tameva cādhigamyaahamutsṛjya mama dehajāān .
“And having obtained him, I will abandon my bodily relations.”
Structure
tameva cādhigamya aham utsṛjya mama dehajāān
aham tameva cādhigamya mama dehajāān utsṛjya
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tameva | tameva | pronoun | accusative · singular · masculine | |
| cā | cā | indeclinable | — | and |
| adhigamya | adhigamya | verb | √gam · laṭ · first | |
| aham | aham | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | |
| utsṛjya | utsṛjya | verb | √sṛj · optative · first | |
| mama | mama | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | |
| dehajāān | dehajāān | compound | tatpuruṣa · "deha-jāān" | the bodies born from my body |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Mahābhārata, Ādi Śaṅkarācārya interprets this verse as a call to transcend bodily attachments and realize the ultimate reality of Brahman. Shankara's reasoning emphasizes the non-dual nature of the self and the universe, suggesting that the speaker's abandonment of bodily relations is a metaphor for the renunciation of egoistic identifications. This verse points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately one with the universal consciousness (Brahman). By letting go of attachments to the body and its relations, the seeker can attain a deeper understanding of this unity, as hinted in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. This interpretation highlights the central theme of Advaita Vedanta: the liberation from ignorance and the realization of the non-dual reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse can be seen as an expression of devotion and surrender to the divine. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the loving relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). The speaker's abandonment of bodily relations can be viewed as a symbol of the devotee's willingness to let go of worldly attachments and surrender to the divine will. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might interpret this verse as a demonstration of the jīva's innate longing for liberation and union with Īśvara. In both cases, the verse highlights the importance of devotion and self-surrender in achieving spiritual liberation and realizing the loving relationship between the individual and the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Mahābhārata, interprets this verse as a call to practical spirituality and selfless action. He sees the speaker's abandonment of bodily relations as a symbol of the individual's willingness to transcend personal limitations and work for the greater good. This verse has a universal and practical application, as it encourages the seeker to let go of egoistic attachments and work towards the welfare of all beings. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings, emphasizes the importance of this verse in the context of contemporary life, where individuals are often caught in the web of worldly relationships and attachments. By applying the message of this verse, individuals can cultivate a sense of detachment, compassion, and universal love, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.