nāhaṁ prakāśo na ca prabhā na śamo no spandanam | na deśo na kālo na parimitir nāivayogaḥ
“I am not illumination, nor radiance, nor glow, nor vibration, not a place, not time, not a measure, and not a relation.”
Structure
nāhaṁ prakāśo na ca prabhā na śamo na spandanam | na deśo na kālo na parimitir nāiva yogaḥ
na (not) ahaṁ (I) prakāśo (light) na (nor) ca (and) prabhā (radiance) na (nor) śamo (serenity) na (nor) spandanam (movement)na (not) deśo (space) na (nor) kālo (time) na (nor) parimitir (limit) nāiva (and not) yogaḥ (union)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nāhaṁ | nāhaṁ | indeclinable | — | not I, neither I |
| prakāśo | prakāśaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | light, manifestation |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and, also |
| prabhā | prabhā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | splendor, radiance |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| śamo | śamaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | peace, calmness |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| spandanam | spandanaṁ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | tremor, vibration |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| deśo | deśaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | place, region |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| kālo | kālaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | time |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| parimitir | parimitiḥ | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | limit, boundary |
| nāiva | nāiva | indeclinable | — | not, nor; certainly not |
| yogaḥ | yogaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | union, connection |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkarācārya elaborates on this verse by stating that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond all attributes and limitations. The negation of illumination, radiance, glow, vibration, place, time, measure, and relation signifies the transcendent nature of Brahman. This verse points to the brahman-ātman identity, implying that the individual self is not distinct from the ultimate reality. Śaṅkarācārya's reasoning emphasizes the non-dual reading, where the distinctions between the individual self and the ultimate reality are ultimately illusory. By negating all attributes, this verse guides the seeker towards the realization of the absolute, unqualified Brahman, which is the true nature of the self.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Rāmānujācārya's visishtadvaita vedanta provides a nuanced interpretation of this verse, focusing on the relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the supreme lord (Īśvara). According to Rāmānuja, the negation of attributes in this verse highlights the incomprehensibility of Īśvara's nature, which is beyond human understanding. The jīva, being a dependent entity, can only approach Īśvara through devotion and self-surrender. This verse underscores the importance of recognizing one's limitations and dependence on Īśvara, leading to a deeper understanding of the jīva-Īśvara relationship. Rāmānuja's commentary emphasizes the role of bhakti (devotion) in realizing the true nature of the self and its relationship with the supreme lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the universal and practical application of this verse. He saw the negation of attributes as a call to transcend the limitations of the individual ego and realize the true, unqualified nature of the self. This verse, according to Vivekānanda, points to the infinite potential within each individual, which can be realized through self-inquiry and meditation. In contemporary life, this verse can be seen as a reminder to look beyond the external attributes and limitations that define our personalities and instead, connect with our inner, universal nature. Vivekānanda's message of self-realization and service to humanity is rooted in the understanding that the ultimate reality is beyond all attributes, and it is this reality that we must strive to realize in our daily lives.