idaṁ tu mahatāṁ vākyam yasyāṁ hi paramārthataḥ
“This indeed is the great saying in which the Supreme Truth is contained.”
Structure
idam tu mahatam vakyaṁ yasyam hi paramārthataḥ
idam (this) tu (indeed) mahatām (of great ones) vakyaṁ (statement) yasyām (in which) hi (indeed) paramārthataḥ (the highest purpose)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| idam | idam | pronoun | nominative · neuter singular · neuter | this |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| mahatam | mahatām | noun | genitive plural · plural · masculine | of the great ones |
| vakyam | vākyam | noun | nominative singular · singular · neuter | statement, verse |
| yasyam | yasyām | pronoun | locative singular · singular · feminine | in which |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| paramarthatah | paramārthataḥ | indeclinable | — | in reality, supremely |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, idaṁ tu mahatāṁ vākyam yasyāṁ hi paramārthataḥ, underscores the supreme significance of the statement that follows, which is the essence of the non-dual reality. Shankara, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes that the term 'mahatāṁ vākyam' refers to the profound and sublime statement made by the Lord, which encapsulates the ultimate truth (paramārthataḥ). This truth is none other than the identity of brahman and ātman, where the individual self is ultimately one with the universal reality. Shankara's reasoning, as seen in his discussions on other verses, highlights the importance of understanding this verse in the context of achieving liberation through the realization of non-duality. The emphasis here is on the 'paramārthataḥ', the supreme truth, which when realized, leads to the dissolution of all distinctions and the establishment of the non-dual consciousness.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava interpreters view this verse as a prelude to the profound teachings of the Lord, particularly in the context of the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary, focuses on the significance of 'mahatāṁ vākyam' as the word of God, which conveys the means to attain liberation through devotion and self-surrender. The term 'paramārthataḥ' is seen as an expression of the ultimate purpose or goal, which is to realize one's true nature as a servant of the Lord. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might interpret this verse as emphasizing the distinction between the Lord and the individual souls, highlighting the importance of devotion as a means to bridge this gap. Both Rāmānuja and Madhva would agree that this verse introduces a significant teaching on the path to liberation, with a strong emphasis on the devotional aspect.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, among other modern interpreters, see this verse as a call to understand the universal and practical applications of spiritual truth. Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the importance of realizing one's true nature, which is echoed in the concept of 'paramārthataḥ'. He would likely interpret 'mahatāṁ vākyam' as the profound message that has the power to transform individual lives and society, by awakening individuals to their true potential and the universal consciousness that unites all. Rādhākrishnan, with his philosophical inclinations, might link this verse to the broader themes of Indian philosophy, highlighting the quest for the ultimate reality and the means to achieve it. Both would argue that this verse has a contemporary relevance, encouraging individuals to seek the deeper meaning and purpose of life, beyond the mundane and the ephemeral, and to strive for a life of greater meaning, service, and self-realization.