Śrībhagavān uvāca.
“The Blessed Lord said.”
Structure
Śrībhagavān uvāca
Śrībhagavān (the Supreme Lord) uvāca (said)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Śrībhagavān | Śrībhagavān | compound | bahuvrīhi · "Śrī ca Bhagavān ca" | the Lord, the Supreme Being |
| uvāca | uvāca | verb | √vac · past · third | said, spoke |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The phrase 'Śrībhagavān uvāca' initiates a dialogue that underscores the non-dual nature of reality. Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā highlights the importance of understanding the word 'Bhagavān' as a reference to the ultimate reality, Brahman. This verse sets the stage for the exposition of the identity of Brahman and Ātman, central to Advaita Vedānta. Shankara's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Gītā, emphasizes that the knowledge imparted by the Blessed Lord is aimed at revealing this ultimate truth, guiding the seeker towards the realization of the non-dual self. The verse, therefore, serves as a foundational statement for the inquiry into the nature of the self and the absolute, pointing towards the liberation that comes from understanding the Brahman-Ātman identity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, the phrase 'Śrībhagavān uvāca' is filled with devotional significance, emphasizing the gracious act of the Lord in imparting divine knowledge. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, sees this verse as an expression of the Lord's compassion towards His devotees, initiating a discourse that will reveal the path to liberation through devotion and knowledge. The relationship between the jīva (the individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord) is central to this tradition, and this verse underscores the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara for spiritual guidance. Madhvācārya's Dvaita Vedānta, while differing in its interpretation of the ultimate reality, also focuses on the devotional aspect, highlighting the importance of surrender to the will of the Lord as taught by the verse.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): The modern interpreters of Vedānta, such as Swami Vivekānanda and S. Radhakrishnan, see in 'Śrībhagavān uvāca' a call to universal action and self-realization. Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life, drawing on verses like this to inspire individuals to strive for self-perfection and service to others. Radhakrishnan, with his emphasis on the universal and ethical dimensions of Vedānta, interprets this verse as an introduction to a discourse on the cultivation of a higher, spiritual consciousness that can guide humanity towards a more compassionate and enlightened world. Both thinkers connect the verse to contemporary life, highlighting the relevance of ancient wisdom in addressing modern challenges and fostering global understanding and harmony.