sa tvāṃ rājan paripālaya nityaṃ prajāpatīnāṃ yad-anutpattiḥ
“You, O King, protect them always; otherwise there will be no creation of Prajapatis.”
Structure
sa tvām rājan paripālaya nityaṃ prajāpatīnāṃ yad-anutpattiḥ
sa (that) tvām (you) rājan (king) nityaṃ (constantly) paripālaya (protect) prajāpatīnāṃ (of Prajapati's) yad (whose) anutpattiḥ ( non-production)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sa | sa | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
| tvāṃ | tvāṃ | pronoun | accusative · singular · masculine | you |
| rājan | rājan | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| paripālaya | paripālaya | verb | √pāl · optative · second | may you protect |
| nityaṃ | nityaṃ | indeclinable | — | always |
| prajāpatīnāṃ | prajāpatīnāṃ | compound | genitive tatpuruṣa · "prajāpatīṇāṃ" | of Prajāpatis |
| yad-anutpattiḥ | yad-anutpattiḥ | compound | bahuvrīhi · "yasyān utpattiḥ" | whose non-origin |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'sa tvāṃ rājan paripālaya nityaṃ prajāpatīnāṃ yad-anutpattiḥ', underscores the importance of the monarch's role in maintaining the cosmic order, which, according to Śaṅkarācārya, ultimately points to the non-dual nature of reality. The protection of Prajapatis and the prevention of their non-creation signifies the preservation of dharma, which is a manifestation of Brahman. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is the essence of all existence, including the social and cosmic order. Thus, the king's duty to protect is not merely a worldly affair but a reflection of the universal consciousness that underlies all creation, highlighting the brahman-ātman identity. This perspective encourages a deeper, spiritual understanding of worldly responsibilities, seeing them as intertwined with the pursuit of ultimate truth.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse through the lens of bhakti and the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Gītā, discusses the importance of the king's role in upholding dharma, which is seen as a form of service to God. The protection of Prajapatis and the prevention of their non-creation can be understood as metaphorical for the preservation of the divine order, which is God's will. This verse encourages devotion and duty-oriented action (pravṛtti) as a means to realize one's ultimate goal of union with the divine. In the Vaiṣṇava view, the king's role is sacred, and his protection of the people and the natural order reflects his responsibility as a servant of God, illustrating the interdependence of jīva and Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical applicability of ancient Indian wisdom to modern life. This verse can be seen as advocating for responsible governance and the protection of the environment and human rights. The notion of preventing the 'non-creation of Prajapatis' metaphorically suggests the preservation of the fundamental elements of society and nature, which are essential for human flourishing. Vivekānanda would likely interpret the king's role as symbolic of leadership and individual responsibility, calling for active engagement in the betterment of society and the world at large. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical writings, highlights the importance of integrating individual aspirations with the universal good, suggesting that personal growth and social responsibility are intertwined. This verse, therefore, becomes a call to action for contemporary society, urging individuals and leaders to work towards a harmonious and sustainable world, reflecting the universal and practical applications of ancient wisdom in modern times.