kim asya mahato janmas taṣyayi paroṣeṇa vāktavyaṁ śreyo mayoktaṁ jīvitātmanavat .
“How should one say the best thing to him about the great birth of this; directly or indirectly while still alive.”
Structure
kim asya mahato janmas taṣyayi paroṣeṇa vāktavyaṁ śreyo mayā uktaṁ jīvitātmanavat
mayā (by Me) uktaṁ (has been spoken) asya (this) mahato (great) janmas (birth) taṣyayi (for You) paroṣeṇa (in person) vāktavyaṁ (should be spoken) kim (what) śreyo (best) jīvitātmanavat (than remaining alive)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| kim | kim | indeclinable | — | what |
| asya | asya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of this |
| mahato | mahato | adjective | — | great |
| janmas | janmas | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | birth |
| taṣyayi | tathāyī | indeclinable | — | thus it is |
| paroṣeṇa | parokṣeṇa | indeclinable | — | by indirect perception or inference |
| vāktavyaṁ | vāktavyaṁ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | what should be spoken |
| śreyo | śreyo | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | the best |
| mayā | mayā | pronoun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by me |
| uktaṁ | uktaṁ | verb | √vac · past participle · third | has been spoken |
| jīvitātmanavat | jīvitātmanavat | compound | karmadhāraya · "jīvitātmanā iva" | like one who is living |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Bhagavad Gītā prompts a reflection on the nature of the 'great birth' and how it should be communicated. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Gītā, emphasizes the importance of understanding the non-dual (advaita) nature of reality. For Śaṅkara, the 'great birth' refers to the realization of one's true nature, which is Brahman. The question of whether this should be communicated directly or indirectly (parokṣeṇa vā) is less relevant than the fact that such communication must occur while the individual is still 'alive' in the sense of being open to spiritual understanding. Śaṅkara's interpretation of this verse highlights the need for a qualified teacher (guru) to guide the seeker towards this realization. The identity of Brahman and Ātman is central to Śaṅkara's philosophy, and this verse underscores the significance of recognizing this identity in achieving liberation (mokṣa). As Śaṅkara notes in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, the ultimate reality is beyond all duality, and the 'great birth' referred to here is the birth of this understanding.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an expression of the intimate relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Gītā, interprets the 'great birth' as the birth of devotion (bhakti) in the heart of the devotee. The question of direct or indirect communication (parokṣeṇa vā) is understood in the context of the devotee's approach to the Lord. While the verse does not directly quote Rāmānuja, his philosophy emphasizes the personal relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, where the Lord's grace is essential for the devotee's liberation. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, would interpret the 'great birth' in terms of the dualistic (dvaita) relationship between the soul and God, emphasizing the eternal distinction between them. For Madhva, the communication of spiritual truths must be direct and based on the scriptures. Both Rāmānuja and Madhva underscore the significance of bhakti and the role of Īśvara in the liberation of the jīva.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. This verse can be seen as a call to action, urging individuals to reflect on their 'great birth' or higher potential. Vivekānanda would likely interpret the 'great birth' as the realization of one's divine nature, which is a universal and innate aspect of all human beings. The question of communication style is less about the method and more about the sincerity and authenticity with which spiritual truths are shared. As Vivekānanda often stressed, the goal is to inspire individuals to strive for self-realization and service to others. S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, also highlights the universal appeal of Vedānta, seeing it as a framework for understanding the human condition and our place in the world. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, encourages us to ponder our values, our relationships, and our contribution to society, inviting a deeper reflection on what it means to live a meaningful and spiritually fulfilling life.