evam evidaṁ utthāya jagāma śatadhṛtā purā | nandate ca vṛṇate ca na atrāste gatāgataṁ
“Thus, having risen early, he goes, having taken a hundred (bows) in the morning; he does not rejoice nor does he choose, there is no coming and going for him.”
Structure
evam eva idam utthāya jagāma śatadhṛtā purā nandate ca vṛṇate ca na atra āste gatāgataṁ
śatadhṛtā purā utthāya evaṁ eva idam jagāma nandate ca vṛṇate ca na gatāgataṁ atra āste
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| evam | evam | indeclinable | — | thus, in this manner |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| idaṁ | idam | pronoun | accusative · neuter singular · neuter | this |
| utthāya | utthāya | indeclinable | — | having risen, standing up |
| jagāma | jagāma | verb | √gam · past · third | he went |
| śatadhṛtā | śatadhṛtā | noun | nominative · feminine singular · feminine | the earth, ground |
| purā | purā | indeclinable | — | formerly, in olden times |
| nandate | nandate | verb | √nand · present · third | he rejoices |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| vṛṇate | vṛṇate | verb | √vṛ · present · third | he chooses, selects |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| atra | atra | indeclinable | — | here, in this place |
| āste | āste | verb | √ās · present · third | he stays, dwells |
| gatāgataṁ | gatāgataṁ | compound | dvandva · "gatam ca āgataṁ ca" | going and coming, movement to and fro |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, Śaṅkarācārya interprets the phrase 'evam eva idam utthāya' as indicating the renunciation of actions motivated by personal desires. According to Śaṅkarācārya, the person who has attained knowledge of the Self (brahman-ātman identity) is free from the cycle of birth and death (gatāgataṁ), as they no longer identify with the ego and its associated karma. This verse points to the non-dual reality where the individual self (jīva) is ultimately one with the universal Self (Brahman). Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on this verse emphasizes the importance of self-realization and the subsequent detachment from worldly actions, highlighting the path to liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya's interpretation of this verse focuses on the devotee's relationship with Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The phrase 'śatadhṛtā purā' is seen as indicative of the devotee's unwavering dedication to their spiritual practice, undertaken with the guidance of a qualified guru. Rāmānujācārya emphasizes that the devotee, having risen above worldly desires, engages in actions that are pleasing to the Lord, without attachment to personal gain or loss. In this context, 'gatāgataṁ' suggests the devotee's liberation from the cycle of birth and death, achieved through their loving devotion to Īśvara. This verse is seen as highlighting the importance of selfless devotion and the performance of actions as a means of pleasing the Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda's interpretation of this verse emphasizes the universal and practical application of the teachings. He views the phrase 'evam eva idam utthāya' as a call to action, urging individuals to rise above their limited perspectives and strive for self-realization. According to Vivekānanda, the person who has attained this state of consciousness is free from the bondage of ego and desire, and thus, 'nandate ca vṛṇate ca na atrāste' – they are neither elated by success nor depressed by failure. This verse, in Vivekānanda's view, points to the importance of cultivating a sense of inner detachment and equanimity, allowing individuals to engage in worldly activities without being bound by them. This teaching is seen as relevant to contemporary life, where individuals can apply these principles to achieve a sense of freedom and fulfillment in their daily lives.