na tu tena mahat-saṅghaḥ kāryaḥ śṛṇvataḥ hi saḥ
“But a great assembly should not be held with him, for he is just listening.”
Structure
na tu tena mahat-saṅghaḥ kāryaḥ śṛṇvataḥ hi saḥ
saḥ (he) hi (for) śṛṇvataḥ (listening) na tu (not indeed) tena (with him) mahat-saṅghaḥ (great assembly) kāryaḥ (should be done)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed, however |
| tena | tena | pronoun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by him |
| mahat-saṅghaḥ | mahat-saṅghaḥ | compound | tatpuruṣa · "mahān saṅghaḥ" | a great assembly |
| kāryaḥ | kāryaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | to be done |
| śṛṇvataḥ | śṛṇvataḥ | verb | √śru · laṭ-present · second | while listening |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| saḥ | saḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In the context of the Rāmāyaṇa Kāṇḍa 1 v.64, Shankara's non-dual perspective becomes evident. This verse, na tu tena mahat-saṅghaḥ kāryaḥ śṛṇvataḥ hi saḥ, implies that true understanding cannot be achieved through mere gathering or assembly, as the Self (ātman) is the ultimate reality. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sūtra (1.1.2) clarifies that Brahman, the absolute reality, is the essence of all existence. In this light, the verse suggests that the individual self (jīva) must look inward to realize the brahman-ātman identity, rather than seeking answers in external assemblies or gatherings. This inward focus allows the jīva to transcend the limitations of the material world and attain true knowledge. Thus, the verse points to the importance of introspection and self-inquiry in the pursuit of ultimate truth.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The verse na tu tena mahat-saṅghaḥ kāryaḥ śṛṇvataḥ hi saḥ is often interpreted in the Vaiṣṇava tradition as emphasizing the role of devotion and surrender to a higher power. Rāmānujācārya's writings on the Bhagavad Gītā (18.66) highlight the importance of prapatti, or self-surrender, as a means of achieving liberation. In this context, the verse suggests that the individual (jīva) should not rely solely on their own understanding or gatherings, but rather surrender to the divine will (Īśvara). This surrender allows the jīva to transcend their limitations and attain a deeper understanding of the divine. Madhvācārya's Dvaita Vedānta also emphasizes the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, highlighting the importance of devotion and submission to the divine will. Thus, the verse is seen as a call to devotion and surrender, rather than intellectual or external pursuits.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): The verse na tu tena mahat-saṅghaḥ kāryaḥ śṛṇvataḥ hi saḥ has significant implications for modern life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lecture on 'The Absolute and the Manifest' (Complete Works, Vol. 2), highlights the importance of individual introspection and self-discovery. He emphasizes that true understanding can only be achieved by looking within, rather than relying on external authorities or gatherings. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his book 'The Reign of Religion in Contemporary Philosophy' (1920), notes that the pursuit of knowledge and understanding is a deeply personal and individual endeavor. The verse suggests that true growth and understanding can only be achieved by cultivating a deeper sense of self-awareness and introspection, rather than relying on external validation or social gatherings. This message is particularly relevant in today's world, where individuals are often overwhelmed by external stimuli and distraction, and are in need of guidance on how to cultivate a deeper sense of inner awareness and understanding.