athaivaṁ samastaṁ jagad vyavasthitaṁ prajāpatīnāṁ yadvaḥ śrutvā pravṛtto 'si dhārmikaḥ ॥
“Thus, having heard the words of the Prajapatis, you have taken to the path of righteousness.”
Structure
atha + evaṁ + samastaṁ + jagat + vyavasthitaṁ + prajāpatīnāṁ + yat + vacas + śrutvā + pravṛtto + asi + dhārmikaḥ
atha (now) evaṁ (thus) samastaṁ (entire) jagat (universe) vyavasthitaṁ (is established) prajāpatīnāṣ (of the Prajapatis) yat (what) vacas (command) śrutvā (having heard) dhārmikaḥ (the righteous one) asi (you are) pravṛtto (inspired)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| atha | atha | indeclinable | — | then, now |
| evaṁ | evaṁ | indeclinable | — | thus, in this way |
| samastaṁ | samastaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | the entire, whole |
| jagat | jagat | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | world |
| vyavasthitaṁ | vyavasthitaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | it is arranged, created |
| prajāpatīnāṁ | prajāpatīnāṁ | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of Prajāpatis, creators of living beings |
| yat | yat | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | which, what |
| vacas | vacas | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | word, speech |
| śrutvā | śrutvā | indeclinable | — | having heard |
| pravṛtto | pravṛtto | verb | √vṛt · past participle · third | having turned, undertaken |
| asi | asi | verb | √as · present · second | you are |
| dhārmikaḥ | dhārmikaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | one who is devoted to Dharma, righteous |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, Athaivaṁ samastaṁ jagad vyavasthitaṁ, Shankara interprets 'vyavasthitaṁ' to mean the establishment of the universe in accordance with the ultimate reality, Brahman. This understanding is crucial for the non-dual reading of the verse, as it underscores the idea that the universe, though seemingly diverse, is ultimately grounded in the unity of Brahman. The phrase 'prajāpatīnāṁ yadvaḥ śrutvā' suggests that the seeker has heard the words of the Prajapatis, symbolic of the Vedas, leading him to the path of righteousness, which, for Shankara, is the realization of the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). This verse, thus, points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual, having heard the truth, embarks on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately to realize the non-dual nature of reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse with a strong emphasis on devotion and the personal relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya would likely view 'prajāpatīnāṁ yadvaḥ' as referring to the divine command or the words of the scriptures that guide the devotee towards a life of devotion and righteousness. The phrase 'dhārmikaḥ' is seen as indicative of a life dedicated to following the path of dharma, which is understood as being in accordance with the will of the Lord. This verse, therefore, highlights the importance of listening to and following the divine guidance, leading the devotee to a path of service and love towards the Supreme, embodying a devotional reading of the verse that underscores the loving relationship between the individual and the Divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda would interpret this verse as a call to practical action and universal application. The phrase 'samastaṁ jagad vyavasthitaṁ' suggests a universe governed by laws and principles that can be understood and applied for the betterment of humanity. Vivekananda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of combining spiritual realization with practical service to others, seeing this as the path to true realization and universal harmony. This verse, thus, is seen as encouraging the individual to engage with the world, guided by principles of righteousness and wisdom derived from ancient teachings, leading to a life of service and contribution to the greater good. It connects to contemporary life by highlighting the need for individuals to find their path of service and fulfillment, contributing to the creation of a more just and harmonious world.