śreyaḥ śreyaḥ pravakṣyāmi na tu paripravakṣyāmi vettha na me matam
“I shall speak to you what is better, not what is not; you do not know My opinion.”
Structure
śreyaḥ śreyaḥ pravakṣyāmi na tu paripravakṣyāmi vettha na me matam
ahaṃ (I) śreyaḥ (the better) śreyaḥ (the better) pravakṣyāmi (will speak) na (not) tu (but) paripravakṣyāmi (will speak at length) vettha (you know) na (not) me (my) matam (opinion)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| śreyaḥ | śreyaḥ | indeclinable | — | better, more excellent |
| śreyaḥ | śreyaḥ | indeclinable | — | better, more excellent |
| pravakṣyāmi | pravakṣyāmi | verb | √vākṣ · future · first | I will speak |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | but, however |
| paripravakṣyāmi | paripravakṣyāmi | verb | √vākṣ · future · first | I will speak in detail |
| vettha | vettha | verb | √vid · present · second | you know |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| me | me | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | my, of me |
| matam | matam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | opinion, thought |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Shankara focuses on the non-dual nature of reality. This verse, 'śreyaḥ śreyaḥ pravakṣyāmi na tu paripravakṣyāmi vettha na me matam', highlights the distinction between the higher knowledge (para vidyā) and the lower knowledge (apara vidyā). The phrase 'I shall speak to you what is better' indicates the superiority of the knowledge that leads to the realization of the ultimate reality, Brahman. Shankara's commentary emphasizes that this verse points to the identity of Brahman and Ātman, where the ultimate goal is to understand this non-dual nature. By saying 'you do not know My opinion', Krishna is hinting at the limitations of the human intellect in grasping the absolute truth without direct experience. This interpretation aligns with Shankara's overall stance on the importance of direct experience (anubhava) in realizing the non-dual reality, as discussed in his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets this verse with a focus on the devotional relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). He sees the phrase 'I shall speak to you what is better' as an expression of Krishna's grace, where He is willing to impart higher knowledge to Arjuna, His devotee. This act of imparting knowledge is an act of love, underscoring the personal relationship between the jīva and Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya emphasizes that the 'better' knowledge refers to the path of bhakti (devotion), which is the most effective means to achieve liberation. The phrase 'you do not know My opinion' is understood as a reminder of the Lord's sovereignty and the limitations of human understanding, highlighting the necessity of surrender (prapatti) to the Lord's will. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might interpret this verse in the context of his Dvaita (dualistic) philosophy, emphasizing the real distinction between the Lord and the devotee, but still underscoring the importance of devotion as the means to achieve liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical and universal applications of the Vedantic principles. This verse can be seen as a call to seek the higher knowledge that leads to self-realization and spiritual growth. The phrase 'I shall speak to you what is better' can be interpreted as an encouragement to strive for the highest ideals and values, such as compassion, wisdom, and selflessness. Vivekānanda would likely connect this verse to his concept of 'universal religion', where the ultimate goal is to realize the divine within oneself and to serve humanity. In contemporary life, this verse can inspire individuals to pursue their highest potential, to seek knowledge that uplifts and benefits all, and to cultivate a sense of inner wisdom. S. Rādhākrishnan, with his emphasis on the importance of reason and experience in spiritual pursuits, might interpret this verse as a reminder to approach spiritual growth with a critical and open-minded attitude, recognizing that true wisdom involves both intellectual understanding and personal experience.