athaiivaṃ sañjātasya asya sandehe tvayi vedin
“Now, thus, having arisen, you are in doubt about this; therefore, I shall dispel your doubt.”
Structure
athai + evam + sañjātasya + asya + sandehe + tvayi + vedin
tvayi (in you) vedin (the knower) asya (of this) sandehe (doubt) evam (thus) sañjātasya (having arisen) athai (now) eva (indeed)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| athai | athai | indeclinable | — | then, in that case |
| evam | evam | indeclinable | — | thus, like this |
| sañjātasya | sañjātasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of one who has been born, of the born |
| asya | asya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of him, of this |
| sandehe | sandehe | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in doubt, in uncertainty |
| tvayi | tvayi | pronoun | locative · singular · masculine | in you |
| vedin | vedin | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | one who knows, a knower |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, the Bhagavad Gītā addresses the inherent doubt that arises in Arjuna, symbolizing the universal human dilemma of uncertainty and confusion. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets this as an opportunity for the Lord to guide Arjuna towards the understanding of the non-dual reality, Brahman. The term 'sandehe' (doubt) refers to the ignorance that veils the true nature of the Self (ātman), which is ultimately identical with Brahman. By stating 'I shall dispel your doubt,' the Lord is about to reveal the knowledge that will lead Arjuna, and by extension, all seekers, to realize this fundamental identity, thereby transcending the limitations of the ephemeral world. Śaṅkarācārya's exposition emphasizes that this verse sets the stage for the unfolding of a profound spiritual journey, one that culminates in the comprehension of the ultimate reality beyond all duality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, through the lens of Rāmānujācārya and Madhvācārya, views this verse as a pivotal moment in the Bhagavad Gītā where the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord) is highlighted. Arjuna's doubt represents the natural questioning and dependency of the jīva on Īśvara for guidance. The Lord's assurance to dispel Arjuna's doubt signifies the compassionate and salvific role of Īśvara in the life of the devotee. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary, emphasizes the concept of prapatti, or complete surrender to the Lord, as the means to overcome doubt and achieve spiritual liberation. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, sees this interaction as exemplifying the real and distinct relationship between the Lord and the devotee, underscoring the dualistic ontology of the Madhva school, where the jīva and Īśvara are eternally separate yet intimately related.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse is seen by modern interpreters like Swami Vivekānanda and S. Radhakrishnan as a universal call to seek knowledge and dispel ignorance. It speaks to the fundamental human quest for answers in times of uncertainty. Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the importance of self-inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge as key to overcoming life's challenges. He saw the Bhagavad Gītā as a text that not only offers spiritual guidance but also practical wisdom for everyday life. Radhakrishnan, with his background in both Eastern and Western philosophy, viewed this verse as an invitation to explore the deeper dimensions of human consciousness and the potential for spiritual growth. Both thinkers highlight the relevance of the Bhagavad Gītā's teachings to contemporary life, advocating for a synthesis of spiritual insight and worldly engagement. This verse, in their interpretation, serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of seeking wisdom and clarity in the face of life's uncertainties.