atha sarvagato dṛṣṭvā sarvabhūtāni cātmavat .
“Then, seeing all beings as equal to himself, being present everywhere,”
Structure
atha sarva-gato dṛṣṭvā sarva-bhūtāni ca ātma-vat
atha sarva-gato (then, the all-pervading one) dṛṣṭvā (having seen) sarva-bhūtāni (all beings) ca (and) ātma-vat (as himself)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| atha | atha | indeclinable | — | then, now |
| sarva-gato | sarva-gato | compound | bahuvrīhi · "sarva-gatena" | omniscient, all-pervasive |
| dṛṣṭvā | dṛṣṭvā | verb | √dṛś · past participle · third | having seen |
| sarva-bhūtāni | sarva-bhūtāni | compound | tatpuruṣa · "sarvāni bhūtāni" | all creatures |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| ātma-vat | ātmavat | compound | karmadhāraya · "ātmā iva" | like the self |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, Śaṅkara emphasizes the non-dual reading of this verse, stating that the realization of sarvagato (all-pervasiveness) is a key aspect of brahman-ātman identity. The phrase 'sarvabhūtāni cātmavat' (all beings as equal to himself) suggests that the sage sees no distinction between the individual self and the ultimate reality. This verse points to the idea that the ātman is not limited to the individual body but is all-pervasive, much like brahman. Śaṅkara's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, highlights the importance of recognizing this identity to attain liberation. By seeing all beings as equal to himself, the sage embodies the non-dualistic understanding that is central to Advaita Vedānta.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā emphasizes the devotional implications of this verse, highlighting the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). The phrase 'sarvagato dṛṣṭvā' (seeing all beings as equal to himself) is seen as a reflection of the Lord's all-pervasive nature, which the devotee strives to emulate through selfless devotion. In his Śrī Bhāṣya, Rāmānuja explains that this verse illustrates the ideal of bhakti, where the devotee sees all beings as manifestations of the Lord and thus treats them with equal respect and compassion. This devotional reading underscores the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, brings out the universal and practical application of this verse, citing it as an example of the importance of cultivating a sense of oneness with all beings. He emphasizes that this verse is not merely a philosophical concept but a call to action, encouraging individuals to recognize the inherent unity and equality of all human beings. In his speech 'The Message of Vivekānanda', he states that this realization is essential for fostering global understanding and cooperation. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings on the Upaniṣads, highlights the contemporary relevance of this verse, arguing that it offers a powerful antidote to the divisions and inequalities that plague modern society. By recognizing the intrinsic value and dignity of all individuals, we can work towards creating a more just and harmonious world.