na tvāhamavasīdāmi na ca tvāṁ vismaye . āvāṃ nobhayādapi nātyantato mama .
“I do not utterly despair of myself, nor do I marvel at you; we are not excessively inferior or superior to each other.”
Structure
na tvā aham avasīdāmi na ca tvāṁ vismaye āvāṁ na ubhayād api na atyantato mama
na (not) tvā (you) aham (I) avasīdāmi (surrender)na (not) ca (and) tvāṁ (you) vismaye (am amazed)āvāṁ (we both) na (not) ubhayād (from both) api (also) na (not) atyantato (completely) mama (mine)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvā | tvā | pronoun | accusative · singular · masculine | you |
| aham | aham | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | I |
| avasīdāmi | avasīdāmi | verb | √sīd · laṭ-present · first | I become depressed |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| tvāṁ | tvāṁ | pronoun | accusative · singular · masculine | you |
| vismaye | vismaye | verb | √vismay · laṭ-present · first | I am amazed |
| āvāṁ | āvāṁ | pronoun | nominative · dual · masculine | we two |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ubhayād | ubhayād | compound | bahuvrīhi · "ubhaya-ād" | from both of us |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| atyantato | atyantato | indeclinable | — | excessively |
| mama | mama | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of mine |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Pañcatantra, when viewed through the lens of Advaita Vedānta, underscores the non-dual nature of reality. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, emphasizes the identity of brahman and ātman, suggesting that the ultimate reality is beyond all distinctions. The phrase 'na tvāhamavasīdāmi' (I do not utterly despair of myself) can be seen as an affirmation of the Self's inherent strength and resilience, unencumbered by the limitations of the ego. This interpretation is in line with Śaṅkara's reasoning in his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, where he discusses the concept of 'ātma-vichāra' (self-inquiry) leading to the realization of the true Self. The verse's emphasis on not marveling at the other ('na ca tvāṁ vismaye') also resonates with Śaṅkara's teachings on the illusory nature of distinctions, pointing towards the ultimate non-duality of brahman-ātman. This understanding encourages the seeker to look beyond superficial differences and recognize the unity underlying all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the context of Vaiṣṇava philosophy, this verse can be interpreted as highlighting the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya's Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta emphasizes the qualified non-dualism, where the jīva and Īśvara are distinct yet inseparable. The statement 'na tvāhamavasīdāmi' suggests the jīva's potential for spiritual growth and its inherent capability to approach Īśvara. The phrase 'na ca tvāṁ vismaye' indicates a balanced approach, avoiding both underestimation and overestimation of the other, reflecting a middle path in devotion. This is in line with Rāmānuja's commentary on the Gītā, where he discusses the importance of bhakti (devotion) and prapatti (surrender) as means to realize one's true nature and relationship with the Divine. The verse's message of mutual respect and recognition can be seen as encouraging a devotee to cultivate a deep and nuanced understanding of their connection with the divine, fostering a relationship based on love, respect, and surrender.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical applications of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. This verse, with its message of neither underestimating oneself nor overawing others, can be seen as a call to self-confidence and humility. The statement 'na tvāhamavasīdāmi' resonates with Vivekānanda's exhortation to believers to recognize their inner strength and potential, as expressed in his speech 'The Message of Vivekānanda' at the Parliament of the World's Religions. Similarly, 'na ca tvāṁ vismaye' echoes his advocacy for a balanced approach to life, where one neither succumbs to despair nor becomes arrogant. This balance is central to achieving a harmonious and fulfilling life, as discussed by Sarvepalli Rādhākrishnan in his work 'The Philosophy of the Upanishads', where he emphasizes the importance of equilibrium in the pursuit of spiritual growth and worldly responsibilities. The verse thus offers a universal message, relevant to contemporary life, about the importance of self-awareness, mutual respect, and a balanced approach to interpersonal relationships, encouraging individuals to strive for personal growth while maintaining a sense of humility and empathy.