dharmam் ca puṣkalam் vedān niṣevet |
“And one should diligently serve Dharma and the Vedas.”
Structure
dharmam் ca puṣkalam் vedān niṣevet
niṣevet ca puṣkalam் vedān dharmam்
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| dharmam் | dharmam | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | righteousness, duty |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| puṣkalam் | puṣkalam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | lotus |
| vedān | vedān | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | Vedas, knowledge |
| niṣevet | niṣevet | verb | √sev · optative · third | one should resort to, follow |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata, 'dharmam ca puṣkalam vedān niṣevet', underscores the significance of adhering to Dharma and the study of the Vedas as a means to realize the ultimate truth. According to Shankara, the pursuit of Dharma and Vedic knowledge is a precursor to understanding the non-dual nature of reality. In his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, Shankara emphasizes that the ultimate goal is to comprehend the identity of Brahman and Ātman. This verse points towards the path of self-realization, where serving Dharma and studying the Vedas diligently become the foundation for transcending the mundane and achieving the knowledge of the Self. Shankara's reasoning, as seen in his works such as the Upadeśasāhasrī, highlights the importance of understanding the distinction between the ephemeral and the eternal, guiding the seeker towards the realization of the eternal Self, which is the essence of non-dualism.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse with a strong emphasis on devotion and the personal relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). For Rāmānujācārya, the pursuit of Dharma and the study of the Vedas, as mentioned in the verse, is essentially a means to cultivate bhakti or devotion towards the Supreme. He would argue that serving Dharma and the Vedas is, in fact, serving the Lord, as it leads to a deeper understanding and love for Him. This interpretation is rooted in the concept of prapatti, or surrender, where the individual surrenders to the will of the Lord, seeking refuge in Him. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might view this verse through the lens of dvaita (dualism), emphasizing the distinction between the individual soul and the Supreme, yet still affirming the importance of devotion and service as a path to mokṣa or liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in Neo-Vedānta, would likely interpret this verse as a call to action for individuals to embody the principles of Dharma in their daily lives, thereby realizing their true potential. He would emphasize the universal and practical application of the Vedas, seeing them as a source of wisdom that transcends sectarian boundaries. Vivekānanda's lectures, such as those compiled in 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', often highlight the importance of selfless service and the pursuit of knowledge as a path to both personal liberation and societal upliftment. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, might view this verse as an affirmation of the importance of living a virtuous life, guided by the principles of Dharma, as a means to achieve a harmonious balance between the individual and the universal, reflecting theNeo-Vedāntic emphasis on the unity of all existence and the potential for human realization through service and knowledge.