na tu tasyānuvartante vṛttenā ca yathāvidhi.
“But they do not follow him according to the method, and his example.”
Structure
na tu tasya ānu-vartante vṛttenā ca yathā-vidhi
na tu (not) tasya (his) ānu-vartante (follow) vṛttenā (by the events) ca (and) yathā-vidhi (according to the circumstances)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed, however |
| tasya | tasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of him |
| ānu-vartante | ānuvartante | verb | √vart · laṭ-present · third | follow |
| vṛttenā | vṛttenā | compound | bahuvrīhi · "vṛtta + anā" | by what has been done |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| yathā-vidhi | yathāvidhi | compound | avyayībhāva · "yathā + vidhi" | according to the rule/method |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse highlights the non-dual nature of reality, as it suggests that the ultimate truth is not bound by methodologies or examples. Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasutras, particularly in the context of the relationship between Brahman and the world, emphasizes that the absolute truth transcends all limitations, including those imposed by human understanding and methods. The phrase 'na tu tasyānuvartante vṛttenā ca yathāvidhi' implies that the pursuit of truth cannot be constrained by ritualistic or methodological approaches, pointing towards the identity of Brahman and Ātman as the ultimate reality beyond human constructs. Shankara's reasoning in his Brahma Sutra Bhashya, where he discusses the nature of Brahman, resonates with this perspective, emphasizing the ineffable and unbounded nature of the ultimate reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be interpreted as underscoring the devotee's relationship with the divine. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāshya, discusses the importance of devotion and the personal relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). The verse 'na tu tasyānuvartante vṛttenā ca yathāvidhi' can be seen as emphasizing that true devotion and understanding of the divine cannot be achieved merely through ritualistic or methodological adherence, but rather through a personal and direct connection with God. This resonates with Rāmānuja's concept of 'prapatti,' or self-surrender, where the devotee seeks refuge in the Lord, transcending the limitations of human understanding and methods.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound message relevant to contemporary life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of direct experience and the limitations of dogmatic or ritualistic approaches. The phrase 'na tu tasyānuvartante vṛttenā ca yathāvidhi' can be seen as encouraging individuals to look beyond traditional methods and examples, seeking a more universal and direct understanding of truth. Vivekānanda's idea of 'practical Vedānta' — applying the principles of Vedānta to everyday life — finds resonance here, as it advocates for a personal and experiential approach to understanding reality, unencumbered by dogma or rigid methodologies. This universal and practical application can inspire individuals to seek a deeper connection with their inner selves and the world around them.