tayostvavaśyaṁ mithḥ priyeṇa vacanena ca ।
“Between them, there must be certainly loving words.”
Structure
tayoḥ tu avaśyaṁ mithḥ priyeṇa vacanena ca
tayoḥ (of them) tu (indeed) avaśyaṁ (certainly) mithḥ (mutually) priyeṇa (with friendly) vacanena (words) ca (and)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tayoḥ | tayoḥ | pronoun | genitive · dual · masculine | of those two |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| avaśyaṁ | avaśyaṁ | indeclinable | — | necessarily, certainly |
| mithḥ | mithḥ | indeclinable | — | mutually, with each other |
| priyeṇa | priyeṇa | adjective | — | with loving words |
| vacanena | vacanena | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | with words |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, 'tayoḥ tu avaśyaṁ mithḥ priyeṇa vacanena ca', Śaṅkara would likely interpret 'tayoḥ' as referring to the ultimate reality, Brahman, and the individual self, ātman. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sūtras (1.1.5) highlights the non-dual nature of reality, where the distinction between subject and object is transcended. The 'priyeṇa vacanena' (loving words) signifies the loving attitude one must adopt towards this ultimate reality, recognizing the inherent unity of all existence. This understanding dissolves the duality of 'them', pointing towards the Brahman-ātman identity. As Shankara notes in his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad (2.1), the realization of this unity is the path to true liberation. By embracing the non-dual perspective, one can transcend the limitations of the mundane world and experience the ultimate bliss of Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as underscoring the loving relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya (1.1.1), emphasizes the importance of bhakti, or devotion, as the means to attain this loving relationship. The 'priyeṇa vacanena' (loving words) signifies the sweet, affectionate dialogue between the devotee and the Lord, as exemplified in the Bhagavad Gītā (10.9). Madhvācārya, in his commentary on the Mahābhārata (Bhagavad Gītā 10.9), highlights the role of the Lord's grace in facilitating this loving relationship. The verse, in this context, points to the mutual affection and interaction between the jīva and Īśvara, ultimately leading to the jīva's liberation through devotion and surrender.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound insight into the nature of human relationships and the importance of loving communication. As Swami Vivekānanda notes in his lecture 'The Ideal of a Universal Religion' (Complete Works, Vol. 2), the essence of true relationship lies in the ability to communicate with love and empathy. The phrase 'priyeṇa vacanena' (loving words) highlights the significance of cultivating a deep sense of compassion and understanding in our interactions with others. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his book 'Eastern Religions and Western Thought' (1939), emphasizes the universal applicability of this principle, suggesting that it can be applied in various contexts, from personal relationships to international diplomacy. By adopting a loving and empathetic approach, we can transcend the barriers that separate us and foster a more harmonious and peaceful world.