yasya nāhaṁ r te nāsti kiñcid api ca paśyati . idam iti tasyaitad asti nāsty asya kada cana ॥
“For one who sees nothing as existing separate from Me, that is to say, who sees that there is nothing besides Me, for him this (separation) exists not, nor does it exist at any time.”
Structure
yasya nāhaṁ r te nāsti kiñcid api ca paśyati idam iti tasyaitad asti nāsty asya kada cana
yasya (of him who) nāhaṁ (not I) r te (nor you) nāsti (do not exist) kiñcid api (even anything) ca (and) paśyati (sees) idam iti (as 'this') tasyaitad (to him this) asti (exists) asya (of him) kada cana (at any time) nāsty (does not exist)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yasya | yasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of whom |
| nāhaṁ | nāhaṁ | indeclinable | — | I do not |
| r | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| te | te | pronoun | dative · singular · masculine | to you |
| nāsti | nāsti | verb | √as · present · third | does not exist |
| kiñcid | kiñcid | indeclinable | — | anything |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| paśyati | paśyati | verb | √paś · present · third | sees |
| idam | idam | pronoun | accusative · singular · neuter | this |
| iti | iti | indeclinable | — | thus |
| tasyaitad | tasyaitad | compound | tatpuruṣa · "tasya eva idam" | for him this |
| asti | asti | verb | √as · present · third | exists |
| nāsty | nāsty | verb | √as · present · third | does not exist |
| asya | asya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of him |
| kada | kada | indeclinable | — | when |
| cana | cana | indeclinable | — | at all |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, BG 3.39, highlights the non-dual nature of reality, emphasizing that for one who has realized the ultimate truth, nothing exists separate from Brahman. According to Shankara, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, the phrase 'yasya nāhaṁ ṛte nāsti' underscores the idea that the individual self (ātman) is not separate from the ultimate reality (Brahman). This realization dissolves the illusion of separation, and thus, 'idam iti tasyaitad asti nāsty asya kada cana' - the distinction between the individual and the divine no longer exists. Shankara's commentary on this verse is in line with his overall non-dualistic interpretation, where he argues that the ultimate reality is Brahman, and the individual self is merely a reflection of this reality. This understanding points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self realizes its true nature as being one with the ultimate reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is often interpreted in the context of the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the idea that the individual soul can attain liberation by realizing its complete dependence on the Lord. The phrase 'yasya nāhaṁ ṛte nāsti' is seen as an expression of this dependence, where the individual soul recognizes that it is not separate from the Lord. According to Rāmānujācārya, this realization leads to a state of devotion, where the individual soul offers itself completely to the Lord, and thus, 'idam iti tasyaitad asti nāsty asya kada cana' - the distinction between the individual and the divine is transcended. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, would emphasize the eternal distinction between the individual soul and the Lord, while still acknowledging the importance of devotion and surrender.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, BG 3.39, has a universal and practical application in contemporary life. According to Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gita, the idea that 'nothing exists separate from Me' is a call to realize our true nature as being one with the ultimate reality. This realization is not just a philosophical concept, but a living experience that can be applied in our daily lives. Vivekānanda argues that by recognizing our interconnectedness with all of existence, we can transcend the limitations of the individual ego and attain a state of freedom and liberation. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the importance of this verse in promoting a sense of unity and cooperation among individuals. He argues that by recognizing that we are all part of a larger whole, we can work together to address the challenges facing humanity, and thus, create a more just and peaceful world.