dharme kṣetre jagato yat saptāsitaṁ vṛṣaṇāṁ vīrān ।
“The seven bulls, the heroes, who are on the field of Dharma, for the good of the world.”
Structure
dharme kṣetre jagato yat saptāsitaṁ vṛṣaṇāṁ vīrān
yat (what) saptāsitaṁ (seven heroes) vṛṣaṇāṁ (of the bulls/strong ones) vīrān (heroes) jagato (of the world) dharme kṣetre (in the field of dharma)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| dharme | dharme | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in dharma |
| kṣetre | kṣetre | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in the field |
| jagato | jagato | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of the world |
| yat | yat | indeclinable | — | which |
| saptāsitaṁ | saptāsitaṁ | verb | √sī · past participle · third | having been slain |
| vṛṣaṇāṁ | vṛṣaṇāṁ | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of the bulls |
| vīrān | vīrān | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | heroes |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, dharme kṣetre jagato yat saptāsitaṁ vṛṣaṇāṁ vīrān, when understood in the context of non-dual Reality (Brahman), points to the ultimate truth that the seven bulls or heroes represent the seven energies or aspects of the divine within the field of Dharma. According to Shankara, the concept of Dharma as a field (kṣetra) symbolizes the arena where the individual self (jiva) experiences and realizes its true nature. This verse suggests that the true essence of the 'heroes' lies in their identification with the universal Good, which is Brahman. The emphasis on 'vṛṣaṇāṁ vīrān' underscores the strength and courage that arise from understanding and living in accordance with Dharma, eventually leading to the realization of the Atman-Brahman identity. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, Shankara often emphasizes the importance of understanding the non-dual nature of reality, where such distinctions as 'heroes' or 'bulls' dissolve into the singular truth of Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as highlighting the role of devotees or 'vīrān' who, like the seven bulls, are strong and courageous in their devotion to Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasutras, discusses the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara, emphasizing that the ultimate goal of the jīva is to reach Īśvara through devotion and self-surrender. This verse can be interpreted as a call to recognize the divine energy that permeates the field of Dharma, where true heroism is not in personal achievement but in serving the greater good under the guidance of Īśvara. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference between the soul and God, would likely view the 'seven bulls' as symbols of the jīvas who, with their unique strengths and roles, contribute to the cosmic order, always remembering their dependence on and devotion to the Supreme Being.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical application of Vedantic principles in everyday life. This verse, with its imagery of the 'seven bulls' on the 'field of Dharma', could be seen as a call to action for individuals to embody the qualities of strength, courage, and selflessness in service to humanity. Vivekānanda would likely interpret the 'vṛṣaṇāṁ vīrān' as those who, driven by a sense of universal brotherhood and the pursuit of the common good, work tirelessly in the 'field of Dharma'—the arena of ethical living and service. Radhakrishnan, with his focus on the relevance of Vedanta to modern life, might view this verse as an exhortation to cultivate a sense of global citizenship, where individuals strive to embody the ideals of Dharma in their personal and public lives, recognizing that true heroism lies in the selfless pursuit of the well-being of all beings.