dharme yatnataḥ rājann avidviṣann api ca puṣkalān
“O King, with effort in virtue, even hating much”
Structure
dharme yatnataḥ rājann avidviṣann api ca puṣkalān
rājann (king) dharme (in righteousness) yatnataḥ (endeavoring) avidviṣann (not hating) api (even) ca (and) puṣkalān (many)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| dharme | dharme | noun | locative · singular · neuter | in righteousness |
| yatnataḥ | yatnataḥ | indeclinable | — | with effort |
| rājann | rājann | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | O king |
| avidviṣann | avidviṣann | verb | √viṣ · present participle · third | not hating |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| puṣkalān | puṣkalān | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | prosperous, happy |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata underscores the importance of effort in virtue, even in the face of animosity, as a means to realize the ultimate truth. Shankara, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the need for detachment and equanimity in the pursuit of virtue, which aligns with the essence of this verse. The phrase 'dharme yatnataḥ' suggests a diligent effort in adhering to one's duty, which, according to Shankara, ultimately leads to the understanding of the non-dual nature of reality, or Brahman. The verse points to the brahman-ātman identity by implying that such effort in virtue, despite adversity, is a necessary step towards self-realization. As Shankara notes in his Upadesasahasri, the realization of this identity is the ultimate goal of all spiritual endeavor, and verses like this one from the Mahābhārata serve as reminders of the path to this realization.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an exhortation to cultivate devotion and virtue, even in challenging circumstances. Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the importance of prapatti, or surrender to the divine, as a means to achieve spiritual growth. This verse, with its emphasis on 'dharme yatnataḥ,' or effort in virtue, resonates with Ramanuja's teachings on the path of bhakti, or devotion, which involves self-surrender and adherence to one's prescribed duties as a means to attain the grace of Īśvara. Madhva, in his Dvaita Vedanta, might interpret this verse as highlighting the struggle between the individual self (jīva) and the divine (Īśvara), where effort in virtue, despite the presence of hatred or adversity, is seen as a testament to the jīva's innate yearning for liberation and union with the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the universal applicability of Vedantic principles to modern life. This verse, with its message of effort in virtue despite adversity, resonates with Vivekananda's call for individuals to cultivate inner strength and perseverance in the face of challenges. As he noted in his speech 'The Ideal of a Universal Religion,' the goal of spiritual practice is not merely individual liberation but the betterment of society as a whole. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, highlighted the importance of applying ethical principles in everyday life, which aligns with the verse's emphasis on 'dharme yatnataḥ.' Both thinkers would see this verse as a practical guide for contemporary life, encouraging individuals to strive for virtue and moral integrity, even when faced with opposition, as a means to contribute to the greater good and to realize their full human potential.