mayi sarvamidaṁ proṭṭavam
“All this is merely manifested in Me.”
Structure
mayi sarvam idam proṭṭavam
mayi (in Me) sarvam (all) idam (this) proṭṭavam (has been)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mayi | mayi | pronoun | dative · singular · masculine | |
| sarvam | sarvam | adjective | — | all |
| idam | idam | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | this |
| proṭṭavam | proṭṭavam | verb | √proṭ · future · first |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkarācārya interprets this verse as a confirmation of the non-dual nature of reality. He argues that the phrase 'mayi sarvam idam proṭṭavam' implies that all phenomena are merely a manifestation of the ultimate reality, Brahman. Śaṅkarācārya cites the example of the relationship between the ocean and its waves, where the waves are not separate from the ocean but are merely a manifestation of it. Similarly, all existence is a manifestation of Brahman, and the individual self (ātman) is ultimately identical with Brahman. This verse thus points to the brahman-ātman identity, emphasizing the non-dual nature of reality. As Śaṅkarācārya notes in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, 'the world is a mere appearance, and Brahman is the only reality.' This understanding is central to the Advaita tradition, and this verse is seen as a key statement of this fundamental principle.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse as a statement of the relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, sees this verse as an expression of the Lord's sovereignty and the dependence of all existence on Him. The phrase 'mayi sarvam idam proṭṭavam' is understood to mean that all things are sustained and supported by the Lord, and that the individual self is intimately connected with Him. This verse is thus seen as a call to devotion and surrender, as the individual recognizes their dependence on the Lord and seeks to cultivate a deeper relationship with Him. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, emphasizes the distinction between the Lord and the individual self, highlighting the Lord's independence and supremacy. For Madhva, this verse underscores the importance of recognizing the Lord's sovereignty and the individual's dependence on Him, and thus emphasizes the need for devotion and self-surrender.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets this verse as a statement of the universal and all-encompassing nature of the divine. He sees the phrase 'mayi sarvam idam proṭṭavam' as an expression of the idea that all existence is interconnected and interdependent, and that the divine is the ultimate reality that underlies all phenomena. Vivekānanda argues that this verse points to the importance of recognizing the unity and interconnectedness of all existence, and of cultivating a sense of compassion and empathy for all beings. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the practical application of this verse, arguing that it calls us to recognize the divine in all aspects of life and to cultivate a sense of reverence and respect for the world around us. For Radhakrishnan, this verse is a reminder of the importance of living in harmony with nature and with each other, and of recognizing the sacred in all aspects of existence.