tasmād viṣayā hy asya sarveṇa sarvadā samāhṛtāḥ । nāvaśīryate cāgrāhāt prāṇād viṣayān viṣāti
“Therefore, with the mind withdrawn from sense objects, the embodied soul does not become contaminated by the sense objects, which are always existing.”
Structure
tasmāt viṣayāḥ hi asya sarveṇa sarvadā samāhṛtāḥ nāvaśīryate ca agrāhāt prāṇāt viṣayān viṣāti
tasmāt (from that) hi (for) asya (of this yogī) sarveṇa (by the wise) sarvadā (always) viṣayāḥ (objects) samāhṛtāḥ (are gathered) ca (and) agrāhāt (not accepting) prāṇāt (from the sense) nāvaśīryate (does not turn away) viṣayān (from objects) viṣāti (enjoys)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tasmāt | tasmāt | indeclinable | — | from that |
| viṣayāḥ | viṣayāḥ | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | objects of sense |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for |
| asya | asya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of him |
| sarveṇa | sarveṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by all |
| sarvadā | sarvadā | indeclinable | — | always |
| samāhṛtāḥ | samāhṛtāḥ | verb | √hṛ · past participle · third | have been gathered |
| nāvaśīryate | nāvaśīryate | verb | √śī · present · third | does not dwindle |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| agrāhāt | agrāhāt | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from the sense objects |
| prāṇāt | prāṇāt | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | than the life air |
| viṣayān | viṣayān | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | objects of sense |
| viṣāti | viṣāti | verb | √viṣ · present · third | he enjoys |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, emphasizing the need to withdraw the mind from sense objects to realize the pure, uncontaminated Self (Ātman). Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā highlights the importance of understanding the distinction between the Self and the non-Self, where the sense objects belong to the realm of the non-Self (anātman). By withdrawing from these objects, the individual self (jīva) can realize its true identity with Brahman. As Shankara notes, the knowledge of the Self is not something to be acquired but rather revealed through the removal of ignorance (avidyā). This verse, therefore, points to the ultimate goal of Advaita Vedānta: the direct experience of Brahman-Ātman identity, unencumbered by the limitations of the sensory world.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse in the context of the loving relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes that the withdrawal of the mind from sense objects is not an end in itself but a means to focus on the Lord, leading to a deeper, devotional relationship. The contaminated state referred to in the verse is not just a product of sensory engagement but also of the lack of proper knowledge of one's true nature and one's relationship with God. The practice of prapatti, or surrender, is central here, where the individual surrenders their ego and worldly attachments to the Lord, seeking refuge and guidance. This approach allows the jīva to cultivate a constant awareness of Īśvara, even in the midst of worldly duties, thus avoiding contamination and fostering a pure, loving devotion.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, key figures of Neo-Vedānta, focus on the practical and universal application of this verse. According to Vivekānanda, the idea of withdrawing the mind from sense objects is not about escaping the world but about achieving a state of inner detachment, which allows for more effective and selfless engagement with the world. Rādhākrishnan further elaborates that this detachment is a form of mental discipline, enabling the individual to discern between the fleeting, ephemeral nature of sensory experiences and the enduring, spiritual essence within. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, encourages individuals to cultivate a deeper sense of awareness and detachment, not to reject the world but to engage with it from a place of inner peace, balance, and freedom. It promotes a holistic approach to life, where spiritual growth and worldly responsibilities are intertwined, leading to a more compassionate and enlightened existence.