sa tu sāmye sthitvā ātmānaṁ paśyati yaḥ । sa sarvatra samadṛṣṭirmuktaḥ sa ātmanḥ ॥
“He who, having stablished himself in equanimity, sees himself in all, is liberated; he is the one with equal vision everywhere.”
Structure
saḥ tu sāmye sthitvā ātmānam paśyati yaḥ saḥ sarvatra samadṛṣṭiḥ muktaḥ saḥ ātmanā
saḥ (he) tu (indeed) sāmye (in equanimity) sthitvā (having situated) ātmānam (the self) paśyati (sees) yaḥ (who) saḥ (he) sarvatra (everywhere) samadṛṣṭiḥ (having equal vision) muktaḥ (liberated) saḥ (he) ātmanā (from the self)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| saḥ | saḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| sāmye | sāmye | noun | locative · singular · neuter | in equanimity |
| sthitvā | sthitvā | indeclinable | — | having stood, being situated |
| ātmānam | ātmānam | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | himself |
| paśyati | paśyati | verb | √paś · laṭ-present · third | sees |
| yaḥ | yaḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | who |
| saḥ | saḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
| sarvatra | sarvatra | indeclinable | — | everywhere |
| samadṛṣṭiḥ | samadṛṣṭiḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | having equal vision |
| muktaḥ | muktaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | liberated |
| saḥ | saḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
| ātmana | ātmana | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of the self |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Shankara explains that the establishment in equanimity (sāmye sthitvā) is crucial for the realization of the ātman. This verse points to the non-dual nature of reality, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately identical with the absolute reality (brahman). Shankara argues that the one who sees himself in all (sarvatra samadṛṣṭiḥ) has transcended the limitations of the ego and has realized the unity of all existence. This realization is liberation (muktaḥ), as it frees the individual from the cycle of birth and death. In his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, Shankara further elaborates on the concept of samadṛṣṭi, explaining that it is the direct perception of the ultimate reality, which is beyond all duality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of devotion (bhakti) in achieving the state of equanimity (sāmye sthitvā). He argues that the one who sees himself in all (sarvatra samadṛṣṭiḥ) has developed a deep sense of devotion to the Lord (Īśvara), which enables him to transcend the limitations of the ego. According to Rāmānuja, this verse highlights the relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the Lord (Īśvara), where the jīva, in its liberated state, realizes its inherent dependence on Īśvara. This realization is liberation (muktaḥ), as it frees the individual from the cycle of birth and death and enables him to experience the bliss of devotion. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of knowledge (jñāna) in achieving liberation, but also acknowledges the role of devotion in facilitating this knowledge.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the practical application of this verse in contemporary life. He argues that the establishment in equanimity (sāmye sthitvā) is essential for achieving inner peace and harmony in a world filled with diversity and conflict. According to Vivekānanda, the one who sees himself in all (sarvatra samadṛṣṭiḥ) has developed a sense of universal brotherhood, which is the foundation of a more compassionate and just society. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings, further elaborates on the concept of samadṛṣṭi, explaining that it is the ability to see beyond the superficial differences that separate individuals and communities, and to recognize the underlying unity that binds them together. This verse, according to Radhakrishnan, points to the importance of cultivating a sense of empathy and understanding in our personal and social relationships, which is essential for achieving true liberation and fulfillment.