sarve śastrāstribhir nyāyāt
“All weapons are rendered ineffective by the three - when used fairly.”
Structure
sarve śastrāḥ tribhir nyāyāt
sarve (all) śastrāḥ (authorities) tribhir (by three) nyāyāt (on the basis of justice)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sarve | sarve | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | all |
| śastrāḥ | śastrāḥ | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | scriptures/ weapons |
| tribhir | tribhir | indeclinable | — | with three |
| nyāyāt | nyāyāt | indeclinable | — | according to nyāya/ logic |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, sarve śastrāstribhir nyāyāt, underscores the futility of weaponry and violence when confronted with the power of righteousness and fair judgment. Ādi Śaṅkarācārya's non-dual reading of the Upaniṣads informs us that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond the dichotomies of weapon and shield, victory and defeat. In his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, Shankara discusses the concept of 'nyāya,' or justice, as a means to realize the unity of all existence. This verse can be seen as pointing towards the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self, through the practice of fairness and justice, realizes its non-dual nature with the ultimate reality. The 'three' in the verse may symbolize the triad of the knower, the known, and knowledge, which are ultimately one in the non-dual awareness of Brahman. Thus, the verse invites us to transcend the limited and dualistic worldview of violence and weaponry, embracing instead the wisdom of non-duality and the unity of all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse can be seen as highlighting the importance of righteousness and justice in the relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, emphasizes the role of divine grace and the cultivation of virtues like fairness and compassion in realizing one's devotional relationship with God. The 'three' in the verse may represent the three fundamental aspects of the Vaiṣṇava tradition: the Supreme Lord, the individual self, and the relationship of devotion (bhakti) between them. When the individual self approaches the world with fairness and justice, it is rendered 'ineffective' as a separate, independent entity and is instead united with the Lord through devotion. This verse thus serves as a reminder of the transformative power of righteousness and devotion in the Vaiṣṇava tradition, pointing towards the ultimate goal of liberation through loving surrender to the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Upaniṣads, often emphasized the practical and universal applications of ancient Indian wisdom. This verse, sarve śastrāstribhir nyāyāt, can be seen as a call to action, urging us to recognize the importance of fairness, justice, and righteousness in our personal and collective lives. In contemporary terms, the 'three' may represent the triple principles of equality, liberty, and fraternity, which are essential for fostering a harmonious and just society. Vivekānanda's message of universal brotherhood and the inherent dignity of every human being resonates deeply with this verse. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings on the philosophy of non-violence, highlights the importance of cultivating a sense of empathy and justice in our interactions with others. This verse thus serves as a powerful reminder of the need for fairness, compassion, and non-violent conflict resolution in our personal and global lives, pointing towards the creation of a more just and peaceful world for all.