yat syāt tato manaḥ prāpyataḥ pravṛttiḥ
“From that (object) which would result (if attained), the mind attains a particular determination.”
Structure
yat syāt tato manaḥ prāpy yataḥ pravṛttiḥ
syāt yat tato manaḥ prāpy yataḥ pravṛttiḥ
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yat | yat | indeclinable | — | whatever |
| syāt | syāt | verb | √as · liṅ-optative · third | may be |
| tato | tato | indeclinable | — | then|therefrom |
| manaḥ | manaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | mind |
| prāpy | prāpy | verb | √āp · liṅ-optative · second | having obtained |
| yataḥ | yataḥ | indeclinable | — | whence|from which |
| pravṛttiḥ | pravṛttiḥ | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | endeavour|effort |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse yat syāt tato manaḥ prāpya yataḥ pravṛttiḥ highlights the non-dual nature of reality. According to Shankara, the mind's inclination towards a particular object is a reflection of its inherent tendency to seek union with the ultimate reality, Brahman. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Shankara notes that the verse indicates the futility of worldly pursuits and the need to redirect one's focus towards the Self. This is in line with his exposition of the Brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self is ultimately non-different from the universal Self. By understanding this verse, one can transcend the limitations of the mind and realize the true nature of reality, which is the essence of Advaita Vedānta. Shankara's reasoning on this verse underscores the importance of self-inquiry and the cultivation of discernment to attain liberation. The verse serves as a reminder to seek the ultimate goal of human existence, which is the realization of the Brahman-ātman identity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an expression of the loving relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes that the mind's inclination towards a particular object is a manifestation of its innate longing for union with the divine. The verse suggests that the mind's propensity for a specific object is, in fact, a reflection of its deeper yearning for connection with the Lord. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, views this verse as an illustration of the concept of 'svarūpa-anusandhāna,' or the search for one's true nature, which is rooted in the Lord. Both Rāmānujācārya and Madhvācārya agree that the verse underscores the importance of bhakti (devotion) as a means to cultivate a deeper understanding of the self and its relationship with the Lord. The verse serves as a reminder of the jīva's inherent dependence on Īśvara and the need to seek refuge in the Lord to attain spiritual liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): The verse yat syāt tato manaḥ prāpya yataḥ pravṛttiḥ offers a universal and practical message that transcends traditional boundaries. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lecture on 'The Powers of the Mind,' notes that the verse highlights the mind's capacity to shape our perceptions and experiences. According to Vivekānanda, the mind's inclination towards a particular object is a reflection of its inherent power to create and shape reality. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his book 'The Bhagavad Gītā,' interprets the verse as a call to self-awareness and introspection. He suggests that the verse encourages us to examine our motivations and desires, and to redirect our focus towards the cultivation of a deeper sense of purpose and meaning. Both Vivekānanda and Radhakrishnan emphasize the importance of harnessing the mind's potential to achieve spiritual growth and self-realization. The verse serves as a reminder of the importance of living a purpose-driven life, where one's actions and desires are aligned with a higher sense of purpose and values.