Dharmeṇa Yaśasā caiva Patiḥ Pṛthivyāḥ Śrutena ca .
“The Lord of the earth rules with Dharma, with Fame and with Śruti.”
Structure
Dharmeṇa Yaśasā ca eva Patiḥ Pṛthivyāḥ Śrutena ca
Dharmeṇa (with dharma) ca (and) eva (also) Yaśasā (with fame) Pṛthivyāḥ (of the earth) Patiḥ (the lord) Śrutena (with Veda/knowledge) ca (and)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dharmeṇa | Dharmeṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with dharma |
| Yaśasā | Yaśasā | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with fame |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| Patiḥ | Patiḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | lord |
| Pṛthivyāḥ | Pṛthivyāḥ | noun | genitive · singular · feminine | of the earth |
| Śrutena | Śrutena | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with the Veda |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, Dharmeṇa Yaśasā caiva Patiḥ Pṛthivyāḥ Śrutena ca, Śaṅkarācārya would interpret 'Patiḥ Pṛthivyāḥ' as the ultimate reality, Brahman, which is the essence of the universe. The terms 'Dharma', 'Yaśasā', and 'Śrutena' symbolize the various attributes and ways to realize this ultimate truth. According to Śaṅkarācārya, the ultimate goal is to understand the non-dual nature of reality, where the individual self (ātman) is identical with Brahman. This verse indirectly points to the Brahman-ātman identity by emphasizing the importance of Dharma, which is a means to realize this unity. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, explains that the knowledge of Brahman is the ultimate aim of the Vedas, and this verse can be seen as a pointer towards that knowledge, highlighting the path of righteousness (Dharma) and the pursuit of knowledge (Śruti) as essential for self-realization.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava interpretation of this verse, Dharmeṇa Yaśasā caiva Patiḥ Pṛthivyāḥ Śrutena ca, centers around the concept of the Lord (īśvara) who rules the earth with Dharma, fame, and the scriptures (Śruti). Rāmānujācārya, in his Sri Bhashya, would likely view this verse as emphasizing the importance of surrender to the Lord and following the path of Dharma, which is rooted in the scriptures. This is in line with Rāmānujācārya's philosophy of Viśiṣṭādvaita, where the individual self (jīva) is distinct yet intimately related to the Lord. The verse highlights the qualities of the Lord and the means by which the jīva can attain liberation, underscoring the devotional aspect of the Vaiṣṇava tradition. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference between the Lord and the individual souls, would also see this verse as affirming the Lord's sovereignty and the necessity of following Dharma as prescribed by the Śruti to achieve liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda would interpret this verse, Dharmeṇa Yaśasā caiva Patiḥ Pṛthivyāḥ Śrutena ca, in the context of practical Vedānta, emphasizing the universal principles that guide human life. According to Vivekānanda, Dharma, Yaśasā (fame or more broadly, good reputation), and Śruti (scriptures or knowledge) are all means to achieve a higher state of being, not just for personal gain but for the upliftment of all humanity. This verse, in his view, calls for a life of integrity, service, and pursuit of knowledge, leading to the realization of one's true potential and contribution to the world. S. Rādhākrishnan, focusing on the philosophical aspects, would see this verse as highlighting the importance of living a life that is grounded in moral principles (Dharma), striving for excellence (Yaśasā), and seeking wisdom (Śruti), all of which are essential for individual and societal progress. Both Vivekānanda and Rādhākrishnan would interpret this verse as a call to action for individuals to live a meaningful, principled life that contributes to the greater good.