yacca vaḥ śravaṇāt punyā mayi śraddhā sadāgrahaḥ । tasyaiva vaḥ mayi dānaṃ na ca dātavyam asti me ॥ २५ २
“And faith rooted in steadfast conviction, which you have developed in Me through hearing, is itself the gift to Me; and not, indeed, is anything else to be given by you to Me.”
Structure
yacca - vaḥ - śravaṇāt - punyā - mayi - śraddhā - sadāgrahaḥ - tasya - eva - vaḥ - mayi - dānaṃ - na - ca - dātavyam - asti - me
yacca (whatever) vaḥ (your) śravaṇāt (from hearing) punyā (merit) mayi (in Me) śraddhā (faith) sadāgrahaḥ (constant holding),tasya (that) eva (indeed) vaḥ (your) mayi (to Me) dānaṃ (offering) na (not) ca (and) dātavyam (to be given) asti (is) me (to Me)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yacca | yacca | indeclinable | — | and what |
| vaḥ | vaḥ | pronoun | second · plural · masculine | you |
| śravaṇāt | śravaṇāt | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from hearing |
| punyā | punyā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | merit |
| mayi | mayi | pronoun | locative · singular · masculine | in me |
| śraddhā | śraddhā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | faith |
| sadāgrahaḥ | sadāgrahaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | strong attachment |
| tasya | tasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of that |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | only |
| vaḥ | vaḥ | pronoun | second · plural · masculine | you |
| mayi | mayi | pronoun | locative · singular · masculine | in me |
| dānaṃ | dānaṃ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | gift |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| dātavyam | dātavyam | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | to be given |
| asti | asti | verb | √as · present · third | is |
| me | me | pronoun | dative · singular · masculine | to me |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Ādi Śaṅkarācārya interprets this verse as underscoring the non-dual nature of reality. According to Shankara, the faith rooted in steadfast conviction (śraddhā sadāgrahaḥ) refers to the unwavering dedication to the pursuit of Self-knowledge, which ultimately reveals the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the ultimate reality (brahman). Shankara's reasoning on this verse and related passages emphasizes that true devotion or faith is not about external rituals or offerings but about cultivating an unshakeable conviction in the oneness of all existence. This verse, therefore, points to the brahman-ātman identity by indicating that the highest gift one can offer is the realization of this unity, which transcends all material giving. Through this understanding, the seeker merges with the ultimate truth, realizing that there is nothing to give or take, as all is already one.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, particularly through the lens of Rāmānujācārya, this verse highlights the intimate relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānuja's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā emphasizes that the faith mentioned here is a form of prapatti, or self-surrender, where the devotee recognizes their complete dependence on God and offers themselves in devotion. This act of surrender is considered the greatest gift one can offer to the Lord, as it involves the dedication of one's very being. Madhvācārya, representing a more dualistic strand of Vaiṣṇavism, would also see this verse as affirming the supremacy of devotion, though he might emphasize the eternal distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, with the devotee's surrender being a recognition of this relationship. Both interpretations, however, pivot on the central idea of devotion as the paramount offering.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in modern Vedāntic thought, would interpret this verse as a call to practical spirituality. According to Vivekānanda, the faith rooted in steadfast conviction refers to the courage and determination needed to embark on the path of self-discovery and service. In his lectures and writings, such as 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', Vivekānanda emphasizes that true devotion is not about dogma or ritual but about living a life of selfless service and harmony with all existence. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, urges individuals to recognize that the most profound gift they can offer is their commitment to the wellbeing of all, transcending material possessions or external actions. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, would likely see this verse as underscoring the universal and ethical dimensions of spirituality, where the highest form of giving is the cultivation of a compassionate and enlightened consciousness that benefits humanity as a whole.