na tvevāhaṁ jātum mamedāṁ vṛṇe । na ca dehādṛśyate śarīrī ṁ
“The embodied soul does not take birth nor die, nor does it actually exist, nor does it have any relation with the body.”
Structure
na - tveva - ahaṁ - jātu - mametāṁ - vṛṇe - na - ca - dehāt - ṛśyate - śarīrī
ahaṁ (I) na (not) jātu (ever) mametāṁ (this mine) vṛṇe (choose) tveva (indeed) na (not) ca (and) dehāt (from body) śarīrī (the embodied one) ṛśyate (is seen)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tveva | tveva | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| ahaṁ | ahaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | I |
| jātu | jātu | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | birth |
| mametāṁ | mametāṁ | compound | tatpuruṣa · "mama + etāṁ" | this (belongs) to me |
| vṛṇe | vṛṇe | verb | √vṛ · present · first | I choose |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| dehāt | dehāt | compound | tatpuruṣa · "dehas + āt" | from the body |
| ṛśyate | ṛśyate | verb | √ṛś · present · third | is perceived |
| śarīrī | śarīrī | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | the embodied soul |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Ādi Śaṅkarācārya interprets this verse as a clear exposition of the non-dual nature of reality. The phrase 'na tvevāhaṁ jātum' (I do not take birth) is seen as an expression of the ātman's timeless and birthless nature, identical with brahman. Shankara cites the Upaniṣads to support this view, emphasizing that the ultimate reality is beyond the cycles of birth and death. The embodied soul, or jīva, is merely a manifestation of brahman, and its apparent connection to the body is an illusion. This verse, therefore, points to the fundamental identity of brahman and ātman, underscoring the non-dualistic perspective of Advaita Vedānta.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): According to Rāmānujācārya, this verse highlights the distinction between the jīva (embodied soul) and the body, while also emphasizing their interrelatedness. The jīva, as a dependent entity, relies on Īśvara (the Supreme Lord) for its existence and liberation. Rāmānuja interprets 'na tvevāhaṁ jātum' as an indication of the jīva's essential nature, which is free from the modifications of birth and death. However, due to its association with the body, the jīva appears to undergo these changes. The verse, therefore, underscores the importance of recognizing the jīva's true nature and its relationship with Īśvara, which is central to the Vaiṣṇava tradition's devotional approach to spirituality.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical implications of this verse for modern life. He saw the concept of the embodied soul as a call to transcend the limitations of the physical body and to recognize one's true, divine nature. The phrase 'na tvevāhaṁ jātum' is interpreted as a reminder of the timeless and immortal essence that resides within each individual. Vivekānanda encouraged his audience to apply this understanding in their daily lives, striving to cultivate a sense of inner freedom and detachment from the fleeting nature of the world. By recognizing the distinction between the body and the soul, individuals can tap into their inner strength and potential, leading to a more meaningful and purposeful existence. This verse, therefore, offers a universal message of self-discovery and empowerment, relevant to people from all walks of life.