na tu dehād vibhūtāya rājasūyena darpayet
“He should not be proud of his bodily strength nor should he boast with pride on account of royal consecration.”
Structure
na tu dehāt vibhūtāya rājasūyena darpayet
na (not) tu (however) darpayet (should boast) dehāt (of the body) vibhūtāya (to the wealthy one) rājasūyena (with Rājasūya)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| dehāt | dehāt | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from the body |
| vibhūtāya | vibhūtāya | noun | dative · singular · masculine | to the being of great power |
| rājasūyena | rājasūyena | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with the Rājasūya ritual |
| darpayet | darpayet | verb | √dṛp · optative · third | he should offer |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse highlights the impermanence of physical strength and the fleeting nature of worldly power. According to Śaṅkarācārya, true strength lies in the realization of one's essential nature, beyond the limitations of the body and the ego. The rājasūya ceremony, a symbol of royal power, is ephemeral and cannot be a source of lasting pride. The wise individual should cultivate detachment and humility, recognizing that true greatness lies in the understanding of the ultimate reality, Brahman. This verse serves as a reminder to seek inner strength and wisdom, rather than external validation or worldly accomplishments.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as a warning against the dangers of pride and arrogance. Rāmānujācārya and Madhvācārya emphasize the importance of humility and devotion to a higher power. The verse suggests that one should not be deluded by their physical strength or royal status, but rather recognize their dependence on the divine. The rājasūya ceremony, in this context, is seen as an opportunity for the king to acknowledge his subservience to the divine and to recognize the source of his power. This verse serves as a reminder to cultivate a sense of dependence on the divine and to avoid the pitfalls of ego and pride.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): From a modern perspective, this verse can be seen as a call to reevaluate our values and priorities. Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan emphasize the importance of cultivating inner strength and character, rather than relying on external sources of power or status. The verse suggests that true greatness lies not in physical strength or royal status, but in the development of one's inner qualities, such as compassion, wisdom, and courage. In a world where external validation and material success are often prioritized, this verse serves as a reminder to focus on inner growth and self-awareness, and to recognize that true fulfillment and happiness come from within.