māṃ hi pārtha vyayasāmayam.
“For, O Pārtha, I am the eater of all.”
Structure
mām hi pārtha vyayasāmayam
hi (indeed) pārtha (O son of Prthā) mām (Me) vyayasāmayam (the unchanging One)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mām | mām | pronoun | accusative · singular | me |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for |
| pārtha | pārtha | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | son of Prthā |
| vyayasāmayam | vyayasāmayam | compound | tatpuruṣa · "vyayasa āmayam" | the imperishable |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkarācārya interprets the verse māṃ hi pārtha vyayasāmayam as an affirmation of the non-dual nature of reality. According to Śaṅkara, the term 'vyayasāmayam' (eater of all) signifies the ultimate reality, Brahman, as the absolute absorber and sustainer of all existence. This verse points to the identity of Brahman and Ātman, implying that the individual self (jīva) is not separate from the universal self (Brahman). Śaṅkara's reasoning, based on the Upaniṣads and the Gītā, underscores the notion that the distinctions between subject and object, eater and eaten, are ultimately illusory, and that the realization of this non-dual truth (advaita) is the path to liberation. By acknowledging Brahman as the 'eater of all,' the seeker transcends the phenomenal world and recognizes the unity of all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, as exemplified by Rāmānujācārya, views the verse māṃ hi pārtha vyayasāmayam through the lens of devotional theology. For Rāmānuja, this verse highlights the dependent relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). The term 'vyayasāmayam' is seen as an expression of the Lord's sovereignty over all creation, emphasizing His role as the sustainer and governor of the universe. Rāmānuja's commentary on the Gītā stresses the idea that the jīva, in its state of bondage, must recognize its dependence on the Lord and surrender to Him. This surrender (prapatti) is the means to achieve liberation, and the verse is seen as an invitation by the Lord to the devotee to surrender and seek refuge in Him. The Vaiṣṇava tradition thus interprets this verse as a call to devotion and self-surrender, where the devotee acknowledges the Lord's absolute control and providence.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in the Neo-Vedānta movement, offers a universal and practical interpretation of the verse māṃ hi pārtha vyayasāmayam. In his lectures and writings, Vivekānanda emphasizes the idea that this verse points to the unity and interdependence of all existence. He views the term 'vyayasāmayam' as a symbol of the cosmic process, where everything is connected and nothing exists in isolation. This understanding, according to Vivekānanda, has profound implications for human life and society. It encourages individuals to transcend their narrow, egoistic perspectives and recognize their place within the larger web of existence. By acknowledging the universal 'eater' (Brahman), one can cultivate a sense of reverence, compassion, and responsibility towards all beings and the natural world. Vivekānanda's interpretation of this verse thus serves as a call to action, urging individuals to embody the principles of unity, harmony, and selflessness in their daily lives.