yena yena rūpeṇa labhate sa tena tena rūpeṇa
“In whatever form one worships Me, I reward them accordingly.”
Structure
yena yena rūpeṇa labhate sa tena tena rūpeṇa
saḥ (he) yena yena (whatever) rūpeṇa (form) labhate (obtains) tena tena (that) rūpeṇa (form)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yena | yena | indeclinable | — | by which |
| yena | yena | indeclinable | — | by which (second occurrence, same meaning) |
| rūpeṇa | rūpeṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | form |
| labhate | labhate | verb | √labh · laṭ-present · third | he obtains |
| sa | sa | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
| tena | tena | pronoun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by that |
| tena | tena | pronoun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by that (second occurrence, same meaning) |
| rūpeṇa | rūpeṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | form |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, where the ultimate reality, Brahman, is not separate from the individual self, Ātman. Śaṅkarācārya, in his Bhagavad Gītā Bhāṣya, interprets this verse as emphasizing that the form in which one worshipped is not the ultimate truth but a means to realize the truth. The phrase 'yena yena rūpeṇa labhate' suggests that the goal is not the form itself but the realization of one's true nature. This is in line with the Advaita philosophy that the ultimate reality is beyond all forms and names. By saying 'sa tena tena rūpeṇa', the verse points to the idea that the realization of the truth is not dependent on the external form but on the understanding of one's own true nature, which is non-dual and eternal. Thus, this verse supports the concept of brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self is ultimately the same as the supreme reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse in a devotional context, emphasizing the loving relationship between the Lord (Īśvara) and the individual soul (jīva). Rāmānujācārya, in his Gītā Bhāṣya, sees this verse as highlighting the Lord's graciousness in accepting worship in any form, as long as it is offered with devotion. The phrase 'yena yena rūpeṇa labhate' is understood as the Lord's assurance that He will reward the devotee in the same manner as they approach Him, emphasizing the importance of devotion and faith. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference between the Lord and the individual soul, would interpret this verse as underscoring the Lord's sovereignty and grace in accepting various forms of worship. Both Rāmānujācārya and Madhvācārya would agree that this verse teaches the importance of a personal, devotional relationship with the Lord, where the form of worship is less significant than the love and devotion behind it.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Radhakrishnan, key figures in the Neo-Vedānta movement, saw this verse as embodying a universal principle of acceptance and inclusivity. Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the importance of toleration and the acceptance of all paths as valid means to the ultimate goal. He would interpret 'yena yena rūpeṇa labhate' as highlighting the diversity of human experience and the various paths individuals may take to reach the divine. Radhakrishnan, with his emphasis on the practical application of philosophy, would see this verse as a call to action, encouraging individuals to find their own path to the divine and to cultivate a sense of reverence and devotion. Both would agree that this verse has a profound message for contemporary life, emphasizing the importance of religious pluralism, personal freedom, and the pursuit of one's own spiritual path, free from dogma and sectarian divisions.