kimidaṁ prāṇaharaṇaṁ vākyaṁ tvayyekāgreṇa manasā .
“What is this life-taking statement of yours, made with your mind being fully absorbed?”
Structure
kim idam prāṇa-haraṇam vākyaṁ tvayi ekāgreṇa manasā
tvayi (in you) ekāgreṇa (with one-pointed) manasā (mind) kim (what) idam (this) prāṇa-haraṇam (life-taking) vākyaṁ (speech)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| kim | kim | indeclinable | — | what |
| idam | idam | pronoun | accusative · neuter singular · neuter | this |
| prāṇa-haraṇam | prāṇa-haraṇam | compound | tatpuruṣa · "prāṇa harāṇam" | life-killing |
| vākyaṁ | vākyaṁ | noun | accusative · neuter singular · neuter | sentence |
| tvayi | tvayi | pronoun | locative · singular | in you |
| ekāgreṇa | ekāgreṇa | compound | bahuvrīhi · "ekāgra ena" | with one-pointed (mind) |
| manasā | manasā | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | mind |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, Arjuna's query to Krishna about the life-taking statement signifies the ignorance of one's true nature. According to Shankara, this ignorance is the root cause of suffering. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Shankara explains that the statement 'prāṇaharaṇaṁ vākyaṁ' refers to the delusion that covers the true self, leading to a mistaken identification with the ephemeral body and mind. This verse points to the brahman-ātman identity, implying that the ultimate reality is beyond the limitations of the individual self. Shankara's non-dual reading of this verse underscores the importance of self-inquiry and the realization of one's true nature as consciousness, unencumbered by the fleeting nature of worldly existence. This understanding is crucial for liberation from the cycle of suffering.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): This verse highlights the intimate relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). According to Rāmānujācārya, Arjuna's concern about the 'life-taking statement' reflects his devotion to Krishna and his desire to understand the Lord's will. Rāmānujācārya's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā emphasizes the concept of 'prapatti' or self-surrender, where the individual surrenders to the Lord, acknowledging their dependence on Him. In this context, the verse suggests that the jīva should seek refuge in Īśvara, recognizing that true life and fulfillment can only be found in devotion to the Lord. This reading underscores the personal and devotional aspects of the Vaiṣṇava tradition, where the relationship between the individual and the Supreme is one of loving surrender and dependence.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has significant implications for contemporary life, as it speaks to the human condition of being torn between conflicting values and desires. According to Swami Vivekānanda, the 'life-taking statement' represents the destructive power of ignorance and the limitations of the ego. In his lectures and writings, Vivekānanda often emphasized the importance of self-awareness and the cultivation of a higher sense of consciousness. This verse can be seen as a call to transcend the narrow, ego-bound perspective and to realize one's true nature as a spark of the divine. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan's philosophical writings highlight the universal relevance of the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizing the need for individuals to move beyond their limited selves and to realize their place within the larger cosmic context. This reading of the verse encourages individuals to adopt a more expansive and inclusive outlook, recognizing their interconnectedness with all existence.