sa ṛṣir nāma sa mahābhujaḥ । dṛptā haste gadā śastraṁ tu tasya niṣprabham ॥ ३२८
“That Rishi, who is known by name, was mighty; his club-like weapon shone not in his firm grasp.”
Structure
sa ṛṣiḥ nāma sa mahābhujaḥ dṛptā haste gadā śastram tu tasya niṣprabham
sa ṛṣiḥ (that sage) nāma (by name) sa (that) mahābhujaḥ (great-armed one) haste (in his hand) dṛptā (a) gadā (mace) śastram (a weapon) tu (but) tasya (of that) niṣprabham (ineffective)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sa | sa | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | that |
| ṛṣiḥ | ṛṣiḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | sage |
| nāma | nāma | indeclinable | — | by name |
| sa | sa | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
| mahābhujaḥ | mahābhujaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | the great-armed one |
| dṛptā | dṛptā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | club |
| haste | haste | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in his hand |
| gadā | gadā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | mace |
| śastram | śastram | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | weapon |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| tasya | tasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of him |
| niṣprabham | niṣprabham | adjective | — | without luster |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse presents an intriguing opportunity to reflect on the nature of the absolute reality, Brahman. The description of the Rishi with a mighty form and a club-like weapon that does not shine in his grasp can be seen as an allegory for the Self (Ātman) and its relationship with the world of objects (Prapanca). According to Shankara, the ultimate reality is beyond all duality, and this verse can be interpreted as pointing towards the identity of Brahman and Ātman. The Rishi's club, which is a symbol of power and authority, losing its luster in his grasp, symbolizes the futility of worldly attachments and the illusory nature of the empirical world. This reading is in line with Shankara's commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, where he emphasizes the importance of realizing the identity of the individual self with the ultimate reality, citing verses such as 'Satyam Jnanam Anantam Brahman' (Taittiriya Upanishad 2.1.1) to underscore the timeless and spaceless nature of Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse can be seen as an depiction of the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). The Rishi, as a symbol of the devotee, possesses a club-like weapon that represents the means of self-defense and sustenance provided by the Lord. However, the fact that this weapon does not shine in the Rishi's grasp may indicate the limitations of the jīva's inherent powers and the necessity of surrender to the will of Īśvara. Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes the importance of prapatti (surrender) as a means to attain liberation, highlighting the role of the Lord's grace in uplifting the devotee. This verse can thus be seen as an illustration of the Vaiṣṇava concept of 'inseparable difference' (abheda-bheda) between the jīva and Īśvara, where the individual soul, though distinct, is intimately connected with and dependent on the Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound message relevant to contemporary life, emphasizing the importance of self-control and the futility of external power. The image of the Rishi with a club-like weapon that loses its luster in his grasp can be seen as a metaphor for the human condition, where our external strengths and accomplishments often overshadow our inner growth and spiritual development. Vivekananda, in his lectures on the Upanishads, stressed the need for individuals to turn their attention inward, to cultivate self-awareness and inner strength. This verse can be interpreted as a call to introspection, urging individuals to recognize the limitations of external power and to seek the true source of strength and wisdom within. Radhakrishnan, in his writings on the philosophy of the Upanishads, highlights the importance of integrating the spiritual and the practical, emphasizing that true freedom and empowerment come from realizing one's essential nature, which is beyond the realms of external achievements and possessions.