Dharma e yattanaḥ śreṣṭhe loke'smin ativartinī。
“To protect Dharma, the best, the protector of this world.”
Structure
Dharma e yattanaḥ śreṣṭhe loke asmin ativartinī
Dharma e (in Dharma) yattanaḥ (endeavour) śreṣṭhe (the best) loke (in the world) asmin (this) ativartinī (transcending)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dharma | Dharma | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | dharma/righteousness |
| e | e | indeclinable | — | indeed/emphasizer |
| yattanaḥ | yattanaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | extent/measure |
| śreṣṭhe | śreṣṭhe | noun | locative · singular · masculine | the best/excellent one |
| loke | loke | noun | locative · singular · masculine | world |
| asmin | asmin | pronoun | locative · singular · masculine | in this |
| ativartinī | ativartinī | verb | √vart · present · third | exceeds/transcends |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, Dharma e yattanaḥ śreṣṭhe loke'smin ativartinī, highlights the importance of protecting Dharma, which according to Shankara, is the means to realize the ultimate reality, Brahman. Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasutras (BS 1.1.1) emphasizes that the pursuit of Dharma is a preparatory step for the attainment of Self-knowledge. The phrase 'śreṣṭhe loke'smin' underscores the notion that this world, despite its imperfections, is a platform for spiritual growth. By Protecting Dharma, one ultimately seeks to realize the non-dual identity of Brahman and Ātman. Shankara's reasoning in his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad (TU 2.1.1) supports this interpretation, where he explains that the knowledge of Brahman leads to the understanding that the universe is a manifestation of the ultimate reality, thus affirming the non-dual nature of existence. This verse, in the context of Advaita Vedanta, points towards the ultimate goal of realizing the identity of the individual self (Ātman) with the universal reality (Brahman).
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an affirmation of the importance of Dharma as a means to realize one's relationship with the divine, Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita (BG 3.35), emphasizes that following one's svadharma (own duty) is crucial for maintaining the social and cosmic order, which is overseen by Īśvara. The phrase 'Dharma e yattanaḥ' suggests the diligent effort required to uphold Dharma. For Rāmānujācārya, this diligence is not merely a moral obligation but a devotional act, as it acknowledges the sovereignty of God in the universe. Madhvācārya, while agreeing on the importance of Dharma, would further emphasize the dualistic relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara, seeing the protection of Dharma as a way for the jīva to fulfill its duty towards Īśvara and thereby attain liberation. Thus, in the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse underscores the significance of Dharma as a path to devotion and the realization of one's dependence on the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): From a modern perspective, this verse can be seen as advocating for a universal and practical application of Dharma. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of Dharma as a means to achieve not only personal spiritual growth but also social welfare. He saw Dharma as a dynamic and inclusive concept that encompasses the well-being of all beings. Vivekānanda's speech in Chicago (1893) highlights the universal principles of Hinduism, which include the pursuit of Dharma as a path to serve humanity. S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, further expanded on this idea by suggesting that Dharma, in its essence, is about realizing one's true nature and living a life that is in harmony with the world. He believed that the protection of Dharma, as mentioned in the verse, is essential for creating a just and peaceful society. In contemporary life, this verse can inspire individuals to engage in ethical and socially responsible actions, recognizing that the protection of Dharma is not limited to personal spiritual practices but extends to contributing positively to the world at large.