sarvasmāt sa ca devānāṁ ṛṣīṇāṁ ca guroḥ .
“He is the Supreme among all, among gods and among ṛṣis and gurus.”
Structure
sarvasmāt - sa - ca - devānāṁ - ṛṣīṇāṁ - ca - guroḥ
saḥ (he) ca (and) sarvasmāt (from all) devānāṁ (of gods) ṛṣīṇāṁ (of sages) ca (and) guroḥ (the greatest)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sarvasmāt | sarvasmāt | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from all |
| sa | sa | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| devānāṁ | devānāṁ | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of gods |
| ṛṣīṇāṁ | ṛṣīṇāṁ | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of sages |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| guroḥ | guroḥ | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of the teacher |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, sarvasmāt sa ca devānāṁ ṛṣīṇāṁ ca guroḥ, underscores the non-dual nature of reality, highlighting that the Supreme is beyond all distinctions, including those between gods, sages, and gurus. Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā emphasizes that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is the essence of all existence, and this verse points to the identity of Brahman and Ātman. In his commentary on verse 5.29, Shankara interprets 'sarvasmāt' as indicating that the Supreme is the source and essence of all, reinforcing the notion that the distinctions between devānāṁ, ṛṣīṇāṁ, and guroḥ are ultimately illusory, dissolving into the unity of Brahman. This reading aligns with the broader Advaita Vedānta perspective that seeks to unveil the non-dual truth underlying all phenomenal distinctions.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Within the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as affirming the supremacy of the Lord (Īśvara) in relation to all other beings, including the gods and sages. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets 'sarvasmāt sa ca devānāṁ ṛṣīṇāṁ ca guroḥ' as underscoring the Lord's sovereign position over all creation, emphasizing the devotional path where the jīva (individual soul) recognizes and surrenders to the will of Īśvara. The relationship between the jīva and Īśvara is one of loving dependence, where the jīva strives to realize its true nature as a servant of the Lord. This verse, for Rāmānujācārya, highlights the importance of recognizing the Lord's supremacy as a fundamental aspect of Vaiṣṇava devotion.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound message of universality and inclusivity, relevant to contemporary life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of recognizing the divine in all beings, transcending the boundaries of caste, creed, and individual ego. The statement 'sarvasmāt sa ca devānāṁ ṛṣīṇāṁ ca guroḥ' resonates with Vivekānanda's call for a universal religion that celebrates the oneness of existence. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, highlights the practical implications of this verse, suggesting that it encourages individuals to approach life with a sense of reverence and respect for all forms of existence, recognizing the interconnectedness of the universe. This Neo-Vedānta reading seeks to apply the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gītā to the challenges and complexities of modern life, fostering a sense of global citizenship and cooperation.