and the personal relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). According to Rāmānuja, the wise man's ability to see the divine presence in virtuous actions reflects a deep understanding of the dependence of the individual on the divine will. The phrase 'devās tad tvāṃśca paśyāśva' highlights the role of grace in spiritual realization, where the Lord, through various means including the gods, guides the devotee towards self-realization. This verse, in Rāmānuja's view, underscores the path of devotion (bhakti) as a means to achieve a direct, personal experience of the divine, where the devotee's actions are infused with the recognition of the Lord's presence.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda interprets this verse in the context of practical spirituality and universal brotherhood. According to Vivekānanda, the emphasis on virtuous actions being witnessed by the gods suggests a universal moral law, where actions have consequences beyond the individual's immediate sphere. The call to 'see them too' (paśyāśva) is an invitation to expand one's consciousness, recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings and the divine presence in every action. This perspective aligns with Vivekānanda's teachings on the harmony of all religions and the universal principles of morality and spirituality. In contemporary life, this verse can inspire individuals to consider the broader impact of their actions, cultivating a sense of responsibility and compassion that reflects the divine in every being and action.