na ca matssthāni sarvabhūtāni yat tvam nānupaśyasi । atha cōttaram ।
“And, moreover, you do not see that all beings exist in Me, but I will tell you further.”
Structure
na ca - mat - sthāni - sarva - bhūtāni - yat - tvam - na - anupaśyasi - atha - ca - uttaram
na ca (not and) mat-sthāni (in Me) sarva-bhūtāni (all beings) yat (which) tvam (you) na-anupaśyasi (do not see) atha (then) ca (and) uttaram (the highest)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| mat | mat | pronoun | genitive · singular · neuter | my |
| sthāni | sthāni | noun | nominative · plural · neuter | places |
| sarva | sarva | adjective | — | all |
| bhūtāni | bhūtāni | noun | nominative · plural · neuter | beings |
| yat | yat | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | which |
| tvam | tvam | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | you |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| anupaśyasi | anupaśyasi | verb | √paś · laṭ-present · second | you do not see |
| atha | atha | indeclinable | — | then |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| uttaram | uttaram | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | further |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkarācārya interprets this verse as underscoring the non-dual nature of reality. He argues that the phrase 'all beings exist in Me' (mat-sthāni sarva-bhūtāni) points to the ultimate identity of the individual self (ātman) with the universal self (Brahman). Śaṅkarācārya's reasoning hinges on the idea that the distinction between the individual and the universal is a product of ignorance (avidyā), and that true understanding (vidyā) reveals their essential oneness. This verse, in Śaṅkarācārya's view, serves as a reminder that the goal of spiritual inquiry is to realize this non-dual reality, where the distinctions between subject and object, self and other, are transcended. By emphasizing the phrase 'you do not see' (na anupaśyasi), Śaṅkarācārya highlights the need for introspection and self-inquiry to uncover the true nature of reality, which is brahman-ātman identity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): For Rāmānujācārya, this verse underscores the dependence of all beings on the divine (īśvara). He interprets 'all beings exist in Me' as an affirmation of the doctrine of viśiṣṭādvaita, which posits that the individual selves (jīvas) and the world (jagat) are real but dependent on the ultimate reality, Brahman. Rāmānujācārya sees this verse as emphasizing the loving relationship between the jīva and īśvara, where the former finds its fulfillment and purpose in devotion to the latter. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, would likely interpret this verse through the lens of his dvaita (dualist) philosophy, emphasizing the real distinction between the individual self and the divine, while still affirming the complete dependence of the former on the latter. For both thinkers, this verse would serve as a call to devotion and surrender to the divine will, recognizing the ultimate sovereignty of īśvara over all existence.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda would likely interpret this verse as a powerful reminder of the universal and eternal nature of the self. In his lectures and writings, he often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life, encouraging individuals to realize their innate divinity and connection to the universe. This verse, for Vivekānanda, would underscore the importance of self-awareness and the recognition of one's true nature, beyond the limitations of the ego and the external world. S. Radhakrishnan, in a similar vein, would likely see this verse as an affirmation of the spiritual unity of all existence, emphasizing the need for individuals to cultivate a sense of universal consciousness and compassion. Both thinkers would connect this verse to contemporary life, highlighting the relevance of spiritual principles in addressing the challenges of modernity, such as fragmentation, alienation, and the search for meaning and purpose. By realizing the interconnectedness of all beings, individuals can tap into a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment, and work towards creating a more harmonious and just world.