Dharme kṣetre jagataḥ savasmād rājā yaśasaḥ śriyam
“The king's fame manifests in the field of dharma and brings prosperity to the entire world.”
Structure
Dharme kṣetre jagataḥ sarvasmāt rājā yaśasaḥ śriyam
Rājā (king) Dharme (in righteousness) kṣetre (in the field/realm) jagataḥ (of the world) sarvasmāt (from all) yaśasaḥ (of fame) śriyam (prosperity) [preserves]
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dharme | Dharme | noun | locative · singular · masculine | |
| kṣetre | kṣetre | noun | locative · singular · masculine | |
| jagataḥ | jagataḥ | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | |
| sarvasmāt | sarvasmāt | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | |
| yaśasaḥ | yaśasaḥ | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | |
| śriyam | śriyam | noun | accusative · singular · feminine |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, Dharme kṣetre jagataḥ savasmāt rājā yaśasaḥ śriyam, underscores the non-dual nature of reality by implying that the king's true glory and prosperity are rooted in the field of dharma, which is ultimately a manifestation of Brahman. Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 3, Verse 35) highlights the importance of performing actions in accordance with one's dharma, leading to the realization of the brahman-ātman identity. In this context, the verse points to the king's role as a symbol of the universal self, whose actions, when performed in accordance with dharma, bring about prosperity and fame that are reflections of the ultimate reality, Brahman. The non-dual reading of this verse emphasizes that true prosperity and glory are not mundane achievements but are rooted in the understanding and realization of the ultimate non-dual reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse is seen as emphasizing the king's dependence on Īśvara (the Lord) for his fame and prosperity. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, stresses the importance of bhakti (devotion) and prapatti (surrender) to Īśvara, highlighting that the king's true prosperity comes from his devotion to the Lord. This verse, therefore, can be seen as a call to the king to recognize his dependence on a higher power and to act in accordance with dharma as a means of pleasing the Lord and thereby achieving true prosperity and fame. The relationship between jīva (the individual self) and Īśvara is central, with the king's actions being a form of service to the Lord, leading to his own liberation and the welfare of his kingdom.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the universal applicability of the principles of dharma and service. This verse can be seen as a call to leaders and individuals to recognize the importance of ethical action and service to the greater good. Vivekānanda stresses that true greatness and prosperity come not from personal ambition but from serving others and working for the welfare of all. In contemporary life, this verse can inspire leaders to adopt a model of servant leadership, where their actions are guided by a sense of duty to their community and the world at large. This approach, rooted in the principles of dharma, can lead to a more equitable and prosperous society, reflecting the universal and practical application of the verse's teachings.