yasya na vijayate rātrau jāgato bhūta-saṅgheṣu pārtha .
“For one who does not rejoice while awake at night, being in the company of worldly beings, O Pārtha.”
Structure
yasya na vijayate rātrau jāgato bhūta saṅgheṣu pārtha
yasya (whose) rātrau (at night) jāgato (being awake) bhūta-saṅgheṣu (among the beings) vijayate (prevails) na (not) pārtha (O son of Prthā)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yasya | yasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of whom |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| vijayate | vijayate | verb | √vij · present · third | is conquered |
| rātrau | rātrau | noun | locative · singular · neuter | at night |
| jāgato | jāgato | verb | √jāg · present participle · third | being awake |
| bhūta | bhūta | noun | nominative · plural · neuter | creatures |
| saṅgheṣu | saṅgheṣu | noun | locative plural · plural · masculine | in the company of |
| pārtha | pārtha | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | son of Prthā |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkarācārya interprets this verse as pointing to the non-dual nature of reality. According to Śaṅkara, the 'one who does not rejoice while awake at night' refers to the self (ātman) that is beyond the limitations of the waking state and the distractions of the world. The phrase 'in the company of worldly beings' (bhūta-saṅgheṣu) signifies the ātman's association with the external world, which is mere appearance (māyā). Śaṅkara argues that the realization of the ātman's true nature, which is identical with brahman, is not dependent on external conditions, including the state of being awake or asleep. This verse, therefore, underscores the Advaita doctrine of brahman-ātman identity, where the ultimate reality is beyond all duality and distinctions. Śaṅkara's commentary on this verse emphasizes the importance of introspection and self-inquiry (ātma-vichāra) to realize this non-dual truth.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, views this verse through the lens of viśiṣṭādvaita (qualified non-dualism). According to Rāmānuja, the 'one who does not rejoice while awake at night' refers to the jīva (individual self) that is struggling to find peace and happiness in the midst of worldly distractions. The phrase 'in the company of worldly beings' highlights the jīva's entanglement with the external world, which is characterized by suffering and impermanence. Rāmānuja argues that the jīva's true nature is to be in a relationship of loving devotion (bhakti) with Īśvara (the Lord), and that this relationship is the key to experiencing true joy and peace. This verse, therefore, underscores the importance of cultivating devotion to Īśvara and recognizing the jīva's dependent relationship with the Lord. Rāmānuja's commentary on this verse emphasizes the role of bhakti in bridging the gap between the jīva and Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the universal and practical application of the Bhagavad Gītā's teachings. Regarding this verse, Vivekānanda would likely view it as pointing to the importance of inner peace and tranquility in the midst of worldly turmoil. The 'one who does not rejoice while awake at night' represents the individual who is able to remain calm and composed, even in the face of adversity. The phrase 'in the company of worldly beings' signifies the challenges and distractions of modern life, where individuals are often surrounded by noise, chaos, and conflict. Vivekānanda would argue that the key to achieving inner peace is through the cultivation of self-awareness, self-control, and a sense of detachment from external events. This verse, therefore, underscores the importance of developing a strong and stable inner life, which is essential for navigating the complexities of contemporary life. Vivekānanda's emphasis on the practical application of spiritual principles would likely lead him to interpret this verse as a call to action, encouraging individuals to cultivate inner peace and tranquility through meditation, self-reflection, and a commitment to personal growth.