Ayaṃ yajño bṛhate brahma-rāje | Yasmād viśvāṇi bhūtāni jāyante |
“This sacrifice is for the great Lord of creation, from whom all beings are born.”
Structure
Ayaṃ yajñaḥ bṛhate brahma-rājā | Yasmāt viśvāṇi bhūtāni jāyante
Bṛhate brahma-rājā (to the great King of Brahman) ayaṃ yajñaḥ (this sacrifice) | Viśvāṇi bhūtāni (all beings) yasmāt (from whom) jāyante (are born)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | indeclinable | — | this |
| yajñaḥ | yajñaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | sacrifice |
| bṛhate | bṛhate | adjective | — | great |
| brahma-rājā | brahmarājā | compound | karmadhāraya · "brahma ca rājā ca" | the great king of Brahman |
| Yasmāt | Yasmāt | indeclinable | — | from whom |
| viśvāṇi | viśvāṇi | adjective | — | all |
| bhūtāni | bhūtāni | noun | nominative · plural · neuter | beings |
| jāyante | jāyante | verb | √jan · laṭ-present · third | are born |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda highlights the non-dual nature of ultimate reality, emphasizing that all beings are born from the great Lord of creation, Brahman. According to Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasūtras, this points to the identity of Brahman and Ātman, where the individual self is not separate from the universal consciousness. The phrase 'Yasmād viśvāṇi bhūtāni jāyante' underscores the idea that the universe and all beings within it are manifestations of Brahman, reaffirming the central tenet of Advaita Vedānta that reality is ultimately one, unchanging, and all-pervasive. Shankara's reasoning on closely related passages, such as the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, also stresses the importance of recognizing this unity to achieve liberation. Thus, this verse serves as a foundation for the non-dualistic philosophy, encouraging the seeker to look beyond the apparent diversity and grasp the underlying unity of all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse with a strong emphasis on the devotional relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, sees this verse as an affirmation of the dependence of all creation on God, highlighting the Lord's role as the creator and sustainer of the universe. The phrase 'Ayaṃ yajño bṛhate brahma-rāje' is understood as referring to the sacrifice or worship of the Supreme, which is deemed essential for the liberation of the soul. Madhvācārya, while differing in some aspects of his interpretation, also underscores the importance of recognizing the Lord's sovereignty over all creation, thereby stressing the need for devotion and surrender to achieve spiritual liberation. This verse, in the Vaiṣṇava perspective, thus becomes a call to acknowledge and worship the divine, fostering a personal relationship with the Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in Neo-Vedānta, would interpret this verse as a call to recognize the universal principle that underlies all existence. In his lectures and writings, Vivekānanda often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life, encouraging individuals to realize their inherent divinity and connection to the universe. The phrase 'Yasmād viśvāṇi bhūtāni jāyante' is seen as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all beings and the cosmic order, suggesting that individual actions have universal implications. S. Rādhākrishnan, another influential thinker, also highlighted the importance of this verse in understanding the harmony and unity that exist beneath the surface of diversity. In contemporary life, this verse can inspire a sense of global citizenship and responsibility, prompting individuals to work towards the betterment of the world, recognizing that their actions contribute to the larger cosmic balance. It encourages a holistic and inclusive worldview, where the well-being of one is seen as intertwined with the well-being of all.