kṣatriyasya yad vīryaṁ śauryaṁ yat tasya vigrahāt .
“The strength of a kṣatriya is his valour and the prowess of his limbs.”
Structure
kṣatriyasya yat vīryaṁ śauryaṁ yat tasya vigrahāt
kṣatriyasya (of a kṣatriya) yat (what) vīryaṁ (strength) śauryaṁ (heroism) yat (which) tasya (his) vigrahāt (from his body)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| kṣatriyasya | kṣatriyasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of the kṣatriya |
| yat | yat | pronoun | nominative · neuter · neuter | what |
| vīryaṁ | vīryaṁ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | strength, prowess |
| śauryaṁ | śauryaṁ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | heroism |
| yat | yat | pronoun | nominative · neuter · neuter | which |
| tasya | tasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | his |
| vigrahāt | vigrahāt | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from the dismemberment or from the body |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Ādi Śaṅkarācārya interprets this verse as a means to illustrate the true nature of the Self. The term 'vīryaṁ' (strength) refers to the inherent potential of the individual, while 'śauryaṁ' (valour) signifies the unwavering commitment to one's duty. According to Shankara, the verse points to the brahman-ātman identity by highlighting the importance of recognizing one's true nature beyond the limitations of the physical body. In his commentary on verse 6.33, Shankara cites the example of a kṣatriya's valour as a means to illustrate the unwavering commitment to self-realization. By realizing one's true nature, the individual can transcend the constraints of the physical body and attain liberation. This interpretation is in line with Shankara's non-dual reading of the Bhagavad Gītā, where the ultimate goal is to recognize the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the universal Self (brahman).
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets this verse as a description of the ideal devotee. The term 'kṣatriyasya' (of a kṣatriya) refers to the individual who has dedicated their life to the service of Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The 'vīryaṁ' (strength) and 'śauryaṁ' (valour) of the kṣatriya are seen as manifestations of their devotion to Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya cites this verse as an example of the importance of selfless service (prapatti) in achieving liberation. The relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara is one of dependence, where the jīva recognizes its limitations and surrenders to the will of Īśvara. This interpretation is in line with Rāmānujācārya's devotional reading of the Bhagavad Gītā, where the ultimate goal is to cultivate a deep sense of devotion and surrender to the Supreme Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda interprets this verse as a call to action, emphasizing the importance of self-empowerment and self-realization. The term 'vīryaṁ' (strength) refers to the inherent potential of the individual, which can be unleashed through the cultivation of courage, determination, and self-discipline. Vivekānanda cites this verse in his lecture 'The Powers of the Mind' (Complete Works, Vol. 4), where he emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's true nature and unleashing one's inner potential. According to Vivekānanda, this verse has universal and practical applications, as it encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own lives and strive for self-perfection. In contemporary life, this verse can be seen as a reminder of the importance of self-empowerment, resilience, and determination in achieving one's goals and realizing one's true potential.