Ayaṃ sujātā mayi supravṛttā ratnaṃ pṛthivyā rasalakṣaṇaṃ mātr̥kṛtaṃ pāvanam |
“This (earth) which is well-born, turned to me (generously), a jewel of the earth, characterized by its sap, produced by the Mother, is purifying.”
Structure
Ayaṃ sujātā mayi supravṛttā ratnaṃ pṛthivyā rasalakṣaṇaṃ mātr̥kṛtaṃ pāvanam
Ayaṃ (this) ratnaṃ (gem/jewel) sujātā (well-born) mayi (in me) supravṛttā (placed) pṛthivyā (of the earth) rasalakṣaṇaṃ (characterized by sap/rasa) mātr̥kṛtaṃ (made by mother/earth) pāvanam (purifying)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | this |
| sujātā | sujātā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | well-born, noble |
| mayi | mayi | indeclinable | — | in me |
| supravṛttā | supravṛttā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | that has occurred, happened |
| ratnaṃ | ratnaṃ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | jewel, gem |
| pṛthivyā | pṛthivyā | noun | genitive · singular · feminine | of the earth |
| rasalakṣaṇaṃ | rasalakṣaṇaṃ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | characterized by rasa (juice or sap) |
| mātr̥kṛtaṃ | mātr̥kṛtaṃ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | produced by the mother (earth) |
| pāvanam | pāvanam | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | purifying |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda, Ayaṃ sujātā mayi supravṛttā ratnaṃ pṛthivyā rasalakṣaṇaṃ mātr̥kṛtaṃ pāvanam, is interpreted by Śaṅkara as pointing towards the non-dual nature of reality. Śaṅkara, in his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, emphasizes that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is the essence of everything, including the earth. The description of the earth as 'well-born' and 'a jewel' suggests its inherent purity and value, which are reflections of the divine. The phrase 'produced by the Mother' can be seen as an allusion to the cosmic energy, or Māyā, which is also an aspect of Brahman. Therefore, this verse supports the Advaita view that the distinction between the individual self (ātman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) is illusory, and that the true nature of reality is non-dual. Śaṅkara's reasoning on similar passages underscores the importance of recognizing this unity to attain liberation.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an expression of devotion to the divine, who is the ultimate controller of the earth and its resources. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, highlights the concept of 'aprāptakāritva' or the Lord's grace, which is reflected in the earth's generosity. The 'jewel of the earth' symbolizes the precious gifts provided by the Lord for the sustenance of all living beings. The phrase 'produced by the Mother' can be interpreted as a reference to the divine feminine energy, which is often associated with the consort of Viṣṇu. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, emphasizes the distinction between the Lord (Īśvara) and the individual souls (jīvas), and sees this verse as a reminder of the dependence of jīvas on Īśvara for their well-being. The purifying aspect of the earth is thus a manifestation of the Lord's benevolence.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, with its emphasis on the earth as a 'jewel' and a 'purifying' force, resonates with the modern concern for environmental sustainability. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often spoke about the importance of living in harmony with nature, which is reflected in this verse. The idea of the earth being 'well-born' and 'produced by the Mother' underscores the interconnectedness of all living beings and the natural world. S. Radhakrishnan, in his writings, highlights the universal significance of this verse, seeing it as a call to recognize the sacred in the mundane and to respect the intrinsic value of the earth and its resources. This verse can thus be interpreted as a call to action, encouraging individuals to adopt a more sustainable and respectful approach to the natural world, recognizing the earth as a precious gift and a source of spiritual nourishment.