mokṣasañjīvanī sāmathryaṃ śarīrasyāvisampadam
“The imperishable yogic power that brings about liberation, which resides in the body”
Structure
mokṣasañjīvanī sāmathryaṃ śarīrasyāvisampadam
śarīrasya (of the body) avisaṃpadam (uninterrupted) sāmathryaṃ (might) mokṣasañjīvanī (liberation-giving)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mokṣasañjīvanī | mokṣasañjīvanī | adjective | — | liberating, mokṣa-producing |
| sāmathryaṃ | sāmathryaṃ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | equality, balance |
| śarīrasyā | śarīrasyā | compound | tatpuruṣa · "śarīrasya" | of the body |
| visampadam | visampadam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | unequal, imbalance |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse mokṣasañjīvanī sāmathryaṃ śarīrasyāvisampadam from the Bhagavad Gītā highlights the concept of an imperishable yogic power residing in the body, which leads to liberation. According to Śaṅkarācārya, thispower is a manifestation of the ātman, the ultimate reality that is one with Brahman. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkarācārya emphasizes that this verse points to the identity of Brahman and ātman, where the individual self (jīva) realizes its true nature as the Supreme Self (Paramātman). This understanding is crucial for liberation, as it allows the individual to transcend the limitations of the physical body and attain unity with the ultimate reality. Śaṅkarācārya's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, further reinforces this non-dual reading, where the goal of spiritual practice is to realize the ātman as the one, unchanging essence that underlies all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition offers a devotional reading of the verse mokṣasañjīvanī sāmathryaṃ śarīrasyāvisampadam, emphasizing the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets this verse as highlighting the importance of bhakti (devotion) in attaining liberation. The imperishable yogic power mentioned in the verse is seen as a gift from Īśvara, enabling the jīva to realize its true nature and attain union with the Lord. This reading underscores the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara's grace, while also emphasizing the role of self-effort in spiritual practice. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might interpret this verse as referring to the special power of devotion that arises from the interaction between the jīva and Īśvara, leading to the ultimate goal of liberation and service to the Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): The verse mokṣasañjīvanī sāmathryaṃ śarīrasyāvisampadam holds significant practical implications for contemporary life, as emphasized by Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan. According to Vivekānanda, this verse points to the immense potential that lies within every individual, a potential that can be tapped through the practice of yoga and the cultivation of a strong, pure, and determined will. In his lectures and writings, Vivekānanda often stressed the importance of realizing this inner power, which he believed could transform not only individual lives but also society as a whole. Rādhākrishnan, similarly, interpreted this verse as highlighting the universal and eternal principles of Vedānta, which can be applied to everyday life to achieve a state of inner freedom and harmony. By realizing the imperishable yogic power within, individuals can overcome the limitations and challenges of modern life, achieving a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and liberation.