sa tvāṁ rājan kuru vaṃśān dṛṣṭvā tan nājānāsi
“Having seen the Kuru lineage, you do not know that.”
Structure
sa tvām rājan kuru vaṃśān dṛṣṭvā tan na ajānāsi
saḥ (he) tvām (you) rājan (king) kuru vaṃśān (of the Kuru lineage) dṛṣṭvā (having seen) tan (that) na ajānāsi (do not know)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sa | sa | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
| tvām | tvām | pronoun | accusative · singular · masculine | you |
| rājan | rājan | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| kuru | kuru | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Kuru |
| vaṃśān | vaṃśān | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | clans |
| dṛṣṭvā | dṛṣṭvā | indeclinable | — | having seen |
| tan | tān | pronoun | accusative · plural · masculine | them |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ajānāsi | ajānāsi | verb | √jñā · present · second | you do not know |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'sa tvāṁ rājan kuru vaṃśān dṛṣṭvā tan nājānāsi', underscores the limitations of worldly knowledge. According to Shankara, such statements point towards the ultimate reality, Brahman, which is beyond the ephemeral knowledge of lineage or worldly achievements. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, Shankara discusses how true knowledge (jñāna) leads to the realization of the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the universal self (Brahman). This verse, in the context of the Mahābhārata, serves as a reminder that true understanding (ajānāsi) is not about genealogy but about recognizing the impermanent nature of all things, including the Kuru lineage, and thus directing one's attention towards the eternal and immutable Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse in the light of devotion and the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya might see this as an invitation to recognize the Lord's presence in all lineages, including the Kuru dynasty, emphasizing the role of divine grace in understanding one's true nature and position within the divine plan. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, could interpret this as a call to acknowledge the distinction between the Lord and His creations, underscoring the importance of bhakti (devotion) in bridging this gap. Both interpretations highlight the devotional aspect, focusing on the personal relationship between the individual and the divine, facilitated by recognizing one's place within a broader cosmic context.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda and S. Radhakrishnan, key figures in Neo-Vedānta, would likely view this verse as a call to introspection and self-realization. Vivekananda might emphasize the practical application of this verse, encouraging individuals to look beyond external identities and lineages, focusing instead on the development of the inner self. Radhakrishnan, with his emphasis on the universal and the contemporary relevance of ancient texts, could interpret this verse as a reminder of the eternal and unchanging amidst the flux of human history and lineage. Both would connect this verse to the universal quest for meaning and the importance of recognizing one's true nature, thereby transcending the limitations of worldly affiliations and achieving a higher, more inclusive understanding of oneself and the world.