yena sarvān arīn vatsa samare vijayiṣyasi.
“By whom you will conquer all enemies in battle.”
Structure
yena sarvān arīn vatsa samare vijayiṣyasi
vatsa (you) yena (by which) sarvān (all) arīn (enemies) samare (in battle) vijayiṣyasi (will conquer)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yena | yena | indeclinable | — | by which |
| sarvān | sarvān | adjective | — | all |
| arīn | arīn | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | enemies |
| vatsa | vatsa | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | son |
| samare | samare | noun | locative · singular · neuter | in battle |
| vijayiṣyasi | vijayiṣyasi | verb | √ji · future · second | you will conquer |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, yena sarvān arīn vatsa samare vijayiṣyasi, is pivotal in understanding the non-dual nature of reality. Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, particularly on Chapter 4, emphasizes the importance of realizing one's true nature (ātman) to overcome all obstacles, including the 'enemies' within. He interprets 'yena' as the means to achieve victory, which is the knowledge of the Self. By realizing the identity of brahman and ātman, one transcends the dualistic perceptions of victory and defeat, enemy and friend, thus conquering all inner enemies. This verse, in essence, points to the ultimate reality where such dualities cease to exist, leading to a state of profound peace and liberation.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The interpretation of yena sarvān arīn vatsa samare vijayiṣyasi within the Vaiṣṇava tradition underscores the devotional path to realizing one's true potential. Rāmānujācārya'sVisishtadvaita Vedanta posits that the 'yena' refers to the grace of the Supreme Lord (Īśvara), through which one can conquer all internal and external enemies. The verse is seen as a call to surrender to the divine will, recognizing that true victory comes not from individual prowess but from devotion and the blessings of Īśvara. This surrender leads to a deepening of one's relationship with the divine, enabling the jīva to overcome the limitations and adversities of the material world, reflecting a profound reliance on God's grace for liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, when viewed through the lens of Neo-Vedānta, offers a universal and practical approach to overcoming life's challenges. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the importance of self-realization and the inner strength that comes from understanding one's true nature. He would have interpreted 'yena' as the path of self-discovery and service to others, leading to the conquest of one's own limitations and weaknesses. Vivekānanda's message resonates with the idea that by focusing on personal growth and the betterment of society, one can 'conquer' the enemies of ignorance, fear, and ego, leading to a more harmonious and enlightened world. This approach connects ancient wisdom with contemporary life, encouraging individuals to strive for personal and societal transformation.