na tu tasya anuvartitavyam ratham yac syād vibhūti-vān.
“One should not follow the chariot of one who is powerful.”
Structure
na tu tasya anu-vartitavyam ratham yat syāt vibhūti-vān
na (no) tu (indeed) tasya (of that one) ratham (the chariot) anu-vartitavyam (should be followed) yat (which) syāt (is) vibhūti-vān (rich or powerful)
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 | anu | indeclinable | — | after, following |
| vartitavyam | vartitavyam | verb | √vṛt · niṭ- gerundive | to be followed |
| ratham | ratham | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | chariot |
| yat | yat | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | which |
| syāt | syāt | verb | √as · optative · third | may be |
| vibhūti | vibhūti | noun | feminine | prosperity, greatness |
| vān | vān | verb participle | — | possessing, having |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse suggests that one should not be swayed by the external displays of power or the trappings of worldly success. According to Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, true strength lies in the understanding of one's true nature, which is none other than Brahman. The 'chariot' in this verse can be seen as a metaphor for the ego or the external self, which is fleeting and illusory. Shankara's reasoning on the nature of reality, as seen in his commentaries on the Upanishads, emphasizes the importance of looking beyond the external appearances and seeking the truth that lies within. By not following the chariot of one who is powerful, the verse is pointing towards the idea of not being caught up in the worldly pursuits and instead seeking the knowledge of the Self, which is the ultimate reality. This understanding is in line with the concept of brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self is seen as non-different from the ultimate reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the context of the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as a warning against the dangers of pride and the importance of humility. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). The 'chariot' in this verse can be seen as a symbol of the Lord's power and glory, and the warning is against being swayed by the external displays of that power without recognizing the true nature of the relationship between the individual self and the Lord. According to Madhvācārya, the individual self is completely dependent on the Lord, and true strength lies in recognizing and surrendering to that dependence. This verse is pointing towards the idea of not being deluded by the external appearances of power and instead seeking a genuine understanding of one's relationship with the Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has a universal and practical application in contemporary life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, emphasized the importance of looking beyond the external appearances and seeking the truth that lies within. The 'chariot' in this verse can be seen as a metaphor for the external trappings of success, power, or status, which can be fleeting and illusory. According to Vivekānanda, true strength lies in the understanding of one's true nature, which is none other than the divine within. S. Radhakrishnan, in his writings, also emphasized the importance of recognizing the dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their external circumstances. This verse is pointing towards the idea of not being swayed by the external appearances of power or success and instead seeking a genuine understanding of oneself and one's place in the world. This understanding is essential for building a more just and equitable society, where individuals are valued for who they are, rather than their external appearances or possessions.