yatprāṇanayaneṇa ca pāpmanā vismayotpattir yadi vā punaḥsthitā
“If by the eye, which takes hold of life, wonder arises due to evil (influence), or if (the evil) is restored.”
Structure
yat prāṇa na ayaneṇa ca pāpmanā vismaya utpattiḥ yadi vā punaḥ sthitā
yat (what) prāṇa (life) na (not) ayaneṇa (by movement) ca (and) pāpmanā (by sin) vismaya (wonder) utpattiḥ (arises) yadi (if) vā (or) punaḥ (again) sthitā (it stands)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yat | yat | pronoun | nominative · neuter singular · neuter | which |
| prāṇa | prāṇa | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | life, vital force |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ayaneṇa | ayaneṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with movement or progress |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| pāpmanā | pāpmanā | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with sin |
| vismaya | vismaya | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | wonder, amazement |
| utpattiḥ | utpattiḥ | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | origin, birth |
| yadi | yadi | indeclinable | — | if |
| vā | vā | indeclinable | — | or |
| punaḥ | punaḥ | indeclinable | — | again |
| sthitā | sthitā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | state, condition |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata offers a profound insight into the nature of reality and the human condition, resonating with the non-dualistic principles of Advaita Vedānta. According to Shankara, the 'eye, which takes hold of life' (prāṇanayaneṇa) symbolizes the faculty of perception that binds us to the phenomenal world, thereby obscuring our true, unchanging essence. The 'evil' (pāpmanā) that causes 'wonder' (vismaya) refers to the ignorance (avidyā) that leads to the misidentification of the self with the ephemeral and external. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras (particularly 1.1.1) elucidates how such misapprehensions veil the ultimate reality, Brahman, and the true Self, Ātman. This verse, thus, points to the liberating knowledge that dispels the darkness of ignorance, revealing the identity of Brahman and Ātman, and the illusory nature of the transient world.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Within the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be interpreted as a reflection on the relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the concept of 'prapatti' or surrender, which is relevant here. The 'evil' (pāpmanā) represents the inherent limitations and flaws of the jīva, which can be transcended through devotion and surrender to Īśvara. The 'wonder' (vismaya) that arises is a call to recognize one's true dependence on the divine. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference (bheda) between the individual self and the Supreme, might view this verse as underscoring the need for the jīva to seek refuge in Īśvara to overcome the influence of evil and attain liberation. Thus, the verse highlights the devotional path as a means to overcome the obstacles to realizing one's true nature and relationship with the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, when viewed through the lens of Neo-Vedānta, offers a universal and practical message for contemporary life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on 'Karma Yoga', emphasizes the importance of selfless action and the cultivation of inner strength to overcome the challenges of life. The 'evil' (pāpmanā) in this context can be understood as the egoistic tendencies and selfish desires that hinder personal growth and societal harmony. The 'wonder' (vismaya) represents the awakening to one's potential and the call to action towards self-improvement and service to others. S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, such as 'The Reign of Religion in Contemporary Philosophy', discusses the need for a spiritual renaissance that integrates the insights of Eastern and Western thought. This verse, thus, can be seen as urging individuals to embrace a life of purpose, guided by spiritual principles, and to strive for the betterment of themselves and society, embodying the universal values of compassion, wisdom, and selflessness.