evaṁ pravartitaśca yaṁ pravāho janmano jan-tunāṁ
“Thus is the natural course of the cycle of birth and death of living beings”
Structure
evaṁ pravartitaḥ ca yaṁ pravāho janmano jantunāṁ
yaḥ (which) pravāho (flow) janmano (of birth) jantunāṁ (of living beings) evaṁ (in this manner) pravartitaḥ (is started) ca (and)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| evaṁ | evaṁ | indeclinable | — | thus, in this way |
| pravartitaḥ | pravartitaḥ | verb | √vart · past participle · third | started, begun |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| yaṁ | yaṁ | pronoun | accusative · singular · masculine | which, whom |
| pravāho | pravāho | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | stream, flow |
| janmano | janmano | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of birth, origin |
| jantunāṁ | jantunāṁ | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of beings, creatures |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkarācārya interprets this verse as underscoring the cyclical nature of samsāra, birth and death, which is inherently linked to the notion of avidyā or ignorance. This cycle, Śaṅkarācārya argues, can only be transcended by realizing the non-dual identity of brahman and ātman. The phrase 'evaṁ pravartitaḥ' suggests a natural or inherent process, which, according to Śaṅkarācārya, points to the idea that the ultimate reality, brahman, is not bound by this cycle but is the unchanging essence that underlies all existence. This verse, therefore, supports the advaitic view that liberation (mokṣa) comes from understanding and directly experiencing this non-dual reality, thereby breaking the cycle of birth and death.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, views this verse as highlighting the dependency of all living beings (jīvas) on Īśvara (the Lord) for their existence and for the cycle of birth and death. The phrase 'janmano jan-tunāṁ' emphasizes the Lord's role in the creation and sustenance of all beings, suggesting a personal, loving relationship between Īśvara and the jīvas. Rāmānujācārya's perspective emphasizes bhakti or devotion as the means to understand and participate in this relationship, leading to liberation. This verse, in the Vaiṣṇava tradition, serves as a reminder of the jīva's inherent dependence on Īśvara and the importance of cultivating devotion to break the cycle of samsāra and achieve union with the Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical and universal applications of Vedāntic principles. Regarding this verse, he might argue that the cycle of birth and death symbolizes the eternal and infinite potential within every individual, which can be realized through self-effort and the pursuit of spiritual growth. The phrase 'evaṁ pravartitaḥ' could be seen as indicative of a natural law or principle that governs not just the cosmic cycle but also the human quest for meaning and transcendence. Vivekānanda would likely connect this verse to the contemporary human experience, suggesting that understanding and aligning oneself with this natural principle can lead to personal liberation and contribute to the betterment of society, as individuals realize their true potential and work towards the common good.