yajñena yajñena tapasāṃ niṣevayā । namaḥ kṛtvā yam upajāmi vṛṇīmahe || 29 ||
“By Yajña I worship Yajña, who is worthy of worship, having offered homage, we choose him.”
Structure
yajñena yajñena tapasām niṣevayā namaḥ kṛtvā yam upajāmi vṛṇīmahe
ahaṃ (I) yajñena (by Yajña) yajñena (by Yajña) tapasāṃ (of austerities) niṣevayā (by service) upajāmi (I approach) yam (whom) namaḥ kṛtvā (having offered obeisances) vṛṇīmahe (we choose)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yajñena | yajñena | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with sacrifice |
| yajñena | yajñena | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with sacrifice |
| tapasām | tapasām | noun | genitive · plural · neuter | of austerities |
| niṣevayā | niṣevayā | indeclinable | — | by service |
| namaḥ | namaḥ | indeclinable | — | obeisance |
| kṛtvā | kṛtvā | indeclinable | — | having made |
| yam | yam | pronoun | accusative · singular · masculine | whom |
| upajāmi | upajāmi | verb | √jā · liṅ-optative · first | I approach |
| vṛṇīmahe | vṛṇīmahe | verb | √vṛ · laṭ-present · first | we choose |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkarācārya interprets this verse as an expression of the non-dual nature of reality. He views 'Yajña' as a symbol for the ultimate reality, Brahman, and 'tapasām niṣevayā' as the means to realize this reality. By saying 'yajñena yajñena', the verse indicates that the absolute is worshiped by itself, pointing to the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). This interpretation is in line with Śaṅkarācārya's overall emphasis on the brahman-ātman identity, where the ultimate goal is to realize one's true nature as Being-Consciousness-Bliss. In his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, Śaṅkarācārya further explains that the performance of yajña, or any ritualistic action, is meant to purify the mind and prepare it for the realization of the Self. Thus, this verse can be seen as a call to introspection and self-inquiry, encouraging the seeker to look beyond the external rituals and discover the true nature of the Self.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya, a prominent Vaiṣṇava ācārya, interprets this verse as an expression of devotion to the Supreme Lord, Viṣṇu. According to Rāmānujācārya, 'Yajña' refers to the act of worshiping the Lord, and 'tapasām niṣevayā' denotes the means of self-purification and devotion. The verse 'yajñena yajñena' indicates that the Lord is worshiped through various means, including rituals and austerities. Rāmānujācārya emphasizes the importance of bhakti, or devotion, in realizing the Lord, and views this verse as a call to surrender oneself to the divine will. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Rāmānujācārya explains that the jīva, or individual self, is inherently dependent on the Lord, and that the purpose of human life is to cultivate devotion and surrender to the divine. This verse, therefore, serves as a reminder of the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with the Lord, and of surrendering one's ego and desires to the divine will.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a prominent exponent of Neo-Vedānta, interprets this verse as a call to universal worship and selfless service. According to Vivekānanda, 'Yajña' represents the act of giving, and 'tapasām niṣevayā' denotes the means of self-purification through austerity and discipline. The verse 'yajñena yajñena' indicates that true worship lies in selfless service to humanity, and that the ultimate reality is the unity of all existence. Vivekānanda emphasizes the importance of practical application of spiritual principles in everyday life, and views this verse as a reminder of the need to cultivate selflessness and compassion. In his lecture on 'The Message of Vedanta', Vivekānanda explains that the purpose of human life is to realize one's true nature as a spark of the divine, and to express this divinity through selfless service to others. This verse, therefore, serves as a call to action, encouraging individuals to embark on a path of self-discovery and service to others, and to cultivate a sense of unity and compassion with all beings.