mayādṛṣṭeḥ viśvato mayavartān mayi sarvāṇi jagataḥ.
“All the worlds are originating from Me, and are existing in Me, and are ultimately getting dissolved in Me.”
Structure
mayā dṛṣṭeḥ viśvato mayā avartān mayi sarvāṇi jagataḥ
mayā (by Me) dṛṣṭeḥ (seen) viśvato (all around) mayā (by Me) avartān (created) mayi (in Me) sarvāṇi (all) jagataḥ (worlds) eva (indeed)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mayā | mayā | indeclinable | — | by Me |
| dṛṣṭeḥ | dṛṣṭeḥ | noun | ablative · singular · feminine | from My vision |
| viśvato | viśvato | indeclinable | — | from all sides |
| mayā | mayā | indeclinable | — | by Me |
| avartān | avartān | verb | √vṛ · past · first | I create |
| mayi | mayi | pronoun | locative · singular · masculine | in Me |
| sarvāṇi | sarvāṇi | adjective | — | all |
| jagataḥ | jagataḥ | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | worlds |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, mayādṛṣṭeḥ viśvato mayāvartān mayi sarvāṇi jagataḥ, underscores the non-dual nature of reality, emphasizing that all existence originates from, revolves around, and dissolves into the ultimate reality, Brahman. Shankara, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, highlights the importance of understanding this verse as a pointer to the brahman-ātman identity. The use of 'mayā' (by me) reinforces the idea that the ultimate reality is the singular, all-encompassing entity from which everything emanates and into which everything returns. This interpretation supports the Advaita view that the distinction between the individual self (jīva) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) is merely an illusion, and true knowledge (jñāna) leads to the realization of this non-dual essence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, through the lens of this verse, emphasizes the loving relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary, interprets 'mayādṛṣṭeḥ' as indicating the Lord's gracious will (prasāda) behind the creation, sustenance, and dissolution of the universe. This underscores the dependence of all existence on the mercy of the Supreme Being, highlighting the devotional path (bhakti-mārga) as the means to realize and surrender to this ultimate reality. Madhvācārya, from a Dvaita perspective, would further emphasize the real distinction between the individual souls and God, yet affirm the loving, dependent relationship of the former on the latter, as indicated by this verse's affirmation of God's all-encompassing role in creation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, mayādṛṣṭeḥ viśvato mayāvartān mayi sarvāṇi jagataḥ, holds profound universal and practical implications for contemporary life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the unity and interdependence of all existence, as underscored by this verse. He saw in it a call to realize one's true nature and place within the universe, fostering a sense of cosmic responsibility and harmony. S. Radhakrishnan, similarly, interpreted this verse as highlighting the dynamic, holistic view of the universe, where every element is interconnected and interdependent, pointing towards a philosophy of unity and cooperation. Both Vivekānanda and Radhakrishnan would advocate for applying the insights from this verse to promote global understanding, peace, and the betterment of human society, aligning spirituality with practical, worldly action.