na tvayā dattaṃ iti cedvacanaṃ vācyamidaṃ naḥ ।
“If it was not given by you, then this statement should not have been made by us.”
Structure
na tvayā dattaṃ iti cet vacanaṃ vācyam idaṃ naḥ
na (not) tvayā (by you) dattaṃ (given) iti (thus) cet (if) naḥ (to us) vacanaṃ (speech) idaṃ (this) vācyam (should be spoken)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvayā | tvayā | pronoun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by you |
| dattaṃ | dattaṃ | verb | √dā · past participle · third | given |
| iti | iti | indeclinable | — | thus, saying |
| cet | cet | indeclinable | — | if |
| vacanaṃ | vacanaṃ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | speech, statement |
| vācyam | vācyam | verb | √vac · optative · first | should be said |
| idaṃ | idaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | this |
| naḥ | naḥ | pronoun | dative · plural · masculine | to us |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality by highlighting the futility of attributing actions to an individual self. According to Shankara, the statement 'If it was not given by you' implies that the speaker is recognizing the agency of the ultimate reality, Brahman. In his commentary on the Brahmasutras, Shankara explains that the concept of 'giving' or 'not giving' is applicable only in the realm of duality, whereas Brahman is beyond such distinctions. This verse points to the brahman-ātman identity by suggesting that all actions, including the act of giving, are ultimately attributable to the non-dual Brahman. Shankara's reasoning on this verse is in line with his overall stance on the illusoriness of the world and the individual self, emphasizing that true understanding lies in transcending the limitations of the ego and realizing one's identity with the ultimate reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an expression of the devotee's humility and recognition of the Lord's supremacy. Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Gita, emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the Lord's agency in all actions, including the act of giving. According to Ramanuja, the statement 'If it was not given by you' is an acknowledgment of the Lord's sovereignty and the devotee's complete dependence on Him. This verse highlights the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord), where the jīva recognizes its limitations and surrenderedly accepts the Lord's will. Madhva, on the other hand, interprets this verse as an illustration of the Lord's independence and the jīva's utter dependence, emphasizing that even the act of giving is a gift from the Lord, and that true devotion lies in recognizing and surrendering to this reality.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has a profound universal and practical application, as highlighted by Swami Vivekananda in his lecture on 'The Law of Karma'. According to Vivekananda, the statement 'If it was not given by you' suggests that our actions have consequences, and that we must take responsibility for our deeds. This verse emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and accountability, recognizing that our actions are not isolated events, but are connected to the larger web of causality. Radhakrishnan, in his book 'The Hindu View of Life', interprets this verse as an illustration of the principle of karma, where every action has an effect, and that true freedom lies in recognizing and accepting this principle. This verse thus has a contemporary relevance, reminding us of the importance of living with intention, awareness, and responsibility, and recognizing the interconnectedness of all actions and their consequences.