sarbakarmāṇi manasā saṃnyāsyāste sukhaṃ vaśe || 28 ||
“Having mentally renounced all actions, he remains under his control, in happiness.”
Structure
sarbakarmāṇi manasā saṃnyāsyāste sukhaṃ vaśe
sarba-karmāṇi (all actions) manasā (by mind) saṃnyāsya (having abandoned) āste (sits) sukhaṃ (happiness) vaśe (under control)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sarbakarmāṇi | sarbakarmāṇi | compound | tatpuruṣa · "sarba-karmāṇi" | all actions |
| manasā | manasā | indeclinable | — | by the mind |
| saṃnyāsyāste | saṃnyāsyāste | verb | √nyāsa · fut. · third | will abandon |
| sukhaṃ | sukhaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | happiness |
| vaśe | vaśe | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in one's control |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkara explains that the mental renunciation of all actions (sarvakarmāṇi manasā saṃnyāsyāste) implies a complete detachment from the ego's identification with the body and mind. This detachment allows the individual to realize the brahman-ātman identity, where the ultimate reality (Brahman) is understood to be one with the individual self (ātman). Śaṅkara cites the Upaniṣads, stating that the realization of this identity brings about a state of unalloyed happiness (sukhaṃ vaśe). For instance, in his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, Śaṅkara notes that the knower of Brahman becomes Brahman itself (Brahmaivedam sarvam), pointing to the non-dual nature of reality. This verse, therefore, underscores the importance of mental detachment as a means to attain the higher state of consciousness, where the individual experiences unity with the ultimate reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, interprets this verse as an exposition of the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). The mental renunciation of all actions is seen as a surrender of one's ego and desires to the will of Īśvara. This surrender allows the individual to come under the control of the Lord, experiencing a state of happiness that is not dependent on worldly pleasures. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of bhakti (devotion) in this context, stating that the mental renunciation of all actions is a precursor to the development of selfless love for Īśvara. According to Madhva, this verse highlights the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, while also underscoring the possibility of the jīva experiencing happiness through surrender to the Lord's will.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the practical application of this verse in modern life. He notes that the mental renunciation of all actions does not imply a rejection of the world, but rather a transformation of one's attitude towards it. By renouncing egoistic desires and attachment to outcomes, an individual can experience a sense of inner freedom and happiness, regardless of external circumstances. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical writings, connects this verse to the concept of 'anāsakti' (non-attachment), stating that it is a necessary condition for achieving true freedom and happiness. According to Radhakrishnan, this verse offers a universal message, applicable to people of all faiths and backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a non-attached and compassionate attitude towards life.