yatprāṇanāyāstivṛtaḥ praviśet
“That by which the threefold (trivṛtaḥ) vital breath enters.”
Structure
yat + prāṇanāyā + tri-vṛtaḥ + praviśet
tri-vṛtaḥ (being surrounded) prāṇanāyā (by Prāṇanā) yat (what) praviśet (should enter)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yat | yat | indeclinable | — | in order that, so that |
| prāṇanāyā | prāṇanāyā | noun | dative · singular · feminine | for the sake of living, for survival |
| tri-vṛtaḥ | tri-vṛtaḥ | compound | tatpuruṣa · "tri-vṛtaḥ = tribhir vṛtaḥ" | encompassed or surrounded by three |
| praviśet | praviśet | verb | √viś · liṅ-optative · third | he should enter |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, yatprāṇanāyāstivṛtaḥ praviśet, highlights the ultimate non-dual nature of reality. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtra, emphasizes that the threefold vital breath refers to the internal, external, and intermediate breaths, which ultimately merge into the Supreme Brahman. The phrase 'trivṛtaḥ' signifies the triple aspect of the vital force that pervades all existence. This verse points to the identity of Brahman and Ātman, where the individual self (jīva) is not separate from the ultimate reality. Shankara's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, underscores that this unity is the fundamental truth, and the multiplicity of existence is merely an appearance. By understanding this verse, one can grasp the non-dual essence of reality, leading to the realization of the Brahman-Ātman identity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an expression of the intimate relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrībhāṣya, interprets the 'threefold vital breath' as a reference to the three modes of the Lord's energy: sattva, rajas, and tamas. The jīva, being a spark of the divine, is connected to the Lord through these energies. Madhvācārya, in his commentary on the Mahābhārata, views this verse as an illustration of the jīva's dependence on the Lord for its very existence. The phrase 'praviśet' indicates the jīva's entry into the realm of the Lord, symbolizing the ultimate goal of devotion and surrender. This verse, in the Vaiṣṇava tradition, underscores the loving relationship between the individual self and the Supreme Lord, emphasizing the path of devotion (bhakti) as the means to attain union with the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, yatprāṇanāyāstivṛtaḥ praviśet, holds great significance in the context of modern life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Upaniṣads, views the 'threefold vital breath' as a symbol of the triple aspects of human nature: physical, mental, and spiritual. The unity of these aspects, he argues, is essential for achieving a balanced and harmonious life. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his book 'The Principal Upaniṣads', emphasizes the universal and practical application of this verse, stating that the 'trivṛtaḥ' represents the comprehensive and interconnected nature of human existence. This verse, in the context of modern life, reminds us of the importance of integrating our physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions, and striving for a unified and holistic approach to living. By embracing this unity, we can overcome the fragmentation and disintegration that often characterize modern life, and move towards a more authentic and fulfilling existence.