tatpaśyann evaṁ vacanaṁ brahmaṇaḥ śrutvā ca tad vākyam hṛdi sampprasanne .
“Hearing the words of Brahma, while seeing (him) thus, the heart became fully serene.”
Structure
tat + paśyann + evaṁ + vacanaṁ + brahmaṇaḥ + śrutvā + ca + tad + vākyam + hṛdi + saṁprasannē
Brahmaṇaḥ (of Brahma) evaṁ (thus) vacanaṁ (speech) paśyann (while seeing) śrutvā (having heard) ca (and) tad vākyam (that speech) hṛdi (in the heart) saṁprasannē (having become serene)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tat | tat | pronoun | accusative · neuter singular · neuter | that |
| paśyann | paśyann | verb | √paś · present participle · third | seeing |
| evaṁ | evaṁ | indeclinable | — | thus |
| vacanaṁ | vacanaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | speech |
| brahmaṇaḥ | brahmaṇaḥ | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of Brahma |
| śrutvā | śrutvā | indeclinable | — | having heard |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| tad | tad | pronoun | accusative · neuter singular · neuter | that |
| vākyam | vākyam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | sentence |
| hṛdi | hṛdi | noun | locative · singular · neuter | in the heart |
| saṁprasannē | saṁprasannē | noun | locative · singular · masculine | having become serene |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, the serene state of the heart upon hearing Brahma's words signifies the non-dual awareness that emerges from the understanding of the ultimate reality. Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on the Brahmā Sūtras (1.1.4) emphasizes the identity of Brahman and Ātman, suggesting that the tranquility experienced here is a glimpse into this fundamental unity. The phrase 'hṛdi samprasanne' indicates the heart's complete serenity, symbolizing the cessation of all distinctions and the realization of the Self. This experience is akin to what Śaṅkara describes as 'nirvikalpa samādhi,' a state where the distinctions between the individual self and the ultimate reality dissolve. The verse thus points to the brahman-ātman identity, underscoring the Advaita notion that the true Self is identical with the ultimate reality, and that this understanding leads to profound peace and serenity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse highlights the devotional aspect of spirituality, where the jīva (individual self) experiences bliss and serenity upon hearing the words of Īśvara (the Lord), here represented by Brahma. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Gītā (18.66), emphasizes the importance of surrender to the Lord, which leads to a state of peace and liberation. The phrase 'tatpaśyann evaṁ vacanaṁ brahmaṇaḥ' suggests a direct, personal relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, where the jīva's heart becomes serene due to the Lord's grace. This serene state is a result of the jīva's recognition of its dependence on and love for the Lord, illustrating the Vaiṣṇava concept of 'prapatti,' or self-surrender, as a means to achieve spiritual liberation and eternal peace.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a universal message about the transformative power of spiritual awareness. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lecture 'The Powers of the Mind,' highlights the importance of a serene mind in achieving spiritual growth. The phrase 'hṛdi samprasanne' suggests a state of inner peace that is not just a personal experience but a universal aspiration. This verse can be seen as a call to cultivate inner serenity through spiritual practices and self-reflection, leading to a more compassionate and harmonious world. As Rādhākrishnan notes in his 'Indian Philosophy,' the serene state described here is a testament to the human potential for spiritual evolution, where the individual transcends petty concerns and experiences a sense of unity and peace, contributing to a more peaceful and enlightened society.