tasmād yudhyasva mṛḍyasva
“Therefore, fight; conquer”
Structure
tasmāt yudhyasva mṛḍyasva
tasmāt (therefore) yudhyasva (fight) mṛḍyasva (conquer)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tasmāt | tasmāt | indeclinable | — | from that, therefore |
| yudhyasva | yudhyasva | verb | √yudh · liṅ-optative · second | fight, engage in battle |
| mṛḍyasva | mṛḍyasva | verb | √mṛḍ · liṅ-optative · second | rejoice, be happy |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, tasmād yudhyasva mṛḍyasva, Shankara interprets 'yudhyasva' as a call to spiritual battle, where one must conquer the limitations of the ego and the senses to realize the true Self. This understanding is rooted in Shankara's non-dualistic framework, where the ultimate reality, Brahman, is the only truth, and the world of distinctions, including the ego, is illusory. According to Shankara, the knowledge of the Self (ātma-jñāna) is the means to achieve this conquest, leading to liberation from the cycle of birth and death. This verse, in the context of the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of self-control and the cultivation of inner strength as a precursor to realizing the Brahman-ātman identity, the core of Advaita Vedānta philosophy.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava interpretation of tasmād yudhyasva mṛḍyasva focuses on the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya views this verse as an exhortation to engage in the struggle against one's own lower nature, with the ultimate goal of achieving devotion to and union with the Lord. This struggle is seen as a means of purifying the self, making it worthy of the Lord's grace. Madhvācārya, from a Dvaita perspective, emphasizes the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara, highlighting that the conquest referred to in the verse is possible only through the grace of the Lord. Thus, the Vaiṣṇava tradition sees this verse as a call to religious duty and devotion, where the battle is not just internal but also a struggle to fulfill one's duties as a devotee of the Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda interprets tasmād yudhyasva mṛḍyasva as a universal call to action, encouraging individuals to rise above their weaknesses and strive for self-perfection. This 'fight' is not merely against external enemies but against the internal enemies of fear, doubt, and ignorance. Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the importance of self-confidence, courage, and the will to overcome one's limitations. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan sees this verse as highlighting the need for the individual to take responsibility for their own spiritual growth and development. In contemporary terms, this verse can be seen as a call to personal empowerment, urging individuals to take charge of their lives, overcome their internal struggles, and strive for a higher purpose, thereby contributing to the betterment of society. This interpretation aligns with the Neo-Vedānta emphasis on practical spirituality and service to humanity.