na tu tasyānuvartiṣye rathaṃ hitvā raṇājirāt
“I will not follow him, leaving the battlefield.”
Structure
na tu tasya ānu-vartiṣye ratham hitvā raṇa-ājirāt
na tu (not indeed) ratham (chariot) hitvā (having abandoned) raṇa-ājirāt (from the battlefield) tasya (that person's) ānu-vartiṣye (I will follow)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed, however |
| tasya | tasya | pronoun | genitive · singular | of him, his |
| anu-vartiṣye | anu-vartiṣye | verb | √vṛt · fut · first | I will follow |
| ratham | ratham | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | chariot |
| hitvā | hitvā | indeclinable | — | having left, abandoning |
| raṇa-ājirāt | raṇa-ājirāt | compound | tatpuruṣa · "raṇa ājirāt" | from the battlefield |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'na tu tasyānuvartiṣye rathaṃ hitvā raṇājirāt,' underscores the non-dualistic interpretation of ultimate reality. According to Shankara, the act of not following or withdrawing from the battlefield signifies the detachment from worldly attachments and ego-centric pursuits. This is akin to the concept of 'vairagya' or renunciation, a crucial step towards realizing the brahman-ātman identity. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, Shankara emphasizes the importance of transcending worldly attachments to understand the ultimate reality. This verse can be seen as an illustration of such a principle, where the individual self (jiva) recognizes its inherent unity with the ultimate reality (Brahman), thus refusing to engage in ephemeral and dualistic conflicts. The battlefield here metaphorically represents the realm of Maya, from which the seeker must withdraw to realize the non-dual truth.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava interpretation of this verse focuses on the devotional aspect and the relationship between the individual self (jiva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya would likely view the act of not leaving the battlefield as a symbol of steadfast devotion and loyalty to one's duty (dharma), ordained by Īśvara. This verse can be seen in the context of bhakti, where the devotee's resolve not to abandon their post, despite the challenges, reflects their unwavering commitment to their divine duty. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might emphasize the dualistic distinction between the jiva and Īśvara, where the jiva's actions, including the decision to stay on the battlefield, are guided by Īśvara's will, thus illustrating the dependent yet real relationship between the individual self and the Supreme Being.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda and S. Radhakrishnan, key figures of Neo-Vedānta, would likely interpret this verse in the context of practical spirituality and universal application. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasized the importance of selfless action (niskama karma) and the readiness to face challenges without attachment to outcomes. This verse, in their view, symbolizes the courage and determination required to stand by one's principles and duties, even in the face of adversity. It reflects the universal principle of resilience and moral courage, applicable not just to ancient battlefields but to the modern-day challenges of life. Radhakrishnan, with his emphasis on the harmony of religions and the universal values of Vedānta, would see in this verse a message of steadfastness and integrity, values that transcend religious boundaries and are essential for personal and societal well-being in contemporary life.