tasmādhi sarvaśāstrāṇi brāhmaṇo vijānīyān nāyaṁ devo na ca devarṣīḥ ॥ ७ ॥
“From this, a brahmin should understand all the scriptures; this is not a demigod nor a sage among the gods.”
Structure
tasmāt + hi + sarvaśāstrāṇi + brāhmaṇo + vijānīyāt + na + ayam + devaḥ + na + ca + devarṣīḥ
tasmāt (from Him) hi (certainly) brāhmaṇo (a brahmin) sarvaśāstrāṇi (of all the scriptures) vijānīyāt (should know) na (not) ayam (this) devaḥ (is a demigod) na (not) ca (and) devarṣīḥ (a sage amongst the devas)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tasmāt | tasmāt | indeclinable | — | from that, thence |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| sarvaśāstrāṇi | sarvaśāstrāṇi | noun | accusative · plural · neuter | all scriptures |
| brāhmaṇo | brāhmaṇo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | a brahmin, one who knows Brahman |
| vijānīyāt | vijānīyāt | verb | √vijānī · liṅ-optative · third | should know |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ayam | ayam | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | this |
| devaḥ | devaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | god, deity |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| devarṣīḥ | devarṣīḥ | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | the sages among gods, deities who are sages |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse emphasizes the importance of understanding all scriptures from the perspective of a brahmin, implying a deep comprehension of the ultimate reality, Brahman. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, underscores the non-dual nature of reality, suggesting that the distinctions between demigods, sages, and gods are ultimately illusory. The phrase 'na ayam devaḥ na ca devarṣīḥ' reinforces the idea that the ultimate reality is beyond such distinctions, pointing towards the brahman-ātman identity. This identity is central to Advaita Vedānta, where the individual self (ātman) is seen as non-different from the ultimate reality (Brahman). Understanding this verse, therefore, involves recognizing the transcendence of mundane and divine categories, leading to the realization of the unity of all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Within the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is interpreted through the lens of devotion and the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, for instance, would likely emphasize the importance of understanding all scriptures as a means to deepen one's devotion to Īśvara. The statement 'na ayam devaḥ na ca devarṣīḥ' could be seen as a reminder that true devotion is not directed towards lesser deities or sages but towards the Supreme Being. This focus on Īśvara is central to Vaiṣṇava theology, where the goal is to achieve loving devotion (bhakti) towards the Lord, recognizing His supremacy over all other beings and entities. Thus, understanding this verse involves recognizing the supremacy of Īśvara and dedicating oneself to His service and worship.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): From a modern perspective, particularly through the lens of Neo-Vedānta as espoused by Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, this verse can be seen as a call to universal knowledge and brotherhood. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting all scriptures, not just for academic or theological purposes, but as a path to realizing the unity of all human experience. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often highlighted the potential of Vedāntic principles to bring about a sense of global unity and cooperation. The phrase 'tasmādhi sarvaśāstrāṇi' can be interpreted as an invitation to explore and learn from all religious and philosophical traditions, recognizing the common goals and values that underlie human spiritual quests. Thus, this verse encourages a practical and inclusive approach to spirituality, where understanding and embracing diversity become the foundation for a more harmonious and enlightened world.