kṣetrajñena mahate vakṣyāmi guhyam sanātanam | yena vijānāti mama sṛṣṭaṁ mahad-brahma ||
“I shall now speak to you the ancient secret, by which, having known, you shall understand My creation, the Great Unmanifest.”
Structure
kṣetrajñena mahate vakṣyāmi guhyam sanātanam yena vijānāti mama sṛṣṭam mahat brahma
kṣetrajñena (by the knower of the field) mahate (to the great) vakṣyāmi (I will speak) sanātanam (eternal) guhyam (secret) yena (by which) mama (My) sṛṣṭam (created) mahat (great) brahma (Brahman) vijānāti (one knows)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| kṣetrajñena | kṣetrajñena | compound | bahuvrīhi · "kṣetra-jña-ena" | with the knower of the field |
| mahate | mahate | noun | dative · singular · masculine | to the great one |
| vakṣyāmi | vakṣyāmi | verb | √vac · future · first | I will tell |
| guhyam | guhyam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | secret |
| sanātanam | sanātanam | adjective | — | eternal |
| yena | yena | pronoun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by which |
| vijānāti | vijānāti | verb | √jñā · present · third | he knows |
| mama | mama | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | my |
| sṛṣṭam | sṛṣṭam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | creation |
| mahat | mahat | adjective | — | great |
| brahma | brahma | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | Brahman |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse is pivotal in understanding the non-dual nature of reality as per Advaita Vedānta. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes that the 'guhyam sanātanam' (ancient secret) refers to the knowledge of the ultimate reality, Brahman, which is beyond human comprehension. The phrase 'kṣetrajñena' (by the knower of the field) hints at the jīva (individual self) realizing its true nature as Brahman, thereby understanding the creation (sṛṣṭaṁ) of the Great Unmanifest (mahad-brahma). This realization is essentially the recognition of the identity between the individual Self (ātman) and the universal Self (Brahman), dissolving the duality of creator and creation. Śaṅkarācārya's commentary underscores that this verse invites the seeker to explore the depths of their own consciousness to discover the eternal, unchanging truth.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an invitation from Krishna to Arjuna (and by extension, to all devotees) to understand the divine creation and the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary, highlights the importance of devotion and surrender to Īśvara, suggesting that the 'guhyam sanātanam' refers to the confidential knowledge that can only be revealed to one who has a deep, loving relationship with the Lord. This verse, for Rāmānujācārya, signifies the beginning of a deeper, personal dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna, representing the devotee's journey towards understanding the divine will and their place within the grand scheme of creation. It underscores the dual relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, emphasizing bhakti as the means to achieve spiritual insight and liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, key figures of Neo-Vedānta, interpret this verse in light of its universal and practical application. For Vivekānanda, the 'ancient secret' represents the eternal principles of Vedānta that are relevant across time and space, emphasizing self-realization and the unity of all existence. He would often cite the importance of experiencing the truth within oneself, reflecting the idea that understanding one's true nature (as hinted at by 'kṣetrajñena') is essential for realizing the interconnectedness of all things and thus, achieving harmony and peace in the world. Rādhākrishnan, focusing on the philosophical aspects, sees this verse as an exhortation to pursue a life of contemplation and self-inquiry, underscoring the need for individuals to delve into their own consciousness to discover the truth about themselves and the universe, thereby fostering a more compassionate and enlightened humanity.