kṣipraṁ pravaruddhaḥ tvayā nadyāḥ tvāṁ niṣicya gurutiprasādāt.
“Having been checked by you quickly like a river, having poured down heavily by the grace of your greatness.”
Structure
kṣipraṁ pravaruddhaḥ tvayā nadyāḥ tvāṁ niṣicya guruti prasādāt
tvayā (by you) kṣipraṁ (quickly) pravaruddhaḥ (blocked) nadyāḥ (the rivers) guruti (of the great) prasādāt (by the favor) tvāṁ (you) niṣicya (having irrigated)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| kṣipraṁ | kṣipraṁ | indeclinable | — | quickly |
| pravaruddhaḥ | pravaruddhaḥ | verb | √rudh · past participle · third | having been impelled |
| tvayā | tvayā | pronoun | instrumental · singular | by you |
| nadyāḥ | nadyāḥ | noun | ablative · singular · feminine | from the river |
| tvāṁ | tvāṁ | pronoun | accusative · singular | you |
| niṣicya | niṣicya | indeclinable | — | having caused to drink |
| guruti | guruti | noun | locative · singular · feminine | by the heavy (or venerable) one |
| prasādāt | prasādāt | indeclinable | — | out of grace |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Ādi Śaṅkarācārya interprets this verse as an illustration of the non-dual nature of reality. The 'river' symbolizes the ever-changing, ephemeral world, which is checked or restrained by the realization of the Self (tvayā). The phrase 'gurutiprasādāt' signifies the grace of the guru or the divine, which enables this realization. Shankara's reasoning is that just as a river's flow is restrained by a dam, the ego's tendency to identify with the fleeting world is checked by the knowledge of brahman-ātman identity. This identity is the ultimate reality that underlies all phenomena. Through this verse, Shankara emphasizes the importance of Self-knowledge in transcending the limitations of the worldly existence and realizing the unity of brahman and ātman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya's interpretation of this verse highlights the devotional aspect of the Bhagavad Gītā. According to Rāmānuja, the 'river' represents the devotee's emotional longing for union with the divine. The phrase 'kṣipraṁ pravaruddhaḥ tvayā' signifies the swift and complete absorption of the devotee's being in the love of God. The 'gurutiprasādāt' indicates the indispensable role of the guru or the divine grace in facilitating this union. Rāmānuja's position is that the jīva (individual self) is inherently related to Īśvara (the personal God), and this verse illustrates the intense, loving relationship between the two. The goal of bhakti (devotion) is to cultivate this loving relationship, and the verse serves as a reminder of the transformative power of devotion in achieving spiritual liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets this verse as a call to spiritual action. He sees the 'river' as a symbol of the dynamic, evolutionary nature of human consciousness. The phrase 'kṣipraṁ pravaruddhaḥ tvayā' represents the rapid growth and unfoldment of the individual's potential when guided by a higher power or principle. Vivekānanda emphasizes the importance of self-control and the cultivation of inner strength in navigating life's challenges. He notes that the 'gurutiprasādāt' signifies the role of the guru or the higher self in empowering the individual to realize their full potential. In contemporary terms, this verse can be seen as a reminder of the need for personal growth, self-awareness, and spiritual discipline in achieving success and fulfillment in life. By applying the principles of this verse, individuals can harness their inner resources and strive for a more meaningful, purpose-driven existence.