yasya nāhaṁ ṛtunāthasya rājoḥ yasya nāhaṁ hi saḥ ।
“Of whom I am not the lord, nor the king, nor he is mine.”
Structure
yasya - nā - aham ṛtu - nāthasya rājoḥ yasya - nā - aham hi - saḥ
ṛtu - nāthasya (of the Lord of seasons) rājoḥ (the king) yasya (whose) nā (not) aham (I) hi (indeed) saḥ (he) yasya (whose) nā (not) aham (I)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yasya | yasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | |
| nā | nā | indeclinable | — | not |
| aham | aham | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | |
| ṛtu | ṛtu | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | |
| nāthasya | nāthasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | |
| rājoḥ | rājoḥ | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | |
| yasya | yasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | |
| nā | nā | indeclinable | — | not |
| aham | aham | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| saḥ | saḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkarācārya interprets this verse as emphasizing the non-dual nature of reality. He argues that the phrase 'yasya nāhaṁ' (of whom I am not) points to the illusion of separate existence, where the individual ego (jīva) mistakenly believes itself to be separate from the ultimate reality (Brahman). Śaṅkarācārya explains that this verse aims to dispel this ignorance, highlighting that the individual is not independent but rather an expression of the ultimate reality. He cites the verse 'sarvam brahmeti' (all is Brahman) from the Chandogya Upanishad to support this non-dual reading, underscoring the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the universal self (Brahman). By stating 'yasya nāhaṁ', the verse guides the seeker towards realizing this fundamental identity, transcending the illusory distinctions between the individual and the divine.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, offers a devotional interpretation of this verse, focusing on the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). He views the phrase 'yasya nāhaṁ' as an expression of the Lord's grace, where the Lord acknowledges the jīva's inherent dependence on Him. Rāmānujācārya argues that this verse underscores the importance of self-surrender, where the individual recognizes their limitations and acknowledges the Lord's sovereignty. He cites the verse 'sarvaṁ kṛṣṇamayam' (all is filled with Kṛṣṇa) to emphasize the pervasive presence of the Lord, guiding the devotee towards a deeper understanding of their relationship with the divine. By acknowledging the Lord's lordship, the individual can cultivate a sense of dependence and devotion, ultimately leading to liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, offers a universal and practical interpretation of this verse, applicable to contemporary life. He views the phrase 'yasya nāhaṁ' as a call to recognize the interconnectedness of all existence, where the individual is not separate from the world around them. Vivekānanda argues that this verse encourages the individual to transcend the limitations of the ego, recognizing their place within the larger web of life. He cites the concept of 'tat tvam asi' (that thou art) from the Chandogya Upanishad to support this reading, emphasizing the fundamental unity of the individual with the universe. By applying this principle to daily life, individuals can cultivate a sense of empathy, compassion, and responsibility, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious and equitable world. This verse, in Vivekānanda's view, serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and honoring the inherent dignity and worth of all beings.