← All Shlokas
Mahābhārata · 1.10
धर्मे क्षेत्रे जगतो यत्सृज्येतानुसृज्यते ।

dharme kṣetre jagato yatsṛjyetānusṛjyate.

By Dharma the world is created and destroyed.

TTS

Structure

Padaccheda — word separation

dharme kṣetre jagato yat sṛjyetānu sṛjyate

Anvaya — prose reordering

dharme (in righteousness) kṣetre (in the field) jagato (of the world) yat (what) sṛjyetā (may be created) anu (again) sṛjyate (is created)

Word-by-Word Grammar

WordIASTTypeGrammarMeaning
dharmedharmenounlocative · singular · masculinein righteousness
kṣetrekṣetrenounlocative · singular · masculinein the field
jagatojagatonoungenitive · singular · masculineof the world
yatyatpronounnominative · neuterwhat
sṛjyetāsṛjyetāverb√sṛj · optative · thirdmay create
anuanuindeclinableagain
sṛjyatesṛjyateverb√sṛj · passive present · thirdis created

Scholarly Commentary

Advaita Vedānta(Ādi Śaṅkarācārya)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the fundamental role of Dharma in the creation and destruction of the world, pointing towards the ultimate reality that transcends all duality. Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasutras, particularly his discussion on the nature of Brahman, highlights the idea that the universe is a manifestation of Brahman. In the context of this verse, Dharme kṣetre jagato yatsṛjyetānusṛjyate, Shankara would likely argue that Dharma, as the cosmic order, is the instrument through which the world is created and dissolved, ultimately revealing the non-dual nature of Brahman. This interpretation emphasizes the identity of Brahman and Ātman, suggesting that the creation and destruction of the world are mere appearances, and the true essence remains unchanged. Through this lens, the verse invites the seeker to look beyond the ephemeral nature of the world and recognize the eternal, unchanging reality of Brahman.

Vaiṣṇava Tradition(Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya)

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, particularly through the lens of Rāmānujācārya, views this verse as an affirmation of the dependence of the world on Īśvara, the personal God. According to Rāmānuja's Vishishtadvaita, the world is real but dependent on God, and Dharma is the means by which God governs and maintains the universe. The verse dharme kṣetre jagato yatsṛjyetānusṛjyate highlights the role of Dharma as the divine plan or order, through which the creation and destruction of the world are orchestrated. This understanding emphasizes the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara, where the jīva's actions are guided by Dharma to ultimately realize its dependence on and love for Īśvara. Madhvācārya, representing the Dvaita tradition, might further stress the distinction between the independent Īśvara and the dependent world, with Dharma serving as the moral and cosmic framework that bridges this gap.

Neo-Vedānta(Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan)

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, key figures in Neo-Vedānta, would likely interpret this verse in a universal and practical light. They might see Dharma as the universal principle of righteousness and justice that underlies all existence. According to Vivekānanda, the creation and destruction of the world, as mentioned in the verse, symbolize the eternal cycle of evolution and involution, where Dharma serves as the guiding force. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical writings, emphasizes the importance of Dharma in realizing the ultimate reality, which is beyond the ephemeral world. Both thinkers would connect the verse to contemporary life by highlighting the need for individuals to live in accordance with Dharma, thereby contributing to the harmony and balance of the world. This interpretation makes the verse relevant to modern ethical and philosophical discourse, urging individuals to recognize and adhere to their universal duties and responsibilities, aligning with the broader cosmic order.

More from this source

View all →
Mahābhārata · 1.1धर्मक्षेत्रे कुरुक्षेत्रे यदुक्तं शृणु पार्थ ।Hear, Arjuna, what was said in the field of duty, the Kuru-kshetra.Mahābhārata · 1.2धर्मक्षेत्रे कुरुक्षेत्रे यदुक्तं सत्यद्रते त्वया ।What you, the truth-seer, have said in the field of Dharma, in the Kurukṣetra.Mahābhārata · 1.3धर्मे यत्नतः श्रेष्ठे लोकेऽस्मिन्नतिवर्तिनि।To protect Dharma, the best, the protector of this world.Mahābhārata · 1.4धर्मक्षेत्रे कुरुक्षेत्रे त्वयि श्रुत्वा पाण्डवाःHaving heard your words, the Pāṇḍavas stand in the field of righteousness, KurukMahābhārata · 1.5धर्मेण यशसा चैव पतिः पृथिव्याः श्रुतेन च ।The Lord of the earth rules with Dharma, with Fame and with Śruti.Mahābhārata · 1.6धर्मे क्षेत्रे जगतः सवस्माद् राजा यशसः श्रियम्The king's fame manifests in the field of dharma and brings prosperity to the en