Ayaṃ devādhyā vṛṇīmahi. Tanno mitrāḥ śivaḥ sadā.
“We choose that (Lord) who is friendly and always auspicious.”
Structure
Ayaṃ devāt a + vṛṇīmahi Tanno mitrāḥ śivaḥ sadā
Ayaṃ (this) devāt (from God) a-vṛṇīmahi (we choose) Tanno (may that) mitrāḥ (be friendly) śivaḥ (auspicious) sadā (always)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | this |
| devāt | devāt | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from the gods |
| a | a | indeclinable | — | towards|to |
| vṛṇīmahi | vṛṇīmahi | verb | √vṛ · laṭ-present · first | we choose |
| Tanno | Tanno | pronoun | genitive · singular · neuter | of that |
| mitrāḥ | mitrāḥ | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | friends |
| śivaḥ | śivaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | auspicious one |
| sadā | sadā | indeclinable | — | always |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, Ayaṃ devādhyā vṛṇīmahi, underscores the non-dual nature of ultimate reality. Shankara, in his Brahmasutra Bhashya, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the identity between the individual self (ātman) and the universal self (Brahman). This verse, by invoking the choice of a singular, auspicious Lord, hints at the ultimate reality that transcends all duality. The phrase 'devāt' suggests a source or origin, pointing towards the Brahman as the essence of all divinity. Shankara's commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, where he discusses the mahavakyas, including 'Tat Tvam Asi,' supports this interpretation, indicating that the realization of oneness with Brahman is the ultimate goal. Thus, this verse points towards the non-dual Brahman-ātman identity, guiding the seeker towards self-realization.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse as an expression of devotion to a personal God, emphasizing the loving relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Sri Bhashya, highlights the concept of prapatti, or total surrender to God, as the means to achieve liberation. This verse, by stating 'Tanno mitrāḥ śivaḥ sadā,' underscores the eternal and auspicious nature of the Lord, who is always friendly and merciful towards His devotees. Madhvācārya, in his writings, further clarifies that this verse indicates the Lord's readiness to bestow His grace upon those who approach Him with devotion and sincerity. Thus, this verse is seen as a call to devotion, encouraging the seeker to cultivate a personal relationship with the Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in the Neo-Vedānta movement, interprets this verse in the context of universal brotherhood and the realization of the divine within. In his lecture on 'The Absolute and Manifestation,' Vivekānanda discusses the idea that the choice of a friendly and auspicious Lord is, in essence, the choice to recognize and manifest the divine within oneself. This realization, he argues, is the key to achieving true freedom and harmony in life. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his book 'The Principal Upanishads,' further elaborates on this idea, stating that the ultimate goal of human life is to realize the unity of all existence, and that this verse provides a glimpse into this profound truth. By choosing the 'Lord' who is friendly and always auspicious, one is, in fact, choosing to embark on the path of self-discovery and universal harmony.