dharmasūtaṁ mahābāho dharmenaiva nigūḍhavāk
“The virtuous one speaks in accordance with Dharma, having truth as his sole basis.”
Structure
dharmasūtaṁ mahābāho dharmeṇa eva nigūḍha-vāk
mahābāho (great-armed one) dharmasūtaṁ (son of Dharma) dharmeṇa (by Dharma) eva (alone) nigūḍha-vāk (hidden speech)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| dharmasūtaṁ | dharmasūtam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | religious treatise or scripture |
| mahābāho | mahābāho | noun | vocative · singular · masculine | great-armed one (addressing someone) |
| dharmeṇa | dharmeṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with dharma, by means of righteousness |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| nigūḍha-vāk | nigūḍha-vāk | compound | karmadhāraya · "nigūḍha vāk" | whose speech is mysterious or obscure |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata underscores the importance of adhering to Dharma as the guiding principle for speech and action. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the role of truth and self-control in realizing the ultimate reality, Brahman. The phrase 'dharmenaiva nigūḍhavāk' suggests that the enlightened individual's words are rooted in the understanding of Dharma, reflecting a non-dual awareness where the distinction between the individual self (ātman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) is transcended. This alignment with Dharma facilitates the manifestation of the ātman's true nature, underscoring the central tenet of Advaita Vedānta - the identity of ātman and Brahman. By speaking truthfully and in accordance with Dharma, one embodies the universal principles that lead to liberation, illustrating the practical application of non-dual philosophy in everyday life.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The verse 'dharmasūtaṁ mahābāho dharmenaiva nigūḍhavāk' is interpreted within the Vaiṣṇava tradition as emphasizing the role of devotion to Īśvara (the Supreme Lord) in guiding one's speech and actions according to Dharma. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, discusses the concept of prapatti, or total surrender to the Lord, as a means to attain liberation. This surrender is characterized by adherence to Dharma, recognizing the Lord as the ultimate authority and guide. The 'nigūḍhavāk' or hidden speech refers to the inner devotion and commitment to Dharma that permeates every aspect of a devotee's life, demonstrating the loving relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara. This verse is seen as encouraging the cultivation of such devotion, leading to a life of service and love for the Supreme, in accordance with Vaiṣṇava theology.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): The contemporary interpretation of this verse focuses on its universal application and practical relevance. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of living a life guided by principles that are universal and timeless, such as truth and non-violence. The phrase 'dharmenaiva nigūḍhavāk' is seen as a call to cultivate an inner compass that directs our words and actions towards the greater good. This aligns with Vivekānanda's idea of realizing one's true potential through service to humanity, recognizing the divine in every being. S. Rādhākrishnan further expands on this idea, highlighting the role of moral principles in shaping individual and collective life, and stressing that Dharma is not just a set of rules but a way of life that leads to personal and societal transformation. This verse serves as a reminder of the power of living ethically and truthfully, contributing to the creation of a more just and compassionate world.