na tu tasminn asminn vā śaktaḥ pāṇḍavaiḥ sahā yoddhum
“He is not able to fight with the Pāṇḍavas in that or this (army).”
Structure
na tu tasminn asminn vā śaktaḥ pāṇḍavaiḥ sahā yoddhum
na tu (not indeed) tasminn (in that) asminn vā (or in this) pāṇḍavaiḥ (with Pāṇḍavas) sahā (together) yoddhum (to fight) śaktaḥ (able)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed, however |
| tasminn | tasmin | pronoun | locative · singular · masculine | in that one |
| asminn | asmin | pronoun | locative · singular · masculine | in this one |
| vā | vā | indeclinable | — | or |
| śaktaḥ | śaktaḥ | verb | √śak · past participle · third | able |
| pāṇḍavaiḥ | pāṇḍavaiḥ | noun | instrumental · plural · masculine | with the Pāṇḍavas |
| sahā | sahā | indeclinable | — | together with |
| yoddhum | yoddhum | verb | √yudh · infinitive | to fight |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse 'na tu tasminn asminn vā śaktaḥ pāṇḍavaiḥ sahā yoddhum' highlights the futility of worldly engagements, emphasizing the non-dual nature of reality. According to Shankara, the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond human constructs and dualities. In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Shankara explains that the individual self (ātman) is not distinct from Brahman, underscoring the unity of existence. This verse, in the context of the Mahābhārata, serves as a reminder of the impermanence of worldly power and the inevitability of karma, pointing the seeker towards the path of self-inquiry and the realization of the brahman-ātman identity. By acknowledging the limitations of human endeavor, as reflected in the inability to fight against the Pāṇḍavas, one is directed towards the pursuit of spiritual knowledge and the understanding of the non-dual reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's limitations and the futility of opposing divine will, as embodied by the Pāṇḍavas. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Gītā, highlights the concept of prapatti, or self-surrender, as a means to attain divine grace. The inability to fight against the Pāṇḍavas symbolizes the individual's powerlessness against the divine plan, underscoring the need for devotion and surrender to a higher power. Madhvācārya, in his exposition of the Mahābhārata, views this verse as an illustration of the distinction between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord), emphasizing the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara's will. Through devotion and acknowledgment of one's limitations, the individual can cultivate a deeper relationship with the divine, as exemplified by the Pāṇḍavas' unwavering dedication to their duty and the divine will.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): The verse 'na tu tasminn asminn vā śaktaḥ pāṇḍavaiḥ sahā yoddhum' offers a profound lesson in the universal and practical application of self-awareness and the recognition of one's limitations. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of self-knowledge and the cultivation of inner strength. This verse serves as a reminder that true power lies not in external victories, but in the ability to recognize and overcome one's own limitations. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical writings, highlights the relevance of this verse to contemporary life, where individuals often struggle with feelings of inadequacy and powerlessness. By acknowledging and accepting these limitations, one can transcend them, just as the Pāṇḍavas, through their unwavering dedication and self-awareness, ultimately triumphed over their adversaries. This verse encourages the reader to embark on a journey of self-discovery, recognizing the inherent strength that lies within, and to apply this understanding to navigate the challenges of modern life.