Dharme yaṣṭiḥ samṛddhau ca rājye garbhasthasya brāhmaṇaḥ.
“The Brahmin is the staff in religion, in wealth, and in the kingdom, even while he is in the womb.”
Structure
Dharme yaṣṭiḥ samṛddhau ca rājye garbhasthasya brāhmaṇaḥ
Garbhasthasya brāhmaṇaḥ dharme yaṣṭiḥ samṛddhau ca rājye
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dharme | Dharme | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in dharma |
| yaṣṭiḥ | yaṣṭiḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | staff |
| samṛddhau | samṛddhau | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in prosperity |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| rājye | rājye | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in the kingdom |
| garbhasthasya | garbhasthasya | compound | bahuvrīhi · "garbhe sthitaḥ asya" | who is in the womb |
| brāhmaṇaḥ | brāhmaṇaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Brahmin |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse signifies the intrinsic relationship between the Brahmin and the ultimate reality, Brahman. Shankara's commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad (2.1.1) clarifies that the Self is the essence of all, including the Brahmin. The staff (yaṣṭiḥ) in religion, wealth, and kingdom represents the Brahmin's role in upholding dharma, which is a manifestation of Brahman. The phrase 'even while he is in the womb' (garbhasthasya) underscores the idea that the Brahmin's identity with Brahman is inherent and timeless, existing prior to birth. This non-dual reading highlights the verse's implication that the ultimate reality is the basis of all existence, including social roles like that of the Brahmin.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse through the lens of bhakti and the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya would likely view the Brahmin's role as a manifestation of Īśvara's grace, guiding humanity toward dharma and spiritual growth. The 'staff in religion, wealth, and kingdom' represents the means by which the divine order is maintained, with the Brahmin serving as a guardian of this order. The phrase 'even while he is in the womb' suggests that the jīva's potential for devotion and service to Īśvara is inherent, awaiting realization through the Brahmin's fulfillment of his duties. This reading emphasizes the loving dependence of the jīva on Īśvara, reflected in the Brahmin's vocation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda would interpret this verse as emphasizing the potential within every individual, symbolized by the Brahmin, to embody and uphold the principles of dharma. The 'staff in religion, wealth, and kingdom' represents the harmony and balance that can be achieved when individuals fulfill their duties selflessly. Vivekānanda's teachings on the universal applicability of Vedāntic principles would lead him to see this verse as a call to service and the realization of one's higher self, regardless of societal roles. The phrase 'even while he is in the womb' underscores the innate capacity for spiritual growth and the importance of nurturing this potential from the earliest stages of life. This reading connects the verse to contemporary life by highlighting the need for individuals to recognize and fulfill their unique roles in society, inspired by a sense of universal interconnectedness and service.