yena yena rucir āyati, tena tena upasaṃharati
“By whatever (desire) the (divine) radiance manifests, by that very (desire) it withdraws.”
Structure
yena yena rucir āyati tena tena upasaṃharati
esaḥ (this) yena yena (whatever way) rucir (expansion) āyati (takes place) tena tena (in that same way) upasaṃharati (He withdraws)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yena | yena | indeclinable | — | by which |
| yena | yena | indeclinable | — | by which (second occurrence, same meaning) |
| rucir | rucir | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | pleasure |
| āyati | āyati | verb | √ā · laṭ-present · third | comes |
| tena | tena | pronoun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by that |
| tena | tena | pronoun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by that (second occurrence, same meaning) |
| upasaṃharati | upasaṃharati | verb | √upasaṃhṛ · laṭ-present · third | takes away |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, where the manifestation and withdrawal of the divine radiance are not separate events but intertwined facets of the ultimate reality, Brahman. Shankara, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets this verse as highlighting the illusory nature of the world's duality, suggesting that the appearance and disappearance of phenomena are governed by the same fundamental principle. This verse points to the brahman-ātman identity, implying that the individual self (ātman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) are not distinct, and the realization of this unity is the path to liberation. By emphasizing the cyclical nature of manifestation and withdrawal, this verse encourages the seeker to look beyond the ephemeral and seek the eternal, unchanging essence that underlies all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse is seen as an expression of the Lord's (Īśvara) sovereignty over creation. The manifestation and withdrawal of the divine radiance symbolize the divine play (līlā) of God, where the creation and dissolution of the universe are acts of divine will. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary, might view this verse as emphasizing the dependent relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Lord, where the jīva's existence and realization are contingent upon the Lord's grace. The verse suggests a devotional approach, where the devotee seeks to align their will with that of the Lord, recognizing that all events, including the appearance and disappearance of desires, are part of the divine plan. This understanding fosters a deep sense of reverence, surrender, and love for the Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda might interpret this verse as a universal principle applicable to both the microcosm of human life and the macrocosm of the universe. The manifestation and withdrawal of desires can be seen as a metaphor for the human quest for meaning and fulfillment. According to Vivekananda's lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, this verse hints at the idea that our desires and the external world are interconnected, and true freedom lies in understanding and aligning with this fundamental principle. In contemporary life, this verse can inspire a reflection on the nature of desire and fulfillment, encouraging individuals to seek a deeper, more lasting satisfaction that goes beyond ephemeral pleasures. It promotes a holistic and balanced approach to life, where one recognizes the cyclical nature of desires and strives for a state of inner peace and contentment that is not dependent on external events.