dharme kṣetre jagato yatsṛjyetānusṛjyate.
“By Dharma the world is created and destroyed.”
Structure
dharme kṣetre jagato yat sṛjyetānu sṛjyate
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
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| dharme | dharme | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in righteousness |
| kṣetre | kṣetre | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in the field |
| jagato | jagato | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of the world |
| yat | yat | pronoun | nominative · neuter | what |
| sṛjyetā | sṛjyetā | verb | √sṛj · optative · third | may create |
| anu | anu | indeclinable | — | again |
| sṛjyate | sṛjyate | verb | √sṛj · passive present · third | is created |
Scholarly Commentary
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): 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): 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.