yaccaivaha satyagrāhān mithaḥ saṅgrāmeṣu vābhavat | tatsarvam asya vākyasya vāg-viśiṣṭasya veditum ||
“And whatever conflict arose from insistent claims in mutual combats, all that can be understood from this exceptional statement.”
Structure
yacca + eva + aha + satyagrāhān + mithaḥ + saṅgrāmeṣu + vā + abhavat + tat + sarvam + asya + vākyasya + vāg-viśiṣṭasya + veditum
yacca (whatever) eva (indeed) aha (I) satyagrāhān (insisted on truth) mithaḥ (mutually) saṅgrāmeṣu (in conflicts) vā (or) abhavat (happened) tat (that) sarvam (all) asya (of this) vākyasya (statement) vāg-viśiṣṭasya (of the one whose words are extraordinary) veditum (to know)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yacca | yacca | indeclinable | — | and what |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| aha | aha | verb | √ah · laṭ-present · first | I say, I speak |
| satyagrāhān | satyagrāhān | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | falsehoods, wrong perceptions |
| mithaḥ | mithaḥ | indeclinable | — | mutually, with reference to one another |
| saṅgrāmeṣu | saṅgrāmeṣu | noun | locative · plural · masculine | in combats, in conflict |
| vā | vā | indeclinable | — | or |
| abhavat | abhavat | verb | √bhū · lṛṭ-past · third | was, existed |
| tat | tat | pronoun | nominative · neuter · neuter | that |
| sarvam | sarvam | noun | nominative · neuter · neuter | all, everything |
| asya | asya | pronoun | genitive · masculine · masculine | of this |
| vākyasya | vākyasya | noun | genitive · neuter · neuter | of the statement, of the text |
| vāg-viśiṣṭasya | vāg-viśiṣṭasya | compound | tatpuruṣa · "vāk viśiṣṭasya" | of the especial speech, of the distinctive statement |
| veditum | veditum | verb | √vid · liṅ-optative · first | to know |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, emphasizing that all conflicts and distinctions arise from a misapprehension of the ultimate truth. Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā highlights the importance of understanding the ātman as the unchanging, all-pervading essence that underlies all existence. The phrase 'vāg-viśiṣṭasya veditum' suggests that the exceptional statement being referred to is the Upaniṣadic declaration of the identity of brahman and ātman, such as 'Tat tvam asi' (You are That). This identity is the foundation of non-dualism, where the distinctions and conflicts of the phenomenal world are sublated by the realization of the ultimate, unchanging reality. By understanding this verse, one can transcend the limitations of the individual self and realize the unity of all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as highlighting the importance of devotion and self-surrender in understanding the divine. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the role of prapatti, or self-surrender, in attaining spiritual liberation. The phrase 'satyagrāhān mithaḥ saṅgrāmeṣu' suggests a conflict between the individual self and the divine, which is resolved through the practice of devotion and self-surrender. The verse is seen as pointing to the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the divine), where the jīva, through devotion and self-surrender, can attain a state of union with Īśvara. This union is characterized by a deep understanding of the divine will and a willingness to act in accordance with it.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has profound implications for modern life, particularly in the context of conflict resolution and personal growth. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-control in resolving conflicts and achieving spiritual growth. The phrase 'vāg-viśiṣṭasya veditum' suggests that the exceptional statement being referred to is a universal principle that can be applied in all aspects of life. This principle is one of non-dualism and the recognition of the interconnectedness of all existence. By understanding and applying this principle, individuals can transcend the limitations of their individual selves and achieve a state of harmony and unity with others. As S. Radhakrishnan notes, this verse points to the importance of cultivating a sense of empathy and compassion in our relationships with others, recognizing that our individual struggles and conflicts are part of a larger, universal struggle for self-realization and understanding.