Dharmaḥ rakṣati rakṣitaḥ. Rakṣito 'birākṣati. Abhirakṣito 'birakṣīṣyate.
“Dharma protects the protector; the protected one protects in return; and the one who is well-protected will be well-protected.”
Structure
Dharmaḥ rakṣati rakṣitaḥ, Rakṣito abhirakṣati, Abhirakṣito abhirakṣīṣyate
Dharmaḥ (righteousness) rakṣati (protects) rakṣitaḥ (being protected)Rakṣitaḥ (the one who is protected) abhirakṣati (additionally protects)Abhirakṣitaḥ (the one who is additionally protected) abhirakṣīṣyate (will be additionally protected)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dharmaḥ | Dharmaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | righteousness |
| rakṣati | rakṣati | verb | √rakṣ · laṭ-present · third | protects |
| rakṣitaḥ | rakṣitaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | the one who is protected |
| Rakṣito | Rakṣito | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | the one who is protected |
| abhirakṣati | abhirakṣati | verb | √rakṣ · laṭ-present · third | thoroughly protects |
| Abhirakṣito | Abhirakṣito | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | the one who is thoroughly protected |
| abhirakṣīṣyate | abhirakṣīṣyate | verb | √rakṣ · liṅ-optative · third | will be thoroughly protected |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, Dharmaḥ rakṣati rakṣitaḥ, underscores the non-dual nature of reality. According to Shankara, dharmic actions, when performed selflessly, ultimately reveal the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). The protectiveness of dharma towards its protector and the reciprocal protection signify the interconnected, holistic nature of existence. This mutual protection illustrates the concept of 'sarvaṃ brahma' or 'all is Brahman,' where every action, thought, and entity is intertwined and reflects the ultimate unity of being. In his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, Shankara emphasizes the importance of understanding this unity to realize liberation. Thus, this verse points to the brahman-ātman identity by showing how dharma, as an aspect of the ultimate reality, safeguards those who safeguard it, illustrating a non-dual, reciprocal relationship.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse in the context of the loving relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrībhāṣya, highlights the concept of 'prapatti' or self-surrender, where the jīva seeks refuge in Īśvara, who then protects the devotee. The reciprocal protection mentioned in the verse symbolizes the mutual dependence and love between the Lord and the devotee. Madhvācārya, from a Dvaita perspective, would view this verse as emphasizing the distinction between the protector (Īśvara) and the protected (jīva), yet both Rāmānuja and Madhva would agree on the central role of devotion and surrender in establishing this protective relationship. This verse, therefore, is seen as a call to devotion, where the Lord's protection is assured to those who faithfully observe their dharmic duties and seek refuge in Him.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, in the Neo-Vedānta perspective, is seen as a universal principle applicable to all aspects of life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the importance of selfless service and the performance of one's duty (svadharma) without attachment to outcomes. The mutual protection highlighted in the verse signifies the interconnectedness of society and the individual's responsibility towards the greater good. S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical writings, expands on this idea by stating that true protection and security can only be achieved when individuals fulfill their duties with a sense of responsibility towards the community and the environment. This verse, therefore, encourages a sense of universal responsibility, where the protection of one's own dharma (duty/righteousness) is intrinsically linked to the protection of the world at large, promoting a holistic and sustainable approach to life.