na hi prapatsyāmi mama vrajato'sti śaṅkā mayi .
“For I do not see any doubt in My path as I move.”
Structure
na hi prapatsyāmi mama vrajataḥ asti śaṅkā mayi
mayi (in me) mama (my) vrajataḥ (while moving) na hi (not indeed) asti (there is) śaṅkā (doubt) prapatsyāmi (that I will fall)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| prapatsyāmi | prapatsyāmi | verb | √pat · liṣṭ-future · first | I will obtain |
| mama | mama | pronoun | genitive · singular | my |
| vrajataḥ | vrajataḥ | verb | √vraj · laṭ-present · third | while moving, while going |
| asti | asti | verb | √as · laṭ-present · third | there is |
| śaṅkā | śaṅkā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | doubt, fear |
| mayi | mayi | pronoun | locative · singular | in me |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'na hi prapatsyāmi mama vrajato'sti śaṅkā mayi,' underscores the non-dual nature of reality as per Advaita Vedānta. Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā emphasizes that the lack of doubt in one's path signifies a deep understanding of the ultimate reality, Brahman. According to Shankara, the knowledge of Brahman dispels all doubts and fears, leading to a state of unshakeable confidence. This verse points to the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the universal self (Brahman), highlighting that true knowledge leads to the eradication of uncertainty, as one recognizes their true nature as unchanging and all-pervading. This understanding aligns with Shankara's explanation in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, where he emphasizes the importance of realizing the non-dual nature of reality to attain liberation.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, particularly through the lens of Rāmānujācārya, views this verse as an expression of the jīva's (individual soul) unwavering faith in Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā suggests that the absence of doubt in one's path is a result of surrendering to the will of the Lord, which leads to a profound sense of security and guidance. This relationship between the jīva and Īśvara is central, where the jīva, recognizing its dependence on the Lord, seeks refuge in Him, thereby eliminating all doubts and fears. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might interpret this verse in the context of the soul's inherent dependence on Viṣṇu, emphasizing that true freedom from doubt comes from acknowledging and embracing this dependence, leading to a life of devotion and service to the Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, key figures in Neo-Vedānta, saw verses like 'na hi prapatsyāmi mama vrajato'sti śaṅkā mayi' as a call to action and self-realization in the modern world. Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the importance of faith in oneself and one's principles, drawing parallels with this verse. He believed that a strong sense of purpose and conviction, free from doubt, is essential for achieving success and fulfilling one's duty (svadharma) in life. Rādhākrishnan, focusing on the philosophical aspects, connected this verse to the broader theme of realizing one's true potential and living a life of integrity and purpose, unencumbered by unnecessary doubts and fears. Both thinkers saw in this verse a universal message applicable to all, regardless of background or belief, emphasizing the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life for personal growth and societal progress.