māmeva mokṣasaṃsārau ca māyate ca yadasti tat ।
“You shall have only Me as the means of liberation from Samsara, and whatever exists, is only My manifestation.”
Structure
māmeva mokṣa-saṃsārau ca māyate ca yad-asti tat
tat (that) yad-asti (which exists) māyate (is considered) ca (and) māmeva (only by Me) mokṣa-saṃsārau (the cycle of liberation and worldly life) ca (and)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| māmeva | māmeva | indeclinable | — | to me indeed |
| mokṣa | mokṣa | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | liberation |
| saṃsārau | saṃsārau | noun | nominative · dual · masculine | the cycle of rebirth and the worldly existence |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| māyate | māyate | verb | √mā · laṭ-present · third | is manifested |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| yad | yad | pronoun | nominative · neuter · neuter | what |
| asti | asti | verb | √as · laṭ-present · third | is |
| tat | tat | pronoun | nominative · neuter · neuter | that |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse points to the non-dual reality, emphasizing the ultimate identity between the individual self (ātman) and the universal reality (Brahman). According to Shankara, the phrase 'māmeva mokṣasaṃsārau' underscores that liberation from the cycle of birth and death (saṃsāra) is solely achievable through the realization of the ultimate truth, which is Brahman. The term 'māyate ca' signifies the illusory nature of the world, implying that all existence is a manifestation of Brahman. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sūtras (1.1.1) also supports this interpretation, highlighting the singular reality that underlies all phenomena. Thus, this verse reinforces the central tenet of Advaita Vedānta: the non-dual identity of Brahman and ātman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as emphasizing the dependence of the individual soul (jīva) on the Supreme Lord (Īśvara) for liberation. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets 'māmeva mokṣasaṃsārau' as underscoring the Lord's role as both the means and the end of liberation. The phrase 'māyate ca yad-asti tat' is understood as highlighting the Lord's creative power and the dependency of all existence on Him. This verse is thus seen as a call to devotion and surrender to the Lord, recognizing His sovereign will and grace in both bondage and liberation. Madhvācārya, in his Dvaita Vedānta, also emphasizes the distinction between the Lord and the individual soul, highlighting the need for devotion and self-surrender to attain liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has profound implications for contemporary life, as it encourages individuals to seek a deeper understanding of the universe and their place within it. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets 'māmeva mokṣasaṃsārau' as a call to realize one's true nature, beyond the limitations of the mundane world. The phrase 'māyate ca yad-asti tat' is seen as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all existence, emphasizing the need for a holistic and universal perspective. S. Radhakrishnan, in his writings on Indian philosophy, also highlights the verse's emphasis on the unity and interdependence of all beings, encouraging a sense of global citizenship and cooperation. This verse thus offers a powerful message for modern times, urging individuals to cultivate a deeper sense of Self-awareness, compassion, and responsibility towards the world around them.