aparaṃ cedam asthitvaṃ indriyāṇāṃ jagato 'sya
“This imperishable existence of the sensory organs of this world”
Structure
aparaṃ ca idam asthitvaṃ indriyāṇāṃ jagato asya
asya jagato indriyāṇāṃ idam asthitvaṃ ca aparāṃ
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| aparaṃ | aparaṃ | adjective | — | other, different |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| idam | idam | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | this |
| asthitvaṃ | asthitvaṃ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | non-existence, impermanence |
| indriyāṇāṃ | indriyāṇāṃ | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of the senses |
| jagato | jagato | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of the world |
| asya | asya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of this |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse implies the imperishable nature of the self, which is beyond the ephemeral sensory organs and the world. Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita highlights that the term 'aparaṃ' signifies the ultimate reality, Brahman, which is the essence of all existence. The phrase 'indriyāṇāṃ jagato 'sya' points to the world and its sensory organs, which are mere appearances, while the true reality remains unchanging. This verse supports the non-dual reading, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately identified with Brahman. Shankara's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the verse 'sarvaṃ khalvidaṃ brahma' (Chandogya Upanishad 3.14.1), emphasizes that the universe and its components are not separate from Brahman, reinforcing the idea that the imperishable existence is, in fact, the unchanging Brahman-ātman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse underscores the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya interprets 'aparaṃ' as referring to the Lord's inconceivable nature, which is the source of the world and its sensory organs. The phrase 'indriyāṇāṃ jagato 'sya' signifies the dependence of the world and its inhabitants on the Lord. This verse highlights the devotional aspect, where the jīva recognizes its inherent dependence on Īśvara and seeks refuge in Him. Madhvācārya's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, while also acknowledging their interconnectedness. This verse, in the Vaiṣṇava tradition, reinforces the idea of surrender and devotion to the Lord, recognizing His ultimate authority and control over the world and its constituents.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound insight into the human condition, emphasizing the imperishable nature of our true existence. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gita, highlights the distinction between the perishable and imperishable aspects of human existence. The phrase 'indriyāṇāṃ jagato 'sya' represents the ephemeral world of senses, while 'aparaṃ' signifies the eternal and unchanging essence of human existence. This verse encourages individuals to look beyond the fleeting nature of the world and recognize their own inherent divinity. S. Radhakrishnan, in his writings, connects this verse to the idea of the universal and the eternal, which transcends the limitations of space and time. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, reminds us to cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world, recognizing the imperishable essence that underlies all existence.