na tvahaṃ veda na paro veda na īdṛśīnāṃ vacovidaḥ । nāsmmin kṣatram astīti matvā śrutvā ca yuyutsatā ॥
“Neither I, nor anyone else, nor those who know such words, thinks that there isn't a great warrior in him; having thought and heard, he wishes to fight.”
Structure
na tv aham veda na paro veda na iidṛśīnāṃ vacovidaḥ nāsmmin kṣatram asti iti matvā śrutvā ca yuyutsatā
na tv aham (I do not) veda (know) na (nor) paro (anyone else) veda (knows) na (nor) īdṛśīnāṃ (of such kind) vacovidaḥ (knowers of words) nāsmmin (in me) kṣatram (valor) asti (there is) iti (thus) matvā (having thought) śrutvā (having heard) ca (and) yuyutsatā (by one who is eager to fight)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tv | tvā | indeclinable | — | you |
| aham | aham | pronoun | nominative · singular | I |
| veda | veda | verb | √vid · present · first | know |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| paro | paro | adjective | — | other |
| veda | veda | verb | √vid · present · third | knows |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| iidṛśīnāṃ | īdṛśīnāṃ | adjective | — | of such kind |
| vacovidaḥ | vacovidaḥ | adjective | — | knowing speech |
| nāsmmin | nāsmmin | indeclinable | — | in me |
| kṣatram | kṣatram | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | power |
| asti | asti | verb | √as · present · third | is |
| iti | iti | indeclinable | — | thus |
| matvā | matvā | indeclinable | — | having thought |
| śrutvā | śrutvā | indeclinable | — | having heard |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| yuyutsatā | yuyutsatā | verb | √yudh · optative · third | wishing to fight |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse points to the non-dual reality of Brahman, where the distinction between the individual self (jīva) and the ultimate reality (Īśvara) dissolves. Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on the Brahma Sūtras (BS 1.1.5) highlights the importance of understanding the absolute oneness of Brahman, which is reflected in this verse's emphasis on the futility of differentiation. The phrase 'na tv aham veda' (neither I nor anyone else knows) underscores the limitations of the individual self in comprehending the ultimate reality. The realisation that there is no fundamental distinction between the self and the absolute is the essence of Shankara's non-dualism, as seen in his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad (TU 2.1.1). This verse, in the context of the Rāmāyaṇa, serves as a reminder of the inherent unity and interconnectedness of all beings, pointing towards the ultimate goal of Self-realisation, where the individual ego dissolves into the universal consciousness.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse as an expression of devotion and surrender to the divine will. According to Rāmānujācārya, the phrase 'na tv aham veda' signifies the humility and recognition of one's limitations in the face of the divine. This humility is a precursor to devotion and self-surrender, as seen in the Bhagavad Gītā (BG 7.14). The verse suggests that even the great warrior, despite his valour and wisdom, is aware of his limitations and the unpredictability of battle outcomes, leading him to seek divine grace and protection. Madhvācārya's Dvaita tradition also views this verse as an affirmation of the jīva-Īśvara relationship, where the individual self acknowledges its dependence on the divine for ultimate victory and liberation. This devotional reading of the verse underscores the importance of faith, surrender, and the recognition of one's place within the larger cosmic order.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda's interpretation of this verse focuses on its universal and practical application. He sees the phrase 'na tv aham veda' as a call to self-reflection and the recognition of one's limitations, which is essential for personal growth and spiritual development. In his lecture 'The Powers of the Mind' (CW 6.213), Vivekānanda highlights the importance of acknowledging the limits of one's knowledge and capabilities, leading to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, self-awareness, and the need to transcend individual ego and limited perspectives. S. Rādhākrishnan's philosophical writings also emphasise the importance of this verse in promoting a sense of global citizenship and co-operation, where individuals recognise their place within the larger human family and work towards a common goal of peace and harmony.